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Photography by Dan Flanigan
event GALLERIES
FOREVER IN
Blue Jeans
Make-A-Wish Nebraska Blue Jean Ball
“WISH KID” ADDISYN BRYSON WITH LISA AND CHRIS BRYSON, CHUCK ADAMSON, ALEX BRYSON, CHERYL ADAMSON AND HALEY BRYSON
SHERI ABRAMSON, JENNI HERCHENBACH, KATHY AND GARY GATES, MICHELE MARTIN, BRIGETTE YOUNG AND KELLY TITUS
The Make-A-Wish Nebraska’s Blue Jean Ball drew more than 450 people and raised over $260,000 to support granting wishes for Nebraska children with lifethreatening medical conditions at its 16th annual event, on March 29, at the Mutual of Omaha Dome. Sheri Abramson, Jenni Herchenbach, and Kelly Titus served as event co-chairs, Gary and Kathy Gates served as honorary chairs, and KMTV’s Jennifer Griswold served as the event’s emcee.
GAIL AND ABE MEDARIS WITH SAM AND RACHEL MEDARIS
STEVE AND MICHELE OTT WITH ERIC AND CARRIE WEBER
The event featured silent and live auctions and a raffle for 2 tickets to every College World Series game. Highlights of the evening included granting the wish of 4-year-old Addisyn, who has Wilms’ Tumor, to go to Disney World. Addisyn was surprised by an appearance from her favorite princess during the granting of her wish. Guests were also treated to an incredible performance by 14-year-old wish kid pianist, Peter, who has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, topping off an inspiration-filled evening. “It was great to see everything and everyone come together,” said Michele Martin, Friends Council President.
CANDI KIRKWOOD, SHEILA TRUEBLOOD AND ANN CROUSE
LEWIS CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS
“The Blue Jean Ball is our largest fundraiser of the year,” said Brigette Young, President of Make-A-Wish Nebraska. “And with more than 130 children currently in various stages of the wish granting process, we are extremely grateful for the generous support of everyone involved.” The Dinner Sponsor for the event was ConAgra Foods, the Silent Auction Sponsor was Younkers, Social Hour Sponsors were First National Bank and Valmont Industries, the Entertainment Sponsor was C&A Industries and the Raffle Sponsor was Mutual of Omaha. Other top sponsors included Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, Great Western Bank, Scott & Jenni Herchenbach, HM Insurance Group-Omaha Office, Lamp, Rynearson & Assoc., Nebraska Furniture Mart, Omaha World-Herald, Tenaska and Wells Fargo Bank.
WYATT AND RANIE CARSON
KATE AND T.J. TWIT WITH NANCY PFLUG
CAPTIONS
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For more information, visit www.nebraska.wish.org.
metroMagazine • MaY 2014