metroMAGAZINE’s mQUARTERLY SUMMER 2018 Issue

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anchors aweigh!

THE USS OMAHA

ConneCting our Community

•

Spiritofomaha.Com

•

Summer 2018

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in this ISSUE

connecting our community

features

9

26

SPECIAL EDITION: ANCHORS AWEIGH! commissioned: uss omaha

20

PATHFINDERS sherwood foundation

28

THE BIG NEWS american midwest balllet

departments/columns

22

HEALTHY GIVING • HEALTHY LIVING afloat mind + body wellness

24

VIPS: VERY INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE our series of continuing inspiring profiles

30

connecting to our charities

24 28

connecting our communities

GAME CHANGERS • BEV KRACHER presented by planitomaha

35

SPOTIGHT ON northwestern mutual life

36

OMAHA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION omaha giving

37

30

connecting to the arts

metroSPIRIT with mary vandenack

38

VW LAW

connecting to our genius

planning matters

39

SWARTZBAUGH, FARBER & ASSOC. todays savings

39

STEPHANIE VONDRAK impact!

events

41

SCENE highlights from recent charity & cultural events

72

SAVE THE DATE upcoming events in the coming quarter

9

connecting to our service

connecting to our stewradship

4

mquarterly • SuMMer 2018

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CreditS SuMMer 2018 • Vol. 30 no. 3 Press releases and other editorial information may be sent to: P.o. Box 241611, oMaHa, ne 68124 or e-mailed to: editor@Spiritofomaha.com Publisher/Editor-in-Chief andrea l. “andee” Hoig

Creative Collaboration Harrison Financial Services elissa Joy

Editor/Creative Director robert P. “roB” Killmer Community Engagement tracy Fisher

debra Kaplan Wendy Moore omaha Community Foundation Jim Scholz Kara Schweiss

Special Thanks Counterparts

Swartzbaugh-Farber & associates

Printco graphics

VW law Stephanie Vondrak d.d.S. M ichael J. Weaver, J.d.

metroMagazine /

quarterly is wholly owned and operated by the publisher and is not affiliated with any other publication, operating solely on subscription and advertising revenues and the good will of the agencies and charities we support; all of which are very important to the continuing growth and quality of this publication. thank you to all who support this endeavor.

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words FROM MY HEART

mquarterly • letter froM tHe publiSHer

WHAT IS YOUR

story?

We all have a story—or, I should say—many stories. Our stories often come from our experiences and the roles we play in life. Stories about motherhood, fatherhood and childhood; stories about our work, our play, our challenges and our successes. Some of our stories change the course of our lives in a positive or negative way (or so it may seem because that is the conclusion we have come to.)

Who doesn’t have a good story or two to share? Our stories do play a role in our lives. Sharing our stories allow us to give our friends, families, co-workers, acquaintances, peers (as well as strangers) a glimpse into our lives, a glimpse at our pain and hardships. At times our stories help us justify why we do what we do, why we are who we are, why our lives are so messed up or why we don’t have any money or have always had difficulty with relationships.

So often the stories we tend to hang onto keep us living in the past.

They keep us stuck in a time when we were hurt, when we felt victimized, when life felt unfair. When this happens we let our stories ”Define and Defeat” us.

I often share stories when I am speaking…this helps me to form a connection to my audience and vice versa. In the past one of my stories has gone something like this: I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. I grew up in a middle class family with two brothers where I was the middle child. I was involved in a lot of activities including dancing, cheerleading, drama and competitive swimming.

My life wasn’t anything out of the ordinary until I was in ninth grade and I had to wear a back brace and the event changed my life forever (or at least that was the story I told myself for decades.)

andrea l. Hoig ahoig@Spiritofomaha.com

Before the brace, I was an outgoing girl with lots of friends and loads of ambition, but after the brace I completely shut down. I tried to be as invisible as possible, sitting quietly in the back of the classroom, hoping no one would see me. It felt like the only ones who did see me where the ones who made fun of me and bullied me. I wanted to disappear and I came to a defining conclusion that “life wasn’t safe.”

So now, if I may, let me ask you, “What stories do you have?” What stories do you share with others? What stories do you secretly keep to yourself and hide from everyone? Do these stories ”Define and Defeat” you? Do they give you justification to play small and be less than the Powerhouse of the Man or Woman that you truly are? Or do your stories empower, inspire and lift you and others up?

Subsequently, I spent decades not wanting to be seen, being afraid to be known, Maybe it’s time to re-write your stories, and begin living out the story you were and blending into the background (and I had a great story to justify this way of meant to write out…in your heart and in the hearts and lives of others. thinking and showing up in the world!)

Let your stories be a beacon of light for others and the world!

Looking back, it’s intriguing and informative to see how I chose to let that event in 9th grade consume me—how I created a story that has played out over and SHINE ON! over and over in my life like a broken record. I let it define me in almost every aspect of my life. It was the reason why I wasn’t doing great things, playing small and just getting by. It’s important here to emphasize that all of those were choices that I was making and I have a responsibility to own.

Today I choose to tell a much different story! I love that little girl in 9th grade who was scared, didn’t want to be seen and just wanted to disappear…that same little girl who grew up to be an Amazing Woman who loves to be seen—a woman who connects with others, who inspires others, a woman who loves life—that is the story I now choose to tell.

7

mquarterly • SuMMer 2018

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special edition

anchors aweigh!

THE USS OMAHA MAN OUR SHIP • BRING HER TO LIFE!

bonding the uss omaha

AND ITS NAMESAKE CITY

9

mquarterly • SuMMer 2018

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Story by KARA SCHWEISS

global LEADERSHIP

it was nearly three years from the day the keel was laid for the uss omaha to its official commissioning ceremony, but the connection between the crew of the ship and the people of this city is just beginning.

V

“

IT HAS BEEN A DISTINCT PLEASURE AND honor TO SERVE AS THE COMMISSIONING COMMANDING OFFICER OF THIS SHIP, AND TO SEE THE patriotism AND PRIDE OF THE CITIZENS OF omaha. I LOOK FORWARD TO AN enduring RELATIONSHIP AND THE CONTINUED service OF THIS GREAT SHIP.

”

~ COMMANDER MICHAEL TOTH

USS OMAHA (LCS-12)

man our ship 10

mquarterly • SuMMer 2018

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photoS provided courteSy of US NAVY AND NAVY LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES, NEBRASKA COUNCIL

• mquarterly

anchors aweigh!

“OFFICERS AND CREW OF THE uss omaha, MAN OUR SHIP AND bring her to life!”

With those auspicious Words from ship’s sponsor susie Buffett, the uss omaha Was officially commissioned in san diego on feBruary 3. the omaha (lcs-12) is the navy’s neWest littoral comBat ship, a 420-foot, 2,300-ton vessel With capaBilities, operational flexiBility and advanced technology that give it a distinctive, futuristic look.

“as is true of the men and women who man her, the uss omaha is faster, smarter and more impressive than the ships during my years of service,” said former nebraska governor and us senator Bob kerrey, who was also a vietnam War-era navy seal.

“i call it ‘badass’ because it just looks badass,” Buffett said. “it’s fast, it has all kinds of maneuvering capabilities other ships haven’t had, it “it’s the most amazing ship i’ve ever seen. it looks like something can (pivot) almost in a total circle. it doesn’t go very deep into the water, so it can (operate in) much shallower water. it’s very versatile that’s come out of Star Wars,” omaha business and community leader mike yanney said. yanney, a member of Buffett’s uss omaha and fast and cool.” executive committee, served in the army during the korean War new design for the navy period, so he’s seen a ship or two. “to think of a battleship moving 55 miles per hour and literally turning on a dime; it’s just amazing. the lcs class of ships are designed to defeat “anti-access” threats and it displaces very little water so it can go right into places other such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft, said ships can’t get close to…it’s a huge compliment to american rick holdcroft, vice president of the navy league of the united technology and american ingenuity.” states, nebraska council, and president of the uss omaha commissioning committee.

bring her to life! uss omaha COMMISSIONED:

bonding the uss omaha

AND ITS NAMESAKE CITY

continued

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global LEADERSHIP

ANCHORS AWEIGH!

“We primarily are a blue-water navy, meaning we operate at sea in large carrier battle groups with significant strike capability,” explained Holdcroft, who is a retired Navy officer. “But of late it’s been those pesky mines and diesel submarines and patrol crafts that are causing us issues. This class of ship addresses that threat directly…It’s a new design for the Navy and I think they’ve done a great job leveraging modern techniques and concepts.”

“

IT’S THE MOST amazing SHIP I’VE EVER SEEN. IT LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING THAT’S COME OUT OF star wars.

”

~ MIKE YANNEY USS OMAHA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

“

uss omaha

I CALL IT ‘badass’ BECAUSE IT JUST LOOKS BADASS…IT’S VERY versatile AND fast AND cool. ~ SUSIE BUFFETT USS OMAHA SHIP’S SPONSOR

”

“

IT’S 21st century AND IT’S TOTALLY different FROM ANYTHING THE NAVY HAS EVER BUILT BEFORE. IT’S innovative AND IT’S A BENCHMARK FOR SURFACE SHIPS OF THE future.

”

~ BUTCH KIRKLAND NAVY LEAGUE NEBRASKA COUNCIL PRESIDENT/USS OMAHA COMMISSIONING COMMITTEE VICE PRESIDENT

“It’s designed for the shallow-water, coastal environment that is so prevalent in the Persian Gulf and hot areas of the Middle East where we’ve been for the last 20 years,” Navy League Nebraska Council president/USS Omaha commissioning committee vice president Butch Kirkland added. “Being a 30year Navy veteran, what impresses me the most about it is the engineering systems design of the ship. It’s 21st century and it’s totally different from anything the Navy has ever built before. It’s innovative and it’s a benchmark for surface ships of the future.”

The Navy’s LCS program began in 2002 and has realized a significant reduction in time to acquire, design and build ships in comparison to any previous class. A total of 32 ships are planned. USS Omaha milestones prior to its official commissioning included its laying of the keel in February 2015: its launch from shipbuilder Austal USA’s shipyards in Mobile, Alabama, in November 2015; and its christening on December 19, 2015, in Mobile with Buffett smashing a bottle of champagne against the ship’s bow: “I christen thee USS Omaha! May God bless this ship and all who sail on her.” Both the christening and the commissioning boasted an impressive contingent of Omahans in attendance, but a local commissioning celebration also took place at the CenturyLink Center on February 12.

securing support and planning events The cycle leading to the formal commissioning began when former Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced the naming of the vessel in 2012, prior to construction. He extended an official request to philanthropist Susie Buffett to serve as ship’s sponsor.

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continued

• mquarterly

man our ship bring her to life!

PHOTO GENEROUSLY PROVIDED COURTESY OF THE OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

SUSAN “SUSIE” BUFFETT CHRISTENS USS OMAHA (LCS-12) at Mobile, alabaMa in 2015

bonding the uss omaha

AND ITS NAMESAKE CITY

continued

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global LEADERSHIP

ANCHORS AWEIGH!

uss omaha

additional notaBle facts:

namesake FOUR NAVY VESSELS HAVE BORNE THE NAME OMAHA Most oMahans are of an age where they’re likely to associate “Uss oMaha” only with the newly coMMissioned independence-class littoral coMbat ship, bUt it’s actUally not the first navy vessel to bear the city’s naMe. “on four occasions now, a naval ship has carried the name 'omaha’,” omaha Mayor Jean stothert said. “named after the omaha tribe, ‘omaha’ means ‘those going against the wind or current’; i think that’s very appropriate. we like that description of our people, and we proudly live up to the name.” the first Uss omaha was a 1860s propeller-driven sloop-of-war (screw sloop) with both a full sailing rig and a steam engine—exciting technology for the time. it served in the atlantic and asiatic squadrons and was part of events including a presidential funeral and the presentation of the statue of liberty before being scrapped in 1914. the second omaha, a cl-4 light cruiser, was a post-world war i design and the first of a relatively fast and well-armed namesake class. omaha-class cruisers were an immediate post-world war i design and remained in service through the second world war. commissioned in 1918, that Uss omaha served until late 1945. the third Uss omaha (ssn-692) was a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine commissioned in 1978. the vessel was in service for 17 and a half years before its 1995 decommissioning. of the 62 total los angeles-class submarines commissioned in the 1970s and 1980s, 35 are still active today. “to have four ships named after a city is really unusual. you’ll find other cities like new york and chicago that will have four ships named after them, but not a city of this size,” rick holdcroft said. the retired navy officer is the vice president of the navy league of the United states, nebraska council, and served as the Uss omaha

commissioning committee chair. “you’d be surprised how many nebraskans i ran into in my career in the navy. we’re landlocked and we don’t have any ships. it’s a great honor and a tribute to the patriotism of nebraskans and to omahans in particular, and recognizes the great support they have given to the military.” “selecting a city as a namesake for a ship is a vote of special trust and confidence by the navy in that city that they will welcome the sailors and support them and their ship throughout its lifetime,” commander Michael h. toth, the (current) Uss omaha’s commanding officer, said. “throughout history, omaha has demonstrated a great patriotic spirit and support for the men and women who serve our country and preserve our freedoms,” stothert said. “we are proud to have earned a national ranking as one of the country’s top military-friendly cities. the Uss omaha offers us another opportunity to continue a tradition of pride and patriotism for today’s armed forces and the mission to protect the security of our nation...we are proud to share our heritage and our community values with the Uss omaha, its commander and crew.” bob kerrey, who served nebraska both as its governor and in the senate, was also a navy seal and Medal of honor winner. he said having a ship named Uss omaha is a tribute to all nebraskans. “nebraskans should be proud because the Uss omaha is a visible reminder to all who serve on her or see her on the seas of the sacrifice and service so many nebraskans have made for our country. this ship carries our name and our values wherever she sails,” he said. “the hospitality of the people of omaha have impressed every man or woman who has been stationed at offutt. the Uss omaha is a powerful extension of our appreciation for those who serve us.”

14

“I always sought sponsors who were deeply involved in the community the ship was named for and were passionate about and fully committed to everything they did,” Mabus said.

“Susie Buffett certainly has all these qualities, and she has shown them in her enthusiastic sponsorship of the USS Omaha and its crew.”

Following acceptance, Buffett assembled a local executive committee of business and community leaders (Mike Yanney, Dale Andersen, Gary Gates, Mike Klug, Susan Morris, Beth Ochsner, Steve Seline, David Slosburg, Christine Steffen and Ruth Utman) to secure support and execute the details of the various events in collaboration with local Navy League representatives.

“The Navy League councils get involved in the commissionings when they occur in their geographical area,” Kirkland said, adding that the Navy League is an organization of civilians that supports and promotes the Navy. Holdcroft and Kirkland met Buffett for the first time at the USS Omaha christening, and everyone has worked together to ensure ceremonial events go off without a hitch.

“I think to have a ship named after Omaha and to have the sponsor be Susie Buffett, it’s as good of publicity as our city can get. And seeing the way the private sector steps up to sponsor this entire event with nobody twisting anybody’s arm; it really was heartwarming to me,” Yanney said. “I think to see the way the Navy League of Nebraska supports this spectacular effort is also very heartwarming.”

Although the major ceremonial events are now complete, the city of Omaha will continue to have a relationship with the USS Omaha. The effort will be largely driven by Buffett in her role as ship’s sponsor, which is expected to last through the ship’s remaining years of active duty, and with support from her committee, her ship’s maids (see sidebar) and the Navy League.

“Susie will do an excellent job making sure the USS Omaha crew feel appreciation and support from Omaha,” ship’s maid Susan Mullin said.

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• mquarterly

man our ship bring her to life!

Roberta Wilhelm, another ship’s maid, said, “I look forward to assisting Susie with any special efforts she makes on behalf of the crew of the USS Omaha and their families. If she is the ‘godmother’ of the ship, I am one of her able and willing helpers. I want to support her in her efforts to let the crew know that no matter where in the world they may travel, there are Omahans thinking of them and praying for ‘fair winds and following seas.’”

the people of uss omaha Although some crew members hail from the Midwest, no Nebraskans currently serve on the USS Omaha, but “Over the years I’m sure someone from Nebraska or Omaha will be assigned to that ship,” Kirkland said. In the meantime, some of the crew members of Omaha the ship will have the opportunity to get acquainted with Omaha the city every year. “(The committees) have been meeting for the last couple of years, and we’re going to continue to meet a few times a year to think about things we can do, like bring crew members in for the College World Series, or Nebraska football games— different things they might think were fun,” Buffett said. “And it’s not just for the crew, it’s for the crew and their families.”

Led by Commander Michael Toth and Executive Officer John Barrientos, the USS Omaha has two full crews (blue and gold) of approximately 70 each.

“Omaha is manned by the finest sailors the country has to offer. They are working hard to make the city proud, and stand ready for when the nation’s call comes to preserve, protect and defend our way of life,” Toth said. Its crew members tend to be a little older than a typical Navy ship’s, which means many of the men and women aboard have spouses and families, Holdcroft said.

“You need some smart people to operate all of the computers and systems, so you tend to have more senior personnel both in the enlisted and officer ranks on the ship,” he explained.

bonding the uss omaha

AND ITS NAMESAKE CITY

continued

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global LEADERSHIP

ANCHORS AWEIGH!

uss omaha

Automation also notably means a smaller crew, Kirkland said.

“Typically a ship that size will have 150 to 200 crew members. Omaha has 69 crew members. That’s all driven by equipment automation, and everything’s computerized. They’ve sliced the manpower required for this ship almost into twothirds,” he said.

SUSAN “SUSIE” BUFFETT at coMMiSSioning cereMony of littoral coMbat Ship uSS oMaha (lcS-12) at broadway pier in downtown San diego

“I served on a frigate that was about the same length and tonnage but my ship had 200 crew members assigned to it and this ship has about 70 people assigned to it. And because it’s so wide, the spaces inside are large compared to what I was used to on my frigate,” Holdcroft said. “On my frigate, the berthing spaces for enlisted personnel were 40 persons to a berthing space. On this ship, they’re all in staterooms and the most in one stateroom is four.

Most of them are in two-person staterooms.

And they all have their own head (toilet) and shower for each stateroom. It’s a much better quality of life for them.”

ongoing ties A ship’s sponsor is expected to cultivate ongoing connections with crew members and support them and their families, Buffett said, and in addition to her enthusiastic ship’s maids and committee, many community members and local leaders have already expressed interest.

“I’ve had people ask me how they can help support the crew,” she said. “It’s been so nice to have calls from people who are saying, ‘We all want to help with this. We appreciate them and we’re thinking about them.’”

Kirkland said he’s seen other namesake cities commission a ship to great fanfare followed by a fading away of attention.

coMMiSSioning cereMony, San diego, california

16

“That’s not the case with Omaha…We don’t do things in a small way here,” he said. “We have a longterm plan of hosting two visits to Omaha annually: in the spring for the College World Series and in the fall around a Husker football game. These will involve four to six crew members from the

mquarterly • SuMMer 2018

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continued

• mquarterly

man our ship bring her to life! additional notaBle facts:

“

I [HAVE] ALWAYS SOUGHT SPONSORS WHO WERE deeply INVOLVED IN THE community THE SHIP WAS NAMED FOR AND WERE passionate ABOUT AND FULLY COMMITTED TO everything THEY DID.

colors USS OMAHA CREST

”

~ RAY MABUS FORMER SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

USS Omaha being selected by their leadership to participate in the allexpenses-paid trips to Omaha for a four-day visit here,” he said. “When crew members come out here in June for the College World Series, they’re not going to be sitting out in the open field there. They’ll be in corporate boxes behind home plate. They’re going to be treated like royalty.”

“The citizens of Omaha have been the most supportive and generous people I’ve had the fortune to collaborate with. They are certainly our biggest fans and it has been a pleasure to get to know some of them and visit the city,” Toth said. “I would say (it’s) a relationship that welcomes the sailors as their own family, engaged in their journey and the voyages of the ship.”

The crew will be hearing from Omahans year round, Buffett said, and the ideas for engagement are already flowing.

“I want to do fun things for them and let them know that we’re thinking of them and we appreciate them,” Buffett said. “I ordered two boxes of every flavor of Girl Scout cookies (in March) to send to the ship. And we’re actually— me along with a group of friends—we’re knitting scarves for all of them for Christmas.”

Buffett added, with a laugh: “Anyone who likes to knit is welcome to join us because we have to make at least 75 of them!”

honoring those who serve Through the relationship with the USS Omaha, members of the community are able to witness and honor the contributions of military personnel everywhere.

“Sponsoring the ship gives our community a unique opportunity to make some personal connections with members of our armed forces,” Wilhelm said. “When I met the young men and women of the crew, I was so impressed with their talent, dedication and intelligence.”

bonding the uss omaha

AND ITS NAMESAKE CITY

even the small details of the Uss omaha’s ship’s crest carry symbolism reflecting both the vessel and the city whose name it bears. the blazon (coat of arms) in the center of the crest is comprised of a shield, a wreath, and a banner with the ship’s motto. the blue coloration of the shield nods to the city’s location on the waters of the Missouri river and the shape is reminiscent of not only the prow of the vessel, but also the shape of a baseball field’s home plate, a call-out to the college world series. an arrowhead on the shield honors the indigenous native american tribes who populated the region, and the arrowhead’s sunburst symbol is similar to the one depicted on the omaha city flag. the wreath is a circular railroad track, which represents the role of early railroads in the development of the city. its four stars and center anchor are for the four vessels that have borne the name Uss omaha. the scroll contains the motto “fortiter in re,” which translates to “courageously in every enterprise,” a message signifying the ship’s leadership and her crew’s bravery in any future endeavor.

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global LEADERSHIP

uss omaha

ANCHORS AWEIGH! additional notaBle facts:

company THE ROLE OF SHIP’S SPONSOR AND MAIDS through her work as a philanthropist, lifelong omahan susie buffett has made the acquaintance of some notable people like U2’s bono, Microsoft founder bill gates and former U.s. president barack obama. but a voicemail a few years back from the thensecretary of the navy, ray Mabus, took her completely by surprise. “one of the jobs of the secretary of the navy is to name the ships and pick the sponsors. he had named the ship the Uss omaha and he called me to see if i would be the sponsor. i didn’t have any idea what that meant,” she said. buffett soon learned that, by navy tradition, a ship’s sponsor is a woman selected because of her connection to the place or person for whom the ship is named, or to the mission of the vessel. the sponsor carries the role for the entire commissioned life of the ship and participates in ceremonial milestones like christening and commissioning. she is also considered a permanent member of the crew and is expected to advocate for the vessel’s continued service and well-being. “it is a huge honor,” buffett said. “you stay involved for the life of the ship, so it’s an ongoing job.” ship’s sponsors have included former first ladies rosalynn carter, barbara bush, hillary rodham clinton and laura bush; wives of senators, cabinet members and vice presidents like nancy thurmond, linda nighthorse campbell, Joyce rumsfeld, tipper gore and Marilyn Quayle; and even wives of astronauts like carol armstrong and anna glenn. the late patricia exon, wife of former senator and nebraska governor J. James exon, served as ship’s sponsor for the Uss nebraska, commissioned in 1993 and still in service today. other ship’s sponsors have included elected officials like senator olympia snowe and Maryland representative beverly byron. “it’s a pretty impressive list,” buffett said. “that’s a nice list to be on.” after accepting the role of sponsor, buffett was asked to select one or more maids/matrons of honor to help her execute her official and unofficial roles. the women in this position not only accompany the

sponsor to ceremonial events, they may also serve as a proxy at events. and if the sponsor steps down from the role or can no longer execute her role while the ship is in commission, a ship’s maid or matron will be expected to represent the sponsor going forward. buffett named three among her family and friends: daughter emily greenberg, buffett early childhood fund director of operations susan Mullin, and girls inc. of omaha executive director roberta wilhelm. “susie asked us and it sounded interesting, unique, and like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. i sort of took a ‘three Musketeers’ approach: if they were in, so was i!” wilhelm said. the self-described “army brat” has numerous military connections in her immediate family: wilhelm’s father and two brothers attended west point and her father and one brother later taught there, a brother followed her father into an army career, and a sister was an army nurse. “i appreciate the men and women that serve in the military. i have a great deal of respect for what they do for us every day and the sacrifices they make on our behalf,” she said. “the Uss omaha events also reminded me of many of the military celebrations and events i witnessed as a child. when a military band plays ‘anchors aweigh’ or ‘the army goes rolling along,’ it takes me back to the parade fields of my childhood.”

Mullin, who has family military connections, too, also said how she pleased she is to have been asked to serve as a ship’s maid. “susie has generously included me in some of the most unique and interesting experiences that i’ve had. it was an honor when she asked me to support her as the Uss omaha sponsor,” she said. “i had some Us navy knowledge from my dad’s service during the cold war. after attending the christening and the commissioning and meeting the people involved from the shipbuilders to the enlisted sailors and the secretary of the navy, i am extremely grateful to this team of inspiring people for their service protecting the Usa.”

18

“

IT IS A HUGE honor.

YOU STAY INVOLVED FOR THE life OF THE SHIP, SO IT’S AN ongoing JOB.

”

~ SUSIE BUFFETT USS OMAHA SHIP’S SPONSOR

“I have a huge amount of respect for the United States military and I think any time we can step up and support—whether it’s the Army, the Navy, the Marines or the Air Force—our country needs to be very proud of these people,” Yanney said. “They’re protecting our nation and many, many times they’re risking their lives to make our country the beautiful country we have.”

Navy operations are important even to landlocked Nebraska, Holdcroft said.

“On the grand scale, we take it for granted but enjoy global freedom of sea lanes. In other words, there are no countries closing straits or charging people to go through straits of the ocean,” he explained. “That affects Nebraska primarily because of our exports and the agricultural economy of the United States.”

“There are thousands of people all over the world protecting our rights and our freedoms and we just go along not thinking about it every day because it’s just how we’ve all grown up and how we live. You become very aware when you become involved with the people and meet them and hear about their lives and what they do,” Buffett said. “It’s a huge sacrifice to do what they do, and not just for them but for their families…They’re out for months at a time and they have spouses and kids and moms and dads who are worrying about them.

It’s not about me or really about the rest of us, it’s about what they’re doing.

“It’s so nice to see how many people have gotten behind this. Everybody in Omaha should be so proud of this. It’s really pretty cool.”

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continued

• mquarterly

man our ship bring her to life!

COMMISSIONING CEREMONY, San diego, california

“

THIS SHIP carries OUR name AND OUR values WHEREVER SHE sails.

”

~ BOB KERREY FORMER NEBRASKA GOVERNOR, US SENATOR, NAVY SEAL AND MEDAL OF HONOR WINNER

bonding the uss omaha

AND ITS NAMESAKE CITY

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local STEWARDSHIP

the work of the sherwood foundation—to promote equity through social justice initiatives enhancing the quality of life in nebraska—tackles deeply entrenched, extensive and oftentimes challenging issues. the low-key foundation was established less than 20 years ago, but it’s already making a big difference.

SUSIE buffett WAS A PERFECT A better place to live CHOICE TO SERVE AS SHIP’S SPONSOR Director of Community Initiatives Kristin FOR THE USS OMAHA BECAUSE OF Williams said the foundation is driven by a HER DEEP TIES TO THE COMMUNITY. desire to make Omaha and other THE FIRSTBORN CHILD AND ONLY communities “a better place to live.”

DAUGHTER OF WARREN BUFFETT AND THE LATE SUSAN THOMPSON “Sherwood Foundation is private family BUFFETT CARRIES FORWARD HER foundation that works on a variety of social FAMILY’S PHILANTHROPIC justice issues from early childhood TRADITION AS THE CHAIR OF THE education to public education,” she SHERWOOD FOUNDATION, THE explained. “We have a statewide reach, so SUSAN THOMPSON BUFFETT we have initiatives at work in small towns FOUNDATION AND THE BUFFETT and some that stretch across the entire EARLY CHILDHOOD FUND. state—always with the lens of helping children and families live their best lives,” The three foundations recently moved to co- she said. located space on the former downtown In her role, Williams works with nonprofits Conagra campus to allow for continued to “co-create solutions to the community’s collaboration and potential expansion. The larger social issues,” she said. “It could be Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation anything from child welfare to domestic (formerly The Buffett Foundation) was violence to homelessness to the need for established in the 1960s and renamed in investment in neighborhoods that have honor of Susan Thompson Buffett after her been traditionally disenfranchised.” death in 2004. That foundation has offered scholarships to college students in Nebraska Williams said her area of emphasis for the for more than six decades. The mission of foundation comprises a “long list” of the Buffett Early Childhood Fund, initiatives and projects, including established in 2005, is to invest in practice, supporting school-based children’s mental policy and science to maximize the health services, supporting after-school potential of the youngest and most programming critical for sustaining the vulnerable children and their families in workforce, addressing homelessness, and Nebraska and across America. promoting civic engagement to get people more aware of the impact of government in Although deeply involved with all three their lives…just to name a few. foundations, Susie Buffett is most closely associated with the Sherwood Foundation, The foundation doesn’t shy away from which she personally established in 1999 as complex issues, she added. the Susan A. Buffett Foundation. With a mission to promote equity through social “We’re in it for long haul,” she said. justice initiatives enhancing the quality of life in Nebraska, the Sherwood Foundation “We know this work takes decades.

The types of issues we’re trying to tackle focuses on four categories: urban are multigenerational issues, so they’re community partnerships, Omaha public schools, rural community partnerships and not going to be solved in a three-year grant cycle.” early childhood education.

The name Sherwood Foundation was adopted in 2006 and reflects the English folklore of Robin Hood, champion of the poor. The tree depicted in the foundation’s logo is the Major Oak, an ancient, living tree in the real Sherwood Forest that legend says served as Robin Hood’s shelter.

has supported a wide spectrum of education-related projects from replacing playgrounds and upgrading public playing field facilities to cultivating professional development for educators and expanding their pedagogy.

“I see a solid education as opening the door to opportunity as a way—particularly for students who are growing up in lowerincome families—to do something different and maybe help them break that cycle and be able to do things their parents couldn’t do financially,” he said.

Providing a pathway Bexten agreed with Williams that a longterm outlook is important in addressing longstanding challenges. “It’s all about helping citizens in Omaha improve their lives, and by doing that it helps strengthen the community overall,” he said. “You don’t want people to just lurch from crisis to crisis; you want to be able to provide them with some pathway that enables them to move beyond that, and economic opportunity is a huge part of that. Money doesn’t solve everything but it sure helps in terms of being able to provide opportunities to help yourself and your children.”

Kerri Peterson, the foundation’s director of urban initiatives, oversees funding in the areas of juvenile justice, adolescent health, neighborhood safety and re-entry (helping offenders transition into the community post-incarceration). The larger issues these areas represent only appear to be greatly diverse, she said.

“Interestingly enough, they all kind of flow together. There’s a thread that gets pulled through them all,” Peterson explained. For instance, the Adolescent Health Project’s effort to reduce teen pregnancy can reduce poverty by giving young men and women the opportunity to postpone creating families Director of Education Initiatives Jerry until they’ve become independent and Bexten oversees grant-making in the K-12 financially stable. Or, making improvements education realm, which nicely connects to in the juvenile justice system can help youths the work of the neighboring Buffett leave the system better prepared for foundations that provide college adulthood and possibly keep them out of scholarships and concentrate on early childhood education. Sherwood Foundation criminal activity for good. “It all ties in.”

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Story by KARA SCHWEISS

• mquarterly

THE sherwood FOUNDATION

“

YOU DON’T WANT PEOPLE TO JUST lurch FROM CRISIS TO CRISIS; YOU WANT TO BE ABLE TO provide THEM WITH SOME pathway THAT enables THEM TO MOVE beyond that.

”

The foundation’s work is carried out by a staff of approximately ten people.

~ MIKE BEXTEN DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION INITIATIVES THE SHERWOOD FOUNDATION

“We have a living donor, so we work really hard to make sure we’re in alignment with what Susie’s intentions are,” Williams said.

“And the beauty of that is that she also essentially gives us a blank canvas to paint and she wants us to bring our vision to the works as professionals.”

“Susie’s done a remarkable job of putting together a team of people with a wide range of expertise in different areas,” Bexten said.

“I’ve learned a lot over the course of the 11 years I’ve been with the foundation, and most of it’s been from colleagues here. I hope they’ve learned from me, too. Obviously I’m biased, but I think the Sherwood Foundation has done a lot to benefit the Omaha community.”

“The level of philanthropy that stays here through the foundation and the work that it does is so far-reaching. It’s a humble foundation and our work is often under the radar. It’s not a foundation that looks for acknowledgment and accolades at all,” Peterson said. “At the end of the day, you put your ego aside from that perspective and just know the work that we do. There’s a lot of reward in that.”

Even though the people of the Sherwood Foundation do their work quietly, it doesn’t mean the community isn’t taking notice, business and community leader Mike Yanney said.

“I don’t know any city in the United States who has a foundation that is contributing the monies that the Sherwood Foundation is contributing and that has the leadership Susie Buffett puts into it,” he said. “What a difference it’s making in our inner city.

We deeply appreciate it.”

ENABLING equality

pathfinders

pathfinders

• THE SHERWOOD FOUNDATION

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afloat flotation therapy • UNPLUG & SUSPEND

healthy giving

• mquarterly

• HEALTHY LIVING

afloat MIND + BODY WELLNESS

It’s difficult to fully articulate the experience of flotation therapy, or restricted environmental stimulation therapy (R.E.S.T.), said Vicki Westergard, founder and owner of afloat: mind + body wellness. Floating in a highly buoyant solution of warm water and Epsom salts seem simple enough to explain, but the state of deep relaxation induced by limiting sensory input is physiologically, psychologically and spiritually unique for every client.

“Floating is an individualized experience, so my float is going to be completely different from your float. Anything you read about other people’s floats or watch on YouTube, that is their experience,”Westergard explained.

But anyone can agree those 60 to 90 minutes of float therapy is the ultimate way to “unplug,”Westergard said. In fact, the trademarked tagline for afloat’s floatation therapy is “Unplug & Suspend.”

“You need to take that time away to give your body and mind the gift to rest,” she said.

People choose afloat for many reasons including to relax and rejuvenate, to relieve stress, to address chronic pain, and to provide relief from health conditions like depression and anxiety, Westergard added. Some guests find that float therapy even improves cognitive functioning and creative thinking. Research conducted by neuropsychologist Justin Feinstein at Laureate Institute for Brain Research’s Float Clinic and Research Center in Tulsa, Okla., examines the effects of flotation in people who suffer from PTSD, panic disorder and severe panic attacks, as well as social and generalized anxiety.

Safe and calming: The float process begins with the guest changing into a plush robe and enjoying 15 minutes of relaxation in an air-and-vibration massage chair. A five-minute shower ensues to remove oils and hair products. Then it’s 60 to 90 minutes in a “safe and calming” private float room the size of a double bed with seven-foot ceilings—larger than a traditional flotation tank—and a shower afterward to rinse off any traces of the Epsom-salts solution. Guests are provided with basic shower supplies in their private en suite, although they are welcome to bring their own.

Westergard emphasized that afloat employs a computerized automatic filtration system that also sterilizes the water with a cartridge filter, hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet (UV) light for 23 minutes after each float.

One factor that distinguishes afloat from other float centers is that it offers additional, complementary services, like a full-spectrum infrared (IR) sauna.

Westergard said that IR light, experienced as heat, can penetrate human tissue at the cellular level to yield many health benefits: penetrating and rejuvenating the skin’s epidermis, promoting collagen growth, healing wounds and producing a generally healthier appearance. Full-spectrum IR light can also enter soft, inflamed body tissues, promoting oxygenation, circulation and muscle relaxation by helping to expand blood vessels. She added that the therapy can also stimulate weight loss; body temperature rises under the full-spectrum infrared light, so the body works to cool itself by increasing cardiac output and metabolism as it does during exercise.

Another service offered at afloat is massage to promote relaxation and wellbeing. Guests can choose from multiple types of massage: Swedish (also available for couples), hot stone, reflexology, trigger-point, lymphatic drainage technique and 22

contact: deep tissue technique. Tibetan singing 402-991-9908 • info@afloatwellness.com bowl therapy is also available; it creates a social: range of sounds to restore normal vibratory www.facebook.com/afloatwellness.unplug frequencies for the body, mind, and soul. twitter.com/afloatwellness With physician approval, afloat even Instagram: afloatwellness offers massage for pregnant women. web: In addition, afloat offers RestStation™, www.afloatwellness.com vibro-acoustic sound therapy treatment address: lounge. The use of low, specific sound 4131 S 84th St • Omaha frequencies of sync and binaural beats, Westergard explained, results in different brainwave responses and stimulates the body at the cellular level into healthy alignment. This therapy is the first step with a membership in the float process, but guests can also book RestStation™ separately.

From individual sessions to special events: Westergard opened afloat at the end of 2016, and just celebrated the one-year anniversary of its full grand opening in February. The facility is located on east side of 84th Street just south of F Street and open Tuesday through Sunday into the evening hours. Guests can also coordinate special events. Individual sessions, membership pricing, and package pricing are all available, with details online at afloatwellness.com.

Although Westergard said she had a long-time interest in holistic therapies, her past career was actually in food and beverage marketing. Raised in Storm Lake, Iowa, and a graduate of Iowa State University, Westergard came to Omaha in 1979 and considers it her adopted hometown. But the seed for afloat was planted in Austin, Texas, where she had moved to care for her terminally ill brother.

“The time was intense; the emotions ran high. I was exhausted and my brother’s neighbor told me about ‘floating’ and how it had helped her daughter, just 30 years old at the time, who had used flotation therapy to soothe her chronic hip pain. I made an appointment,” she said. “I thought, ‘how could something so simple give you relief?’”

After floating, Westergard felt “calm, physically relaxed and centered…it was a beautiful feeling.” By her third float, her mind “opened up to a creative flow” and she was starting to plan the future afloat facility and business plan.

Respect and integrity: Westergard eventually drove 3,000 miles visiting other float centers, mostly in the southwestern states where they’re more prevalent, but also in states as close as Iowa and Minnesota. Her years of marketing experience were invaluable in her first foray into entrepreneurship, but she also capitalized on community resources, collaborating with experts from Greater Omaha SCORE for mentoring and education, the Start Center for entrepreneurship development, the University of Nebraska Lincoln for legal services, and the Nebraska Business Development Center for start-up consultation.

“It was a crapshoot in a brand-new industry,” she said. “Together, we’re able to make it bloom.” afloat has blossomed rapidly, Westergard said, with much repeat business and new customers motivated by referrals and excellent reviews.

“I want to earn business and respect through integrity,” she said.

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healthy giving

"()&*% *')$(#

• HEALTHY LIVING

upcoming

m.a.d.25 WALK/runs MAY 11 Hit tHe Links & Drive AgAinst DisAbiLities United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska Tiburon Golf Club | 10302 South 168 Street | Omaha 402-502-3572 www.ucpnebraska.org

the afloat difference

MAY 14 breAtHe & brew American Lung Association Scriptown Brewing Company 502-502-4950 http://action.lung.org/site/TR?fr_id=17277&pg=entry

a more complete float experience en-suites for total privacy pre-float 15-minute unwind in auto-massage chair

JUne 10 bLAzing trAiLs for brAin inJUrY Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska Zorinsky Lake Park – Shelter 5 | Omaha $35 per person 402-304-8103 www.runsignup.com/Race/NE/Omaha/BlazingTrailsforBrainInjury

JULY 22 HeAD for tHe CUre 5k rUn/wALk - oMAHA Head for the Cure Foundation Lewis & Clark Landing | 345 Riverfront Drive | Omaha $15 - $40 (816) 218-6876 www.headforthecure.org/omaha

ir sauna massage vibrational sound therapy

afloatwellness.com | (402) 991-9908 84th Street, Omaha

AUgUst 4 owL riDe Meyer Foundation for Disabilities http://owlride.org

AUgUst 25 JDrf one wALk, oMAHA-CoUnCiL bLUffs 2018 JDRF Omaha-Council Bluffs Chapter Lewis & Clark Landing | 345 Riverfront Drive | Omaha No cost to register (Participants fundraise individually or as a team) 402-397-2873 http://walk.jdrf.org/omaha

sePteMber 9 figHt for Air CorPorAte CUP American Lung Association Aksarben Village | Omaha 402-502-4950 http://action.lung.org/site/TR?fr_id=17234&pg=entry

oCtober 7 25tH AnniversArY rACe for tHe CUre Susan G. Komen® Great Plains Baxter Arena | 67th and Center Streets | Omaha Fees vary 402-502-2979 www.komengreatplains.org

oCtober 13 HeALs to tHe PAveMent for PregnAnCY AnD infAnt Loss HEALing Embrace Lake Zorinski | 3808 South 156th Street | Omaha $35.00 healingembraceinfo@gmail.com HEALTHY giving

HEALTHY living

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VIP

VERY inspirational PEOPLE

INSPIRATIONAL EXAMPLES

THROUGH HIS WORK with the nonprofit Susan G. Komen Great Plains, Rod Kestel knows that breast cancer survival rates have improved over the years, thanks to better treatments and early detection. He’s also heard countless inspiring stories and met a lot of survivors and their spouses and partners.

Some of the supporters and 120 attendees are already asking about the next koMEN Night Out, he added, and Kestel said he is game. “Already people want to be involved…like most things, you do it once a year and you then just make it grow.”

Kestel is also acutely aware that breast cancer is still a formidable disease. Although almost 90 percent of women survive after five years, there are still another ten percent who don’t. On November 2, 2011, Kestel’s wife Kate—only 53 years old—died of breast cancer.

Kestel said he knows his wife would be pleased with his efforts to provide a source of inspiration and support to other families who have faced breast cancer. “I wanted to make a difference. She’d be very proud,” he said.

Family of givers As an executive for Waitt Outdoor Advertising, “doer and finisher” Kestel is already good at leadership. His degree in marketing, public relations and advertising from Creighton University is another great asset when it comes to being an event organizer. But Kestel’s passion for community service comes Kate Kestel fought the disease for three and a half years from the heart. He’s served numerous boards and nonprofits before it took her life. She left behind not only her “When I lost my wife, over the years, and he currently participates in activities husband, but also young adult sons Chris and Tim and with cancer nonprofit Kicks for the Cure, DEFY Ventures support was there… daughter Lauren. (an employment and character development program but none… for currently and formerly incarcerated individuals), had experienced Rod Kestel said he became involved with the Komen the National College Football Return Specialist foundation because he felt that surviving partners Award (The Jet Award) board of directors, and an actual loss. needed to be represented and supported.

Creighton University’s National Alumni Board—in There’s a need for addition to Susan G. Komen Great Plains. something like this.”

“I got on the Komen board because when I lost my wife, support was there from friends, but none of them had “I’m really involved in the community and I really believe ROD KESTEL experienced an actual loss. There’s a need for something like in Omaha. We’re so lucky to be in a community that’s so F this,” he explained. “From a guy’s standpoint, or the husband or giving like we are. If you want to get involved, you can. That’s the spouse, we have to be positive, we have to be upbeat, we have to something I’ve done since I graduated from Creighton,” he said. be there for our kids. And a lot of time the males get forgotten. That’s one of the main reason I got on the board, was to hopefully make a difference for some of The Kestels have had a long tradition of community involvement, he added. “Kate the guys.” was a volunteer in the community, too; she was a giver. She was involved in the early stages of Project Harmony (a collaborative to assist victims of child abuse), Guys’ night out and all three of our kids are involved today,” he said. “They are following what we Last fall, Kestel organized the community’s first “koMEN Night Out” fundraiser to did. It’s that Jesuit education, men and women for others. I firmly believe in that. provide support for men whose wives or loved ones fought, were lost to, or are I like to give and don’t expect anything in return.” battling breast cancer. Aiming to make the event appealing to the male psyche, Kestel secured Certified Transmission CEO Peter Fink’s American Muscle Car Museum The family’s community service also serves to honor and remember Kate, he added. as the event site. He also managed to get Creighton University men’s basketball coach Greg McDermott, whose wife is a breast cancer survivor, as a speaker...less “I have a friend who lost her husband and wasn’t able to say goodbye to him. I’ve than two weeks before the start of basketball season. Through other connections, been asked, ‘Which would you rather have? Would you rather have that or not Kestel was able to garner support from direct sponsorship to prize donations like know?’ I was able to say good-bye and I would much rather have that. It wasn’t a Chicago Cubs baseball tickets and a suit from fine clothier Lindley Clothing. It was good three and half years; we knew in the end it was going to happen. But we a lot of work, Kestel said of his first big fundraiser, which brought in $23,000 to had her for three and a half more years, and that’s a good thing,” he said. support a mobile mammogram program, but he found nearly everyone he asked willing to help.

And there are a lot of happy memories to keep, from the couple’s shared enthusiasm for Creighton basketball (“We planned our winters around it.”) to summer days “Knowing so many people, that part was easy,” Kestel said. “It was such a great on the water at Lake Okoboji to Kate’s tremendous love for family. night and there was so much positive feedback from it. The stars and the moon all aligned.”

“Being very positive has helped me and helped my kids,” Kestel said.

“When Kate was diagnosed she had triple negative breast cancer, which is the worst you can get,” Kestel said. “There has been some progress, but it was one type of breast cancer that was difficult to beat at the time.”

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photography by DEBRA KAPLAN

• mquarterly

THE MAN BEHIND koMEN

rod kestel

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VIP

VERY inspirational PEOPLE

INSPIRATIONAL EXAMPLES

AMY CHITTENDEN is a woman who believes in being Quality of life The accomplishment she’s most proud of? The overhaul of the meal service open to unexpected opportunities. As she puts it, “You might surprise yourself.”

Chittenden’s big surprise came in 2005 at a time when she had returned system, which was formerly a traditional institutional model and now offers to Omaha after 15 years of living out of state and abroad (husband Stuart, residents multiple options and more flexibility. “It improves people’s quality whom she met in New York City, is from Canterbury, England). Chittenden was of life because it gives them choice,” she said. Chittenden said her most fun ready to move on from the sometimes odd and often long hours associated project was last year’s Omaha Gives fundraising campaign for an “eSea” 55with retail management, and had been “doing a little writing and blogging” inch virtual aquarium for the Alzheimer’s/dementia neighborhood. “It’s not just a video. It stimulates deep brain function,” she said. “And it’s super cool.” while she contemplated new career paths, maybe something that would apply Over time, Chittenden’s role on the board became more and more active. her art history degree. She also considered volunteering for a cause in one of “It seems like it was in eras: the first four years were learning and listening, her areas of interest. “Anyone who knew me would have said I might volunteer the middle four were earning trust and setting out the vision of what we could for an arts organization or maybe for a women’s organization,” she said. accomplish, and the last four years were striving for the success we had laid But no one, Chittenden insisted, could have foreseen her serving out,” Chittenden said.

12 years on the Douglas County Health Center Foundation Much of the board’s work focused around a concept board of directors or as its president for eight of those familiar to those who work in the long-term care sector, years.

“I felt like that Chittenden said. “The ‘three plagues of aging’ are “When I joined the Foundation board I had never loneliness, helplessness and boredom,” she particular been on a board and had very minimal volunteer explained. “Everything we worked on and organization helps a implemented at the Health Center was trying to experience,” she explained. She also had no population of alleviate those three plagues. Because we want experience related to the services of the Douglas people to have community, we want people to people that are not County Health Center, which provides short-term feel like they’re at home, and we want people to post-acute rehabilitation and long-term care and always ‘seen’ in our feel engaged.” has been in operation for more than a century. So community.”

Her board experience was not without its Chittenden wasn’t expecting anything in particular challenges, Chittenden admits. “Or maybe I wouldn’t when a friend invited her to attend a board meeting. “I AMY CHITTENDEN call it a ‘challenge,’ but more ‘pressure.’ I was always so F thought, ‘Why not?’ I went to the meeting and at that worried that I would let people down, but it drove me to do meeting they voted me on the board.” my best,” she said. “But that pressure always came from me.”

Fortunately, “I had really good people to show me what to do,” Chittenden Somehow a good fit said. “We heard a lot of ideas but we couldn’t do everything. We wanted to be It may have been a whirlwind, but Chittenden was immediately responsive to the true needs of the Health Center that we were able to provide impressed with level of commitment of the board, which even included that would improve residents’ quality of life...We all supported one another and worked it all out.” some original founding members.

“Everyone on that board wanted to positively impact the long-term care residents’ lives; they care about it so deeply. Everyone was so welcoming Fairness, kindness and listening Her own principles for success were simple. and I really had a lot of heart for what we were doing because I felt like that “It sounds so trite, but I try to lead by example. I try to be fair, and be kind. particular organization helps a population of people that are not always I try to listen,” she said, and in turn, “People and their ideas inspire me. ‘seen’ in our community…Everyone needs to have a home and be taken care Kindness inspires me. Curiosity inspires me. And I’m always inspired by people of,” she said. who want to change the status quo and follow through.”

“It was serendipitous. I realized that somehow this was a good fit. They It was a successful tenure, but after 12 years Chittenden decided it was needed what I had to offer even when I didn’t know what it was I had to offer.” time to step down.

Chittenden had cultivated management and interpersonal skills through “It occurred to me that if the person at top never leaves, things will never her years in retail, but she had to learn grant writing, donor relations and grow. There are so many organizations that plateau,” she said. “You have to fundraising on the fly. When she resigned her position late last year, the evolve and you have to give the next person a chance.”

Douglas County Board of Commissioners issued a resolution recognizing her And that leaves her open to her next opportunity, too, an approach that long list of “remarkable achievements.”“Ms. Chittenden is a selfless, focused certainly served her well a dozen years ago.

“It turned out to be such a wonderful way to serve people and really have and committed leader whose tireless efforts to improve the Douglas County a positive impact,” she said. “It was great to make a difference.”

Health Center are greatly appreciated,” the resolution stated.

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photography by DEBRA KAPLAN

EMBRACING

• mquarterly

serendipity

amy chittenden

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spotlight on

• AMERICAN MIDWEST BALLET

• mquarterly

HAVE YOU HEARD heard THE big news?

How did it all start? Ballet Nebraska began as a grassroots organization in 2009 and has steadily grown into a key cultural asset in the region. The people behind Ballet Nebraska have given their lifeblood for eight years, and have created a wonderful professional company that the community can be proud of.

What is happening now? The community is coming together to advance the ballet to the exciting next phase in its development! Plans revolve around enhancing operations and creating a permanent home for the ballet to provide long-term sustainability for the company. As a reflection of the company’s increasing stature as a regional asset, Ballet Nebraska is rebranding under the new name American Midwest Ballet. We’ve always been a presence in both Omaha and Council Bluffs, and this name more fully reflects our identity. For our upcoming Season 9, we’ll begin performing under the American Midwest Ballet name.

An operating support campaign is also underway to strengthen core operations by investing in staff and dancer infrastructure. The company is grateful to its many supporters who are making this possible, including major operating gifts from the Iowa West Foundation, the Fred and Eve Simon Charitable Foundation, the Richard Brooke Foundation, the Holland Foundation, the Peter Kiewit Foundation, and the Nebraska Arts Council.

What’s the next step? American Midwest Ballet has accepted an invitation to become the resident dance company of the Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center, slated to open in 2019 in downtown Council Bluffs. The new arts center will provide a state-of-theart facility that will allow the ballet to consolidate its rehearsal, costume and scenic construction, and administrative functions under one roof. It also will give the company access to a fully equipped onsite theater, the Polina and Bob Schlott Performing Arts Center.

All of these improvements will let us concentrate even more of our energy on our primary mission: bringing high-quality ballet to the region.

Who is making this possible? Pottawattamie Arts, Culture and Entertainment (PACE) is the nonprofit organization leading the program in partnership with the Iowa West Foundation. PACE will transform Council Bluffs’ empty Harvester II Building into a destination for art, theater, and entertainment. Funding for the $26.8 million project is in the final stages of the campaign with less than $1 million left to raise in the community campaign. Leadership gifts include a $9 million gift from the Iowa West Foundation, a $2 million gift from Ted and Polly Hoff, a $1 million gift from Polina and Bob Schlott, a $1 million grant from Enhance Iowa and additional major gifts from regional foundations along with the generous support of many community members.

Does this mean you’ll be leaving Omaha? Not at all. We’ll still be performing at the Orpheum Theater, collaborating with Joslyn Art Museum, and working with our community partners including Omaha Performing Arts, Omaha Symphony, Opera Omaha, Omaha Public Schools, and numerous social service agencies. We’ve been active in both Nebraska and Iowa from the very beginning, and the new center will help us maintain and strengthen our activities on both sides of the river.

What changes can audiences expect to see? Any changes you’ll see will be positive. While the Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center is in development, we’ll keep operating as we have been. Once the new arts center is completed, we’ll move in and start benefiting from its facilities. And we’ll be able to be part of the exciting interdisciplinary and community programs that the center will host with us, other partners, and the community.

How can I keep up with what’s happening? We’ll post regular updates on amballet.org and our Facebook page, and PACE will keep the community informed on the overall project.

We look forward to having all of our supporters with us as we take this exciting next step in our growth as the region’s resident professional dance company.

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BALLET NEBRASKA BECOMES

AMERICAN M I D W E S T

ballet 2 018 —2 019

As a reflection of its increasing stature as a regional asset, Ballet Nebraska is rebranding under the new name American Midwest Ballet. We’ve always been a presence in both Omaha and Council Bluffs, and this name more fully reflects our identity.

Get the full story at amballet.org

Future growth: American Midwest Ballet has accepted an invitation to become the resident dance company of the Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center, slated to open in 2019 in downtown Council Bluffs.

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game CHANGERS

• presented by

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mquarterly • suMMer 2018

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story by KARA SCHWEISS | photography by JIM SCHOLZ

• mquarterly

her career lies in an odd middle ground between academia, the business world and the nonprofit community, but beverly kracher not only has found harmony between her worlds, she’s also created a perfect niche.

BEVERLY KRACHER

“tweener” PRESENTS

game changers

BEVERLY KRACHER

continued

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game CHANGERS

• presented by

“tweener” BEVERLY kracher strong interest in capitalism. under her leadership in 2005, “i’m hanging with omaha builders; omaha is filled with five omaha community members began exploring the need builders. they just love taking something and making it big and making it grow,” she said. and interest for local business ethics programs. in 2006, she credits gallup builder initiative tools with providing dean anthony hendrickson with cu’s heider college of insight into three kinds of builders: rainmakers, conductors business and the late rev. John schlegel, cu president at that time, approved the formal creation of a business ethics and experts. “understanding what kind of builder you are group to be housed at heider. leaders of the greater omaha can help you understand where you fit in to the big picture. “i call myself a ‘tweener,’” she said. “i really don’t fit chamber of commerce and the local better business bureau i love these kinds of tools,” she said. “my builder strength is ‘expert.’ an expert is somebody who is, as you would anywhere. my university colleagues aren’t hanging out were invited to partner on the initiative. robert bates, a imagine, an expert in their field. What we do is have a with me because i’m out in the business world. to the notable in the local business community whom kracher vision that what’s being done isn’t quite enough or not corporate world, i’m an academic.” also named as her most important mentor over the years, quite right and we want to twist it a little bit or push it into also offered his support. a round hole, you just see that it can be done in a different, rather than being conflicted, however, kracher serves as a better way.” liaison of sorts. she’s the robert b. daugherty endowed “bob has championed the business ethics alliance from the chair in business ethics and society at creighton university’s community side. Without bob, we would have not made so the academic takes the ideas out of the ivory tower and heider college of business. and she’s also the ceo of the the inroads we have made in the community,” she said. into the business world where professionals are living, she nonprofit business ethics alliance. so when she was named explained. “they see what they need to get the lives they omaha business Woman of the year by the greater omaha want. they’re making money but doing it with integrity and chamber of commerce in 2013, she was (and still is) one of Set for the future honor and fair deals.” the few honorees of the annual award who was not a in 2008, the greater omaha alliance for business ethics business owner or executive. (later the business ethics alliance) was legally established. kracher still has professorship duties; four years ago she its purpose is to “promote an environment where the became the first female endowed chair in the heider occupying a singular space is something that kracher has discussion and practice of business ethics is encouraged and college of business, which means that in addition to done since the beginning. her bachelor’s, master’s and expected,” through a year-round series of meetings and running the alliance, she also teaches every year. doctoral degrees from the university of nebraska-lincoln programs for businesspeople at all levels. are all in philosophy. yet when she began teaching at “i’m probably like everybody else who is working hard. you creighton university (cu) in 1991, it was in the area of kracher serves as visionary and oversees the minutiae of have people that are the heads of organizations and they’re business ethics. running an independent nonprofit from managing a staff of working their butts off. and there are people who are eight plus three interns and a graduate assistant to working several jobs and they’re living off little sleep and “applied philosophies like business ethics, legal ethics, fundraising. she is years away from retirement, but said a they’re working their butts off, too,” she said. “sometimes media ethics and bioethics weren’t academic disciplines current goal is to ensure the business ethics alliance is set you feel like you have a mountain that’s fallen on you and before the 1980s. i picked business ethics and then started for the future. keeps falling.” to teach it,” she said. “at that time, schools of business were pulling the business ethics classes from the philosophy “leadership is about making sure something lives after you so keep digging and building, said the “native nebraskan departments and putting them inside the colleges of are gone,” she said. “my aspiration is that the business ethics farmer’s daughter” from rural sarpy county. business to set the tone that ethics is part of business, not alliance is alive in 500 years; i have to ensure that happens outside of business. business professors weren’t trained in through someone other than me.” “one of my strongest personality traits is persistence. i ethics and were not comfortable teaching it.” learned that growing up, working in the fields. you have to get out of the field, so you might as well keep working that “and that’s how a philosopher ended up inside a college of Expert builder row that you’re hoeing,” she said. “you don’t have to be the business doing business ethics.”

While kracher may say she doesn’t fit perfectly into the smartest person in the room—and boy, do i know some academic, business and nonprofit communities, she’s smart people—but if you can just keep going and she joked that “my philosophy friends all believed i’d gone certainly found her niche. plugging along, that will take you someplace.” to the dark side,” but explained that she had always had a has been a college professor for more than a quarter-century, has led a local nonprofit since 2005, and has referred to herself as “kind of an old hippie,” so the tongue-in-cheek label she’s donned for her unique role in the community takes a little explaining.

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story by KARA SCHWEISS | photography by JIM SCHOLZ

• mquarterly

BEVERLY KRACHER

“

leadership IS ABOUT MAKING SURE SOMETHING lives AFTER YOU ARE gone.

”

~BEVERLY KRACHER

This special feature is sponsored by planitomaha. planitomaha is dedicated to honoring women whose influence not only impacts the boardroom but the community.

“Welcome to

”

one of the largest and most prestigious meeting planning firms in the midwest omaha magazine B2B winners since 2008 Keeping perspective

“i’m not pollyanna, but who has that saying—oscar Wilde?

kracher said she found her someplace also by

‘life is too important to be taken seriously.’” she said. “i do

recognizing—and seizing—opportunities.

have a pretty good sense of humor and many things can roll off my back. i love seeing things from that perspective.”

“i worked damn hard to get credentials and get opportunities, number one. and then number two: i was in the right place at the right time. and number three: there were people who gave me opportunities,” she said. “those three things together have made the case that i’ve had

kracher said her travels over the years, often abroad, have also provided perspective. returning home generates a renewed appreciation for her family’s roots in the community and life with her 35-year partner Jerry (“my guy”) as well as her one-of-a-kind career.

national, regional and local meetings and events nationally recognized as a leader in the meetings & event industry supporting our community through our nonprofit work and the boards/organizations we are members of planitomaha has been providing event and meeting management solutions for over 18 years.

opportunities and had successes.” “i love experiencing new cultures; it’s so enlivening. getting When obstacles and challenges have appeared, kracher

out of your comfort zone is incredibly important in terms of

said, humor has helped.

being a good human being,” she said. “it’s humbling.”

PRESENTS

game changers

BEVERLY KRACHER

we are a client-centric firm that provides unmatched service and professionalism. while proudly located in the midwest, our crazytalented event team works from new york to la and everywhere in the middle.

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365/24/7

VIEW 100s OF EVENTS FOR 2018 as registered and updated 365/24/7 by local area charitable, cultural and giving organizations and enterprises on our website at

SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM’S

C

OMMUNITY CALENDAR PAGE

www.spiritofomaha.com/Metro-Magazine/Community/Calendar/

CATCH THE LATEST EVENT UPDATES by visiting our extensive calendar pages or each organization’s individual event links

REGISTER YOUR OWN EVENTS by settting up a free account • ASK US HOW at CONNECT@SpiritofOmaha.com

LET US HELP YOU PROMOTE YOUR EVENTS by creating a free account on our calendar page and registering your event info using our BEFORE YOUR EVENT/AFTER YOUR EVENT resources

PROMOTE YOUR GIVING AGENDA in our weeklyCONNECTOR E-newsletter and other mobile & online resources, on our FACEBOOK page, and in the pages of our quarterly publication:

ASK US HOW AT CONNECT@SPIRITOFOMAHA.COM

spotlight on

• HARRISON FINANCIAL SERVICES

estate and legacy planning: YOUR PERSONAL MISSION, VISION AND VALUES

“Thanks, but I already have an estate plan.” This is a statement we have heard many times from prospects beginning the financial planning process. Estate planning is one of the most overlooked and important parts of a comprehensive financial plan for busy and successful executives, business owners and retirees. Often, the foundation components of estate protection are in place, including a last will, living will, and power of attorney. However, these documents need to be regularly updated and reviewed. This is due to evolving estate and tax laws, as well as changes to a client’s financial future.

While these estate protection foundation components are vital, another important part of a solid estate plan includes identifying the mission, vision and values of a family.

Working with a family to identify their mission, vision and values includes understanding what is important to best protect for future generations as well as to support charities that have meaning to the family.

For a married couple, ultimately, at the time of death of both spouses, all of the assets in their estate will go to one of three places: • Family and designated beneficiaries • Charities • Federal and state taxes Planning to achieve the objectives of the mission, vision and values can be a complex process for a married couple, as each spouse may have different ideas regarding what is important. Using HFS’s process, designed by “The Legacy Companies, LLC.”, has proven to be effective and rewarding for clients.

Many clients have shared how happy they are when this process has been completed. They know the things they care about most are protected in the event they would have a lack of mental capacity or death. Some include: • How much and when children gain access to assets • How to protect assets in the event of a divorce of a child • How to provide needed financial access to a surviving spouse while maximizing protection from estate taxes • What charities will receive gifts for important causes aligning with family values • How to protect future generations from estate taxes Developing a comprehensive estate plan based on the mission, vision and values is important and keeping it up to date is vital as circumstances change over time.

Working with a credentialed adviser team—who has their own succession plan secured to ensure not only you but your family is served for years to come and who specializes in working with your trusted attorney—provides great benefit and comfort that future goals will be achieved and this important component of a comprehensive financial plan is in place.

Harrison Financial Services works in partnership with many of the most experienced estate attorneys in Nebraska, Iowa, and across the country. Coordinating with our clients’ team of experts ensures their families will be serviced for multiple generations as we work to become one of their “Most Trusted Advisors”.

Harrisonfinancialservices.com | 402.891.2302 Harrison Financial Services is a marketing name for Tim Harrison and is not a broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, federal savings bank, subsidiary or other corporate affiliate of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, including its subsidiaries, nor is it a legal partnership or entity. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Tim J. Harrison is a Representative of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company®, Milwaukee, WI (fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services), a subsidiary of NM and federal savings bank. Tim J. Harrison is an Insurance Agent of NM and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (long-term care insurance), a subsidiary of NM. Tim Harrison is a Registered Representative of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (securities), a subsidiary of NM, registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA and SIPC.

35

mquarterly • summer 2018

Kali Baker is Vice President of Community Relations at the Omaha Community Foundation

omaha giving

• Omaha COmmunity FOundatiOn

omaha gives! DELIVERING

inspiration and impact

Omaha Gives! is a day of inspiration and impact. Six years ago, the Omaha Community Foundation conceived this 24-hour giving celebration to inspire a spirit of philanthropy throughout the community, democratize giving, introduce donors to new organizations, and further the connections between area residents and our growing nonprofit community.

While we can count the day’s impact in numbers—$35 million raised in five years, a record (!) 52,886 donations given in 2017, almost $1 million in new giving each of the last three years, and tens of thousands of visitors to our website—we know that the intangible impact of Omaha Gives!, the results that aren’t quantifiable, are often the most profound. It’s the long-term connections made between a seasoned donor and a new organization, or a friendship sparked by an introduction at one of the many Omaha Gives! events that take place every year. And most importantly, we know the impact of the funds raised by nonprofits carries significant weight into the weeks, months and years to come. These organizations are using their funds to address our region’s greatest needs and challenges every day. Whether your donation is supporting education, health or the arts, it’s affecting the programs and services that are strengthening our community from the ground up.

This impact would not be possible without the enthusiasm of our participating nonprofits and the incredible generosity of our community.

Omaha Gives! is a day where people from all corners of the community join together to both inspire and be inspired. It’s a day for nonprofits to share their unique stories and shout out loud about the positive contributions and the meaningful influence of their work. And it’s a day for you to be inspired, to find a new organization

that tugs at your heartstrings, or to renew your support for a favorite organization working in an area you’re passionate about. This May 23, more than 1,000 participating nonprofits of all sizes will connect with us through their efforts and enthusiasm. The spirit of the day is contagious, so get ready to give to those nonprofits that are doing the work you find most compelling.

Are you looking for a new way to inspire others this year or make a greater impact?

Last year, nearly 400 individuals created Cheer Pages to fundraise during Omaha Gives! on behalf of a favorite nonprofit. By harnessing the power of your own social network, a Cheer Page lets you tell your personal story about why you give and to ask your friends and family to give in support of your favorite organization. This year we are adding incentives for the most ardent enthusiasts. We’ll be awarding new prizes to our top Cheer Page fundraisers who can rally their circles and raise dollars for their favorite nonprofits.

Omaha Gives! is taking place on Wednesday, May 23, from midnight to midnight, with scheduled donations beginning on May 1. Whether you make a donation to a favorite or new nonprofit, create a Cheer Page to inspire your personal networks, or help spread the word far and wide, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating our region’s nonprofit community. For more information, contact us at (402) 342-3458 or visit www.omahagives.org.

Contact us at giving@omahafoundation.org or (402) 342-3458 to learn more about how we can help simplify your corporate giving.

SHOW UP DIG DEEP ( TO GIVE BIG!)

SHOUT OUT

36

kali baker

mquarterly • SuMMer 2018

MARY E. VANDENACK Mary Vandenack, while a lawyer by profession, has studied extensively in mind/body areas of fitness and wellness. She is Yoga Alliance RYT-200, Power Pilates certified and ACE certified.

PRACTICING mindfulness TO ENHANCE

leadership skills

THERE ARE A LOT OF QUALITIES THAT MAKE GOOD LEADERS. PRACTICING MINDFULNESS CAN CULTIVATE THESE QUALITIES. ~ William Shakespeare Mindfulness is a practice of being fully aware in the present moment. Most mindfulness practices focus on paying attention to the breath, but the key to mindfulness is finding a way to be fully present in the current moment.

Practicing mindfulness does not require that you have an hour to sit on a cushion or go to a yoga class. Mindfulness is all about focus and can be practiced anytime and anywhere. If you get stuck in a traffic jam, consider using that moment to simply focus.

The benefits of mindfulness practice include improved mental focus, self-insight, cognitive flexibility, stress reduction, improved relationship satisfaction, and less emotional reactivity. You can learn to be more positive about activities and situations that are negative to you.

Some suggest that we need to turn off all our devices to practice mindfulness. There are many proponents of “digital detox.” While there is research to support that turning off your devices now and then has a positive effect, the fact is that you can still get distracted when all your devices are turned off. That is, your cell phone likely isn’t the only possible cause of distraction. Once the phone is off, you might get distracted by any number of other things. You simply find space and focus despite incoming texts, emails and calls.

There are a lot of qualities that make good leaders. Some of those qualities are focus, confidence, emotional intelligence, transparency, integrity and passion; and being inspirational, innovative, patient, decisive, open-minded, authentic, empowering, flexible and personable. No one leader is likely to have all of these qualities but practicing mindfulness can cultivate these qualities.

Research provides significant support for the positive effects of mindfulness practices on emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence involves the ability to recognize one’s emotions and those of others and to distinguish among feelings and then use such information to guide thinking and behavior in a non-reactive fashion. Three key skills are emotional awareness, ability to harness emotions and apply them to tasks like thinking and problem solving, and the ability to regulate emotions of self as well as support others in regulating their emotions.

To achieve a mindfulness practice, it is important to make some type of commitment. Many of us don’t have an hour every day but we can set an app on our phone to remind us to breathe every few hours and commit to responding when the app alerts us.

A key benefit to the leader practicing mindfulness is complete awareness of the situation as it exists presently. Often, goals are set without such awareness and assessment. Goals set in the absence of present awareness can be unachievable or unrealistic. A leader who sees the situation as it is can set reasonable and achievable goals and set up a situation where success can be achieved.

ENVISION YOUR FUTURE: PREVENT DISEASE DISCOVER HEALTH! YOU DESERVE A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE!

Dr. Stephanie Vondrak • Dr. Ashley Rainbolt Vondrak Dental (402) 289-2313 info@drvondrak.com

THE CHOICE IS YOURS! 37

mquarterly • SuMMer 2018

planning matters

• with Vw law

THE status OF THE

fiduciary rule

In April 2016, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a comprehensive set of regulations referred to as the Fiduciary Rule. The purpose of the Fiduciary Rule was to expand the definition of investment advice fiduciary to all financial advisors making recommendations to investors with assets in an IRA and certain tax-deferred annuities as well as to those with assets in an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

38

The implementation of the original Fiduciary Rule was delayed and was to be fully implemented by July 2019. On June 9, 2017, the impartial conduct portion of the Fiduciary Rule went into effect. The impartial conduct portion of the rule requires financial advisers who manage mary e. vandenack retirement accounts or provide retirement advice to act in a manner that places the interests of customers over the interests of the advisers.

The general purpose behind the Fiduciary Rule was to provide more protection for retirement investors. The original provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) applied primarily to investors in employer-sponsored and union retirement plans. Since ERISA was enacted, there has been a significant move to individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and participant-directed retirement plan accounts. There have also been developments in the financial industry resulting in possible conflicts for advisers as between their own compensation and the best interests of the client.

The Fiduciary Rule resulted in a significant impact on the financial industry. The Fiduciary Rule has both supporters and opponents and multiple lawsuits have been filed to prevent enforcement of the rule. At the same time, various states have sought to pass statutes or find other strategies to require financial professionals to comply with the concepts promulgated in the Fiduciary Rule.

Recently, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling vacating the Fiduciary Rule. As of the writing of this article, it is unclear whether the DOL will appeal the Fifth Circuit ruling. In issuing its ruling, the Fifth Circuit made a distinction between investment advice fiduciaries to employer and union sponsored retirement plans who are compensated on a fee basis and brokers and insurance salespersons who earn a commission and concluded that brokers and insurance salespersons are not fiduciaries under ERISA and that the DOL cannot regulate advisers who sell products on a commission basis.

Financial professionals should avoid assuming that a return to the previous status quo will ultimately be the path to take. Even if the DOL does not appeal, financial professionals should monitor any possible regulations that may be promulgated by the SEC as well as various states.

As to those with investments in IRAS, investors should be aware that a distinction has been made between fee based advisors to employer retirement plans, who have a fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interest of the investors and stockbrokers and insurance salespersons, who will not.

To the extent an investor prefers that an adviser have a fiduciary obligation, the investor should consider keeping assets within the employer or union plan rather than rolling the assets to an IRA. mquarterly • SuMMer 2018

NH,&RMM&PBF/M•

impact!

• yOuR dEntal hEalth

swaRtzbaugh-FaRbER & assOCiatEs, inC.

ENVISION YOUR

HEALTHcare

imagine ... scaredy

on demand mary drueke-collins

WE ARE NOTused to waiting around for anything anymore. We have access to almost everything ‘on demand.’ Online purchases can be delivered overnight, sandwich shops bring food on a moment’s notice, the latest movies are available to download and watch in minutes. Like it or not, our world is moving faster and people expect to receive answers in a shorter period of time.

Healthcare is no different. Most health plans provide access to telemedicine, which is the industry’s answer to ‘on demand’ healthcare. Telemedicine allows you to FaceTime or email with a physician for simple health conditions like sinus infections, migraines, ear infections and even behavioral health appointments. Telehealth providers can write prescriptions in most states. This is a much more cost-effective and time-efficient way than emergency room visits to handle these common ailments where often times a simple trip to the pharmacy will cure the symptoms.

Sometimes we have conditions that require a need to really see a physician in person, not just online. Over the years, as our Healthcare system has been flooded with insured patients seeking access to care, it has actually become more difficult to schedule same-day appointments with providers. As a result, ‘concierge medicine’ was developed. In exchange for a monthly or annual fee to the doctor, a patient has quicker access and more time with a primary care physician. The service allows same-day office visits, 24/7 access to a primary care provider and more personal time with a trusted physician. Historically, this concierge care was not something for the ‘regular Joe’ with membership fees pricing the average person out of the service.

Recently however, a few Omaha physician offices established Direct primary care practices that cater to the average income earner. Direct Primary Care allows similar benefits to concierge medicine in that you have unlimited access to a primary care provider including 24/7 call or text access to the medical staff and lower-cost lab, x-ray and imaging fees. In exchange, this access requires a monthly membership fee (typically around $100). In the employee benefits world, we often see these direct primary care plans coupled with high-deductible health plans. High-deductible health plans do not offer copayments on office visit; these types of services are subject to the deductible. Although Health Savings Account (HSA) regulations currently do not allow you to participate in a direct primary care program and contribute to an HSA simultaneously (please consult your tax adviser for more details on this subject), it is an option for some people who would prefer access to a primary care doctor.

For those of you who might require assistance from all edges of the globe, there is also a solution for you. One Michigan based company touts their medical concierge services as a ‘Healthcare GPS.’ This company is not only an advocate for your healthcare by assisting you with local, regional and national treatment solutions, it also aggregates your medical records, being able to deliver them anywhere in the world should you need medical services in your travels.

In our fast-paced world, even the Healthcare industry needs to adapt to keep up with the quicker turnaround times expected by our society. Ironically, the best way to accomplish this ‘on demand’ care goes back to establishing a strong personal relationship with a primary care provider.

I guess you could say some things never change.

For more information, please contact your trusted advisor at Swartzbaugh-Farber – ‘Client Centered – Client Advocates™’. This material is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney, tax advisor or plan provider. Securities Offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Swartzbaugh-Farber & Associates, Inc. is independently owned and operated.

stephanie vondrak d.d.s.

AND important lesson I hope to give AS A PARENT, the mostcat!

my children is differentiating between right and wrong. Knowing when a behavior is helpful verses hurtful. Understanding that as humans, we have a responsibility to help one another as we would help ourselves. Obvious, right? Not really. Our culture is inundated with contradictions to this simple principle. For example: Respect your elders—but beware of “strangers.” It is wrong to lie—unless telling the truth might hurt feelings or embarrass someone.

Explaining these inconsistencies requires patience and, at times, the “bob and weave.” Amid this struggle, let’s consider our “Healthcare system,” in my opinion, the biggest offender of all.

We live in one of the greatest countries in the world. We have freedom to say what we want, write what we feel and pursue the American dream. But, when it comes to “Healthcare” these values become lost inside in a broken system of political debate and blame. Please do not misunderstand; most healthcare providers like me are not the offenders. We find ourselves caught in the crossfire of how to provide the level of care we know our patients deserve amid the chaos of regulation. So, what if we started over?

Began with the values we teach our children and create a system with the goal of establishing health and resulting in a decreased need for care?

What if we looked at each individual with the goal of creating optimal systemic, mental and physical health? What if as healthcare providers we spent as much time teaching our patients prevention as we currently spend managing their diseases? What if our measuring stick for successful outcomes was not symptom relief from a new drug or surgery but an actual decrease in how many drugs or surgeries were needed per practice?

Imagine turning on the news to hear which states have decreased their Healthcare expense by increasing their population of healthy people verses budget cuts and the blame game.

As a health-centered dentist, I am always in the pursuit of how to improve my patients’ lives and increase longevity. This pursuit has led me to my greatest passion in dentistry, the airway. As a dentist, I have the unique opportunity to observe growing children by examining the oral cavity, teaching preventative homecare and, most importantly, monitoring the growth of the maxilla. For those of you not familiar with the term, maxilla is the name of your upper jaw. The maxilla is the roof of the mouth and the floor of your nose. The shape and position of the maxilla dictates our ability to swallow, sleep, speak and breathe. In my opinion, the maxilla is the most important bone in the body. If that weren’t enough, the maxilla is also made entirely of functional bone that with proper intervention can be shaped and positioned, maximizing our ability to grow, sleep, speak, swallow and breathe through our nose! In fact, if problems with this growth are caught at an early age and growth is redirected, facial asymmetries can be avoided, TMJ problems prevented, and nasal breathing improved, decreasing the likelihood of diseases like sleep apnea, dental caries, ADHD and more.

I know all this. I practice it. I witness health-centered successes like the joy of an 8-year-old girl who can sleep peacefully without snoring, or an 11-year-old boy whose chronic sinus infections finally stop without antibiotics. I choose to challenge our “Healthcare system” because I imagine a future with minimal disease, less medication, and the opportunity for true Healthcare.

Dr. Stephanie Vondrak is board certified by the American Academy of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine to treat patients suffering from sleep apnea with sleep apnea appliances.

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look for the LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE EVENT BOOK 2018!

MAKE-A-WISH NEBRASKA BLUE JEAN BALL: 35 YEARS OF WISHES

BALLET NEBRASKA INAUGURAL NUTCRACKER GALA

OMAHA BALLROOM DANCING WITH THE OMAHA STARS

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION – NEBRASKA OMAHA HEART AND STROKE BALL

HEARTLAND FAMILY SERVICE CARNIVAL OF LOVE GALA

JDRF OMAHA/COUNCIL BLUFFS CHAPTER JDRF PROMISE GALA

CUES THE GATHERING

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER WINE, WOMEN AND SHOES

Purchase photos from these events online or from your smartphone, and metroMAGAZINE will donate 10% back to that organization.

Join us in giving back! Enter the code “GIVE10” on the checkout page of your shopping cart.

• please remember to trade with our advertisers, whose support helps make our promotion of these important events possible 41

mquarterly • SuMMer 2018

featured eVeNt

spotlight

metroMAGAZINE/mQUARTERLY

honoring the givers ESSENTIALS:

Honored guests once again gathered together on January 18th at Omaha Design Center to launch The Giving Guide & Event Book 2018 and to celebrate all of the charitable fundraising events held during 2017 by honoring the winners and all those nominated for The BIG Event 2018 Awards & Extravaganza!

Event Partners - Thank you!

Bergman Incentives Catering Creations CRAVE Omaha Dog & Pony Productions Omaha Design Center Paramount Parking Step // Group The Downtown Club VIP Limo Event Extravaganza Vendors Fade-Up Design Group FlowTricks Gilded Canvas Omaha Omaha Musicians Live Prism Signs SCRAW Art SNAP Photobooth STEP // Group The Giving Guide & Event Book 2018 Corporate Sponsors American National Bank All Makes Harrison Financial Services NP Dodge Real Estate SAC Federal Credit Union FIRST PLACE: $10K BIG CONNECTION WINNER Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Wine, Women & Shoes Publisher's Choice Award Rejuvenating Women “Beautifully Broken” Key to Freedom Banquet 42

metroMAGAZINE • summer 2018

mquarterly

| The Big Event 2018

mquarterly

| The Big Event 2018

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metroMAGAZINE • summer 2018

E’S GAZIN A M o r met NT G EVE I B e h T 018 y 18, 2 Januar ign Center a Des Omah

THIS YEAR’S EVENT PARTNERS Bergman Incentives • Catering Creations CRAVE Omaha • Dog & Pony Productions • Omaha Design Center Paramount Parking • Step // Group • The Downtown Club • VIP Limo

THIS YEAR’S EXTRAVAGANZA VENDORS Fade-Up Design Group • FlowTricks Gilded Canvas Omaha • Omaha Musicians Live • Prism Signs SCRAW Art • SNAP Photobooth • STEP // Group FIRST PLACE: $10K BIG CONNECTION WINNER Children’s Hospital & Medical Center • Wine, Women & Shoes

PUBLISHER’S CHOICE Rejuvenating Women • “Beautifully Broken” Key to Freedom Banquet

THE GIVING GUIDE & EVENT BOOK 2018 CORPORATE SPONSORS American National Bank • All Makes • Harrison Financial Services NP Dodge Real Estate • SAC Federal Credit Union

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Photography by JimiV Photography

event galleries event GALLERIES

Star POWER Omaha Ballroom Dancing with the Omaha Stars When: February 10 Where: Ralston Arena Why: Local celebrities dancing to raise money for TeamMates Mentoring Program, $93,230 was raised.

For more Information: 402.290.4869 | DancingwiththeOmahaStars.com

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event GALLERIES

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Photos courtesy of Ballet nebraska

FIRST

Leaps

Ballet Nebraska (American Midwest Ballet) INAUGURAL NUTCRACKER GALA More than 175 dancers and guests gathered at Omaha’s Orpheum Theater on Friday, December 1, at Ballet Nebraska’s inaugural Nutcracker Gala...next season the company will perform under its new name American Midwest Ballet.

The inaugural event raised more than $120,000 to support the ballet company in its mission to bring professional dance performances, educational programs, and community outreach to the region.

Honorary chairs for the evening’s event were Steve Martin of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska and Amy Haddad, PhD, of Creighton University. Event chairs were Michelle Clark of Union Pacific and Karen Nelsen of U.S. Bank.

Guests enjoying cocktails on the Orpheum stage were enchanted by an up-close performance of the snow scene from The Nutcracker, complete with falling snow. Dinner followed in the Grand Lobby, where guests had the opportunity to dine with the professional dancers.

“We are grateful and overwhelmed by the success of this event and the generosity of our donors,” said Artistic Director and CEO Erika Overturff. “We are lucky to be in a community that is so supportive of arts and culture.”

The Nutcracker Gala launched Ballet Nebraska’s December 2 and 3 weekend of Orpheum performances of The Nutcracker, part of its eighth season of professional dance. Ballet Nebraska’s next Omaha performances will be May 5 and 6 at the Orpheum, when it will present the ballet A Midsummer Night’s Dream based on Shakespeare’s classic tale.

About: Ballet Nebraska is the region’s professional dance company. The season is presented with support from premier benefactors the Iowa West Foundation, Douglas County, the Fred and Eve Simon Charitable Foundation, the Richard Brooke Foundation, and the Holland Foundation; season sponsor Omaha Steaks; and major support from the Peter Kiewit Foundation, Cindy and Scott Heider, the Sherwood Foundation, the Nebraska Arts Council, and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.

For more Information: balletnebraska.org

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Photos courtesy of Marian High School

LIFE IS

Sweet

Marian High School MarianFEST 2018 When: February 2 Where: Hilton Downtown, Omaha MARK AND SHARON ELLERBECK, MARY HIGGINS, CHRIS AND JENNIFER KENNEDY, BOB AND JULIE CUSICK, BRAD AND COURTNEY DUNBAR WITH AMY AND BRYAN NEARY

JULIE CUSICK AND AMY NEARY

CAROLINE NELSEN WITH MIKE AND JEANETTE WOJTALEWICZ

Why: MarianFEST is Marian’s largest fundraising event of the year, with proceeds benefiting tuition assistance and scholarships for students.

The theme, Life is Sweet at Marian, was chosen to celebrate the joy, energy and spirit that defines the culture of Marian.

Although the theme was lighthearted, the purpose was serious. FEST (Funding Education in the Servite Tradition) supports tuition assistance for nearly 50 percent of the student body. Students also supported the event by serving as essential volunteers. A Marian choral ensemble sang the blessing and provided entertainment. A student speaker shared how tuition assistance made it possible for her to earn a four-year, all-expense paid scholarship to Northwestern University.

Emcees: Marian parents Julie Cornell and Bill Randby Sponsors: MCL Construction served as the corporate sponsor.

Event Planner: Shari Gilg, director of events at Marian Multi Media: Alpha Rentals - Video, Inc. Attendance: 500

LIZZIE BYRNE AND KRISTIN BEDUHN

MARIAN SHOW CHOIR

Amount Raised: $450,000 Mission: The mission of Marian High School is to commit all its resources to the college preparatory education of young women, teaching them to be leaders and lifelong learners in a society where their talents and faith will give hope to the world.

MARY HIGGINS, REV. TOM FANGMAN AND SUSIE SPETHMAN SULLIVAN

MOLLY GRIFFIN, SIDNEY SLEDGE, CLARA NEARY, NYAYIAN BIEL AND AKER AJAK

About: Founded by the Servants of Mary in 1955, Marian is a Catholic, all-girl college preparatory school twice recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. As Nebraska’s only Class A girls’ high school, Marian provides the opportunities of a large high school in a smaller setting. Marian welcomes students of all cultural, economic and spiritual backgrounds.

For more Information: 402.571.2618 ext. 1137 | www.marianhighschool.net

let us help promote YOUR EVENTS! REGISTER ALL OF YOUR EVENTS FOR FREE: SpiritofOmaha.com/Metro-Magazine/Community/Calendar

STANDING: MARK AND SHARON ELLERBECK, MARY HIGGINS, CHRIS AND JENNIFER KENNEDY, BOB AND JULIE CUSICK, BRAD AND COURTNEY DUNBAR WITH AMY AND BRYAN NEARY. KNEELING: EMMA ELLERBECK, KATIE KENNEDY, NATALIE CUSICK, JENNA CUSICK, ADDISON DUNBAR AND CLARA NEARY 49

LET US PREPARE A COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PACKAGE FOR YOU THAT CONNECTS YOU TO YOUR SUPPORT! Email us: CONNECT@SpiritofOmaha.com

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Photos courtesy of american Heart association

THE BEAT

Goes On

American Heart Association – NE Omaha Heart & Stroke Ball When: February 3 Where: Embassy Suites La Vista Why: The American Heart Association is proud to host the Annual Omaha Heart & Stroke Ball to raise funds and awareness for its lifesaving mission “to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.” The annual Heart Ball is one of Omaha’s most prominent social galas. The Heart Ball featured a personal story of a young girl born with a congenital heart defect and credits her lifesaving treatment to the research and education provided by the American Heart Association.

Attendance: 800+ Amount Raised: More than $800,000 Mission: To build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

About: The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Founded by six cardiologists in 1924, our organization now includes more than 22.5 million volunteers and supporters. We fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide critical tools and information to save and improve lives. Our nationwide organization includes 156 local offices and more than 3,000 employees. We moved our national headquarters from New York to Dallas in 1975 to be more centrally located. The American Stroke Association was created as a division in 1997 to bring together the organization’s stroke-related activities.

For more Information: 402.810.6858 | heart.org

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Photos courtesy of Heartland Family Service

CREATING

Paths

Heartland Family Service “Carnival of Love” Gala When: Feburary 10 Where: Embassy Suites - La Vista SCOTT AND KARLA CASSELS

TERRI AND TIM BURKE

Why: The Heartland Family Service “Carnival of Love” Gala supports the agency’s more than 50 life-affirming services.

Special Guests: Senator Sue Crawford and Omaha Councilman Pete Festersen Sponsors: Kiewit Corporation, Terri & Tim Burke, American National Bank, Lockton Companies, OPPD, Pinnacle Bank, Union Pacific Attendance: 636

BRENDA LANGENBERG, KIM SOBCZYK, LAURIE CALDWELL AND DONNA DOSTAL

Amount Raised: $301,484 Mission: The mission of Heartland Family Service is to strengthen individuals and families in our community through education, counseling, and support services.

About: Founded in 1875, Heartland Family Service currently serves more than 52,000 individuals of all ages each year from more than 15 locations in east central Nebraska and southwest Iowa. Our 50 programs provide critical human services to the individuals and families who ultimately shape the future of our community in the following focus areas: Child & Family, Counseling & Prevention and Housing & Financial Stability.

DEBBIE BOUC AND JULIE GIBSON-BEIER

MELISSA STEFFES, ROBB STEFFES, CARLA PATTON-OCHSNER AND TOD OCHSNER

For more Information: 402.552.7400 | HeartlandFamilyService.org

DMNV LION DANCE TEAM

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Photos courtesy of Duchesne academy

TRADITION

Continues

Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart

Congé 2018–We are Duchesne: The Tradition Continues When: February 10 Where: Hilton Omaha Why: Each year, the Duchesne community gathers to celebrate Congé, a French word for “holiday.” The event is a dinner-auction co-chaired by current parents. The funds raised support the school’s operating budget as well tuition assistance.

Special Guests: Annette Schmeling, RSCJ, Fr. Daniel Hendrickson, SJ, Fr. Dave Korth, Fr. Tom Fangman, Fr. Tom Merkel, Msgr. James Gilg, Fr. Don Shane Co-Chairs: Scott and Cindy Heider with Lance and Jeanie Jones Multi Media: Dog & Pony Productions (lighting and sound) Attendance: 525 Amount Raised: $792,000 Gross Amount Mission: Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic college-preparatory high school for girls of all faiths and backgrounds, is a member of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools in the United States and Canada. The schools of the Sacred Heart Network share five goals which commit them to educate to: a personal and active faith in God, a deep respect for intellectual values, a social awareness which impels to action, the building of community as a Christian value and a personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.

For more Information: 402.558.3800 | www.duchesneacademy.org

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event galleries

TWO-STEPPING

to a Cure

JDRF Omaha-Council Bluffs Chapter JDRF Promise Gala – Country Side of a Cure When: February 24 GREG AND BROOKE WHEELER

CARSON WHEELER AND BLAKE ADAMSON Where: CenturyLink Center Why: The JDRF Promise Gala funds type 1 diabetes (T1D) research initiatives to cure, treat, and prevent the disease as well as strengthens the fiber of the T1D community.

Honorary Chairs: Karla and Scott Cassels Event Chairs: Linda and Steve Phillips Live Entertainment: Platinum-selling country music artist and adult living with T1D, Eric Paslay

THE LOFTUS FAMILY

KARLA AND SCOTT CASSELS, LACI NABER, SCOTT MINGUS WITH LINDA AND STEVE PHILLIPS

Presenting Sponsor: Kiewit Corporation; Wells Fargo & Michael Robino, CFP; Ries Orthodontics; Stephanie & Robb Pantano Media Partners: 3 News Now & Z92 The Rock Station Multi Media: Sonburst Communication & Flower Girl, LLC Attendance: 1,020 Amount Raised: Nearly $1.4 million

JDRF YOUTH AMBASSADORS WITH ERIC PASLAY

KARLA AND SCOTT CASSELS WITH ERIC PASLAY

Mission: JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications.

About: JDRF works every day to change the reality of this disease for millions of people—and to prevent anyone else from ever knowing it—by funding research, advocating for government support of research and new therapies, ensuring new therapies come to market and connecting and engaging the T1D community. We’ve funded more than $2 billion in research to date and made significant progress in understanding and fighting the disease. Our efforts will not stop until we turn Type One into Type None.

For more Information: 402.397.2873 | www.jdrf.org/omaha

JDRF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Photos courtesy of Visiting nurse association

CREATIVE

Delights

Visiting Nurse Association Art & Soup When: February 25 Where: Embassy Suites La Vista WEISS STUDIOS

KELLI SWEET

Why: Provide funding for VNA’s Shelter Nursing Program Special Guests: John Prouty

ANGIE SIMONSEN

ARTWORK BY LINDA JONES

CHEFS – METHODIST WOMEN’S HOSPITAL

CHEFS – DELLA COSTA

Sponsors: The Hawks Foundation, Nebraska Medicine, Kiewit Corporation Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. John Koraleski, Omaha Track, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, First National Bank, Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler Funeral Chapels, Scoular Foundation, Seim Johnson, LLP, SilverStone Group Incorporated, Valmont Industries, ACCESSbank, Bland Cares Foundation, C & A Industries, Inc., The Fred & Sally Bekins Foundation, Kent Circle, Methodist Hospital, Mutual of Omaha, West Corporation, Advanced Surgery Center, LLC, American National Bank, George Kleine, The LUND Company, Security National Bank, Werner Enterprises, Aon, Kent and Deanna Boese, Burlington Capital Real Estate, LLC, Casey’s General Stores, Inc., D.A. Davidson, Emspace Group, John A. Gentleman Mortuaries, McKesson Medical-Surgical, Midwest Laboratories Caterer: Jess Dolson, Bob’s Grill & Cafe, Cafe 8303 (Methodist Hospital), Carol Joy Holling, Della Costa, Fernando’s, Harmony Court, Jams, Kith & Kin, Lazlo’s, Methodist Women’s Hospital, Sage Student Bistro, Slattery Vintage Estates, Starbucks, Stirnella, The District (Magnolia Hotel), The Farmhouse, The LaVista Nines, The Woodcliff Restaurant, Twisted Fork, Wilson and Washburn Event Planner: planitomaha Attendance: more than 1,000 Amount Raised: $148,000 Mission: Delivering community-based care that provides peace of mind, quality of life, and independence.

For more Information: 402.930.4018 | vnatoday.org

ROSE RUTHERFORD

ARTWORK BY LINDA HATFIELD

ROSEDENISE RUTHERFORD LUEKE

ROSE RUTHERFORD KRISTI PEDERSON 55

ARTWORK BY KRISTI PEDERSON

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Photos courtesy of CueS

HONORING

Greats

CUES

The Gathering When: March 24 Where: Embassy Suites La Vista Why: The Gathering is our annual fundraiser that supports tuition assistance for our CUES Schools, which include Sacred Heart, Holy Name and All Saints.

Special Guests: CUES honored The Harrison Family of Sacred Heart with LG and Shirley Harrison as our Honorary Chairs (posthumously). Also honored were three alums from each school: Sacred Heart alums Titus Adams, Ken Cowan and Hon. William Connolly; Holy Name Alums Katie Waldo, Brian Branigan and Niel Peterson; and All Saints Alums Jacob Idra, Vicky Bongomin and Nyawuor Paljor.

Event Planner: Vernetta Kosalka Attendance: 740 Amount Raised: $540,000 Mission: CUES is an inner-city school system that provides operational guidance, governance and funding for three schools; Sacred Heart, All Saints and Holy Name. All the funds raised this evening go toward tuiton assistance.

About: Serving our inner-city schools since 1975. More than 75% of our budget come from donations that help us fill the gap for tuition assistance. 80% of CUES students qualify for free and reduced meal program. CUES serves the students and their familes by educating, empowering and serving our inner-city schools.

For more Information: 402.457.5755 | www.cuesschools.org

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Photography by C41 Photography

FANCY

Feet

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation Wine Women & Shoes

EMILY ANDERSON AND ANN PITSCHKA

DARLENE MUELLER AND LESLIE FONDA

Wine Women & Shoes drew a crowd of nearly 600 people to Omaha Design Center on April 6 to sip, savor and shop at this sixth annual event to support Children’s Hospital & Medical Center’s Carolyn Scott Rainbow House. Donors used this golden opportunity to support children and their families, raising more than $190,000.

Guests tasted a variety of fine wines while they shopped a fabulous marketplace full of designer fashions, jewelry and accessories. They also enjoyed live and silent auctions, a fashion show, hors d’oeuvres and desserts.

JAZLYN, JENNIFER AND JENTRY SCHELL

SERESE COLE CROWING ANDREW PARKER

More than 35 Shoe Guys—handsome and helpful volunteers—provided another unique element that made this fundraiser a huge hit. Through online fundraising of their own prior to the event, the Shoe Guys raised $14,000 for the Rainbow House.

The Carolyn Scott Rainbow House offers a convenient and welcoming “home away from home” for Children’s patient families who live 60 miles or more from Omaha.

Wine Women & Shoes honorary chairs were Darlene Mueller and Leslie Fonda. Event chairs were Emily Anderson and Ann Pitschka. WOWT’s Serese Cole was the evening’s emcee.

AMY SCOTT, LAURA WHEELOCK, SARAH HAGER AND LAUREN MALO

ANGELA CUTLER, PAULETTA KROS AND STEPHANIE KROS

“We are delighted that Wine Women & Shoes has become one of Omaha’s most anticipated events for women, and we are grateful for this tremendous outpouring of support for the Carolyn Scott Rainbow House,” said Beth Greiner, executive director of Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation.

“We are especially thankful for the Wine Women & Shoes chairs and committee who put so much passion and effort into making the evening so memorable and successful.”

Wine Women & Shoes was metroMAGAZINE’s Big Event “Big Connection” award winner for 2017.

For more Information: 402.955.4044 | www.WineWomenandShoes.com/Omaha

JANELLE WARD, KRISTI NIEMANN, REGAN SMITH, AIMEE DEMULLING, JULIE PETERSON AND SHANNON DOMBROWSKI

LINDSEY SNYDER, CHRISTINA GROTELUSCHEN, KRISTA ASH AND KELLY MURRAY

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Photos courtesy of Make-a-Wish nebraska

RECORD

Setting

Make-A-Wish Nebraska Blue Jean Ball: 35 Years of Wishes

When: April 14 Where: Hilton, Downtown Omaha Why: Proceeds from the Blue Jean Ball will help fund wishes in 2018. Currently, we have over 133 children waiting to receive their wishes.

Special Guests: Mayor Jean Stothert Sponsors: Title Sponsors: American National Bank & Lozier; Dinner Sponsors: Lindsay Corporation and McGill Restoration; Lead Wish Sponsor: Cornerstone Staffing; Social Hour Sponsor: AGP; Keynote Sponsors: Werner, Lamp Rynearson & Associates; and Valmont Raffle Sponsors: ConAgra, Mutual of Omaha, Pinnacle Bank, Cushman & Wakefield; The Lund Company; Wish Angels: Abe’s Trash Service, Inc, C & A Industries, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, First National Bank, Foje & Wilwerding, Great Western Bank, MeyersCarlisle-Leapley Construction Co., Inc, Nebraska Medicine, Northern Natural Gas, Omaha Gun Club, Republic National Distributing Co-NE, Tenaska, Trusted Choice and UnitedHealthcare Attendance: 630 Amount Raised: $385,000 Mission: Together, we create life-changing wishes for children battling critical illnesses.

About: Make-A-Wish has the unique ability to transform a child and their family’s life during some of their most difficult times, as a wish creates an opportunity for hope and the ability to experience life beyond their illness. Sure, wishes are amazing and fun, but when a wish comes true, it creates strength, hope and transformation. When a wish is granted, a child replaces fear with confidence, sadness with joy, and anxiety with hope. Wishes help kids look past the limitations of their illness. Most importantly, wishes can improve a child’s quality of life, giving them a better chance of recovering.

For more Information: nebraska.wish.org | 402.333.8999

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Photos courtesy of Joslyn Castle

KING’S LEFT

the Building Joslyn Castle

Joslyn Castle Murder Mystery

When: February 23-24 Where: Joslyn Castle, Omaha Why: The Joslyn Castle Murder Mystery is a beloved annual tradition in its fourteenth year. This is an annual fundraiser for the historic preservation and restoration of the Joslyn Castle. This year’s production, “A Tasteful Murder,” was written and directed by Colleen Fogarty and starred the Joslyn Castle Players. The theme this year was Elvis-inspired, from the costumes to the menu!

Sponsors: The Sherwood Foundation, Blue Stem Prairie Foundation, Bruce and Gerry Lauritzen, Dianne Lozier Attendance: 200 Amount Raised: $5,000 Mission: The mission of the Joslyn Castle is to preserve the legacy of George and Sarah Joslyn through stewardship of their historic home and by offering diverse cultural programming that informs and inspires the community.

For more Information: www.joslyncastle.com

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Photos courtesy of WeLLCOM

STAIRCASE

Space Race

WELLCOM Trek Up the Tower

When: February 17 Where: First National Tower, Omaha

BEN SMAIL (CENTER) – VERTICAL MILE CHALLENGE CHAMPION

Why: Trek Up the Tower raises money to support WELLCOM’s mission of elevating worksite wellness programs.

Attendance: 1,550 Mission: WELLCOM is a nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating workplace wellness. We serve a network of hundreds of employers of all sizes throughout the Midwest who are focused on doing what is right for their employees.

About: WELLCOM is your leading wellness partner.

Members benefit from cutting-edge education, high-level training programs, extensive networking opportunities and expert advice. We provide a one-stop resource for employers of all sizes and stages of a wellness program.

For more Information: www.elevatingwellness.org

SARAH BICKERSTAFF (CENTER) – OVERALL WOMEN’S CHAMPION

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Photos courtesy of angels among us

VINTAGE

Grapevine

Angels Among Us Uncorked

When: February 24 Where: Fleming’s Prime Steak House & Wine Bar

KATHLEEN SOLEM, LORI JOHNSON, JULIANNE WEISS AND CHERYL GOODRICH

Why: Funds raised from this event will help financially assist families whose children are battling pediatric cancer.

Amount Raised: $8,900 Mission: Angels Among Us is a Nebraska nonprofit that provides financial assistance to families whose children have pediatric cancer. Any family living in or being treated in Nebraska is eligible to apply for assistance.

Attendees: 150 people were in attendance at the event and 100% of the $50-per-person tickets were donated back to Angels Among Us. For more Information: myangelsamongus.org

CHRIS TOOKER

Savor the experience Voted Best of Omaha eight Years in a Row

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Photos courtesy of Nebraska Children and Families Fndt.

MERRY

Mixology

Nebraska Children and Families Foundation Perfect Pour 2018

When: February 24 Where: The Slowdown, Omaha Why: To benefit Nebraska Children and Families Foundation Sponsors: Solve, Duncan Aviation, Fade Up Design Group, Plymouth Gin, C&A Industries Inc., RDG Planning and Design, Nelnet, Fraser Stryker, Baird Holm, Lutz, RSM, Gavilon, Titanium Fire Sprinkler Company, Sugar Chic Design Caterer: Attitude on Food Attendance: 300+ Amount Raised: $35,000+ About: We work with communities to: 1) Strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect. 2) Ensure that every child can succeed in school. 3)Support unconnected youth as they transition to adulthood.

For more Information: 402.476.9401 | www.nebraskachildren.org

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Photos courtesy of Catholic Charities

LUCK OF

The Irish

Catholic Charities

Irish Fest – A Blarney Blast!

When: March 3 Where: Marriott Capitol District Why: To fund our programs to provide services to the neediest and most vulnerable in our communities.

Attendance: 450 Amount Raised: $400,000 Mission: As a Christ-centered organization, and with mercy as the foundation of the Church, we translate the Gospel of Jesus Christ into action and seek to transform the world by sharing God’s mercy and compassionate love with all people.

About: Each year, Catholic Charities serves over 75,000 of the most vulnerable in our community who are voiceless, forgotten or in need. Programs include: adoption services, behavioral health, basic needs, The Shelter (domestic violence shelter), immigration legal assistance, senior services and microbusiness training program.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES STAFF

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For more Information: 402.554.0520 | ccomaha.org

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event galleries

Photos courtesy of american red Cross

Extra

ORDINARY American Red Cross Omaha Council Bluffs Metro Chapter Heroes in the Heartland

When: March 8 Where: Hilton Downtown Omaha BACK ROW: DAVID HANSEN, NIKKI QUAKENBUSH, ROLAND BURGER, SUE VENTEICHER, DEREK BESINGER, BEN LITTLE, EVELYN MCKNIGHT, VICTORIA HUNTER, GINA RAU, KELLY MOGLER AND JENNIFER BAER FRONT: JAYGER HAAG AND BRUCE FROENDT

Why: An opportunity to honor local heroes who are living the mission of the American Red Cross.

Special Guests: Brigadier General Kevin Lyons; Bob Whitehouse, Chair of UNL Board of Regents; Chris Rodgers, Chairman of Douglas County Board of Commissioners; Douglas County Emergency Mgmt Director Paul Johnson; La Vista Mayor Doug Kindig; Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer; Omaha Asst Fire Chief Kathy Bossman Attendance: 415 Amount Raised: $103,000 Mission: The mission of the American Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

MALORIE MADDOX AND JILL ORTON

STEVE AND MICHELLE HINCHCLIFF WITH JILL ORTON

For more Information: www.redcross.org

a national and regional powerhouse in meetings & events | planitomaha.com

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Photos courtesy of CrCC

BRUSHED Up CRCC CrCC’s silver ribbon event

When: March 10 Where: Scoular Ballroom Why: The Hanson family, a trio of motivational speakers, presented their story from their recently published "Lessons from CLOD" (CLOD is the nickname of son Jeffrey's tumor) followed by a live auction of Jeffrey's "Visit to Old Windsor" painted specifically for this event. Proceeds will be used for CRCC's programs and services.

Amount Raised: $186,000 Number of Attendees: 185 Mission: The Mission of CRCC is to provide comprehensive care and family services and support to medically fragile, developmentally delayed, physically challenged and mental health/behaviorally diagnosed children and their families by providing services that evoke maximum potential and foster the development of intellectual and social competence.

For more Information: www.crccomaha.org

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event galleries

Photos courtesy of girl Scouts

THAT’S

A Wrap

Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska artVenture

When: March 24 Where: UNO’s Mammel Hall

WATIE WHITE AND JENNIFER BARRY

JOHANN AND TRACI SCHMIDT WITH DAUGHTER ALEXANDRIA SCHMIDT

Why: artVenture is a reception and silent auction featuring 200 works of art. Artists are matched with small groups of Girl Scouts to create original works of art in a variety of media. Their pieces, along with works donated by professional artists, are sold at silent auction, with proceeds benefiting Nebraska Girl Scouts.

Attendance: 350 Amount Raised: $160,000 (gross) About: Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska is the largest girl-serving organization in the state. For more than 100 years, Girl Scouts has been providing leadership experiences for girls. In Girl Scouts, girls engage in activities that help them discover themselves and their values, connect with others, and take action to make the world a better place.

For more Information: 402.558.8189 | www.girlscoutsnebraska.org

JUDITH ANTHONY JOHNSTON AND LINDA WILLIS

ANNE CONSTANTINO, ROBIN CLARK AND SANTHA KRISHNAN

A fundraising celebration in support of the youth, young adults and families served by

September 6 • 5:30 p.m.

Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District

Keynote Speaker

J.R. Martinez Please join us as U.S. Army Veteran, All My Children star, New York Times bestselling author and Dancing with the Stars champion, J.R. Martinez, shares his message of determination, resilience and hope at the 2018 Imagine Our Youth Fundraising Celebration!

Reserve your tickets now!

OmahaHomeForBoys.org • 402.457.7014

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Photos courtesy of Stephen Center, Inc.

GLITZ

Glamour

Stephen Center, Inc.

Cruise Away to Hollywood

When: March 3 Where: Champions Run Country Club Why: Raise funds to support Pettigrew Emergency Homeless Shelter S. SCOTT MOORE

JOHN L. HOICH AND BEV HOSCHAR

Special Guests: Heart and Soul award winners Bob and Terri Macaitis Attendance: 130 Amount Raised: $100,000 Mission: We partner with the community, families and individuals to overcome homelessness, addiction and poverty About: Hollywood-themed with director slates, film reels, popcorn boxes and megaphone displays For more Information: stephencenter.org

TRACEY MCMAHON AND TOM MCMAHON

SAVE

THE DATE

Celebrating 125 years of putting children first.

Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.

La Vista Conference Center La Vista, NE

NCHS.ORG

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event galleries

Photography by Debra S. Kaplan

FEMALE

Strength

Susan G. Komen Great Plains Pink Ribbon Affair

When: April 7 Where: Hilton Omaha

ROBERTA AND JASON TONJES

LEONARD SOMMER, STEVE SWANSTROM, DR. JAMES REILLY, PETE MILLER AND JOHN CHRISTENSEN

Why: Fourth-annual event raises funds to provide life-saving breast health education and services, such as mammograms, to uninsured and underinsured women.

Attendance: Nearly 300 guests Amount Raised: $150,000 Special Guests: The event recognized the 2018 Pink Tie Guys: John Christensen, Pete Miller, Dr. James Reilly, Steve Swanstrom and Bob Dalrymple.

Mission: Save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer For more Information: 402.502.2979 | www.komengreatplains.org

SERESE COLE

KATHY BERTOLINI, JOSIE ABBOUD AND KATHY BRESSLER

New look, coming soon!

• More space & seating capacity • Improved reception & guest flow • New finishes & colors • Updated technology • Same delicious food, great

Employee Benefits Executive Benefits ▪ Wealth Management Business Succession and Estate Planning

service & free parking

Financial Plaza, Suite 418 9140 West Dodge Road Omaha, NE 68114 402.397.5800 www.swartzbaugh.com

6450 Pine Street 402.778.6313 ScottCenter.com

Our Employees and Our National Alliances – They’re What Set Us Apart.

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer and Investment Advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. Swartzbaugh-Farber & Associates, Inc. is independently owned and operated.

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Photos courtesy of Partnership 4 Kids

RAISE A

Glass

vinNEBRASKA and Partnership 4 Kids vinNeBrAsKA Wine event, 2018

When: April 13 and 14 Where: Friday at Happy Hollow Country Club Saturday at Hotel RL GEMA RAMIREZ AND DAMIEN CORAN

Why: To raise funds for local youth mentoring organization, Partnership 4 Kids.

ELLEN DEAO AND DAVE DEAO

Attendance: 850 Amount Raised: Nearly $275,000 About: For nearly three decades Partnership 4 Kids has been serving disadvantaged youth, each with their own story of survival, endurance, and a desire to succeed. P4K’s mission is to mentor these children for college today, and careers tomorrow. P4K is currently helping 6,100 young people to believe in themselves and in a future rooted in education and opportunity.

The vinNEBRASKA Foundation is a local group of wine lovers who have organized wine tastings and auctions to raise funds for local charities for more than 25 years.

DOUG AND JUDY MCWILLIAMS

DEB DENBECK, RHONDA WILKE AND MIKE WILKE

69

For more Information: 402.930.3082 | www.p4k.org

metroMagaziNe • SuMMer 2018

event galleries

Photos courtesy of Matt Bross and James Matthew Daniel

INAUGURAL

Fair

Opera Omaha ONE Festival

When: April 6 - 22 Where: Various venues including KANEKO, Bemis Center for Contemporary Art, Gallery 1516, 1407/1409 Jackson Street Why: Opera Omaha’s new ONE Festival is conceived as an artist-driven exploration of boundary-less programming, immediacy in design and aesthetics and bold storytelling. The festival features performances, events and celebrations that bring together local and visiting artists in a community full of collaborative potential and possibilities. With a strong emphasis on experimentation, Opera Omaha’s ONE Festival will foster an environment that celebrates and encourages bold artistic risks from artists looking to venture into new material and theatrically vibrant work.

Mission: Opera Omaha’s mission is to enrich the quality of life in our community by creating professional opera and music theater, which uniquely combine the visual and performing arts to express humanity’s deepest emotions and highest aspirations.

For more Information: 402.346.7372 | onefestivalomaha.org

365 BUSINESSES GIVING BACK 365 DAYS A YEAR Download TAGG to support your favorite cause(s) today!

Proudly supported by

1

Download the TAGG app.

2

Submit photos of receipts from participating businesses.

3

Choose a cause!

The business will donate (usually 5%) at no extra cost to you!

TOGETHER A GREATER GOOD

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Loves to talk.

Reads over your shoulder.

Hogs the covers.

Wants your tuna.

Find your soulmate at the Nebraska Humane Society. www.nehumanesociety.org

The information in this section appears as supplied to us by the organizations presented. ALH Publications, Inc. accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or integrity of any of the information provided. Please double-check for updated details with event organizers.

community CALENDAR

save the date Learn more details about any of these events by searching our extensive Community Calendar at mQUARTERLY’s website: http://www.SpiritofOmaha.com/Metro-Magazine/Community/Calendar/

featured

VENTS

CONNECT with over 100 nonprofits and learn more about their mission and how you can help!

Order your copy of The Giving Guide & Event Book 2018 today at mQUARTERLY’s SpiritofOmaha.com.

May 20

Complete information for the following events is available at metroMAGAZINE’s SpiritofOmaha.com CALENDAR PAGE or each organization’s website.

12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

May 5

Werner Park | 12356 Ballpark Way | Omaha FREE | 402-7385108

CHI SUPERHERO SUNdAY CHI

5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

FOR THE KIdS BENEFIT Omaha Children's Museum

May 21

Omaha Children's Museum | 500 South 20th Street | Omaha $150 | 402-342-6164 | www.ocm.org

CHILdREN'S CHARITY CLASSIC Children's Hospital & Medical Center

May 5 – 7:30 PM • May 6 – 2:00 PM

Champions Run | 13800 Eagle Run Drive | Omaha $400+ | 402-955-6851 | http://childrensclassic.com/tournament-info/

A MIdSUMMER NIGHT’S dREAM Ballet Nebraska

May 21

Orpheum Theater | 409 S 16th St. | Omaha Single Tickets: $27, $47, $67 | VIP with Reception: $92 | Groups: $23, $41, $61 Reception in Weaver Lounge: | $25 (Saturday only) | 402-541-6946 | www.balletnebraska.org

MIdLANdS COMMUNITY FOUNdATION 2018 GOLF TOURNAMENT Midlands Community Foundation

12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

May 5 4:30 PM

12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Platteview Golf Club | 4215 Platteview Road | Bellevue $125 | 402-991-8027 | www.midlandscommunity.org

May 23 – 24

JUMPIN’ JULEPS Take Flight Farms

12:00 AM – 12:00 AM

OMAHA GIvES! Omaha Community Foundation

Location TBA Pricing unavailable | 402-930-3037 | www.takeflightfarms.org

Online OmahaGives.org

May 8 11:45:00 AM

May 30

THE SALvATION ARMY d.J.'S HERO AwARdS LUNCHEON The Salvation Army

6:00 PM – 10 PM

PINOT, PIGS & POETS Completely KIDS

CenturyLink Center Omaha | 455 N 10th St | Omaha $150 per person/$1,500 per table | 402-898-5908 | www.salarmyomaha.org

Happy Hollow Club | 1701 S. 105th St. | Omaha Patron, $300; Individual, $150 | 402-397-5809 | http://pinotandpigs.org

May 10

June 2

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

6:30 PM – 10 PM

wINE, wHISKEY & wISHES FOR MAKE-A-wISH NEBRASKA Make-A-Wish Nebraska

OLLIE'S dREAM GALA 2018 Ollie Webb Center

Old Mattress Factory | 501 N 13th St | Omaha $50; $100 for VIP Access | 402-333-8999 | http://winewhiskeywishes.com/

Hilton Omaha | 1001 Cass Street | Omaha $100 per person | 402-346-5220 | www.olliewebbinc.org

May 11

June 2

6:00 PM – 11:00 PM

6:30 PM – 10 PM

2018 BROwNELL TALBOT GALA Brownell Talbot

OLLIE'S dREAM GALA 2018 Ollie Webb Center

Brownell Talbot | 400 N Happy Hollow Blvd | Omaha $125 | 402-556-3772 | www.brownell.edu/gala

Hilton Omaha | 1001 Cass Street | Omaha $100 per person | 402-346-5220 | www.olliewebbinc.org

May 12

June 2 6:00 PM

7:00 AM – 11:00 AM

CABARET 2018 Child Saving Institute

OMAHA-COUNCIL BLUFFS HEART wALK Physicians Mutual Insurance Company and First National Bank

Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District 222 N. 10th St. | Omaha $175 | 402.504.3664 | http://childsaving.org

Miller's Landing | 151 Freedom Park Road | Omaha Free | 402-810-6870 | www.omahaheartwalk.com 72

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GIVING GUIDE 2018!

June 2 6:30 PM

JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GALA Joslyn Art Museum Joslyn Art Museum | 2200 Dodge St. | Omaha $250 per person – table pricing available 402-933-8220 | www.joslyn.org

June 7

featured

VENTS WE HAVE A STAR STUDDED SEASON! LESLIE ODOM JR. – BROADWAY STAR FROM HAMILTON  STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE THE MUSIC OF POP STAR MICHAEL JACKSON 

LESLIE ODOM JR. FROM

BROADWAY’S

8:15:00 AM – 12:30 PM

OUTLOOK NEBRASKA BLINd GOLF ACAdEMY Outlook Nebraska

HAMILTON 

Indian Creek Golf Club | 3825 N 202nd St. | Elkhorn Costs TBD | 402-614-3331 | http://outlooknebraska.org/golf

June 7 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

2018 TEE IT UP FORE SIGHT GOLF TOURNAMENT Outlook Nebraska Indian Creek Golf Club | 3825 N 202nd St. | Elkhorn Costs TBD | 402-614-3331 | http://outlooknebraska.org/golf

June 9 10 AM – 12:30 PM

SvdP STRAwBERRY BRUNCH St. Vincent de Paul

View the full 2018-19 season at omahasymphony.org

402.345.0606

St. Wenceslaus Church School Gym | 15353 Pacific St. | Omaha $40 per person | 402-770-8499 | http://svdpomaha.com

June 9 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

125TH ANNIvERSARY CELEBRATION: CHILdREN FIRST SINCE 1893 Nebraska Children’s Home Society Embassy Suites Conference Center – La Vista $125 | 402-451-0787 | www.nchs.org

June 10 6:00 PM

MISSION POSSIBLE 5K/10K Open Door Mission Shadow Lake Towne Center | Papillion $30 5k Walk $40 10k Run $15 Kids Run (Ages 5-12) $20 Virtual Run 402-829-1503 | www.opendoormission.org/

June 11 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

CHANCE LUNCHEON Children's Scholarship Fund of Omaha Marriott Omaha Downtown Capitol District | 222 North 10th Street | Omaha $75

June 12

May 4 – 27

June 1– 24

Aug. 1– 12

On sale now!

On sale now!

On sale now!

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

TRIBUTE TO wOMEN Women’s Center for Advancement (WCA) The Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District Pricing unavailable | 402-345-6555 | wcaomaha.org

6915 Cass St. | (402) 553-0800 | OmahaPlayhouse.com 73

mquarterly • SuMMer 2018

The information in this section appears as supplied to us by the organizations presented. ALH Publications, Inc. accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or integrity of any of the information provided. Please double-check for updated details with event organizers.

community CALENDAR

save the date

Learn more details about any of these events by searching our extensive Community Calendar at mQUARTERLY’s website: http://www.SpiritofOmaha.com/Metro-Magazine/Community/Calendar/

featured

CONNECT with over 100 nonprofits and learn more about their mission and how you can help!

Order your copy of The Giving Guide & Event Book 2018 today at mQUARTERLY’s SpiritofOmaha.com.

VENTS continued

2

August 17 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

JEFFERSON HOUSE STANd UP FOR KIdS! COMEdY NIGHT Heartland Family Service Fremont Golf Club | 2710 North Somers Avenue | Fremont Tickets $50 per person ($35 tax-deductible) | 402-552-7424 | http://HeartlandFamilyService.org

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

STRIKE A CHORd Heartland Family Service

August 18

Mid-America Center | 1 Arena Way | Council Bluffs $80 individual ticket, $800 table of 10 sponsor | 402-552-7475 | http://HeartlandFamilyService.org

July 28

6:00 PM

SUMMER BASH FOR CHILdHOOd CANCER Metro Area Youth Foundation Embassy Suites Conference Center – La Vista $100 | 402-734-0720 | http://summerbashforccc.org

6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

7TH ANNUAL BOYS TOwN BLUE wATER BASH Boys Town

August 18

Boys Town Okoboji Camp | 1501 Okoboji Boulevard | Milford $100

9:00 AM

20TH ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE wALK Grief's Journey (formerly Ted E. Bear Hollow)

August 1

Miller's Landing | Gallup's Riverfront Campus | Omaha TBD | 402-502-2773 | www.griefsjourney.org

5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

HOLY SMOKES Heart Ministry Center

August 19

Location TBA Pricing unavailable | 402-451-2321 | www.heartministrycenter.org

8:00 AM

BOxER 500 – A SHORT RUN TO FIGHT COLON CANCER Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force

August 5 – 7

Werner Park | 12356 Ballpark Way | Papillion $15 for kids | $25 for adults | FREE to Colon Cancer Survivors | www.coloncancertaskforce.org

Sunday – Tuesday

SOAR IN THE SANdHILLS wITH THE EAGLES Central High School Foundation

August 25

Dismal River Club – Mullen $800 per golfer $3,200 per foursome | 402-556-1996 | www.chsfomaha.org

8:00 AM – 11:30 AM

JdRF ONE wALK, OMAHA-COUNCIL BLUFFS 2018 JDRF Omaha-Council Bluffs Chapter

August 6

Lewis & Clark Landing | 515 N Riverfront Drive | Omaha No cost to register (Participants fundraise individually or as a team) | 402-397-2873 | http://walk.jdrf.org/omaha

10:30 AM – 5:00 PM

SHOOTOUT FOR CANCER Northwestern Mutual Champions Run Golf Course | 13800 Eagle Run Drive | Omaha $1,500 | 402-390-8251 | http://omaha.nm.com

August 25 5:30 PM

SUMMER BASH FOR CHILdHOOd CANCER Metro Area Youth Foundation, Inc. Embassy Suites Conference Center – La Vista $100 per person | 402-734-0270 | www.summerbashforccc.org

let us help promote

August 25

YOUR EVENTS!

8:00 AM –Walk Check-in & Festivities | 9:00 AM –Walk Begins Free (Individual/Team fundraising encouraged)

REGISTER ALL OF YOUR EvENTS FOR FREE: SpiritofOmaha.com/Metro-Magazine/Community/Calendar

JdRF ONE wALK JDRF Omaha-Council Bluffs Chapter

LET US PREPARE A COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PACKAGE FOR YOU THAT CONNECTS YOU TO YOUR SUPPORT!

Lewis & Clark Landing Pricing unavailable | 402-397-CURE (2873) | jdrf.org/omaha

Email us: CONNECT@SpiritofOmaha.com 74

mquarterly • SuMMer 2018

LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GIVING GUIDE 2018!

DON’T MISS these May 5 – October 13 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM

OMAHA FARMERS MARKET - OLd MARKET Old Market | 11th & Jackson Streets | Omaha Free Admission | www.omahafarmersmarket.org

May 6 – October 14 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

OMAHA FARMERS MARKET - AKSARBEN vILLAGE Aksarben Village, 67th & Center Streets | 67th & Center Streets | Omaha Free Admission | www.omahafarmersmarket.org

May 17 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

BUSINESS ExCELLENCE AwARdS Greater Omaha Chamber Embassy Suites Conference Center - La Vista Single Ticket: $35 (Member) VIP Table: $850 (Member) 402-346-5000 | www.OmahaChamber.org/Events

June 8 – 10 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

OMAHA SUMMER ARTS FESTIvAL 10th to 15th on Farnam Street | Omaha Free Admission | http:// www.summerarts.org

June 13 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

HOPS FOR HARMONY Project Harmony Papillion Area Lions Club | Werner Park | 12356 Ballpark Way | Papillion $40 in advance and $50 at the door | 531-301-5010 | www.projectharmony.com

June 21 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

ALL THE LITTLE THINGS- SUMMER SOLSTICE LECTURE FEATURING CHRIS HELzER Lauritzen Gardens Lauritzen Gardens | 100 Bancroft Street | Omaha $10 - $14, includes a light dessert reception 402-346-4002 | http://shop.lauritzengardens.org/product-p/ed-summersolstice-2018.htm

July 22 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

HEAd FOR THE CURE 5K RUN/wALK - OMAHA Head for the Cure Foundation Lewis & Clark Landing | 345 Riverfront Drive | Omaha $15 - $40 | 816-218-6876 | www.headforthecure.org/omaha

July 28 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

BENSON dAYS Benson Neighborhood Association Downtown Benson | Maple Street from 58th to 63rd Streets | Omaha Free | https://www.bensondays.com 75

mquarterly • SuMMer 2018

continued

The information in this section appears as supplied to us by the organizations presented. ALH Publications, Inc. accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or integrity of any of the information provided. Please double-check for updated details with event organizers.

community CALENDAR

save the date

Learn more details about any of these events by searching our extensive Community Calendar at mQUARTERLY’s website: http://www.SpiritofOmaha.com/Metro-Magazine/Community/Calendar/

CONNECT with over 100 nonprofits and learn more about their mission and how you can help!

Order your copy of The Giving Guide & Event Book 2018 today at mQUARTERLY’s SpiritofOmaha.com.

bravo!

SUPPORTING THE ARTS

May 25 – September 28 6:00 PM – 10 PM

OMAHA FARMERS MARKET - NIGHT MARKET Omaha Farmers Market Midtown Crossing - Turner Park | Omaha Free | 402-345-5401 | http://www.OmahaFarmersMarket.org/night-market

May 5 – 13 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

RENAISSANCE FESTIvAL OF NEBRASKA

May 26

Bellevue Berry Farm | 11001 S 48th St | Papillion $13 & $8 | 402-7402-372 | www.renfestnebraska.com

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHT TO FIGHT ANd THE GREAT PLAINS BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM dUAL TOUR The Durham Museum

May 7 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM

The Durham Museum | 801 S 10th St | Omaha Admission is free to members of either organization. The cost is $10 per person 402-444-5071 | http://durhammuseum.org/

AN EvENING wITH dAvId SEdARIS Omaha Performing Arts Holland Performing Arts Center | 1200 Douglas St | Omaha Starting at $50.00 | 402-345-0202 | www.ticketomaha.com/Productions/an-evening-with-david-sedaris

June 1 – 24 SINGIN' IN THE RAIN Omaha Community Playhouse

May 7 – October 1 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

6915 Cass St | Omaha Starting at $32 | 402-553-0800 | www. omahaplayhouse.com

LEASHES AT LAURITzEN Lauritzen Gardens

June 1 – 3

100 Bancroft Street | Omaha $5-10, free for garden members and their dogs | 402-346-4002 | www.lauritzengardens.org

6:00 PM – 6:00 PM

NEBRASKA INvITATIONAL dANCE FESTIvAL

May 10 – 11

Hotel RL | 72nd Street | Omaha $10-$15 | 402-960-4657 | www.nebraskainvitational.com

7:30 PM – 11:00 PM

dAvINA ANd THE vAGABONdS Omaha Performing Arts

June 3 – July 29

Holland Performing Arts Center | 1200 Douglas St | Omaha $40.00 | 402-345-0202 | www.ticketomaha.com/Productions/davina-and-the-vagabonds

AMERICAN AdvENTURE The Durham Museum

May 10

The Durham Museum | 801 S 10th St | Omaha Adults: $11.00 Seniors (62+): $8.00 Children (ages 3 – 12): $7.00 Children 2 yrs/under 402-444-5071 | http://durhammuseum.org/

7:30 PM – 11:00 PM

JESSICA LANG dANCE Omaha Performing Arts

June 3 – July 15

Orpheum Theater | 409 S 16th St | Omaha Starting at $20.00 | 402-345-0202 | www.ticketomaha.com/Productions/jessica-lang-dance

FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHT TO FIGHT The Durham Museum

May 12

The Durham Museum | 801 S 10th St | Omaha Adults: $11.00 Seniors (62+): $8.00 Children (ages 3 – 12): $7.00 Children 2 yrs/under 402-444-5071 | http://durhammuseum.org/

5:00 PM

YAP ART CRAwL Joslyn Art Museum Joslyn Art Museum | Omaha $30 for non-YAP members, $50 for two, FREE for YAP members | 402-933-8220 | www.joslyn.org

May 19 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

June 3 – July 29 wOMEN IN OMAHA: A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF PERSISTENCE THROUGH HISTORY The Durham Museum The Durham Museum | 801 S 10th St | Omaha Adults: $11.00 Seniors (62+): $8.00 Children (ages 3 – 12): $7.00 Children 2 yrs/under 402-444-5071 | http://durhammuseum.org/

MUSEUM INSIdER TOUR ExPERIENCES: THE BASEMENT The Durham Museum The Durham Museum | 801 S 10th St | Omaha $20 for members and $25 for non-members | 402-444-5071 | http://durhammuseum.org/

June 10 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

May 22

ROSE SHOw Lauritzen Gardens

7:30 PM – 11:00 PM

LIFE ON THE vERTICAL wITH CLIMBER MARK SYNNOTT Omaha Performing Arts

Lauritzen Gardens | 100 Bancroft Street | Omaha $10 adults, $5 for children 6-12, free for garden members and children under 6 402-346-4002 | www.lauritzengardens.org

Holland Performing Arts Center | 1200 Douglas St | Omaha Starting at $11.00 | 402-345-0202 | www.ticketomaha.com/Productions/life-on-the-vertical 76

mquarterly • SuMMer 2018

Connect@SpiritofOmaha.com

recruit us TO MAKE YOUR walk/run ONE OF OUR

M.A.D. 25 EVENTS

2 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

50TH MUNROE-MEYER GUILd GARdEN wALK Munroe-Meyer Guild Midtown to West Central Omaha | Omaha $15/20 day of event | 402-203-7270 | http:// unmc.edu/mmi/about/gardenwalk

June 12 – July 31 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

TEMPO OF TwILIGHT OUTdOOR CONCERT SERIES Lauritzen Gardens Lauritzen Gardens | 100 Bancroft Street | Omaha $5-10, free for garden members and children under 6 | 402-346-4002 | www.lauritzengardens.org

June 16 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM

JOSLYN CASTLE UNLOCKEd Joslyn Castle 3902 Davenport Street | Omaha $75.00 | 402-595-2199 | www.joslyncastle.com

June 23 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHT TO FIGHT ANd THE GREAT PLAINS BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM dUAL TOUR The Durham Museum The Durham Museum | 801 S 10th St | Omaha Admission is free to members of either organization. The cost is $10 per person | 402-444-5071 | http://durhammuseum.org/

July 14 – 15

8•25•18 Lewis & Clark Landing

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

RAILROAd dAYS Lauritzen Gardens and 4 other attractions $15 per family (2 adults plus children under 18) | www.omaharailroaddays.com

walk.jdrf.org/omaha

July 21 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM

JOSLYN CASTLE UNLOCKEd Joslyn Castle 3902 Davenport Street | Omaha $75.00 | 402-595-2199 | www.joslyncastle.com

August 11 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM

JOSLYN CASTLE UNLOCKEd Joslyn Castle 3902 Davenport Street | Omaha $75.00 | 402-595-2199 | www.joslyncastle.com

August 18 – January 27, 2019 FIGHTING FOR THE GOOd LIFE: NEBRASKANS ANd THE GREAT wAR The Durham Museum The Durham Museum | 801 S 10th St | Omaha Adults: $11.00 Seniors (62+): $8.00 Children (ages 3 – 12): $7.00 Children 2 yrs/under 402-444-5071 | http://durhammuseum.org/ 77

mquarterly • SuMMer 2018

continued

The information in this section appears as supplied to us by the organizations presented. ALH Publications, Inc. accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or integrity of any of the information provided. Please double-check for updated details with event organizers.

community CALENDAR

Learn more details about any of these events by searching our extensive Community Calendar at mQUARTERLY’s website: http://www.SpiritofOmaha.com/Metro-Magazine/Community/Calendar/

save the date

CONNECT with over 100 nonprofits and learn more about their mission and how you can help!

Order your copy of The Giving Guide & Event Book 2018 today at mQUARTERLY’s SpiritofOmaha.com.

golf OUTINGS

WALKS/runs May 24 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

May 7

FIvE FIFTY FIFTY RUN/WALk FOR MENTAL HEALTH Adel B. Korkor MD Foundation

9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

YOUTH EMERGENCY SERvICES' GOLF OUTING Youth Emergency Services

Lewis & Clark Landing | 345 Riverfront Drive | Omaha $20 | 262-758-9226 | http://www.fivefiftyfifty.com

June 2

The Players Club | 12101 Deer Creek Drive | Omaha $1,000 | 402-345-5187 | www.yesomaha.org

8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

May 11

THE INFLATABLE RUN The Just Care More Foundation

11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

HIT THE LINkS & dRIvE AGAINST dISABILITIES United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska

Werner Park | 12356 Ballpark Way | Omaha 402-738-5108 | www.theinflatablerun.com/omaha/

Tiburon Golf Club | 10302 South 168 Street | Omaha various fee-levels available | 402-502-3572 | www.ucpnebraska.org

June 10 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM

May 21

BLAzING TRAILS FOR BRAIN INJURY

RONALd MCdONALd HOUSE IN OMAHA GOLF TOURNAMENT Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha

Zorinsky Lake Park Shelter 5 | 3808 South 154th St. | Omaha $35 | http://biane.org/events-programs/blazing-trails-for-brain-injury.html

The Players Club at Deer Creek | 12101 Deer Creek Dr. | Omaha $1200 per team of 4 | 402-346-9377 | www.rmhcomaha.org

June 16

June 5

6:15:00 AM – 12:00 PM

11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

BRIN RUNNING SERIES: CORNFIELd CORNFIELd Born and Raced In Nebraska (BRIN)

PROJECT HARMONY GOLF INvITATIONAL Project Harmony

Werner Park | 12356 Ballpark Way | Omaha 402-738-5108 | www.cornfieldcornfield.com/#info

Indian Creek Golf Course | 3825 N 202nd St | Elkhorn $1,200 per foursome | 531-301-5010 | www.projectharmony.com

June 23

June 11

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

TAkE STEPS FOR CROHN'S & COLITIS WALk The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation

THE HOPE GOLF CLASSIC The Hope Center for Kids

Werner Park | 12356 Ballpark Way | Omaha | 402-738-5108 | http://online.ccfa.org/site/TR/TakeSteps/Chapter-Nebraska?pg=entry&fr_id=7419

Champions Run Golf Course | 13800 Eagle Run Dr | Omaha $700 Foursome/175 Individual | 402-341-4673 x1028 | www.hopecenterforkids.com

July 14

June 11

5:00 PM – 11:00 PM

12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

RELAY FOR LIFE OF GREATER OMAHA American Cancer Society

SWING FOR HEALTH GOLF OUTING CHI Health Foundation

Stinson Park in Aksarben Village | 2285 S 67th Street | Omaha Free | 402-398-0763 | http://www.RelayForLife.org/GreaterOmaha

The Players Club at Deer Creek | 12101 Deer Creek Dr. | Omaha $1,250 for a Foursome | 402-343-4550 | www.CHIhealthfoundation.com

July 28

June 15 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

8:00 AM

BUSINESS ON THE GREEN Greater Omaha Chamber

PURPLESTRIdE OMAHA 2018 Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

Tiburon Golf Club Individual Player: $175 (Member) Foursome: $750 (Member) | 402-346-5000 | www.OmahaChamber.org/Events

Stinson Park | Aksarben Village | Omaha $0-$30.00 | 402-312-1218 | http://purplestride.org/omaha 78

mquarterly • SuMMer 2018

• mquarterly LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GIVING GUIDE 2018!

June 29 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

ALS IN THE HEARTLANd 2018 GOLF CLASSIC ALS in the Heartland TBA Please visit www.alsintheheartland.org for more info & regular updates.

402-592-2374 | www.alsintheheartland.org

July 9 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

BLANd CARES, ANGELS:00 AMONG US GOLF OUTING Bland Cares Foundation/Angels:00 AMong Us Champions Run Golf Club | 13800 Eagle Run Drive | Omaha $200 per player; $800 Team; $900 Team and Hole Sponsor; $1,500 Team/Sponsor | 402-934-0999 | www.myangelsamongus.org

July 30 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

FRESH START GOLF CLASSIC Fresh Start For All Nations Shadow Ridge Country Club | 1501 S 188th Plaza | Omaha Individual and Group Rates and Sponsorship: www.freshstartclassic.org

July 30 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM

SWING 4 kIdS GOLF @ TIBURON GOLF CLUB Partnership 4 Kids Tiburon Golf Club | 10302 South 168th Street | Omaha $150 individual ~ $600 Foursome includes 18 holes w/cart, lunch & dinner | 402-930-3009 | http://p4k.org/

August 27 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

20TH ANNUAL GOOdWILL GOLF CLASSIC Goodwill Industries, Inc. The Players Club at Deer Creek 12101 Deer Creek Drive | Omaha Various sponsorship opportunities 402-231-1903 | http://GoodwillOmaha.org/Golf

RESERVE YOUR SPACE EARLY & SAVE! The Giving Guide & The Event Book 2019 Email “TGGEB19 EARLY BIRD!” to CONNECT@SpiritofOmaha.com

79

mquarterly • SuMMer 2018

continued

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