Events

Tera Thomas serves as the YMCA of Greater Omaha's Vice President of Advancement and has had a career within the YMCA in multiple states for over 20 years. Since 2003, she has helped to strengthen communities in Omaha, Iowa, Colorado and Kansas. She has held a variety of operational and association support roles and is very passionate about ensuring everyone has access to YMCA programs and services regardless of their background or income.

Stephanie Sullivan is the Food Bank’s Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications. She is responsible for the development, promotion, and coordination of content related to Food Bank for the Heartland’s mission. Stephanie has been immersed in the marketing and communication industry for more than fifteen years working in news, production, direct marketing, public relations, and advertising. She feels blessed to be part of the Food Bank team and help support Heartland neighbors in need.

Join us for a Golf wrap up meeting before the club meeting on Nov. 18th.

Please sign up with Bob Cannella to volunteer at Food Bank for the Heartland on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 5pm to 7pm.

Email Bob by November 15 at rcannella@fitzlaw.com if you are able to help.

Details and instructions are below. 

Food Bank for the Heartland Volunteer Center
10525 J Street Omaha, NE 68127

Description:

A few things you should know:

• On the day of your volunteer shift, please park at the south side of our building. The volunteer entrance is at the southwest corner under the Food Bank for the Heartland awning and I, or another Food Bank employee, will be there to greet you!
• We encourage our volunteers to dress comfortably. Our Volunteer Center is climate controlled, so we recommend dressing in layers.

• Please make sure to wear a shirt with sleeves (no tank tops or cut offs). Many company volunteer groups wear company t-shirts to show their workplace pride!
• All volunteers must wear close toed shoes (no sandals or flip flops). We recommend wearing comfortable tennis shoes, as most of your session will involve standing.

• All volunteer tasks are assigned based on product availability and designed to “Feed the Greatest Need” of the Food Bank that day.
• Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. We do welcome younger children ages 10-15, but they must be supervised by an adult.

• If you would like to bring a child between the ages of 10 and 15 in to volunteer, there must be one adult to every five children present.

Please sign up with Bob Cannella to volunteer at Food Bank for the Heartland on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 5pm to 7pm.

Email Bob by December 13 at rcannella@fitzlaw.com if you are able to help.

Details and instructions are below. 

Food Bank for the Heartland Volunteer Center
10525 J Street Omaha, NE 68127

Description:

A few things you should know:

• On the day of your volunteer shift, please park at the south side of our building. The volunteer entrance is at the southwest corner under the Food Bank for the Heartland awning and I, or another Food Bank employee, will be there to greet you!
• We encourage our volunteers to dress comfortably. Our Volunteer Center is climate controlled, so we recommend dressing in layers.

• Please make sure to wear a shirt with sleeves (no tank tops or cut offs). Many company volunteer groups wear company t-shirts to show their workplace pride!
• All volunteers must wear close toed shoes (no sandals or flip flops). We recommend wearing comfortable tennis shoes, as most of your session will involve standing.

• All volunteer tasks are assigned based on product availability and designed to “Feed the Greatest Need” of the Food Bank that day.
• Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. We do welcome younger children ages 10-15, but they must be supervised by an adult.

• If you would like to bring a child between the ages of 10 and 15 in to volunteer, there must be one adult to every five children present.

Jeff Barnes is a fifth-generation Nebraskan and long-time student and writer of Great Plains history. A former newspaper reporter and editor, he is the author of eight books of Great Plains subjects, including two winners of the Nebraska Book Award. His newest book is Forts of the Northern Plains, published last year by the University of Nebraska Press and which he has available today. His topic today in on the forts of our immediate area.

Jeff is among the most frequently requested speakers of Humanities Nebraska, and is the first of its speakers to present in all 93 Nebraska counties. Since beginning as a public speaker in 2008, Jeff has made more than 900 appearances for groups in ten states.

Jeff is a past trustee of the Nebraska State Historical Society, a present trustee of the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation, past chair of the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission, and former marketing director of the Durham Museum.

Please sign up with Bob Cannella to volunteer at Food Bank for the Heartland on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 5pm to 7pm.

Email Bob by January 17 at rcannella@fitzlaw.com if you are able to help.

Details and instructions are below. 

Food Bank for the Heartland Volunteer Center
10525 J Street Omaha, NE 68127

Description:

A few things you should know:

• On the day of your volunteer shift, please park at the south side of our building. The volunteer entrance is at the southwest corner under the Food Bank for the Heartland awning and I, or another Food Bank employee, will be there to greet you!
• We encourage our volunteers to dress comfortably. Our Volunteer Center is climate controlled, so we recommend dressing in layers.

• Please make sure to wear a shirt with sleeves (no tank tops or cut offs). Many company volunteer groups wear company t-shirts to show their workplace pride!
• All volunteers must wear close toed shoes (no sandals or flip flops). We recommend wearing comfortable tennis shoes, as most of your session will involve standing.

• All volunteer tasks are assigned based on product availability and designed to “Feed the Greatest Need” of the Food Bank that day.
• Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. We do welcome younger children ages 10-15, but they must be supervised by an adult.

• If you would like to bring a child between the ages of 10 and 15 in to volunteer, there must be one adult to every five children present.

Randy’s career has involved broadcasting, telecommunications, higher education, church leadership and public corporation leadership. He finished his formal education in 1982 with a Ph.D. in higher education leadership but has never stopped learning. Most recently, Randy worked with Leadership Lincoln, serves on the Lincoln Foundry Intern Advisory Panel for Nebraska, is a past president of Rotary 14, was the original licensee of TEDxLincoln, and founding partner of the Nebraska Storytelling Festival.

Of personal note Randy’s been married to Jan for 57 years, they raised 3 sons, celebrated the birth of 15 grandchildren and now are enjoying 11 GREAT grandchildren. He continues to teach at Nebraska Wesleyan, serves on the University of Nebraska President’s Advisory Council and is a member of the board of Junior Achievement of Lincoln. For an old guy, Randy is considered technologically advanced and connected. He’s active on Threads, Instagram, Bluesky, Facebook, Linkedin, Be Real, and a variety of other services. Some fun things about Randy are that he’s been in all 50 states, participated in a week-long rafting trip through the Grand Canyon and he regularly connects online with friends from the TEDx world.

Aaron is a financial adviser who joined Heritage Financial Services, a financial planning firm dedicated to providing investment management and strategic wealth management for individuals, families, and small businesses, in 2006. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Human Resource Management from the University of Nebraska Omaha. He has earned his Chartered Financial Consultant and Retirement Income Certified Professional designations.

Aaron has been serving as a board member for the past 9 years and currently leads the Development committee where he is responsible for evaluating and promoting fundraising, event planning and awareness initiatives. He is married to Kristyn and together they have 7 kids ranging from almost 21 to almost 10.  My hobbies include escaping twice a year with my wife leaving the kids for a few days, taking family vacations and drinking the Husker Football Kool aid each year.

• DeMoine Adams:
  • DeMoine is currently serving as the CEO for TeamMates Mentoring which was started by co-founders Tom and Nancy Osborne in 1991. DeMoine Adams is originally from Pine Bluff, Arkansas and is a former University of Nebraska-Lincoln football player. DeMoine played an instrumental role in helping the Huskers win a Big 12 Conference Championship in 1999 and helped lead the Huskers to the National Championship Rose Bowl in January 2002. He also spent time in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers, Tennessee Titans, and San Francisco 49ers. As a first-generation student, DeMoine received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University ofNebraska in Political Science with minors in English, History, Communications, EthnicStudies and African Studies. He went on to receive his Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and is currently pursuing his Doctorate degree at the University of Nebraska. DeMoine’s motto in life is: “Once you see where you’re going, then everything you do must correspond with where you’re going.”
• Tori Pedersen:
  • Tori Pedersen serves as the Training and Engagement Coordinator with TeamMates Mentoring Program. In her role, she recruits and trains new mentors to develop their mentoring skills and establish strong relationships with their mentees. As a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, Tori works closely with staff, mentors, and mentees to learn how to leverage their strengths for success. Tori has a Bachelor of Science in Leadership Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is currently beginning her Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. She is passionate about helping others deepen their self-awareness to unlock their potential. 

District Grant Project with Suburban, Downtown and West Rotary Clubs.

We will package approximately 44,00 Fiesta Rice meals.

Click here to go to the West Rotary website and Sign Up!

Gail Dwyer, a Minnesota native, is a seasoned marketing professional and non-profit leader living in Arlington, Nebraska. She currently serves as the Director of Marketing & Events at the Dreamweaver Foundation, where she leverages her extensive experience to advance the organization's mission.

Prior to her non-profit roles, Gail was the VP of Marketing for a successful photography company with multiple locations that she co-owned with her husband.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Gail is an avid equestrian, animal lover, and dedicated volunteer.

Amy Hornocker is the Executive Director of College World Series of Omaha, Inc. (CWS, Inc.), serving as the key liaison between the NCAA and the City of Omaha to ensure the continued growth and execution of the NCAA Men’s College World Series. She leads a dedicated team of five staff members who work year-round to bring the event to life. Beyond the MCWS, her office oversees various community outreach initiatives and a dynamic internship program.

Prior to joining CWS, Inc., Hornocker spent nearly a decade with the Omaha Sports Commission (OSC) as Events Director, where she managed over 30 sporting events, including three U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials.

A Des Moines, Iowa native, Hornocker began her career in sports management working under Coach McCarney in the Iowa State Football office before interning with CWS, Inc. She earned her bachelor’s degree in sports management from Iowa State University.

Hornocker currently resides in La Vista with her dog, Olive

My name is Emily Briones, and I am the Volunteer Recruitment Manager at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands (BBBSM). Our organization is dedicated to igniting the potential in our youth by fostering one-to-one mentoring relationships. Having recently graduated from Pomona College with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Science, I have only been with BSM for over three months; it's been amazing so far! I am excited to continue expanding the range of youth we serve, as mentorship holds an important spot in my heart. Outside of work, I am also an Ambassador for Matriculate, a college access program. 

Brandy Wallar currently serves as President and CEO of New Visions Homeless Services Brandy is a native of Council Bluffs and has served in the non-profit sector for 23 years. The last 21 years she has devoted her time and passion to make an impact on those that are experiencing homelessness and hunger in the greater Omaha Community. 

Brandy received her Bachelor of Science in Child, Adult and Family Services from Iowa State University and has a minor in Child Development and her Master’s Degree from Bellevue University in Professional Studies.

Brandy has been recognized for her leadership by receiving the first ever “Community Impact Award” through the Council Bluffs School Foundation.  Brandy was also recognized as a top “40 Under 40 Leader” in 2019 through the Midlands Business Journal and was the “Community Star Award” from Heartland Family Service.

Brandy is a proud alumnus of Class 42 through Leadership Iowa,  Class 28 through the Leadership of Council Bluffs Program and Nonprofit Executive Institute Class 15.  Brandy has been appointed to Iowa’s Governor Council on Homelessness, is the Board Chair of the Iowa Community Housing Alliance, is the Vice-Chair of our local FEMA Board, and holds board positions on Threshold Community Care for the Homelessness, Iowa Homeless Coalition and Council Bluffs Leadership Alumni Association.  Brandy also serves as an Ambassador through the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce and is program chair for her local Rotary Chapter. 

With a background in pediatric nursing Amy has seen firsthand what a child and their family goes through when diagnosed with a life threatening condition. This became a reality for her family when her niece, Gabby, was diagnosed with cancer at age 5. Gabby's determination and kind, giving spirit spilled over into her wish to bring a Bag of Fun to every child fighting a battle. It is Amy's wish to bring Bags of Fun to the Omaha area and continue spreading the joy and love that Gabby would have wanted. It is in Gabby's spirit that they bring happiness wrapped up in a backpack to those children going through a really tough time in a world where just being a kid and playing is their job! It is with great honor that the Krause family is able to bring this foundation to the Omaha area and they are extremely grateful for the opportunity to provide joy to children living with a life threatening illness.

To All Millard and NW Rotarians,

Our annual golf outing fund raiser is set for October 1^st.  Please be sure to put this on your calendars now.

I want to organize our golf committee with a short meeting following our regular meeting this coming Monday the 31^st.  The purpose of this meeting will be to identify who will be active with the golf committee and lay out the timeline of what needs to be done and when.

I have included our Northwest Rotary member as well.

This is our biggest fund raiser of the year which provides funding for our scholarships so please attend so we can get this off to a great start.

Many thanks,
Chuck Sederstrom, Golf Committee Chair
Chuck Sederstrom
1005 S. 76^th Street, Ste. 102
Omaha, NE 68114
Cell: 402-510-5854
www.finance1.us/chuck

Kimberly C. Barnes is an exceptional leader, advocate, and changemaker dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in child welfare systems. As the Executive Director of CASA for Douglas County, she has spent over 25 years championing the rights and well-being of children and families. Her influence extends nationally, as she serves on the National CASA/GAL Urban Leadership Council, where she helps shape policies and standards that support urban CASA programs across the country.
Kimberly’s leadership is deeply rooted in community engagement, mentorship, and systemic change. A highly respected nonprofit professional, she graduated from the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands—Nonprofit Executive Institute, Inclusive Communities LeadDIVERSITY program, and Leadership Omaha (Class 45), where she also contributed to the curriculum committee. She actively mentors emerging leaders through the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands Rising Leaders Institute, ensuring that future nonprofit professionals are equipped to drive impactful change.
A first-generation college graduate, Kimberly earned her Bachelor of Science in Human and Social Service Administration with honors from Bellevue University. She is an Omaha native and proud Omaha North High School alumna. She also serves on the Omaha North High School Foundation, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to her community.