Lighted balloons and an indoor garden set the stage for UpPour 2013
This year’s UpPour attendees came to support our mission of improving the lives of Nebraska’s children, and to honor this year’s award recipients. But they got more than they bargained for. The 175+ guests stepped into an enchanted garden when they entered the ballroom of the Paxton in downtown Omaha. Through an indoor garden of mums and native grasses (provided graciously by Mulhall’s), guests were greeted by a lighted balloon curtain, designed to mirror UpPour’s signature look of colored drops moving upward instead of down.
Nebraska Children and Families Foundation’s Joanne Harse prepares to greet guests under the custom-created balloon curtain.
Attendees enjoyed visiting with old friends and getting to know new children’s champions as they mingled on the Paxton’s lovely mezzanine.
NCFF’s Amy Bornemeier discusses early childhood education with NET’s Gary Targoff.
The menu of heavy hors d’oeuvres included freshly carved prime rib mini-sandwiches, seared tuna crostinis, elegant chicken salad on edible spoons, crab cakes with wasabi aioli, assorted cheese and fruit, plus a gourmet dessert selection.
Nebraska Children and Families Foundation President, Mary Jo Pankoke, emceed the event, sharing a short video about the foundation’s approach, followed by a montage of some of this year’s most successful programs.
After the introduction, Wally Weitz accepted the 2013 Grace Abbott Award on behalf of the founding board members of Building Bright Futures. The organization was honored for their bold initiatives to improve the lives of Omaha-area children.
During his acceptance speech, Wally turned the mike over to Dick Holland, who offered special recognition of Mike Yanney. In honor of Mr. Yanney’s service as a board member of BBF, the current board members provided a $260,000 donation to Nebraska Children and Families Foundation.
Fellow founding BBF board members Dick Holland and Barbara Weitz having a laugh before the start of the program
Guests left that evening with a gourmet cookie for the ride home, courtesy of board member Jodie Mackintosh.
This event could not have happened without our generous sponsors:
- The Parker Family Foundation
- HAP Abraham Catering
- Cline Williams
- ConAgra Foods
- Mike G. Fahey
- Jodie and Bill Mackintosh
- Metropolitan Community College
- Mulhall’s
- Omaha Public Power District
- Peetz & Company
- Pinnacle Bank
- RDG Planning & Design
- Amy L. Scott Family Foundation
- Security National Bank
- The Todd and Betiana Simon Foundation
- Union Bank & Trust Company
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
- US Bank
Nebraska Children's mission is to maximize the potential of Nebraska’s children, youth, and families through collaboration and community-centered impact.
Growing the Good Life 
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