Kelly Medwick, Nebraska Children’s Chief of Staff accepting a donation from Bryce Bares.
Two great things happened today. First, Lincoln got its first Dunkin’ Donuts store at 27th and Old Cheney, giving our capital city access to some dynamite coffee and treats. To make things even better, the store’s owner, Bryce Bares of Omaha, selected Nebraska Children to be his charitable partner for the grand opening. He donated $1,000 to Nebraska Children, and gave free coffee and mugs to customers who made donations too. By the end of the morning, we had raised nearly $2,000.
We talked to Bryce a little bit about how he made his choice. Here’s what he said:
Q: Why did you choose Nebraska Children to receive donations during the Lincoln Dunkin Donuts grand opening?
A: My wife and I are both working parents, and we struggled to find quality childcare even though we were blessed with the resources to afford good care. The challenges to single parents can be even more overwhelming. NCFF’s work helping to provide vulnerable children with opportunities (crade to career) is unbelievably important.
Bryce and his family.
Q: What do you think is the biggest challenge for children and families in your community?
A: Serious disparity of opportunity exists for children depending on where they live, income and education level of the parents, and quality of the school district. It is very difficult for a child to focus on education when external challenges like hunger, violence, poverty and neglect redirect their attention.
Q: As an entrepreneur, you have a unique perspective. How does ensuring that Nebraska’s children all have the opportunity to reach their full potential benefit the business community – now and in the future?
A: Aside from the obvious answers, like improved education, teaching fundamental skills – time management, basic financial literacy, employer expectations – is invaluable to the business community. The more the children understand employer needs (reliability, integrity, work ethic), the more successful they will be.
Q: What is one change that you’d like to see in your lifetime for the kids of Nebraska?
A: All Children should have access to quality education that reaches beyond the traditional classes (English, Math, etc.) and prepares them for a successful career. We need to work hard to offset the disparities and challenges faced by at-risk or vulnerable youth. By providing resources to organizations like Nebraska Children, at least we are taking a step in the right direction.
Visit Bryce’s other Nebraska Dunkin’ Donuts locations:
- 4709 L Street, Omaha
- 715 S 72nd Street, Omaha
- 9910 S 71st Plaza, Papillion
- 10730 Q Street, Omaha
- 2520 Old Cheney Road, Lincoln
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 
[…] Our donors are the power behind the work we do at Nebraska Children. Without them, positive change for children could not happen. Bryce Bares, president of QSR, the company that owns many of Nebraska’s Dunkin’ Donuts franchises reached out the Nebraska Children this summer to make us part of the grand opening of his Lincoln store. […]