Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Omaha brought the “Luck o' the Irish” to Qwest Center Omaha on March 12, and raised more than $425,000 at Irish Fest 2011.
This year celebrated both the 85th anniversary of Catholic Charities in the Omaha area and the 20th anniversary of Irish Fest, which became an annual benefit gala. Co-chairmen for the event were Michon Marcil Abts and Tim Abts, Michaela and Dr. Richard Belatti, and Mary Pat and Scott Paul.
More than 700 guests, including Archbishop George J. Lucas, enjoyed silent and live auctions, a raffle, performances by Omaha Pipes and Drums, the Craoi na Tire Irish Dancers and live music from Finest Hour featuring the BroadBand Horns.
The evening's menu featured traditional beef, cheddar and stout soup, grilled petite tenders paired with crab stuffed shrimp, celery root mashers, and grilled carrots and zucchini. For dessert, guests enjoyed chocolate cake and New York style cheesecake, both adorned with mint cream and caramel drizzle.
The “Living the Legacy” theme brought a number of special highlights to the evening's program. Sean Mulhall served as master of ceremonies and extended a tradition begun by his father, John Mulhall, who entertained at the first Irish Fest. Thirty former Irish Fest chairmen also were recognized for their contributions in making the event one of the most successful nonprofit benefit events held in the area.
“We are extremely grateful to this year's co-chairs, employees, volunteers, sponsors, donors and attendees for Irish Fest 2011, as well as to everyone who has helped to grow Irish Fest into what it is today,” said John Griffith, executive director. “It is only through the generous support of so many that Catholic Charities can sustain its mission and services. We are blessed to be able to raise the resources necessary to continue impacting the lives of thousands of individuals and families in the Archdiocese of Omaha.”
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The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Nebraska's Blue Jean Ball drew more than 380 people and raised more than $211,000 to support granting wishes for Nebraska children with life-threatening medical conditions. This year's 13th annual event, “Wild About Wishes,” was held March 12 at the Mutual of Omaha Dome.
Lisa Ketcham and Pam Weekly were event chairwomen, Dan and Shirley Neary served as honorary chairmen, and Tracy Madden served as emcee.
The event featured silent and live auctions, a raffle for a diamond necklace, photos with exotic animals, and an elegant but casual dinner. One of the highlights of the evening was when Madden surprised 3-year-old Jamiee, who suffers from Shone's Complex syndrome, by granting her wish to go to Disney World. Another highlight was a performance by Joe, a 16-year-old wish recipient who had wished for a violin.
Title sponsor for the event was Panera Bread. Other top sponsors included Mutual of Omaha; Valmont; HDR; ConAgra Foods; Lamp, Rynearson & Associates; Children's Hospital & Medical Center; Baird Holm LLP; Tenaska; Wells Fargo; and the Omaha World-Herald.
For more information, visit www.nebraska.wish.org or call 402-333-8999.
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The Women's Fund has announced its new officers and board members.
They are Anne Branigan, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, president; Debbie Fraser, Methodist Physician's Clinic Women's Center, vice president; Sara Masters, Wells Fargo, secretary; and Deb Hendrickson, Manarin Investment Counsel, treasurer.
Six new members have been elected to three-year terms with the Women's Fund of Greater Omaha's Board of Directors. They are Renee Black, Plan itomaha; Liz Campbell, community volunteer; Lorraine Chang, strategic leadership consultant; Cynthia Gooch, Metropolitan Community College; Patty Keairnes, Medico Insurance Co.; and Sara Woods, University of Nebraska at Omaha.
The Women's Fund of Omaha examines women's issues and tries to provide informed support for initiatives that improve the lives of women and girls.
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The Camp Fire USA Midlands Council Guild will host Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger at its annual author luncheon March 30 at the Coco Key convention center.
Ruettiger, a motivational speaker and former Notre Dame football player, is best known as the inspiration for the motion picture “Rudy.”
Danielle Bunz and Victoria Halgren are event chairwomen. Honorary chairmen for the event are Ann and Ken Stinson.
An 11:30 a.m. registration will be followed by a noon luncheon and speaker. Patron tickets are $75, which includes the luncheon and a signed book. The cost is $50 for the luncheon only and $25 for those 25 years and younger.
For more information and reservations, contact Cindy Leiferman at 402-651-1071.
The luncheon is presented by the Moglia Family Foundation.
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