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Omaha Performing Arts hosted a private celebration June 30 at the Holland Performing Arts Center for Dick Holland in honor of his 90th birthday.

More than 150 of Holland's family members and friends gathered for a cocktail party and dinner. Included among the guests were his three daughters, Mary Ann “Andy” Holland, Nancy Christie of Houston and Barbara Kral of Denver, and five grandchildren.

The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a special portrait of Holland and his wife, which will hang in the Holland Center. The portrait, entitled “Opening Night 2005,” depicts a moment during the center's opening night ceremonies, when Mary Holland rested her head on her husband's shoulder. She passed away the next year.

The portrait, painted by Debra Joy Groesser, was commissioned by Carmen and John Gottschalk, chairman of Omaha Performing Arts.

In the dedication of this gift, John Gottschalk said: “This special portrait will hang in the Holland Center forever and will allow future generations to know these two key founders, who have given so much to the community and who appreciate the transcending moments experienced during a performance.”

Joan Squires, president of Omaha Performing Arts, welcomed guests to the celebration. The evening, emceed by Mary Maxwell, included a series of toasts by Holland's family and friends. Birthday greetings included a congratulatory letter from President Barack Obama and a presentation of the key to the city from Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle.

The meal featured some of Holland's favorite dishes, including macaroni and cheese from Mark's restaurant in Dundee, entrees from Omaha Steaks, carrot cake from the Cake Box, and black walnut ice cream from Goodrich.

The celebration concluded with a performance by soprano Sylvia McNair and pianist Adam Burnette.

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The 18th annual Heartland Family Service Safe Haven Golf Event, held June 27 at the Indian Creek Golf Course, raised an estimated $51,000 for victims of domestic abuse.

The Heartland Family Service Friends Guild was host of the event, which was sponsored by Arby's-Panda Inc., Kiewit Building Group Inc., Superior Honda and Acura of Omaha.

The 18-hole event began with 29 teams that scattered across the course for the 10 a.m. shotgun start. A bagged lunch was provided at the turn. The afternoon ended with hors d'oeuvres and an awards ceremony.

The first place men's team members were Corey Watton, Roger Watton, Mark Watton and Scott Reins; first place women's team members were Jane Ellsworth, Robyn Amis, Bobbie Dyer and Diane Nelson. The first place mixed winners were Monty Habrock, Kara Habrock, Jim Connell and Tom Cockle.

The Habrocks served as event chairpersons for the 18-hole event. Mary Zlomke is president of the Heartland Family Service Friends Guild, which provides volunteers and fundraising for Heartland Family Service programs.

The annual golf event raises funds for the Heartland Family Service Safe Haven shelter for victims of domestic abuse. In addition to the concealed shelter, services include a 24-hour crisis line, emergency intervention, assistance with medical attention and protection orders, counseling and support groups for women and children.

For more information, go to www.heartlandfamilyservice.org, or call 402-553-3000.

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The Stephen Center annual golf outing on June 27 at Shadow Ridge Country Club drew 104 golfers and raised $37,000. Tournament Director Cindy Oelke said: “We are so happy that the weather cooperated. We couldn't have asked for a better day.” Lunch was served before the shotgun start at noon. After the fundraiser there was an awards banquet for the day's winners.

First flight winners were the team of Mike Dugan, John Jackson, Greg Stanek and Dan Welch.

“We had a great time,” said golfer Jerry O'Brien. “Stephen Center is an excellent organization and it is so nice to see so many people come out to support this event.”

Co-chairpersons for the event were Tom Friehe and Deb Vosika.

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