Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands Celebrates 50 Year Anniversary!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands recently held their 50th Anniversary Celebration on June 27, 2009 at the Hilton – Omaha. Yesterday and Today was the theme for the evening, that featured dinner, silent auction, and entertainment starring Billy McGuigan. The 50th Anniversary Celebration honored individuals from the organization’s past and present and celebrated BBBSM’s contribution to changing the way children grow up in our community.
Starting at 6:00 p.m., over 300 guests were able to enjoy Beatles themed specialty drinks and bid on over 200 fun and unique items in a silent auction. Attendees then moved into the ballroom and were treated to an amazing dinner, catered by the Hilton, that featured flatiron steak and crab cakes. KGOR 99.9 FM Morning Radio Host Dave Wingert was the official Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
Awards were presented to honor a special corporate partner and several volunteers that have gone above and beyond in their support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands. Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle presented the Corporate Partner of the Year award to Omaha Steaks. (to read more about Omaha Steaks, click HERE).
Mayor Suttle also presented the Big Couple of the Year award to Matt and Jesse Wymore (to read more about the Wymors, click HERE).
The first Executive Director of the original Big Sisters organization Judy Weill, presented the Big Sister of the Year award to Makayla Schenkelberg (to read more about Makayla, click HERE).
Jim Rosenquist, one of the original founders of the Big Brothers program, presented the Big Brother of the Year award to Don Bend (to read more about Don, click HERE).
After the awards presentation, Ralston Mayor Don Groesser was the official auctioneer for a raise the paddle auction. Guests graciously donated in a variety of amounts to help raise an astounding $9,750. A diamond pendent necklace, donated by Borsheim’s, was then raffled off to one lucky guest.
As the awards program came to a close, MC Dave Wingert introduced Billy McGuigan and his band who performed their Yesterday and Today show, a interactive Beatles experience. The band had audience members twisting and shouting around their tables, singing and dancing to The Beatles songs they know and love.
Thanks to the guests and corporate sponsors, the 50th Anniversary Celebration raised over $70,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands. Click HERE to view all the 50th Anniversary Sponsors.
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BBBSM Board members at the 50th Anniversary Celebration. Pictured are (from left) Barry Gideon, Susan Henricks, Bob Pelshaw, Jim Bohan, Doug Murray, Erin Murnan, Jon Baker, Kristin Peck, Lori Kastrick, Jan Madsen, and Jacqueline White.
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Pictured above are three of the original founders of the Big Brothers program and two former Board members. Pictured are (from left) Bob Hasebroock (founder), Bob Batchelder (board member), Jim Rosenquist (founder), Phil Patterson (founder), and Red Thomas (board member).
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Pictured above is (from left) Penny Parker - one of the first Big Sisters, Judy Weill - the first Executive Director of the Big Sisters program, and Penny Bainbridge – the first case worker for the Big Sisters program.
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| Big Brother Mike Broyles and his Little Brother Trevor volunteer their time to help at the 50th Anniversary Celebration. |
| Big Sister Frances Hunter and Little Sister Millie greet guests at the 50th Anniversary Celebration. |
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