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The Heartland Family Service 2005 fundraiser, “Here’s Lookin’ at You, Kid,” was held February 19 at the Livestock Exchange Building. "More than 420 people attended and raised approximately $140,000 for the clients of Heartland Family Service." said Tamara Giitter and Jennifer Daher, Gala chairmen. Live and silent auctions kept the audience entranced, all to benefit the children and families served by the agency.
The live auction included a one-week condo stay in Puerto Vallarta; airfare and a $1,500 gift certificate the American Club in the Village of Kohler, Wisconsin; and a full-size Ms. Pac Man arcade video game. Special guests included Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson and his wife Diane, who is a member of the Heartland Family Service board of directors. They contributed to the live auction a “Patriot Package” including a Congressional Club Cookbook signed by the Nelsons and also by Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel and his wife. Also included in the package was a true piece of history – a flag that was flown on January 5 over the United States Capitol. In addition, Steve and Cindy Ritzman offered a gourmet dinner for ten on the 40th floor of the First National Bank Tower, and many guests contributed to the monthly grocery bills at the Heartland Family Service Safe Haven domestic abuse shelter and children’s emergency shelter.
Mike and Kathy Gross served as honorary chairmen of this year’s Gala. About 250 live and silent auction items were provided by the Gala committee, the Heartland Family Service Friends guild board and the agency’s board of directors. The Heartland Family Service Student League and Junior Friends members assisted with the auction and raffle. To honor the event, the students dressed in authentic red Shriner’s fezzes and red cummerbunds. Complimentary cartoon portraits by Wayne Sealey were provided to the guests by Michael & Tami Giitter and Peter & Jennifer Daher.
This year’s theme provided a wealth of decorating ideas inspired by the hit movie, Casablanca. Table art was created by Kyle Robino of Old Market Habitat, featuring huge palm fronds, tropical flowers and latticework lamps. Three life-size photographic cut-outs of Humphrey Bogart nodded at guests from corners of the room. Dinner included a Veronique salad, beef tenderloin with Sauce Perigourdine, Tuxedo-style Salmon with a champagne terragon sauce, herb-roasted baby red potatoes and a vegetable medley. Dessert was Raspberry Tango Tore with shaved white chocolate.
The Gala rounds out the 2004/2005 formal activities of the Heartland Family Service Friends Guild, which included the Safe Haven Golf Event, the Student League, Salute to Families and the Junior Friends. “This is a hardworking group of volunteers,” said Pete Tulipana, president and CEO of Heartland Family Service. “We are indeed fortunate for their commitment to helping the children and families we serve.”
Kathy Gross, honorary chairman; Jennifer Daher, chairman; Mike Gross, honorary chairman; and Tamara Gitter, chairman; Jeanie Owen, president of Heartland Family Service Friends.
Guests enjoy conversation, cocktails and hous d'oeuvres as they bid on auction items.
Volunteers from the Heartland Family Service Student League and Junior Friends in costume.
Former and current Heartland Family Service Friends Presidents,
left to right: Jayne Timmerman, Jeanie Owen (current), Amy Deardorff, Phyllis Choat, Joan Votava and Kathy Martin.
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