The 2016 “Carnival of Love” Gala, which invited guests to take a stroll down the boardwalk, was named Best Theme.
As a category winner, Heartland Family Service was then eligible for The $10,000 BIG Connection prize, which goes to the top vote-getter out of all 12 category winners. Thanks to all of our supporters, HFS had the most votes and won The $10,000 BIG Connection, which consists of a $5,000 donation and $5,000 in free advertising.
Finalists for all 12 categories were determined by nominations from the public. Category winners were then determined by a vote by the public.
For 2016, the Friends Guild President was Sheri Shonka and the Gala co-chairs were Danna Barnhart, Ann Kutilek, and Natalie Petersen. The honorary chairs were Dr. Rudy and Suzanne Kotula. The 2016 Gala raised a record $264,000, which benefits all 50 of Heartland Family Service’s life-saving programs for children and families.
Other finalists for the Best Theme category were:
- Make-A-Wish-Nebraska, Superheros Blue Jean Ball
- Omaha Children’s Museum, For the Kids Benefit: Get Down, Get Derby
- The Rose Theater Rocking Rosie, Rosie Rocks the Golden Age of Theater
- Women’s Center for Advancement, TGIF
