Around and About

Habitat for Humanity of Omaha raised more than $86,000 at its Raise the Roof Gala on Oct. 29.

The celebration at Creighton University's Harper Center marked Habitat for Humanity of Omaha's 25 years in the community. The gala drew 250 people.

“We are so pleased — in many ways this is a first event — and even when we did a 20-year anniversary gala five years ago, we did not come close to this success,” said Peg Heck, who was general chairwoman of the event with her husband, John.

The evening started with a social hour and silent auction. Twenty young women from the Agency 89 modeling agency, dressed in jeans, heels, hard hats and tank tops, circulated in the room with numbered toolboxes in a “Deal or No Deal” style raffle. Toolboxes cost $100 each.

The winning toolbox contained a beautiful diamond pendant donated by Mark Edward Jewelry.

Toolboxes sold out in an hour.

Pat and Jim Manion, honorary chairmen, were recognized for their dedication to Habitat for Humanity of Omaha.

Jorge Diaz, a Habitat home-owner and father of seven, related his experience with the program. He spoke of the “sweat equity component,” the pride of homeownership and Habitat's role in bringing stability to neighborhoods in Omaha.

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Liz Funk, author of “Supergirls Speak Out: Inside the Secret Crisis of Overachieving Girls,” will be the keynote speaker of Paint the Town Orange 2009, a benefit for YWCA Omaha, on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Funk will talk about the pressure on young women to be perfect. In her book, she says supergirls not only compete against everyone else but also themselves — a destructive habit that can lead to depression. Funk will provide insight about what can be done to help young women lead healthier, happier lives.

“The YWCA's goal is to create opportunities for women's growth, leadership and power,” said Natalia Peart, chief executive officer for YWCA Omaha. “We think this event is an opportunity to do just that and will empower Omaha women to live happier, healthier lives.”

Proceeds from Paint the Town Orange, which will be held at the Scott Conference Center, 6450 Pine St., will support the many YWCA programs that provide direct services to nearly 17,000 women in Omaha each year.

This event is open to men, women and girls (age 10 and older). Ticket prices range from $40 for girls younger than 18 to $60 for those 19 and older. Tickets for underprivileged girls in Omaha can be purchased for $40 and donated.

For additional information on Paint the Town Orange, visit www.ywcaomaha.org.

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The Omaha Symphony Guild held its autumn coffee at the home of Liz Crossman. Kim Banat, president, welcomed the more than 40 guests.

After brunch, Mike Pietro, the Omaha Symphony's director of development and liaison to the guild, talked about the coming year and thanked everyone for their involvement with the symphony and the guild.

Coming events were announced. The Debutante Ball will be Dec. 27 at the Holiday Inn convention center. Chairwoman of the event is Ann Tjaden.

Planning has started for the 2010 Table Art event. A patron party will be the evening of March 18 at Borsheims, followed by a luncheon March 19 at the Marriott Hotel in Regency.

Chairwomen for the Table Art event are Karen Burkley and Mary Dobleman.

For more information about coming events and the Omaha Symphony Guild, call Kim Banat at 493-2004 or visit www.omahasymphonyguild.org.

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Plans are under way for the 2010 Heartland Family Service gala, “Carnival of Love.”

This year's Underwriting Tea was Oct. 29 at the home of Carrie May. Guests were able to view and underwrite some of the exciting items that will be part of the gala's silent auction.

“Carnival of Love” will be Feb. 20 at Embassy Suites La Vista. The event will be an evening filled with games, silent and oral auctions, a raffle and dinner. Gala co-chairwomen are Chris La Fever and Mary Kay Young. Honorary chairmen are Doug and Michele Grewcock. Family Service Friends Guild president is Sally Stalnaker.

For more information about Heartland Family Service Friends and the 2010 gala, contact Caryn Ficco at 552-7424 or go to www.heartlandfamilyservice.org.

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