Around and About

Dressed in their favorite sports team regalia, more than 250 people attended the 11th annual Adoption Links Worldwide Fandango fundraiser Jan. 15 at Champions Run.

The event started with a cocktail reception that included a silent auction and a chance for guests to take part in sports-themed games.

“We continue to be grateful for the support of the Omaha community in helping make this year's event a great success,” said Kristie Stienike, Fandango chairwoman. “Along with the ALW staff, volunteers and a great break from the winter weather, this evening allows Adoption Links Worldwide to continue its great cause in creating Forever Families.”

The evening continued with a dinner, an ALW program featuring an Adoption Links family and an oral auction. KETV's Brandi Petersen was the evening's emcee.

Cheryl Murray, ALW executive director, introduced the Redinbaugh family, who provided a moving talk highlighting its Adoption Links family and experiences this past year.

Former Nebraska football player Tommie Frazier also joined the festivities. He made an impromptu speech honoring the work the organization does, emphasizing the importance of finding families for youths in foster care.

Stienike was assisted by ALW special events coordinator Sue Lapp. Honorary chairmen were Carmen and John Gottschalk.

Adoption Links Worldwide is dedicated to building families through adoption. For more information about Adoption Links Worldwide, visit www.alww.org.

OMAHA SYMPHONY DEBUTANTE BALL

New members of the Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball committee made their debut Tuesday at a luncheon at the Happy Hollow Club.

Ann Marie Abboud, 2010 ball chairwoman, announced that Karen German will serve as associate chairwoman.

New members of the committee are Sandra Davidson, Tracy Jerkovich, Connie Kinnear, Kim Lubeck, Cathy McNamara and Joy Watanabe.

Ann Tjaden, 2009 ball chairwoman, will serve as adviser. Outgoing committee members are Mary Kerr, Cindy Hansen, Karen Burkley, Joani Mullin and Shelley Siemers.

Abboud reported that the 2009 Debutante Ball raised about $100,000 for the Omaha Symphony.

The 45th annual Debutante Ball, sponsored by the Omaha Symphony Guild, will be Dec. 27. Names of the 2010 debutantes and stags will be announced this spring.

Committee assignments for 2010 are Phyllis Lee, arrangements; Joy Watanabe, community files and yearbooks and social; Amy Knuth, debutantes; Sandra Davidson, debutantes associate; Toni Schropp, decorations; Karen German, long-range planning; Susan McGillick, presentation; Jane Pohlman, printing/invitations/program and underwriting; Tracy Jerkovich, publicity and photography; Barb Greene, reservations, data entry and treasurer associate; Kim Lubeck, treasurer and reservations associate; Stacey Falk, stag chairwoman; Cathy McNamara, stag associate and arrangement associate; and Connie Kinnear, scrapbook.

Following introductions at Abboud's house, past committee members and chairwomen greeted the new committee members at Happy Hollow Club.

CHILD SAVING INSTITUTE GUILD

Melanie Hecker, the Child Saving Institute Guild's board president, announced the 2010 board members at a recent meeting.

They are Jennifer Alloway, Stacey Atlas, Kathy Beck, Tina Cherica, Debbie Ferrara, Rachel Heese, Kristi Heine, Tammy Henningsen, Piper Johnson, Connie Kinnear, Kelly Kopinski, Beth Miller, Jeannie O'Donnell-Heckman, Heather Schneider and Becki Wiechman.

Coming guild events include the Golf Fore Kids tournament on June 28, and the Power of the Purse scholarship luncheon on Aug. 25.

DUCHESNE ACADEMY CONGE

Duchesne Academy will celebrate its 33nd Congé fundraiser for the school on Jan. 30 at the Embassy Suites La Vista. Chairmen for the event are Duchesne parents Donna and David Erker, Karen and Cal German and Ann and Steve Hergenrader.

The theme, “Fairmont Fair,” was selected by the chairmen to honor the red and gray Fairmont plaid uniforms that have been a tradition at Duchesne since the 1970s. This event will have a casual, state-fair atmosphere with plenty of Fairmont plaid décor.

Patron events were held at the homes of Barb and Bill Fitzgerald, Rosalie and Don Stormberg and Amy and John Chisholm last summer and fall.

Duchesne's Preschool held its own Congé fundraising event Dec. 16. The theme was “Italian Christmas,” and the chairwomen were Maria Svoboda and Mary Dixon.

More than 130 preschool family members attended the event at the school.

Congé has raised almost $5.5 million during the past 33 years for the school. For more information or for reservations, call Meghan Rowen at 558-3800.

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