Around and About

A record-breaking 550 people attended Congé, Omaha Duchesne's annual auction and dinner, Jan. 30 at Embassy Suites La Vista. The event raised more than $350,000 for the school.

“Fairmont Fair” was this year's state-fair-inspired theme. It paid homage to Fairmont plaid, the traditional name of the students' red-and-gray uniform skirt fabric, which has been a tradition at Duchesne for more than 30 years.

The theme was expressed with true state fair flair: A vintage tractor and horse trailer graced the entrance to the event, midway games were scattered throughout, cake plates with homemade pies as centerpieces adorned the tables and casual attire was the order of the evening.

Duchesne parents Donna and Dave Erker, Karen and Cal German and Ann and Steve Hergenrader were this year's Congé chairmen. At least 125 students volunteered during the evening. They wore cowboy boots with their school uniforms in keeping with the theme.

Former Duchesne parents Bob Bieker and Margo O'Connor Bieker produced the video “Heritage of the Heart,” which featured the history of the school. The video was followed by a welcome from the student body president, senior Annie McCormick.

“It's our students who benefit from everyone's generosity,” said Sheila Haggas, head of school. “Their presence and assistance at Congé has become a beloved tradition of this wonderful evening each year.”

High bids during the live auction were for a football signed by 24 Heisman Trophy winners; a private dinner for 10 at the home of Anne and Mike McGuire with Archbishop George Lucas; a weekend trip to New York City; a weeklong vacation in Belize; and a chance to name the famous “Circle Drive” at Duchesne.

Congé 2011 will be next Jan. 20. The chairmen of Congé 2011, announced during this year's festivities, are Duchesne parents Carol and John Higgins, Molly and Joe Lang, Pier and Sean Mulhall and the McGuires.

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Plans are budding for the 2010 Lauritzen Gardens Antique & Garden Show. A committee kick-off meeting was Jan. 28 at the garden. Cindy Bay, honorary chairwoman, and Betsy Baker and Cathy Perry, general chairwomen, welcomed committee members. Mary Siena is also an honorary chairwoman.

The show will bring together more than 30 of the nation's most respected antiques dealers, showcasing American, Asian and European items.

Speakers will be interior designers Barry Dixon and Alexa Hampton. The event will begin with an evening preview party Sept. 23, with Dixon on hand for the festivities.

Dixon also will speak at a luncheon followed by a book signing Sept. 24. A limited number of guests will have the opportunity to “Shop the Show” with him.

On Sept. 25, Hampton, one of Architectural Digest's “Top 100 Designers” since 2002, will speak at a brunch and lecture followed by a book signing by her and her mother, Duane Hampton. Duane Hampton's book about her late husband, design icon Mark Hampton, is being published by Rizzoli.

For more information or to purchase gift certificates to any of the events, visit the Lauritzen Gardens Web site at www.omahabotanicalgardens.org.

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The Friends Board of Children's Hospital & Medical Center has announced its officers for 2010. They are Judy Pritza, president; Mary Wilson, president-elect; Christine Nikunen, Kathy Seidel, Anne Raynor and Susan Andrews, first vice presidents and gift shop chairwomen; Cindy Hanley and Kim Shehan, second vice presidents and gala chairwomen; Kathy Beck and Ann Fischer, secretaries; Jan Brown, treasurer; and Sally Kahre and Andrews, advisers.

The Friends Board members provide volunteer services at the hospital. They also play a critical role in community awareness and fundraising efforts, including the annual Children's Hospital & Medical Center Gala. Each member of the Friends Board serves a three-year term. New members for 2010 are Mary Lou Brasee, Jackie Breyfogle, Jill Folsom, Sandra Fossum, Carroll Hacker, Crystal Hoogeveen, Chris LaFever, Deanna Landers, Adrienne Olson, Laura Plofchan and Shelli Wobken-Plagge.

For more information about the group, call the Children's Hospital & Medical Center Foundation at 955-6851.

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Nebraska native Marg Helgenberger, star of the hit television series “CSI,” will return to Omaha as a special guest at the University Hospital Auxiliary's Kaleidoscope 2010.

“Re: Mission Possible” is the theme for this year's Kaleidoscope, which will be April 17 at the La Vista Conference Center.

Helgenberger's mother, Kay Snyder, received care for breast cancer at the Nebraska Medical Center, and Helgenberger has become a national advocate for breast cancer research.

Dr. Kenneth Cowan, director of the Eppley Cancer Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and his wife, Dr. Alison Freifeld, are honorary chairmen for the event.

Proceeds will help fund the new Life Renewal Center, which will be at the medical center's Cancer Center at Village Pointe.

The Life Renewal Center will offer a variety of services to help cancer patients renew themselves after treatment, improve their self-confidence and manage their recovery.

Kaleidoscope is organized by the University Hospital Auxiliary. The evening includes a dinner and silent auction.

Event co-chairwomen are Jill Folsom, Janette Garvin and Liz Otterberg. Tickets can be purchased by calling 559-5390.

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