Category: Fundraiser

Carryout for a Cause with A Casserole To Go!

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Covid-19 has changed the way we do so many things in life. Some of us may have recently celebrated one year of working from home, mastered the art of e-learning, or maybe both! We have had to miss birthdays, celebrations, and holidays to keep those we love and ourselves safe and healthy. 

As an organization committed to addressing the issues of hunger and access to food in the Omaha community, we understand how food brings people together and how food is woven into our cultures. In an effort to bring community members together, we’d love to provide an opportunity that safely brings people together and supports the League! 

The Junior League is excited to be partnering with A Casserole To Go, a division of Abraham Catering, throughout the month of April to help you plan a family dinner, a date night in, or a virtual happy hour without the mess and stress of cooking and cleaning. Whether you’re able to safely come together or use devices to come together virtually, A Casserole To Go provides a plethora of ready-to-bake meals and casseroles, appetizers, desserts, and spirits! When you visit and order from A Casserole To Go, use code JLO at checkout for 10% of your purchase to benefit the League. Both Covide-friendly pickup and delivery are available! Delivery is currently available in the Omaha area only. 

Take a look at how some of our members along with their friends and family came together and enjoyed “Casseroles and Conversations” during our virtual April General Membership Meeting. Our members were able to order items from a special menu, which included: 

App Pack for 4 

Hummus with Zataar Pita, Sliced Vegetables 

Bruschetta with Sliced Crostini 

6 Deviled Egg Co ‘Everything Eggs’ (Gluten Free, Keto Friendly!)

Caramel Baked Brie with Lahvosh (ready to bake)

Charcuterie Box with 4 Pack Babe Rosé 100 

Dessert Bites for 4
Key Lime Pie Tarts

Salted Caramel Brownie Bites 

French Silk Chocolate Tart

Rosemary Shortbread Cookies 

If you’d like to learn more about us, visit our website, or reach out to Join@JLOmaha.org about joining! 
Checkout how the League has been keeping its members and others safe here.

#GivingTuesday402

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SHARE Omaha and Omaha Community Foundation Change the Landscape of Giving in the Omaha Community

What gives? 

We’re all probably familiar with the Omaha Community Foundation’s “Omaha Gives! Day of Giving” – over the last eight years $58 million has been raised for 1,000 local nonprofits. WOW!! Omaha Gives focused on one day of giving each year. 

Sounds great, right? So what’s changing, and why? 

While they’ve had a truly amazing run, Omaha Gives will be going away. Don’t worry, the Omaha Community Foundation isn’t going anywhere! They are using the time and energy that went into developing Omaha Gives and refocusing it on different ways to better help the Omaha community. Now, SHARE Omaha will be taking the lead as the Greater Omaha Area donation and volunteer platform. SHARE Omaha is a one stop shop for finding helpers to support in our community And for becoming one of them. How great is it that you can find all that at https://shareomaha.org/?

Hey! What Gives? I’ll miss Omaha Gives! Will there be another day of giving?

Absolutely! Giving back isn’t canceled. SHARE Omaha participates in the global generosity movement, Giving Tuesday! And it’s right around the corner. . . mark your calendar! This is their second year being a part of Giving Tuesday, promoting #GivingTuesday402 and #GivingTuesday712. We are excited to join in and grow this movement with them! GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. This global movement will take place this year on Tuesday, December 1st. Our Omaha metro area celebrates December 1 with #GivingTuesday402. 

Why Give?

2020 has been a year unlike any other. We all share the challenges of 2020, and together we show our strength by giving – and doing – all we can for each other. Giving Tuesday – December 1 – is our day. We can harness the power of all, with ALL gifts and ALL ways of doing good. All hearts and hands will lift the Omaha metro for #GivingTuesday402. 

With over 100 years of combining volunteer service and experience, the Junior League of Omaha is a 501(c)(3) organization of women committed to the women and children of the Omaha community. We focus on addressing one of Omaha’s most critical and unmet needs — hunger and access to healthy foods. 

  • According to the Food Research and Action Center, Nebraska is 7th in the nation for food insecurity.
  • 1 in 6 Nebraska children struggle with hunger (Map the Meal Gap 2019). 
  • 4 in 10 people living below the poverty line in the Omaha Metro worry they may run out of food (The Landscape Omaha).
  • 75% of students in Omaha Public Schools qualify for free or reduced lunch (The Landscape Omaha).

No one in Omaha should go hungry. You can provide their next meal. Will you help?

You can give early by visiting the Junior League of Omaha’s SHARE Omaha account here; enter GIVINGTUESDAY402 as your donation code to have your gift count towards the Giving Tuesday totals. 

You can learn more about the Junior League of Omaha and about participating in upcoming, COVID-19 friendly volunteer opportunities here.  

We can’t wait to see the power of ALL. Find your good with the Junior League of Omaha. 

TAGG, You’re It!

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Together A Greater Good (TAGG) has generated over $400,000 for local schools, nonprofits, religious institutions, and youth sports teams, since being launched in 2015. As a female-founded, Nebraska tech company, TAGG allows you to support your favorite nonprofits like the Junior League of Omaha by snapping a picture of your receipt from participating businesses, who will donate 5% of the total. It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Click here to see the participating Omaha and Lincoln businesses.

TAGG makes giving back so easy that active member and Cookbook Committee co-chair, Katy Spratte Joyce, raised over $100 during the summer for the Junior League of Omaha. “Overall, since I began TAGGing in August of 2015, I’ve raised $1,735.88 for local causes. Recently, I’ve earmarked all my TAGG activity just for the Junior League of Omaha. In the past, I’ve also donated to the Red Cross, American Heart Association, Nebraska Children & Families Foundation, St. Margaret Mary Catholic School, and more.”

Katy’s a TAGG-ing pro and the former community relations manager at TAGG, where she worked for three years with the charities, schools, teams, etc. on the TAGG platform to help increase their fundraising efforts. When asked her favorite places to TAGG, Katy said, “Blue Sushi, Smoothie King, Kontempo, and The Bookworm.” She recommends making the commitment to go to TAGG businesses, when you’re just beginning to TAGG. “After a few TAGGs, it becomes second nature. And as you can see in my example below, if you are strategic about large purchases, like car maintenance and repairs, your amount raised goes up even faster. You can do everything from order coffee using a TAGG business to get a new roof using a TAGG business.”

Here’s how Katy raised over $100:

June 25: Smoothie King, $0.37 

June 30: The Bookworm $6.30 

July 31: Whisk+Measure, $0.95

August 1: The Bookworm $5.95

August 4: Reve Salon & Spa, $3.25

August 15: Smoothie King, $0.34

August 15: Spirit World, $1.10

August 25: Blue Sushi Sake Grill, $0.90

August 31:  Kontempo, $15.00

August 31: Smoothie King, $0.37

September 1: Smoothie King, $0.34

September 9: Omaha Car Care, $61.13

September 24: Omaha Car Care, $67.03 

Total Raised: $163.03

“I like that I can shop intentionally at places that care enough to give back to their community,” said Katy when asked what she enjoys most about TAGG. “Nothing shows your values like where you spend your money. TAGG makes it so easy to give back while just doing your normal expenditures like picking up takeout or supporting your favorite local shop.”

Big Red Block Party Celebrates Husker Spirit

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This year, the Junior League of Omaha’s Big Red Block Party fundraiser hosted 108 people at the Scott Conference Center. The silent auction was a favorite among attendees with 62 fun, unique packages with a wide range of starting bids, appropriate for all spend levels! Attendees also enjoyed a delicious buffet with rotating, heavy appetizers, two bars, and yard games.

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This was the final year for this special event, and Lauren Anderson, the Big Red Block Party Co-Chair, stated, “The most meaningful moment during the event was honoring the previous Chairs and talking about the fundraiser. This event has raised $176,000 for the League over the last nine years, and that deserves to be celebrated.”

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Collaboration and communication were two key elements that contributed to Big Red Block Party’s success. As Lauren Anderson, Big Red Block Party Co-Chair, described, “Our committee worked really well together…between our (almost) weekly committee hot sheets and our committee meetings, we were able to efficiently plan our event.” Anderson also credited working with Jen Bartlet, their JLO Sustainer Advisor, and a past Big Red Block Party Chair, as a vital resource who gave both Co-Chair Hunter Taylor and herself additional insight into making the event a success.

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When asked if she had any advice for future Junior League of Omaha fundraisers, Anderson responded, “Yes! Create a timeline and stick with it. Check in with your committee, but don’t bombard them with emails. Say thank you. And most importantly, seriously evaluate your event every year to make sure it’s still relevant.”

For more information about upcoming Junior League of Omaha events or to become a member, visit our website at http://www.jlomaha.org.

 

Our Favorite Places to bRUNch in Omaha

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If you’re looking for a good brunch after a long run (or maybe a long snooze?), members of the 2017 bRUNch5k Committee have you covered with their top recommendations of places to brunch in Omaha. Here are our favorites:

“Pig & Finch is a great, central location in Omaha at One Pacific Place. You can’t beat their $5.00 Bloody Mary’s.” –Colby, bRUNch5k co-vice chair

“For a traditional breakfast, I like The Diner in the Old Market. The breakfast isn’t fancy, but the food is good and the staff is hilarious and makes your morning better!”– Lisa, bRUNch5k co-chair

“Dario’s is a favorite for all meals, but their brunch stands out. You can not go wrong with anything on their menu—I highly recommend the Eggs Florentine.”– Britt, communications coordinator – bRUNch5k

“We go to Krug Park in Benson and order brunch takeout from Lot 2 next door to avoid the wait for a table. An added bonus is drinking a Krug Bloody Mary while we wait—there are over 10 kinds to chose from.” – Tanin, bRUNch5k treasurer

“Mantra is my favorite brunch restaurant- great location and modern atmosphere.”           – Catherine, Development & Donor Relations development specialist – bRUNch5k

“The lemon ricotta pancakes at Railcar are amazing! Railcar also has a unique drinks menu if you’re looking for something a little different than your typical brunch beverages.”         –Emily, bRUNch5k co-chair

“I love Dixie Quicks in Council Bluffs for their fun atmosphere!” –Heidi, bRUNch5k prize & raffle coordinator

“The patio at Pitch West is a great place to brunch on the weekends. The breakfast meals are delicious and they offer ½ price bottles of wine on Sunday.” –Haley, bRUNch5k runner recruitment

“Duggar’s Café in Dundee offers non-greasy diner food, has great lunch options and very good desserts.” –Alex, bRUNch5k prize & raffle coordinator

Of course, the unanimous committee favorite goes to Crave Restaurant in Midtown Crossing, who not only offers a delicious, huge Sunday brunch menu, but is hosting the brunch following this year’s bRUNch5k.

Join us on April 29, 2017 for brunch, mimosas, and raffles at Crave after crossing the finish line of the 5k. Not a runner? Brunch-only tickets are available as well.

 

Color, Pattern, Fun and Fashion-Forward Designs all Spotlighted at Kids Rule Fashion Show

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Kids will take over the Omaha Design Center for the first-ever Kids Rule Fashion Show in Omaha this weekend on February 17 and 18, which benefits Junior League of Omaha. Kids will have the chance to strut the runway in fashion-forward designs by local designers, including Aubrey Sookram of Markoos Modern Designs, Kids Rule (by Omaha Fashion Week staff) and Wes and Willy by Les Kimmel and Bill Mullen. As an added bonus, all kids in the show get to take home what they wore on the runway!

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Fashion-show goers are in for a treat! Each designer brings something different to the show, their own flair, if you will. Wes and Willy is known for designing fashionable, good-looking boys clothing that has a classic lived-in feel. In an Omaha World-Herald article, Kids Rule designs were described as fun, comfortable and fashion-forward, while Aubrey says her inspiration comes from color and pattern.

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“I like to take a color, a specific pattern, or a really fabulous fabric and build a collection around that. Due to the large variance in sizes needed in this show, I kept this collection just a bit more neutral, as I needed to design for both young and older children,” Aubrey said.

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Aubrey says her love of pattern and color is why she focuses on kid’s designs, as her ability to combine the two may not be appropriate or embraced by an older crowd like it is with kids.

Another bonus for the child models: confidence-building opportunities.

“There is nothing quite like stepping out on a big stage in front of a large crowd,” said Aubrey. “This will be a wonderful confidence builder for all of these children. Every child is different. Some thrive playing sports or in academics, and some find their place on the stage.”

Want to be part of the fun and be runway-side at this event? Buy tickets now and support Junior League of Omaha for this new, exciting event.

Kids Rule Fashion Show

What: a new kids fashion show by Omaha Fashion Week and Junior League of Omaha

When: Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. and Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Where: Omaha Design Center, 1502 Cuming St.

Tickets: start at $40; a portion of the event’s profits go to Junior League of Omaha. 

 

High Heel Dash is On The Move

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Have you heard? The (fifth annual) High Heel Dash is on the move for 2015! The event will move locations, taking place at Midtown Crossing on May 7, 2015.

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The unique annual event allows runners (and FUNdraisers) to raise money for Junior League of Omaha’s community projects. Participants sport their favorite pair of high heels (2” or higher) and race approximately 50 meters in either a team relay dash, individual race for men or women, or a race for those over 50, who are allowed to wear flats. Runners are strongly encouraged to participate donning a costume as prizes will be awarded for originality!HHD 2014 -4

 

 

“The new dash venue will be a great  for Junior League,” said Shelly Ruwe, High Heel Dash chair. “Midtown Crossing provides a great location with visibility throughout the city and provides ample opportunity for the committee to seek underwriting and in-kind donations from the locally owned businesses in the area. We are really excited to be working with the staff of Midtown Crossing and feel the new location will be a great advantage to gaining more traction and notoriety in the community for the projects that Junior League of Omaha supports.”

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Stay alert for more information on the 2015 High Heel Dash! Tickets on sale now, as fun in heels is afoot!

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Barn Bash and Chili Cookoff

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For many League Members, the Barn Bash has become a favorite fall tradition. Active member Lexie Frahm and her husband Shane graciously hosted the “friendraiser” at their home in Gretna for the second year.

One of the highlights of the event is a chili cook-off, which was done anonymously for the first time. In the end, Active member Alysia Radicia took home the coveted prize, the $150 pot created by cook-off entry fees and more importantly, bragging rights until next year’s event.

Attendees also enjoyed s’mores by the bonfire, a competitive game of bingo as well as a night of socialization and fun.

We asked Alysia to share her secrets; you can find that below!

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Personally, I love food. And I especially love food when it is paired with friends, bingo, and fall weather – so the Barn Bash is my jam. Last year I participated in the cook-off but made a chili that was far too spicy for the audience. The buffalo chicken chili is still one of my favorites but I knew if I was going to win this year I needed an option that would have greater appeal to the judges. Wanting a chili that is delicious but still interesting was a challenge. I was chatting with one of my coworkers and he shared this recipe with me. He and his family are Filipino and have loved this recipe for many years. With strict instructions he directed me to the Asian Market on 78th and Dodge to purchase the Longaniza Sausage. This is the make or break ingredient of the chili. To help any future cooks, here’s a plan of its exact location in Asian Market. I only include this because I initially picked up the wrong sausage and was wildly disappointed. I would hate for anyone else to do the same. Also, I’m a designer and can’t help myself sometimes. With all the being said, all other ingredients are easy to find and come together to create the 2014 Barn Bash Chili Cook-Off Winner. If there are any questions any aspiring cooks have please let me know – I would be more than happy to share all my mistakes with you to help you out in the future.

 

Homemade Chili Con Carne with Hot Pork Longaniza Sausage

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon cumin seeds (optional)

1 medium onion, chopped finely

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 small can pimiento, diced

1 package of Hot Pork Longaniza Sausage, sliced diagonally

1/2 pound ground beef

1 (14 -ounce) can cooked red beans

1 (14-ounce) can stewed diced tomatoes

4 tablespoons tomato paste

2 bay leaves

2 stalks cilantro, chopped (optional)

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons sugar

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

olive oil for drizzling (optional)

cilantro leaf for garnish (optional)

  1. Heat oil in a saucepot. Add cumin in the hot oil. Add onions, garlic, and diced pimiento; saute until tender for 5 minutes.
  1. Cook sausage with 3⁄4 cup water in separate pan over low heat for 20-25 minutes. Let sausage cool and slice, set aside.
  1. Add ground beef and stir together in sauce pot cook for 5 minutes.
  1. Add beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, and cilantro. Cook over low heat for 15 minutes.
  1. Season with salt, sugar, and pepper; cook for another 5 minutes. Place sausage on top of chili. Drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with a cilantro leaf.

Serves around 6. Prep Time 45-60 minutes.