Media Center
Members of the press who wish to make inquiries about the Camp Fire USA Midlands Council may contact Penny Parker by e-mail at pparker@campfireomaha.org or by phone at (402) 397-5809.
Camp Fire Kids Reach for Their Dreams
Nearly 50 kids from Camp Fire USA will embark on an experience designed to teach the benefits of vision, teamwork and individual effort, while instilling a lasting appreciation for the arts thanks to Mutual of Omaha and local artist Kristin Pluhacek. This summer Omaha will host world-class swimming events and to commemorate this special time, Camp Fire kids will work with Pluhacek each week to create art masterpieces that express their understanding of “reaching for your dreams.”
Support Camp Fire USA in this initiative and watch for the exhibit at the Qwest Center during the world-class swimming events during the month of June. For more information, visit www.mutualofomaha.com/swim.
Ivonne Valentin - Volunteer of the Year
For the past year, Ivonne Valentin has spent time each week with the kids at Camp Fire’s After School program at Jackson Elementary. In this time, she has not only given of herself, but encouraged Creighton University’s Soccer Team, which she coaches, to do so as well. It is because of her time and dedication that the kids at Jackson have had the opportunity to attend Creighton soccer games, receive jerseys, and have positive role models in their lives while at Camp Fire.
Thank you, Ivonne, for all that you continue to give to Camp Fire and the kids we serve.
Physicians Mutual - Community Partner of the Year
When it comes to Community Partners, Camp Fire hit the jackpot with Physicians Mutual. Not only has the company provided strong and long standing support to our Board of Directors, but they continue to be just a phone call away when a need - big or small - arises. Their commitment to the children Camp Fire serves is evident when you look at their involvement during 2007.
Guild Increases Support
The Camp Fire Guild concludes a successful year as outgoing President Amy Deardorff presents Camp Fire Executive Director, Penny Parker, with a check for $130,000, before handing the reigns over to Wendy Worrell, who will serve as the President of the 2008 Guild.
In addition to raising funds to provide community based programs to kids in Camp Fire, the Guild volunteers for both the Kids’ Cafe and Snack Pack Programs and organizes throughout the year to ensure that programs have the materials they need to offer activities that capture both the minds and hearts of all Camp Fire kids. If you are interested in joining the Camp Fire Guild, please contact Michelle Zych at 397-5809 or mzych@campfireomaha.org.
Spirit of Midtown
Destination Midtown presented Camp Fire USA - Midlands Council with its 2007 Spirit of Midtown Award during our November Open House. With our new home in the heart of Midtown Omaha, Camp Fire continues to invest time, money and energy into raising the quality of life for our children and our community. Camp Fire is honored to have received this award and will continue to spark the light of every child we serve.
Restaurant Fundraisers Pair Good Food, Good Will
Omaha World-Herald, June 13, 2006
BY JOHN KEENAN
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
It wasn’t just the greens in the salad bar that drew a crowd to the Amazing Pizza Machine’s grand-opening event.
It was the green—as in dollars—the restaurant planned to donate to local charities.
As part of their grand-opening festivities, restaurants increasingly are hosting fundraisers for local nonprofits.
The Amazing Pizza Machine brought in contributors to three charities – the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Heartland Family Service and Camp Fire USA Midlands Council – as well as children for its April event.
Message from Our Executive Director
This year, Camp Fire USA - Midlands Council crossed over an extraordinary threshold with the purchase and renovation of a neighborhood building - a first in regional history! Our new home will house a growng staff of dedicated professionals; community meetings and events; and most importantly, our signature educational programming for the more than 900 youth who live within a one-mile radius.
Located at 2566 St. Mary’s Avenue, the building will also serve as a kind of hearth, enkindling hope in a neighborhood that’s seen many hard times. Destination Midtown, a partnership of public and private interests working together to return the Midtown District to prominence, recognized Camp Fire’s revitalizing presence with its annual “Spirit of Midtown” award. We are grateful for the warm welcome we’ve received since moving in last fall.
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Camp Fire Goes to Roosevelt
Camp Fire USA initiates After-School program at Roosevelt Elementary School thanks to a Grant from the Iowa West Foundation.
February 15, 2007 — Camp Fire USA, Council of the Midlands, will launch After-School at Roosevelt, a nationally-recognized educational program at Roosevelt Elementary School in Southwest Iowa this Spring. Thanks to a gift from the Iowa West Foundation, the Midlands Council will serve 30 children, ages 5 through 12, three afternoons per week at the school.
