The Nebraska Greats Foundation Assists a Former Husker Football Player
The Nebraska Greats Foundation Assists a Former Husker Football Player
The Nebraska Greats Foundation (501C-3 non profit) www.negreats.org which serves former letter winners from Nebraska’s 4-year colleges and universities who face medical and financial challenges, proudly announces a grant for former Husker football letter winner Paul Kastl.
The NGF is assisting Paul with past due medical expenses.
Kastl, who lettered at Nebraska from 1998-2002, was a walk-on running back after a standout HS career at Lincoln Pius X.
Says Kastl, “I’d like to say that I’m honored and blessed to have been introduced to the NE Greats foundation and their amazing staff. They have come to my side in a great time of need. I cannot thank them enough.”
The Nebraska Greats Foundation Supports a Former Husker Football Walk On
The Nebraska Greats Foundation, 501C-3 nonprofit (www.negreats.org) which aids current and former Nebraska athletes in need has provided a grant to Anthony Branch, a former Husker football walk on wingback. He currently resides in the Dallas metro area. Early this month, Branch received a diagnosis of Polycystic Kidney Disease, a form of kidney cancer. Shortly after, doctors recommended he have both kidneys removed immediately. Anthony then reached out to the Nebraska Greats Foundation which serves former athletes with emergency medical needs. He tapped into the NGF’s national following for assistance. Due to this condition’s genetic nature, Branch’s children and grandchildren are unable to donate.
After his football career, Branch started a career in financial services and eventually transitioned to real estate investments. For over 35 years, he coached (AAU) basketball, working with kids from third grade through high school.
He needs a qualified donor willing to donate a kidney immediately.
“The Nebraska Greats Foundation is assisting me in getting the word out to anybody in Husker Nation who may be able to help. I know it’s a very big ask, but I am hoping somebody will care enough and be able to give me this gift.” Says Branch
International Masters Swimmer and former Husker served by NGF
The Nebraska Greats Foundation, 501C-3 nonprofit (www.negreats.org) which aids current and former Nebraska athletes in need has provided a grant to Keefe Lodwig, a former All Big 8 swimming champion from UNL.
Lodwig, who starred at Omaha Benson High School in the 1960’s has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a degenerative neurological disease that progressively robs its victims of motor skills. It is commonly known as ALS or “Lou Gehrig’s disease.”
While an accomplished swimmer in his youth, Lodwig shined the most as one of the world’s top Master’s Swimmers. He competed globally, setting records, and capturing gold medals well into his 70’s.
ALS victims require constant medical care. The NGF is assisting Lodwig with needs as the disease progresses.
“I feel lucky that I was able to be an athlete for Nebraska and I am very grateful for the help I am receiving from the Nebraska Greats Foundation.” Says Lodwig.
Donations to the NGF are tax deductible and can be made online at www.negreats.org/giving
Nebraska Greats Foundation Comes Through for Another Small College Nebraska Athlete
The Nebraska Greats Foundation, 501C-3 nonprofit (www.negreats.org) which aids current and former Nebraska athletes in need has provided a grant to Keven Marques, a freshman Midfielder from Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
Keven was admitted to a local hospital in August complaining of severe abdominal pain and severe vomiting. After a series of tests and other procedures, doctors located the cause of the illness and began treatment. Keven made a full recovery.
The Nebraska Greats Foundation assisted Keven, who is largely funding his own education with funds to cover outstanding medical expenses. “I am very grateful for all the help and assistance provided by the Nebraska Greats Foundation. I appreciate and recognize the great work they do in helping people and families who need or have needed help, just like me.” Said Marques.
To learn more about the mission of the NGF or provide tax deductible assistance to athletes in need, please visit out page
The Nebraska Greats Foundation is assisting former Husker Football player Anthony Branch (1977-80) who seeks a kidney donor. Branch is battling kidney cancer, recently had his SECOND kidney removed and hopes to find a donor.
It’s Time To Start Thinking About Year-End Charitable Contributions
Please remember the NGF in your year-end giving plans. Most all of our contributions are tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor. The NGF accepts cash, stock transfers, 401K/IRA proceeds, insurance policy benefits, real estate transfers, etc. You can donate on line via credit card at. Your tax deductible gift will provide a former athlete with end of life care, equipment, insurance deductibles, travel to and from critical care and ease the financial burden that ruins lives. Remember, if you give to the NGF, your gift goes DIRECTLY to approved service providers. At no time, does a recipient receive a direct subsidy. If you have any questions about how or what to give, please reach out to Mike Dobbs at mdobbs@negreats.org
2023 will be an exciting year for the NGF
Be watching the NE Greats E-News for details about once-in-a-lifetime events near you. Please feel free to share this email with friends and family
We need more applicants!
If you know of a former athlete struggling with health and wellness please reach out to the NGF. We will follow up with that former sports hero and keep your name confidential. Please reach out to Sandy Zoroya at szoroya@negreats.org
Your Gifts Are Making A Difference
Carlos Ortega, Midfielder from York College suffered an injury in competition and needed assistance with medical care not covered by his insurance.
As a college student, money is tight so the NGF grant not only allowed Carlos to get the care he needed but literally allowed him to stay in school.
Said Carlos, “The NGF is a tremendous organization that proves how much college athletes are valued in Nebraska. Thank you Nebraska Greats.”
11.01.22 Newsletter
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In Case You Missed It NGF Podcast Jared Crick with Brett Wetton
What’s New With NGF Schools
Bellevue University has announced plans to construct a new 72,000-plus square foot, multimillion dollar Athletics Field House just west of the University’s main campus, on Harvell Circle off of Herman Drive.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the Field House was held Friday, Oct. 28, 2022.
The two-level building will include multiple competition and practice courts for both basketball and volleyball; Athletic training facilities, including a weight room and locker rooms; a press room area; and office, meeting and storage space.
Facility designs have not yet been finalized, but Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins expects the project to be completed in 18-24 months after the start of construction.
“This new facility and our student athletes will be a winning combination,” Dr. Hawkins said. “This state-of-the-art facility is a major step in our strategic facilities plan. It opens up opportunities for us to enhance and expand student services and resources for our students who learn on campus and those who learn online.”
Athletic Director Ed Lehotak said all of the University’s student-athletes and coaches are excited to see the project come to life. “We expect this to have a very positive impact on the experience for our student athletes, as well as our staff, faculty, fans and officials,” Lehotak said. “Athletes on all of our sports teams and our coaches will benefit in a big way.”
The Bruins currently compete in 11 traditional men’s and women’s sports and one non-traditional co-ed sport, Esports.
In An Aging America Osteoporosis Is A Looming Public Health Crisis
America has a bone health crisis. More than 50 million Americans are at risk of developing osteoporosis, and 10 million already have the condition. A full 80 percent of those individuals are women. In fact, one in five women over 50 will get the disease during their lifetime.
Many former athletes develop medical issues related to Osteoporosis later in life. Its becoming one of America’s fastest growing health care concerns. To read more about this click here.
2023 NGF Events!
Save the dates: April 20, 2023 in Omaha
August 12, 2023 in Lincoln
More details to come
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In 1977, high school football player Anthony Branch found a home in Lincoln, Nebraska. Not by scholarship or heavy recruiting, but through the school’s developing walk-on program. For Branch, it was simple – he moved from Idaho to Lincoln because he believed in Coach Tom Osborne and the University of Nebraska. And he wanted to prove it.
In 1977, high school football player Anthony Branch found a home in Lincoln, Nebraska. Not by scholarship or heavy recruiting, but through the school’s developing walk-on program. For Branch, it was simple – he moved from Idaho to Lincoln because he believed in Coach Tom Osborne and the University of Nebraska. And he wanted to prove it.
For the next three seasons, Branch poured his heart into the team, earning a spot on the roster as a wingback on teams that won conference titles, played in New Year’s Day Bowl games and finished in the Top Ten. It was during this time he would form an unbreakable bond with his teammates and coaches; a bond that remains just as strong to this day.
Now, 42 years after finding his family on the football field at Memorial Stadium, Anthony Branch is in dire need of our help. Early this month, Branch received a diagnosis of kidney cancer. Shortly after, doctors recommended he have both kidneys removed immediately while those around Branch attempt to expedite the kidney transplant process. Anthony then reached out to the Nebraska Greats Foundation which serves former athletes with emergency medical needs. He tapped into the NGF’s national following for assistance.
“A week ago, I had both of my kidneys removed because of cancer, and I’m in dire need of a new kidney. I know this would be a major, major endeavor for someone to take upon. But it would be greatly appreciated.”
Anthony Branch needs a living-donor kidney transplant immediately. If you are willing to donate or know of anyone who is willing to assist Branch and his family at this time, please click the information below.
After playing football for the University of Nebraska, Branch started a career in financial services and eventually transitioned to real estate investments. For over 35 years, he coached Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball, working with kids from third grade through high school.
Branch is a loving father to 10 children and 21 grandchildren. Unfortunately, his kidney issues stem from a hereditary condition called Polycystic Kidney Disease, which is an inherited disorder in which clusters of cysts develop around one’s kidneys, causing them to lose function over time. Due to this condition’s genetic nature, Branch’s children and grandchildren are unable to donate.
“I know this would be a major ask, but it would be greatly appreciated. My family and I would be truly blessed, and we would forever be grateful. Thank you.”
In His Words
Anyone who is healthy and eligible to be a kidney donor can give Anthony the gift of life. A donor does not have to be a direct match, can live anywhere in the US, and will have access to donor protections and resources. To learn more please contact:
The Nebraska Greats Foundation Supports a York College Soccer Player
The Nebraska Greats Foundation, which aids current and former Nebraska college or university athletes has provided a grant to Carlos Ortega a sophomore Midfielder from York College. Carlos is originally from Margarita Island, Venezuela.
Carlos applied for a grant to assist him with medical bills stemming from an injury he suffered while competing. The NGF provided funds to a provider for services not covered by insurance.
Said Carlos “I want to thank the Nebraska Greats Foundation for all your help and support. I truly appreciate what the NGF does for athletes in need. It will allow me to stay in school to continue competing and getting a college education.”
The NGF a 501C-3 non profit www.negreats.org seeks applications from any former letter winning athlete who may have a medical need and a financial challenge. The NGF has provided over $500,000 in qualified grants since its founding in 2014.
Nebraska Greats Foundation Will Benefit From Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) Collectives Associated With Husker Athletics
The Big Red Collective, a newly formed entity to assist Husker Athletes with Name, Image and Likeness opportunities has identified the Nebraska Greats Foundation as a primary beneficiary.
This means athletes who benefit will support the NGF in everything from cash contributions to public appearances and social media promotion of the NGF. Says NGF Executive Director Jim Rose, “We are so grateful to BRC just as we are to ABM (Athletes Branding and Marketing) and AIM (Athlete Impact Management) for their support of the NGF mission. It should make Husker fans feel great that the student-athletes are so willing to share what they have. Its very Nebraska-like and will change the lives of our former athletes in need.”
There Is NO Place Like Nebraska – For College Volleyball
Nebraska is the Center of the College Volleyball Universe, after the first month of the season SEVEN Nebraska-based volleyball teams are ranked in national polls. Led by Nebraska and Creighton (3rd and 21st) in the AVCA poll of D1 teams.
Wayne State is #1 in DII with UNK 6th in DII.
In NAIA D1 rankings, Midland U in Fremont is #1, Concordia in Seward is #8 and Bellevue University is #15.
The D1 Final Four is set for Omaha’s CHI Center in December.
It’s Time To Start Thinking About Year-End Charitable Contributions
Please remember the NGF in your year-end giving plans. Most all of our contributions are tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor. The NGF accepts cash, stock transfers, 401K/IRA proceeds, insurance policy benefits, real estate transfers, etc. You can donate on line via credit card. Your tax deductible gift will provide a former athlete with end of life care, equipment, insurance deductibles, travel to and from critical care and ease the financial burden that ruins lives. Remember, if you give to the NGF, your gift goes DIRECTLY to approved service providers. At no time, does a recipient receive a direct subsidy. If you have any questions about how or what to give, please reach out to Mike Dobbs at mdobbs@negreats.org
2023 will be an exciting year for the NGF
Be watching the NE Greats E-News for details about once-in-a-lifetime events near you. Please feel free to share this email with friends and family
We need more applicants!
If you know of a former athlete struggling with health and wellness please reach out to the NGF. We will follow up with that former sports hero and keep your name confidential. Please reach out to Sandy Zoroya at szoroya@negreats.org
Husker Basketball Star Derrick Walker Is A Big Fan Of The Nebraska Greats Foundation
Husker Basketball Standout Derrick Walker appeared at a small group NGF event to sign autographs and take selfies. He is committed to helping the Huskers get into the NCAA Tournament this year and credits Husker fans with his decision to return to NU for another season when he could have turned pro. He’s also pleased to support the NGF. “All of the current players should care about the guys who were here before. We’ll always be Huskers even if we weren’t on the same team.”
The NGF counts former Husker standouts Bernard Day and Larry Florence among those receiving assistance from the NGF.
1stBank October 2022
Nebraska Greats Limited-Time CD Special. 3% APY 7-Month
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Joining Jim Rose from Yankee Stadium is Jim Hendry. The former Creighton Baseball Head Coach, Chicago Cubs General Manager, now with the Yankees, talk MLB, breaking the single season homerun record, and more.
The Nebraska Greats Foundation Supports Former Creighton Bluejay Baseball Standout Jason Judge
The annual Jason Judge memorial golf tournament which raises scholarship funds for the CU baseball program was a great success in 2022. Golfers spent the day at Indian Creek then heard from NFL Executive Bill Polian, who made a special appearance. The NGF is proud to support the event to honor Judge, a standout on the 1991 CU CWS team. He passed away suddenly at the age of 48 in 2018. Proceeds from the event annually supports a Bluejay in the college of Business Administration pursing a degree similar to Judge.
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