Author: klarinc

NE Greats E-News November 2022

Posted on by klarinc

NE Greats E-News November 2022

Former Husker Needs Help

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

Nebraska Greats Limited-Time CD Special. 3.75% APY For 5-Months

Annual Percentage Yield. Early withdrawal penalty may apply. Minimum deposit $10,000. Offer valid until December 2, 2022. Member FDIC. 

Visit First State Bank for details

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

We’re Social

Join the conversation on any one of our social media channels.

    

Anthony Branch

Posted on by klarinc

Anthony Branch

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:

Medical City Fort Worth

Kathryn Lozano, BSN, RN, CCRN
Kathryn.Lozano@medicalcityhealth.com

All inquiries will be held in complete confidence.  There is no commitment required to learn more.

NE Greats E-News October 2022

Posted on by klarinc

NE Greats E-News October 2022

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.”

Read More About this NGF NIL Initiative

Neb VB Schools Oct 2022 AN

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

Annual Percentage Yield. Early withdrawal penalty may apply. Minimum deposit $10,000. Offer valid until November 1, 2022. Member FDIC. 

Visit First State Bank for details

In Case You Missed It

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.

We’re Social

Join the conversation on any one of our social media channels.

    

NE GREATS E-NEWS SEPTEMBER 2022

Posted on by klarinc

NE GREATS E-NEWS SEPTEMBER 2022

2022 Tom Dinsdale Auto NE Greats Golf Jamboree Presented By 1st State Bank

July 21-22nd, the 2-day event featured 25 celebrity golfers on the course at Riverside G.C. on the Friday after the evening event/auction/program featuring former Husker All-American Jason Peter and current Husker Garrett Nelson. A crowd of over 200 filled the ballroom to hear Jason tell stories of his family and playing days from the mid 1990’s.

The crowd was treated to a testimonial from former Hastings College T/F Standout Adam Driver and how the NE Greats came through for him.

The guests also bid on unique auction experiences including sky box passes with Trev Alberts and Larry the Cable Guy for a Husker Football home game, a behind-the-scenes chance to view a Husker Volleyball practice and a round of golf with Creighton Head Basketball Coach Greg McDermott and athletic director Bruce Rasmussen.

It was a record setting event for funds raised and awareness. Click on these links for stories on the event:

KSBN Local 4 #1

KSBN Local 4 #2

The Grand Island Independent 

Special Thanks To Our 2022 Golf Sponsors

Did you know, athletes sometimes struggle more than others..

Injuries are often an inevitable reality for athletes competing at the collegiate level. During their careers, 90% of student-athletes report an athletics-related injury, according to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. However, for the athlete, the pain of an injury can go beyond being just physical and can cause lasting emotional and psychological impacts.

Click here to read Healing Mind and Body: Injured Athletes Struggle With Mental Health article published by The Ithican

In Case You Missed It

Jim Rose caught up with former Husker play maker Brent Qvale on the Nebraska Greats Podcast.

Nebraska Greats Limited-Time CD Special. 7-Month 1.4% APY

Annual Percentage Yield. Early withdrawal penalty may apply. Minimum deposit $10,000. Offer valid until October 1, 2022. Member FDIC. 

Visit First State Bank for details

How can I be a part of the Nebraska Greats Foundation and support my favorite former college athletes?

Refer an athlete. If you know of a former athlete who may need assistance, reach out to Sandy at szoroya@negreats.org We will keep you anonymous if you choose.

As a business owner become a corporate partner of the NE Greats. The NE Greats has multiple levels of sponsorship that provide sponsor benefits. Please join a list of prestigious businesses that brand with the NE Greats. Contact Jim at jrose@negreats.org

Give generously in the form of cash, check, credit card, gifts of stock, estate gift, real estate, a recurring gift. Almost every gift is tax deductible to our 501C-3 community foundation. Contact Mike at mdobbs@negreats.org

We’re Social

Join the conversation on any one of our social media channels.

    

NE Greats E-News July 2022

Posted on by klarinc

NE Greats E-News July 2022

2022 Tom Dinsdale Automotive NE Greats Golf Jamboree presented by 1st State Bank

Thursday Evening Banquet “An evening with Jason Peter—if only the walls could talk!”

Thursday, July 21, 2022 at the Riverside Golf Club Grand Island, NE

Tales from the field and locker room with former Husker standout Jason Peter and special guest players from the 2022 Husker Football Squad

Dinner, moving videos, powerful testimonials from NGF recipients

Tables of 8 $1200/Individual Tickets $75

Rare silent auction items and ONE OF KIND EXPERIENCES up for auction

All net proceeds benefit the Nebraska Greats Foundation which provides lifesaving assistance to former letter winning college athletes from across Nebraska.

Purchase Thursday Night Banquet Tickets

What is the need?

The deteriorating economy with run-a-way inflation is affecting not only the cost of health care, but may be making the need for it worse. A recent poll published by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) outlined how health care costs factor into decisions about insurance coverage and care seeking, and rank as a top financial worry. The main takeaways from this report include:

  • Many U.S. adults have difficulty affording various health care and dental costs.
  • The cost of health care often prevents people from getting needed care or filling prescriptions.
  • High health care costs disproportionately affect uninsured adults, Black and Hispanic adults, and those with lower incomes.
  • Those who are covered by health insurance are not immune to the burden of health care costs.
  • Difficulty paying medical bills can have significant consequences for U.S. families.

Americans’ Challenges with Health Care Costs Poll

In Case You Missed It

Nebraska Greats Board Member Brett Wetton caught up with former Husker play maker Adam Carriker on the Nebraska Greats Podcast.

Nebraska Greats Limited-Time CD Special. 7-Month 1.4% APY

Annual Percentage Yield. Early withdrawal penalty may apply. Minimum deposit $10,000. Offer valid until August 1, 2022. Member FDIC. 

Visit First State Bank for details

What does the Nebraska Greats Foundation do?

The Nebraska Greats Foundation is a 501C-3 non profit serving former collegiate athletes from Nebraska colleges and universities who face medical needs and financial challenges.

If you lettered in any sport, man or woman from any of the 16 Four-year Nebraska colleges and universities, have a medical need and a financial challenge, please apply for support.   The NE Greats assists recipients with everything from equipment, travel, pre and post operative care, insurance deductibles, in-home care, Medicaid and Medicare supplements

The NE Greats has already served former athletes from UNL, UNO, UNK, Creighton, Wayne State, Dana College, Hastings College, Peru State, York College, Concordia University, Doane University and Bellevue University ranging from football to gymnastics to soccer and track and field.

How can I give?

Nebraska Greats Foundation accepts cash, credit card, gifts of stock, real estate, insurance proceeds, personal estate gifts.

Please contact Mike Dobbs, Chief Development Officer or Executive Director Jim Rose mdobbs@negreats.org or jrose@negreats.org for more information.

PLEASE REFER AND ATHLETE! WE WILL KEEP YOUR NAME ANONYMOUS. BUT IF YOU KNOW OF A FORMER TEAMMATE IN NEED, CONTACT SANDY ZOROYA  szoroya@negreats.org

Donate Today

Farewell Tim Wurth

The Nebraska Greats Foundation mourns the passing of former Omaha native and Husker Football standout Tim Wurth.   Tim passed away this spring after battling health problems for many years.  Nebraska Greats is proud to have assisted Tim when his eyesight was in jeopardy.   He and his family expressed gratitude to the NGF for this support and urges any of Tim’s fans or teammates to make a tax-deductible contribution to the NE Greats  

Most contributions to the NE Greats are fully tax deductible. We accept:

  • Cash
  • Credit cards (on negreats.org)
  • Stock transfers
  • Insurance proceeds
  • Real estate

We’re Social

Join the conversation on any one of our social media channels.

    

NE Greats E-News June 2022

Posted on by klarinc

NE Greats E-News June 2022

NGF Celebrity Sports Night 2022

Please thank these sponsors for supporting the 2022 Celebrity Sports Night! It was a record setting night for funds, friends and fun!

Check Out Our Celebrity Sports Night Videos on the Nebraska Greats Facebook Page

In Case You Missed It

Nebraska Greats Executive Director Jim Rose caught up with former Husker play maker Jordan Westerkamp on the Nebraska Greats Podcast.

Nebraska Greats Limited-Time CD Special. 7-Month .95% APY

Annual Percentage Yield. Early withdrawal penalty may apply. Minimum deposit $10,000. Offer valid until July 1, 2022. Member FDIC. 

Visit First State Bank for details

Learn More and Register Today

2022 Tom Dinsdale Auto NE Greats Golf Jamboree Presented by 1st State Bank

Two great events, 25 former college sports standouts, a perfect day of golf all to support the NE Greats Foundation. July 21-22, 2022 in Grand Island at Riverside Golf Club. Join us Thursday night, Friday afternoon or both!

Thursday night, cocktails, dinner, auction items, moving tributes, testimonials and former Husker All-American and 1st round NFL draft choice Jason Peter with “tales” from the locker room.

Tickets, tables and golf foursomes are available now but space is limited! Sign up today!

Refer An Athlete

The Nebraska Greats Foundation is a 501C-3 non profit serving former collegiate athletes from Nebraska colleges and universities who face medical needs and financial challenges.

If you know of a former athlete who may qualify, please refer them to the NE Greats for alert us and we will reach out. Please email Sandy Zoroya at szoroya@negreats.org.

What are some of the services the NGF funds?

  • Surgical procedures
  • Pre and post operative care
  • Insurance deductibles
  • Equipment
  • Travel to and from approved treatment
  • In home facilities
  • In home care
    At no time does a recipient receive a direct subsidy. All funds are sent directly to the approved providers.

Click Here To Make A Donation In Tim’s Memory

Tim Wurth

Former Husker Running Back, 1976 World-Herald boys athlete of the year and Nebraska Greats Foundation recipient Tim Wurth passed away on Friday, April 29, 2022.

Wurth was known as a tenacious football player who had a career total of 766 yards and seven touchdowns. Wurth lettered at NU in 1977 to 1979. He is also in the Omaha Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame.

Tim’s son, Zac wrote on Facebook:

“It is with great sadness we announce the death of our beloved dad, Tim. We have had many people reach out and ask what they can do to support us. We ask that if you would like to do anything please support the Nebraska Greats Foundation that helped him in his time of need.”

Without insurance, Wurth applied for a grant from the NGF seeking assistance with Cataract surgery stemming from Type II Diabetes. Wurth also needed assistance with multiple hospital stays as a result of chronic neuropathy.

The Nebraska Greats Foundation‘s singular mission is to help former college athletes – both men and women – from any school in Nebraska in their times of medical need. Your gift today will directly help someone who urgently needs it and will greatly appreciate it. They once gave their all for their schools, their teammates and us. Let’s return the favor.

Most contributions to the NE Greats are fully tax deductible. We accept:

  • Cash
  • Credit cards (on negreats.org)
  • Stock transfers
  • Insurance proceeds
  • Real estate

We’re Social

Join the conversation on any one of our social media channels.

   

Tim Wurth Memorial

Posted on by klarinc

Tim Wurth Memorial

Former Husker Running Back, 1976 World-Herald boys athlete of the year and Nebraska Greats Foundation recipient Tim Wurth passed away on Friday, April 29, 2022.

Wurth was known as a tenacious football player who had a career total of 766 yards and seven touchdowns. Wurth lettered at NU in 1977 to 1979. He is also in the Omaha Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame.

Zac Wurth wrote on Facebook; “It is with great sadness we announce the death of our beloved dad, Tim. We have had many people reach out and ask what they can do to support us. We ask that if you would like to do anything please support the Nebraska Greats Foundation that helped him in his time of need.”

Without insurance, Wurth applied for a grant from the NGF seeking assistance with Cataract surgery stemming from Type II Diabetes. Wurth also needed assistance with multiple hospital stays as a result of chronic neuropathy.