Category: News

Kim and Tom Dinsdale honored at NGF 2020 Celebrity Sports Night Event

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

Kim and Tom Dinsdale honored at NGF 2020 Celebrity Sports Night Event

Grand Island philanthropists Kim and Tom Dinsdale were honored with the “Andra Franklin Service Award” by the Nebraska Greats Foundation at the 2020 Millard Roofing Celebrity Sports Night presented by 1st State Bank Thurs Feb 13, 2020 at the LaVista Convention Center.

“There are no two people in the world who care more about their community, state, country and the people in it than Kim and Tom.  Their support of the NGF mission has been transformational and speaks to the innate care and concern they, as Nebraskans have for each of us.” Says Jim Rose, Executive Director of the Nebraska Greats Foundation.

Recognized as two of Nebraska’s most generous philanthropists Kim a native Texan and Tom, who grew up in Palmer, NE have led major development efforts at Hastings College, The Duck Derby, the United Way of the Heartland, The Stuhr Museum, Heartland Events Center, the Grand Island Community Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and the University of Nebraska. Their commitments range from the Arts to Athletics to Education.

The Award, named after the former Husker football standout is the inspiration for the NGF. Franklin, an All Big 8 running back and 2nd round NFL draft choice, passed away in 2006 unable to access life saving medical care due to financial difficulties

In addition to the Franklin Award, the 2020 event highlights included a public reunion of the 1983 Husker Football “Scoring Explosion” backfield combination of Turner Gill, Mike Rozier, Irving Fryar and Mark Schellen reminiscing about their record setting days on and off the field.

The Nebraska Greats Foundation provides life-saving emergency support to any former letter winner from any of the 15 Nebraska based colleges and universities who qualify financially and medically.  The NGF is a 501C-3 non profit.  All cash donations are tax deductible and can be made online at www.negreats.org

GTA Insurance Group joins the NGF as a Corporate Partner

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

GTA Insurance Group joins the NGF as a Corporate Partner

Nebraska-based GTA Insurance Services will serve as a corporate partner of the Nebraska Greats Foundation.

The two sides agreed to a 2-year partnership starting in 2020.  Terms were not disclosed.  The partnership will provide GTA Insurance Group branding opportunities through www.negreats.org and on-site activation at NGF public events in exchange for financial support of the NGF.

GTA joins Broadmoor Development, 1st State Bank and iHeart Media as official corporate partners of the Nebraska Greats Foundation.  

Says Krae DuToit, CEO of GTA Insurance Group, “We are so excited to align our agency with a foundation that prioritizes Nebraska athletics & giving back to local communities. We look forward to being an active participant in changing & directly affecting lives for the better. We appreciate & value the work that the Nebraska Greats Foundation does on a daily basis & look forward to where this partnership will lead us in the future.”

Says NGF Board President Jerry Murtaugh, “This is another example of how an outstanding Nebraska business is stepping up to help our former athletic heroes in need.  We are so appreciative of Krae and his staff across the state for their support.”

GTA Insurance Group, formerly known as the Gary Thompson Agency currently has 22 Nebraska locations and counts a number of former Nebraska College Athletes as associates.

The Nebraska Greats Foundation provides life-saving emergency support to any former letter winner from any of the 15 Nebraska based colleges and universities who qualify financially and medically.  The NGF is a 501C-3 nonprofit.  All cash donations are tax deductible and can be made online at www.negreats.org

Former Dana College Standout Garry Clark to join the Nebraska Greats Foundation Board of Directors

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

Former Dana College Standout Garry Clark to join the Nebraska Greats Foundation Board of Directors

Garry Clark, a nine time All-American in Track and Field and holder of 11 school records at Dana College in Blair, NE has been named to the Board of Directors of the Nebraska Greats Foundation.

“Garry is a rising star in Nebraska business and credits much of his success in life to his time competing for the Dana Vikings on a college Track and Field scholarship.   We are thrilled to have him serve on the Board and as an Ambassador of the NGF mission.  The fact that he is a true representative of Nebraska’s small college community is a tremendous asset.”  Says Jim Rose Executive Director of the NGF.

Clark is currently Exec Dir of the Fremont Development Council after leadership roles with NIFA and Cuming County Economic Development.  He is also a national leader in rural economic development and was awarded a “40 under 40” distinction by the Midland’s Business Journal. 

Clark earned a BA in Sociology from Dana and a Masters of Science Degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. 

Says Clark, “I feel extremely honored and humbled to have this opportunity.  As a Nebraska Collegiate Athlete, I found the opportunity to change my life in Nebraska, make life-long friends, build a family and so much more.  It’s totally appropriate to join an organization whose legacy is tied to providing for the needs of former Nebraska athletes like me.”

A past NGF recipient is the late Alan Pogue, a two-sport star at Dana in the mid 1980’s who passed away in 2016 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

The Nebraska Greats Foundation provides life-saving emergency support to any former letter winner from any of the 15 Nebraska based colleges and universities who qualify financially and medically.  The NGF is a 501C-3 non profit.  All cash donations are tax deductible and can be made online at www.negreats.org

MILLARD ROOFING IS TITLE SPONSOR OF THE 2020 CELEBRITY SPORTS NIGHT EVENT

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

MILLARD ROOFING IS TITLE SPONSOR OF THE 2020 CELEBRITY SPORTS NIGHT EVENT

Omaha-based Millard Roofing Company, will serve as the Title Sponsor of the 2nd annual Celebrity Sports Night event on Thursday, Feb 13, 2020 at the LaVista Conference Center to benefit the Nebraska Greats Foundation.

The 2020 event The Millard Roofing Celebrity Sports Night presented by 1st State Bank is highlighted by a rare, public reunion of “The Scoring Explosion” Husker football backfield of Mike Rozier, Turner Gill, Irving Fryar and Mark Schellen.  Together, they set numerous NCAA scoring and yardage records in leading the Huskers to the 1983 Big 8 Championship and a spot in the National Title Game.  Gill, Rozier, Fryar and Schellen will share stories from the days on and off the field. 

In addition, the NGF will present its second annual “Andra Franklin Service Award,” salute each of the 15 4-year schools whose former athletes are served by the Nebraska Greats Foundation and profile the past and current recipients of NGF grants.   The evening will include former athletic legends from across Nebraska

Says Jim Eggers, CEO of Millard Roofing, “we are pleased to be a part of this event and to support the Nebraska Greats Foundation.  It’ll be a fun night!  All of us at Millard Roofing are big fans of all the sports teams and greatly value the efforts of former athletes.   The Nebraska Greats is ensuring that when in need, Nebraskans are there for them.“

Says NGF Founder Jerry Murtaugh “Millard Roofing is proof positive that all Nebraskans are family and we take care of each other.  This is a tremendous partnership and will make our event even more successful”

Individual or group tickets are available on line at www.negreats.org

Millard Roofing is an Omaha based commercial and residential roofing contractor on line at millardroofing.net

The Nebraska Greats Foundation provides life-saving emergency support to any former letterwinner from any of the 15 Nebraska based colleges and universities who qualify financially and medically.  The NGF is a 501C-3 non profit.  All cash donations are tax deductible and can be made online at www.negreats.org

Nebraska Greats Foundation adds former volleyball standout Mandy Monson to Board of Directors

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

Nebraska Greats Foundation adds former volleyball standout Mandy Monson to Board of Directors

The Nebraska Greats Foundation proudly announces the addition of former UNL volleyball standout Mandy Monson to the Board of Directors.

She was unanimously approved for a 5-year term.

A native of Wallace, Nebraska, Monson played from 1996-1999 and served as co-captain her senior year. 

Today, Monson serves as VP/Finance for resort lifestyle communities and Cameron General Contractors in Lincoln.  

Says Monson,

“it is an honor to be selected to serve on the board of directors for the Nebraska Greats Foundation.  I appreciate the opportunity and I’m excited to join this fantastic organization!  

I look forward to being a part of the support system that former varsity athletes from all of the 15 four-year Nebraska-based colleges and universities can tap into.”

The Nebraska Greats Foundation (501c-3) provides lifesaving funds to former Nebraska college athletes.   Grants are available to any former letter winner from any of the 15 Nebraska four year colleges and universities who meet financial and medical needs.   Www.negreats.org

Tom Dinsdale Automotive to serve as title sponsor of 2019 Nebraska Greats Foundation Golf Classic Presented By First State Bank

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

Tom Dinsdale Automotive to serve as title sponsor of 2019 Nebraska Greats Foundation Golf Classic Presented By First State Bank

The Nebraska Greats Foundation 501(c)3 is pleased to announce that Grand Island-based Tom Dinsdale Automotive will serve as the Title Sponsor of the 2019 Nebraska Greats Foundation Golf Classic, July 26, 2019 at the Riverside Country Club.

“We are excited about teaming up with an organization that is so perfect for Nebraska.  The NGF has a giant heart as it seeks to support our state’s sports heroes when they need us the most.  And to have such a high profile event in Grand Island is a coup for all the fans in our area.”  Said Tom Dinsdale, CEO

The event is officially The Tom Dinsdale Automotive Nebraska Greats Golf Classic presented by First State Bank.

As part of the sponsorship, Tom Dinsdale Automotive will have unique branding and activation opportunities.

 “The state of Nebraska has the most generous people and businesses in the country.  It means so much to our current and future recipients that companies such at Tom Dinsdale Automotive support their cause.” Says NGF Board Chairman and Founder Jerry Murtaugh.

The event features former celebrity athletes representing many of the 15 Nebraska colleges and universities served by the NGF who will be celebrity captains for a day of golf. Among those who have committed to appear are the three Heisman Trophy winners from UNL Football:  Johnny Rodgers, Mike Rozier and Eric Crouch, plus former Husker standouts Johnny Dorn, Loren Kaiser, Maurtice Ivy, Mike Anderson, and Phil Ellis.  A morning autograph session with each of the celebrities will be free and open to the public.  Ticket information about the evening session will be made public at a later date.

All net proceeds from the event will support qualified former letter winners from any of the 15 Nebraska-based 4 year colleges and universities who have an emergency medical and financial need.

Sponsorship opportunities are available.   For information, contact Derek Apfel at derek@apfel.care

The Nebraska Greats Foundation is a 501C-3 non-profit that provides grants to qualified recipients for emergency financial and medical needs.  All donations are tax deductible.  For more information, log onto www.negreats.org

The Nebraska Greats Foundation partners with Nebraska-based First State Bank

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

The Nebraska Greats Foundation partners with Nebraska-based First State Bank

The Nebraska Greats Foundation (501C-3) www.negreats.org is proud to announce a corporate partnership.

Gothenburg-based First State Bank www.1ststatebank.com will serve as “The Official Community Bank” of the Nebraska Greats Foundation.  The two Nebraska-based organizations completed a five year agreement (terms not disclosed) that will provide the NGF with financial and external support while offering FSB unique exposure, brand association and exclusive client experiences.

“This is a wonderful partnership that will allow us to better serve our current and future recipients while also getting the word out about the mission of the Nebraska Greats Foundation.   It was very important that we work with a statewide company since we serve those in need from all 15 four year schools from Chadron to Peru.” Says NGF Founder and Board President Jerry Murtaugh.

“We’re excited to be a partner with such a meaningful foundation, that aligns with our culture and purpose. The Nebraska Greats has already done a tremendous job and has big dreams to accomplish even more. We’re honored to be a part of it.”  Says Derek Randecker, Market President

“Everyone in this state appreciates what collegiate athletes accomplish and we’re thrilled to be working with a foundation that makes sure these athletes have opportunities to be successful.” Says Leti Wees, Vice President

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First State Bank serves the communities of Omaha, Ralston, North Platte, Mullen, Wallace, and Gothenburg. The $500 million in assets bank provides products and services for any industry; commercial, residential, farming, and ranching. One of the bank’s missions is to always be thinking outside the box and not get stuck in the “traditional banking” ways.

The Nebraska Greats Foundation provides financial assistance to any qualified former letter winners who have emergency or on-going medical needs.  To date, the NGF has awarded grants in excess of $500,000.