Thank You for Another Successful Annual Luncheon

It is with my deepest gratitude that I thank our team, board, donors, volunteers, law enforcement, and all those involved in our 2018 luncheon, A Time for Hope & Healing with Patrick Kennedy, for making it such a smashing success! Seven hundred and seventy five community members joined us on October 16^th to welcome Patrick Kennedy and learn about the importance of treating mental health just as we do all physical health, making sure all those from every pocket of our community have mental healthcare, and learning more about Patrick’s personal journey through mental illness and substance use. It was a powerful, transparent keynote address that left people inspired and motivated to make changes right here in Nebraska.

I want to especially thank our team who put countless hours and immense energy into increasing our attendance by 300 people from the previous year, making sure the event went on without a hitch, and putting all of their passion for our mission into implementing a wonderful event. We couldn’t do it without these ladies, so thank you Janae, Kailey, and Lori – as well as the C&A Industries marketing team! I also want to take a moment to thank our event sponsors: our Premier Sponsor, C&A Industries; our Platinum Sponsor, Harrison Financial; our Gold Sponsors, The Heider Family Foundation and Nebraska Medicine; and our Silver Sponsors, Bryan Health, CHI, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, Omaha Public Schools Foundation, Schwarz & Associates, and the SilverStone Group. I would also like to thank the dozens of Corporate and Table Sponsors that showed up in stronger numbers than we’ve ever seen. Without the generosity of all of you, this event most definitely wouldn’t be possible. Thank you!

If you weren’t able to join us, there was a special moment during the luncheon when we honored five law enforcement officials with our annual Spirit of Courage Award. I would like to take one more opportunity to thank Deputy Chief Michele Bang from Omaha Police Department, Captain Chris Culler from Sarpy County Sheriff’s Department, Captain Colene Hinchey from Omaha Police Department, Chaplain Jeff Kaiser from Sarpy County Sheriff’s Department, and Lieutenant Denise Rieder from Douglas County Sheriff’s Department. These five outstanding individuals have been crucial in the success of our LOSS Team and 13minutes suicide prevention campaign. They exemplify a true passion and commitment to improving our community and making sure the most vulnerable citizens are treated fairly with dignity and respect. Thank you all!

While we are still basking in the success of a tremendous 2018 event, we are working diligently to confirm the details of a 2019 program that is sure to be another unforgettable event. Please watch for more details to come of our 2019 A Time for Hope & Healing!

Julia Hebenstreit, Executive Director of The Kim Foundation

Julia received her J.D. from Creighton University in 2005, and her BS in Journalism from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2002. She has been with The Kim Foundation since 2011, and prior to that worked for local non-profits doing development, strategic planning, communications and advancement. She has a passion for helping people and improving lives, and serves on the Executive Committee for Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations, as the 2015 Hill Day State Captain for the state of Nebraska, and as an active member of the Nebraska Suicide Prevention Coalition, the Early Childhood Mental Health Coalition, BHECN Advisory Committee, RESPECT Advisory Board, Connections Advisory Board and the Project Propel Planning Group.