Nemaha County Gives Back Committee Preparing for 3rd Annual Winter Festival

Written by Nemaha County Herald

The Nemaha County Gives Back Winter Festival is set for December 5-6 from 5 – 8pm at the 4-H Building in Auburn!The committee has been working hard on preparing for the third annual event. The festival will feature a free will offering meal, entertainment provided by local groups and a Christmas tree/wreath auction. Chairperson Bobette Guenther stated that the 2008 festival was a huge success! “The second annual event raised $15,472 as local businesses, civic groups, churches, and individuals were very generous in the fundraising efforts. A group from the Nemaha County Gives Back Committee did all the shopping last year for SENCA and Project Response. “With the money raised we were able to provide 100 food baskets, 218 children received toys/gifts and warm articles of clothing, plus100 gift certificates were given to the elderly along with a warm blanket and 70 $25 gift certificates were given to the SENDS clients. “The Christmas trees and wreaths which were decorated by local civic groups raised quite a bit of money. Then, some of the trees that were successfully bid for during the auction were donated back to needy families.“Last year, recognizing the men and women in the military with Nemaha County ties was a huge honor. A bulletin board was on display with their pictures and information provided by their families. A DVD was shown also featuring the brave men and women from our county! Each individual was recognized even though they were not present during the event but many of each person’s family were present. “Again this year, we will be putting together a bulletin board/DVD so anyone who has a loved one serving in the military and would like to take part in this, please contact me [Bobette Guenther] by Nov. 15. This is a way of showing our appreciation and support to these dedicated individuals serving our country. “Please know that by making a donation to the event you are able to help a child, needy family, elderly or disabled to have a brighter holiday. People take so much for granted but think of a child who has never received a toy for Christmas, an elderly person who would not have had a holiday dinner, or even a family who has never had a Christmas tree – to them, this is a huge blessing! The stories that we heard after the event about how a food basket, a toy, an article of clothing, even Christmas trees, and military families affected people’s lives made the event very much worthwhile! All sponsors will be recognized!” she concluded.Bobette Guenther and Bob Lowrey are the co-chairpersons for the event.The public is encouraged to attend this winter festival. Anyone who has any questions, would like to help sponsor, wants further information, or would like to help serve on a committee, please contact Bobette Guenther at 402-274-8919 or 402-274-3285. Thank you for all your support!