Danielle Bunz
President, THE PRESENTERS

FROM THE PRESIDENT:

Welcome to the 2008 Designer Showhouse. This year, for the first time, the metroMAGAZINE/ASID Designer Showhouse is providing fundraising opportunities to three outstanding Omaha organizations, including THE PRESENTERS.

THE PRESENTERS is a group of dedicated volunteers who support Omaha Performing Arts' commitment to outreach and educational efforts, and its mission to enhance and expand appreciation of the arts.

THE PRESENTERS is also planning the third annual Day of the Arts. This free event will be held May 4, 2008 at the Holland Center and will feature an array of activities and performances for all ages.

Building on the success of the award-winning Broadway Ball, the second bi-annual Broadway Ball will be held Friday, September 5, 2008 at the Holland Center in celebration of the arrival of Wicked the musical in 2009. Congratulations to Andy Hoig, metroMAGAZINE and ASID, and Pat and Sharon McNeil for organizing and hosting such a wonderful event in such a magnificent venue.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

In June 2000, the Omaha Performing Arts Society was formed as a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of the citizens of Omaha and surrounding communities through the presentation of the finest local, national, and international artistic performances.

Central to the organization's mission are education and community involvement programs that encourage young people and adults to more fully appreciate and participate in the performing arts. These programs include workshops, master classes, pre-performance and post-performance discussions with artists, and community-focused collaborations.

As part of its charge, Omaha Performing Arts manages the Orpheum Theater and Holland Performing Arts Center. In addition, Omaha Performing Arts brings a variety of outstanding entertainers to both facilities through its presenting series Omaha Performing Arts Presents, currently celebrating its inaugural season.

THE PRESENTERS is a volunteer group that supports Omaha Performing Arts by fundraising, building awareness of the organization's mission, programs and facilities, and serving as community advocates. To achieve these goals, THE PRESENTERS organizes and supports special events for Omaha Performing Arts, including Day of the Arts and a New Year's Eve celebration.

Penny Parker
Executive Director

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

On behalf of Camp Fire USA, we are honored to be part of the 2008 Designer Showhouse. The event will help us showcase our innovative programs and the critical role that Camp Fire plays in educating and preparing area children for a complex world. Just as Pat and Sharon McNeil are opening the doors of their home for this year's Showhouse, so, too, Camp Fire open the doors of opportunity for so many area children. We welcome the community to visit our organization at its own recently remodeled, new building (2566 St. Mary's Avenue). Come home to Camp Fire!

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

Camp Fire USA is one of the nation's leading not-for-profit youth development organizations, currently serving nearly 750,000 children and youth annually. Camp Fire USA provides all-inclusive, coeducational programs in hundreds of communities across the United States. Founded in 1910, Camp Fire USA's outcome-based programs include youth leadership, self-reliance, after school groups, camping and environmental education and child care.

As the first nonsectarian, interracial organization for girls in the United States, Camp Fire USA takes pride in its long-standing commitment to providing fun programs and services to all children and families in America. Camp Fire USA is inclusive, open to every person in the communities they serve, welcoming children, youth and adults regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation or other aspect of diversity.

Camp Fire USA's programs are designed and implemented to reduce sex-role, racial and cultural stereotypes and to foster positive intercultural relationships. Camp Fire USA's mission is to build caring, confident youth and future leaders.

Omaha's Council of Camp Fire USA:

• Serves nearly 20,000 area boys and girls.
• From kindergarten through high school.
• From the inner city to the suburbs to rural communities.
• Through innovative after-school and summer educational programs for children and teens, community learning centers and prevention education plays.

Lisa Russell
JLO President

FROM THE PRESIDENT:

Welcome to the 2008 Designer Showhouse. What an exciting project with which to be partnering with metroMAGAZINE and the Nebraska/Iowa chapter of ASID. The Junior League of Omaha is honored to have been selected as a beneficiary. Monies raised during the Showhouse will support the League's community projects.

HIP Kids - working to reverse the trend of childhood obesity through the creation of school walking clubs, teaching healthy eating through family nights and education.
Done In A Day - assistance with special projects or events for community agencies that are not currently connected to the League in a long-term project. We typically supply resources or provide volunteers to fill a specific need.

Dance Without Limits - part of the Girl Scouts Outreach Program at King and Liberty schools allowing 4th graders to learn fitness techniques and express themselves through rhythm and movement. A resident artist leads and coordinates the program of dance instruction while the League provides additional support and leadership.

Since 1919 the Junior League of Omaha has provided trained volunteers to initiatives and organizations throughout Omaha. Our network of active and sustaining League members have been instrumental in many groundbreaking events. Once again, we are pleased to be a part of yet another Omaha first. We salute metroMAGAZINE and ASID on a project well done!

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

The Junior League of Omaha reaches out to women of all races, religions, and national origins, who demonstrate an interest in and a commitment to volunteerism.

Mission Statement: The Junior League of Omaha is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

JLO accomplishes this mission by:

• Providing a motivating and supportive environment that stimulates members.
• Participation increasing our impact in the Omaha community by effectively coordinating our resources with community needs.
• Maintaining financial stability through our annual funds and fundraising events.
• Providing comprehensive training opportunities to develop volunteers to better serve the community.
• Communicating and promoting the organization's mission and historical significance to our membership and the community.