Friends, donors and supporters gathered on April 22 for the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation's second annual UpPour. Unlike a downpour, UpPour lifts up and acknowledges those who shower their resources upon the children and families of Nebraska. Held at KANEKO in the Old Market, the event paid tribute to Omaha philanthropist and businessman, Dick Holland, 2010 Grace Abbott Award honoree, and celebrated the work of the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation.

Mary Jo Pankoke, President of Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, emphasized the organization's investment and progress toward preventing the threats that too many children face. She acknowledged that while advancements are being made, a great deal of work lies ahead to close the opportunity gap that exists for children at risk of falling short of their potential.

Highlighting the event was a tribute to Dick Holland, 2010 Grace Abbott Award honoree. Richard Holland, retired advertising executive, and his late wife, Mary, have dedicated much of their lives to the well being of children. "For Dick Holland, life is not a spectator sport. The challenges our community faces, especially of those faced by local children, he views as opportunities... he has never been discouraged by the size of the task, but has been motivated by the possibilities. He does not sit back and wait for others to find a solution to a problem. Instead, he rolls up his sleeves and makes a difference," said Mike Fahey, UpPour Honorary Chairman and long-time friend of Holland.

In his acceptance speech, Holland noted the need to invest early in the lives of children. "This country faces a national disaster because of its neglect of children, particularly from birth to 5 years of age," said Holland. He encouraged the audience to think about the consequences for children, our country and our society. Holland challenged those in attendance to get involved and make a difference by investing early in lives of children.

Since 2003, the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation has bestowed the Grace Abbott Award on an individual or business for their contributions to the foundation and the children and families of Nebraska.

A Grand Island native, Grace Abbott served as Director of the U.S. Children's Bureau, represented the United States in the League of Nations and helped craft the Social Security Act of 1935. She was a pioneer who worked tirelessly for the rights of women, children and immigrants.

Past Grace Abbott recipients include: Dr. Doug Christensen, A. Mike Alesio, Senator Kathy Campbell, Donna Tubach Davis, JoAnn LeBaron, Ally Milder (posthumous), BryanLGH Medical Center, Cabela's, ConAgra Foods, Duncan Aviation and First National Bank.

Nebraska Children and Families Foundation creates public-private partnerships, advocates for policy change and provides grants to communities to enhance services aimed at keeping at-risk kids safe and ensuring success in school and in life.

A special thanks to our 2010 corporate sponsors:

Duncan Aviation
Medibadge, Inc
RDG Planning & Design
Cline Williams
U.S. Bank
Prairie Life Fitness, Dean & Jessie Rasmussen
BryanLGH
Union Bank
American National Bank, John & Wende Kotouc
University of Nebraska at Omaha
BKD, LLP
INSPRO Insurance
P & L Technology
Catering Creations
Omaha Steaks
Peetz & Co.