Heartland United Way celebrates the power of believing United is the Way
GRAND ISLAND, NEB. (March 26, 2026) Stories of hope and impact underscored the power of belief as the Heartland United Way held its 2026 Campaign Celebration and Annual Meeting on Thursday.
“Tonja and I have always believed in the causes of the partner agencies so it was easy to believe that this could be the theme this year,” said 2025/2026 Campaign Chair and Heartland United Way Board Chair Kent Brown.
Kent and Tonja Brown led a record-setting campaign, raising $1,811,666 for the Heartland United Way and its 20 community partners.
Speaker Nate Smith said his appreciation for the United Way goes beyond funding for YMCA programs like Operation Splash and Everyone Plays, Everyone Wins.
“Human to human. Heart to heart. That human connection, deeper than just their pockets. They change lives,” said the YMCA Sports director. “We just need people to show up.”
Smith said he remembers the people who believed in him.
“I grew up in the YMCA. The YMCA was my life. It saved my life in so many difference incidents,” he said.
Speaker Amanda Burton also stressed the importance of showing up for our neighbors.
“I understand what it feels like to be a child in a world that’s uncertain, when the adults around them don’t understand and are overwhelmed, when the stability in their life feels fragile. I also understand the incredible impact that just one consistent adult can make in a child’s life. That is exactly what CASA provides,” said Heartland CASA’s senior volunteer coordinator.
That work is supported by those who share a belief in the Heartland United Way mission: improving lives and creating possibilities for individuals and families across Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick Counties.
Local4 was named Heartland United Way’s 2026 Outstanding Community Champion for their work highlighting the needs and generosity of our communities through their coverage.
“Being able to highlight initiatives like 25 Keys of Christmas, now 25 Bells, and the Go Big GIVE campaign have never felt like work. It’s been a privilege. These efforts showcase the generosity, compassion and heart of this community and we are grateful for the chance to help and share those stories,” said Alissa Harrington, Local4 News.
Case New Holland received the 2026 Outstanding Business Leadership Award for their exceptional philanthropic leadership, generosity, and commitment to strengthening our community through both fundraising and volunteering.
“It’s really important to us because it shows how much we value our people,” said Brandon Hotovy, CNH. “Our people are really the reason why we at CNH are successful as what we are, so by donating to the Heartland United Way, supporting the Heartland United Way and the partner agencies we’re giving back to our employees, not just them, but their families and their neighbors. By supporting these teams we can build a strong foundation for our community.”
The Heartland United Way’s Community Legacy Award recipients have been an integral part of building stronger communities. Tom and Kim Dinsdale donated a vehicle every year for more than 20 years for the United Way’s 25 Keys of Christmas giveaway, inspiring potentially millions of dollars in donations. For this, and the many other ways the Dinsdales have shown up for the United Way and beyond, Heartland United Way President Karen Rathke said Tom and Kim embody the spirit of this award.
“Thank you Tom and Kim for everything you’ve done for the United Way, but for so many organizations in the community; and I hope you know the impact that you’ve had and the lives that you’ve touched and the people you’ve inspired to do more, be better and make a difference,” said Heartland United Way President Karen Rathke.
The Heartland United Way would like to thank all who made this a successful event, including Equitable Bank for sponsoring the dessert, Megan Pattison for their beautiful gift of music, Lily Rose Fresh Cut Flowers for the centerpieces, CopyCat Printing and Signs for designing and printing our Annual Report, Riverside Golf Club for their wonderful food and hospitality, Roses for You for the linens, our table sponsors and Awards Plus, Dramco Tool, and Todd Jacobson for the awards.
Please visit heartlandunitedway.org for more details on the work of the Heartland United Way.
Award Recipients
Milestone Campaign– Chief Industries
Outstanding Campaign– FNBO
Outstanding Campaign Coordinator – Kristy Thies (Pinnacle Bank)
New Workplace Campaign – Edward Jones
Outstanding Community Champion – Local4 and Alissa Harrington
Outstanding Business Leadership – CNH
Community Legacy Award – Tom and Kim Dinsdale
New Officers
Board Chair – Angela Simdorn
1st Vice Chair – Chief Kevin Denney
2nd Vice Chair – Brandon Hotovy
Treasurer & Ethics Officer – AJ Fruchtl
Elected Board Members
Sarah Cover
Kelly Enck
Hannah Fair
Brent Frerichs
Keely Huebner
Retiring Board Members
Neil Wardyn
Juliet Wright
2025/2026 Campaign Chairs
Kent and Tonja Brown
Live Testimonials
Nate Smith, Grand Island YMCA Sports Director
Amanda Burton, Heartland CASA Volunteer Coordinator
Recorded Testimonials
Vanessa Ward, Grand Island Elks Lodge #604
Gadiel Aguilar, Holiday Toy Distribution volunteer, recipient
Daina, Jon and Matthew Rosenlund, Eagle Scouts