Honoring Champions for Children: 2025 For the Love of Children Banquet Celebrates 10 Years of Impact
Grand Island, NE – The 10th Annual for the Love of Children Banquet will take place on April 17, 2025, at 5:30 PM at The Venue at Bosselman Enterprises, celebrating local champions dedicated to the well-being of children in our community. Hosted by The Association for Child Abuse Prevention (ACAP), Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Nebraska, Boys Town, First Light, Grand Island Public Schools, Heartland CASA, and Willow Rising, this milestone event will honor individuals who have made profound contributions to the lives of children.
This year, a special 10th Anniversary Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Dori Bush, a relentless advocate for children and families whose decades of service have left an indelible mark on our community. As a charter member of ACAP, a driving force behind the establishment of the Boys Town shelter in Grand Island, and a passionate champion for parenting education and child protection initiatives, Bush has dedicated her life to ensuring that every child is safe, supported, and valued. Her unwavering commitment has transformed lives, inspiring countless others to serve.
In addition to honoring Bush’s legacy, the banquet will recognize three outstanding individuals with the For the Love of Children Award, given to community members whose dedication and service have significantly impacted children’s lives:
Stephanie Kissler, a lifelong advocate for children and families, has spent over 15 years supporting youth through her work at the Heartland United Way and as a foster and adoptive parent. Her leadership in community service, mentorship, and inclusion efforts has empowered children and families, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities needed to flourish.
James Schulte, a fierce advocate for justice-involved youth, serves as the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) Coordinator, where he works tirelessly to reform juvenile justice policies and provide youth with opportunities for rehabilitation and growth. His lived experience fuels his passion for ensuring young people are heard, supported, and given the chance to thrive.
Jeff Westerby, a pillar of support for Grand Island students, has dedicated 33 years to the Grand Island Public School District. His leadership in crisis response, suicide prevention, and mentorship has saved lives and created a safer, more supportive environment for students. His influence extends beyond the classroom, providing mental health support through law enforcement collaboration and fostering a love for the outdoors through extracurricular programs.
As we mark the 10th anniversary of this special event, we reflect on a decade of honoring those who make a difference for children in our community. Their compassion, dedication, and tireless service embody the very spirit of this celebration.
The community is invited to join us in recognizing these extraordinary individuals at the For the Love of Children Banquet. Tickets are available at https://mentorcentral.org/floc. For more information, please contact Josie Lindell, 308-870-6341, [email protected].