Gov. Heineman & First Lady Announce Inaugural Ball Details; Guard Families to Benefit from Proceeds

Gov. Heineman & First Lady Announce Inaugural Ball Details; Guard Families to Benefit from Proceeds

Gov. Dave Heineman and First Lady Sally Ganem today announced plans for the upcoming Inaugural Ball, saying that proceeds from the event will be given to the Stars & Stripes Sertoma Club of Lincoln and benefit the families of the Nebraska National Guard.

Ganem said, "Dave and I are pleased to announce that Nebraska's soldiers, airmen and their families will be the real beneficiaries of the Inaugural Ball. We felt very strongly that the proceeds from the ball should stay in the state and be dedicated to an organization that can provide support and comfort for our military families. The ball is one way for Nebraskans to show their support for the families that sacrifice so much for this state and our nation."

Maj. Gen. Roger Lempke, Adjutant General for the Nebraska military, said, "On behalf of the all Nebraska National Guard families, I want to thank the Governor and First Lady for their support. This contribution will certainly be put to good by helping to benefit the families whose love and support helps our troops to focus on the mission at hand."

The event will be held on the evening of Friday, Jan. 5, at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln. The black-tie event will include a reception and dinner, beginning at 5:30 p.m. CT, in addition to the inaugural program, which begins at 7:30 p.m. CT. The program consists of entertainment and the traditional Grand March of elected and appointed officials, followed by dancing and dessert.

Ticket prices for the Governor's Inaugural Ball are similar to those of previous balls. Individuals interested in attending the dinner, inaugural program and dancing will pay $60, while those attending only the inaugural program and dancing will pay $25. Invitations were mailed last week. Anyone interested in attending the inaugural can purchase tickets online at the Inaugural Ball Web site, available at http://www.inaugural2007.com.

Three bands will provide entertainment during the 2007 Inaugural Ball, including the 43rd U.S. Army Band which is scheduled play during the Grand March. The program also will feature performances by the Lincoln Boys Chorale Choir, the Fremont Pathfinders Barbershop Chorus, the Western Nebraska Community College Collegiate Choir, and singer Ginger ten Bensel of Grand Island.

The Stars & Stripes Sertoma Club of Lincoln was chartered in 2003 as a special interest Sertoma Club with a central mission of promoting patriotism. Proceeds from the Inaugural Ball will be used to embark on a new family support project working with the Nebraska National Guard Family Program Office, which provides support services for 67 Nebraska Army and Air National Guard units across the state, in addition to supporting retired and veteran members.

Stars & Stripes will serve as the distribution point for donations given in support of the family program. Proceeds from the Inaugural Ball will be used to benefit the children of military families and support activities that promote family wellness. Events taking place across the state include a summer camp for children of deployed guard members; Kids Mobilization Day, which allows children to experience and understand the mobilization process; Operation Hidden Egg, Haunted Armory and other holiday-oriented parties held for military families; baby bundles created for babies born during deployment; and a Salute the Arts program, which encourages families to express their emotions through artwork.

In addition to special events for military members and their families, the Family Program Office provides services that include informational briefings on issues from benefits to financial and legal issues during deployment, coping with separation and reunion, along with other training.

Founding member and Chairman Jim Krysl said, "Stars & Stripes exists to thank those who have given so much for our country: the men and women who fought to win, and continue to fight to protect and preserve the freedoms we enjoy. We look forward to the opportunity to work with Nebraska's military men and women and their families in the years to come."

http://www.gov.state.ne.us/archive/news/2006_12/13_inaugaral_ball.html