Gala Release – 2025 Reflection Award Recipient

Nancy and Jim Thompson to Receive MCF’s 2025 Reflection Award

Papillion, Neb., Nov. 11th, 2024 – Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) is pleased to announce that Nancy and Jim Thompson will receive the Reflection Award at the organization’s GALA 2025 on Saturday, January 18th, 2025, at The Astro Theater in La Vista. Each year MCF honors an individual or individuals who have significantly contributed to Sarpy and/or Cass counties and the mission of the Foundation with its Reflection Award.

Jim graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and received his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Creighton University. Nancy received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in History from Creighton University.

Both Nancy and Jim were educators in their early careers, and they served on the committee that chartered the Papillion La Vista Schools Foundation in 1986, which continues to enhance the Papillion La Vista Community Schools today.

Their work continued to enrich the community even after their careers in education. Jim worked at Pinnacle Bank in Papillion, retiring after 28 years of service. Jim was elected to the Papillion La Vista School District’s Board of Education, the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties, and the Sarpy County Board of Commissioners. Nancy became the first woman elected to the Sarpy County Board of Commissioners, and then served as a State Senator for District 14 in the Nebraska State Legislature. She later served as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands, and then as CEO of the Health Center Association of Nebraska.

Nancy and Jim have been married for 54 years and have been blessed with four children and eight grandchildren.

“Jim and Nancy have set a remarkable example of how compassion and commitment can transform lives and enrich communities, and we are proud to recognize their exceptional contributions with the 2025 Reflection Award,” said Rick Iske, President of the MCF Board of Directors.

Honorary Chairs for GALA 2025 are Michelle and Mayor Doug Kindig. Michelle has worked in IT for over 40 years, primarily with financial organizations. Mayor Kindig works at Five Points Bank, and has held various government positions with the City of La Vista since 1994. He was elected as the Mayor of La Vista in November 2005 and has served in that position since that time. “We are grateful to be working with dedicated people like Doug and Michelle and the members of the GALA 2025 Committee to coordinate this event, which enables MCF to support the nonprofit organizations that strengthen and serve Sarpy and Cass counties,” said Diane Knicky, Executive Director. To become a sponsor or register to attend the event, visit www.midlandscommunity.org.

The mission of MCF is to be a catalyst for lasting impact in Sarpy and Cass counties and to give opportunities to organizations and individuals to pursue their charitable goals.

For more information, contact Diane Knicky at 402-991-8027 Ext. 2

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