Midlands Community Foundation’s Gala 2026 Raises Over $185,000

Midlands Community Foundation’s Gala 2026, held on January 17 at the Astro Theater in La Vista, raised over $185,000. More than 425 attended the Gala through sponsorship organizations or individual ticket purchases. Net proceeds from the event will support the needs of non-profit organizations that provide programs and services in Sarpy and Cass counties in the areas of art, community and economic development, education, health, and human services.

At the event, the 2026 Reflection Award was presented to Tonee and Tim Gay by Karla Rupiper and Bob O’Neal, who served as the Gala Honorary Chairs.

Tim Gay earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. His career spans roles in grain merchandising, financial advising, and governmental affairs. He served on the Sarpy County Board from 1995–2006 and in the Nebraska Legislature from 2006–2011, where he chaired the Health and Human Services Committee and helped pass more than 70 bills. Tim later served on the OPPD Board, including terms as Treasurer and Chair. He has been active on numerous community boards and is President of Catalyst Public Affairs, which he founded in 2018.

Tonee Gay holds a B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She served as Executive Director of Midlands Community Foundation from 2005–2022, leading its transition to a public charity and creating key community programs, including the COVID-19 Response Fund. Her leadership earned multiple nonprofit awards and individual recognitions. Tonee has served on many local boards and committees and joined Catalyst Public Affairs in 2022 as Finance Manager and Community Relations.

“Their extraordinary generosity and steadfast commitment inspire us all,” said Diane Knicky, Executive Director. “We are sincerely grateful for their enduring support of Midlands Community Foundation and the community we serve.”

The mission of Midlands Community Foundation 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.