Published November 19, 2025
Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) is pleased to announce that Tonee and Tim Gay will receive the Reflection Award at the organization’s GALA 2026 on Saturday, January 17, 2026, 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.
Tim Gay graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1987 with a B.S. in Business Administration. His early career included work as a grain merchandiser and as Vice President of Investment Services at American National Bank in Papillion. He later served as a Senior Advisor with Husch Blackwell’s Governmental Affairs group.
Tim served on the Sarpy County Board of Commissioners from 1995–2006, including multiple terms as chairman, and contributed to major improvements in infrastructure, technology, and the county’s criminal justice system. He was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2006, representing District 14 until 2011. As Chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee and a member of several others, he helped pass more than 70 bills on economic development, tax policy, workforce issues, and natural resources. His legislative work earned multiple state and local awards.
After his legislative service, Tim joined the OPPD Board of Directors, was elected to a full term in 2014, and served as Treasurer and later Board Chair. He has been involved with numerous local boards and organizations and is currently President of Catalyst Public Affairs, which he founded in 2018.
Tonee Gay graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. She became Executive Director of Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) in 2005 and led its transition to a public charity in 2009. She created the Foundation’s annual matching program and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, launched MCF’s Coronavirus Response Fund to support nonprofits in Sarpy and Cass counties.
Under Tonee’s leadership, MCF received multiple Non-Profit of the Year honors from both the Sarpy County and Bellevue Chambers. Tonee has been recognized as a Woman of Distinction, one of the Suburban Newspapers’ 40 Under 40, and one of THE BLOC’s 50 Over 50.
She has served on numerous community boards and committees, including Food Bank for the Heartland’s Foodies Board, The Durham Museum On Track Guild, Papillion Arts Foundation, Papillion Community Foundation Board, Sarpy Community YMCA Board, and the Nebraska Judicial Nominating Commission.
Tonee and Tim chaired Papillion La Vista Community Schools bond campaigns in 2012 and 2018. She joined Catalyst Public Affairs in 2022 and now serves as Finance Manager and Community Relations.
Tim and Tonee have been married for 34 years and live in Papillion. They have three children and welcomed their first grandchild in 2024.
“Tonee and Tim embody the kind of dedication and heart that strengthens our community, and we are honored to celebrate their outstanding impact with the 2026 Reflection Award.” said Rick Iske, President of the MCF Board of Directors.
Honorary Chairs for GALA 2026 are Karla Rupiper and Bob O’Neal. Karla holds degrees from Iowa State University, Central Michigan University, and the Creighton School of Law. She served as a judicial law clerk for the U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. District Court in Omaha, later teaching at the College of Saint Mary and practicing with Koley Jessen. In 2011, she became Papillion’s first full-time City Attorney, serving until her retirement in 2019.
A Papillion native, Bob graduated from Papillion La Vista High School and earned his B.A. and law degrees from UNL. His career included roles as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Air Force, work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Sarpy County Attorney’s Office, and private practice. He served 26 years as a Sarpy County Juvenile Court Judge in Sarpy and Otoe Counties.
Karla and Bob have been married for 31 years, and are blessed with two children and five grandchildren, all of whom live in Papillion. They have both strengthened their community outside of work through service on nonprofit boards, dedication to civic organizations, and volunteer work.
“We’re thankful for the hard work of Karla, Bob, and the GALA 2026 Committee, whose leadership ensures this event can fuel MCF’s support for nonprofits throughout Sarpy and Cass counties,” said Diane Knicky, Executive Director.
To become a sponsor or register to attend the event, visit www.midlandscommunity.org/gala-2026
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.
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