What was the most important factor in your decision to move to your community?
We wanted to find the best place to raise our kids. At that point, we were just planning and we felt Ogallala was the place to raise our kids and give them the best quality of life. Ogallala has a very safe environment where a kid can run and play free. A place where we have more time to spend with our kids and where we can show them the value of community service.
For you personally, what has been the most valuable part about moving to your community?
The people in Keith County are what make this place unique. They are very welcoming and they have big, giving hearts. It is a community where everyone gets together to help whomever needs it the most.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about returning to Greater Nebraska?
I would say don’t think twice, just do it! I promise you won’t regret it. In a small town you will have more time to spend with your family, get involved in community service, and feel like you are part of the community. You can help to make a better place to raise your kids by joining service organizations and meeting amazing super heroes who work every day to make a difference.
What excites you when you think about the future of your community?
What excites me about the future of Keith County is with the amazing $7 million gift and all of the money we have in the endowment, we will be able to make impactful grants that will benefit all of the citizens in our community. We have amazing leaders and I believe if we all join forces and do collaborative work, we can make a huge difference in the success of this community.
I dream of a community that works together for the wellbeing of every citizen in town, an inclusive place that nurtures diversity, where there are more jobs, housing and opportunities to attract more people. We also need to focus on early child development, youth and our seniors.
How would you describe your experience serving on your local affiliated fund?
I love to work with a group of people who are committed to the success and growth of Keith County. KCFF provides a unique opportunity to help the community and now with the recent major gift, we will be able to make larger scale projects in the community that will have an even bigger impact in the county. I also love the fact that our KCFF cares about the importance of early child development and our youth.
