Sgt at Arms: Chris Rath Digital Experience: Hal France
Invocation & Pledge: Pastor Heidi McGinness
Navigator: Need Volunteer
Cashiers/Check-in: Aileen Warren & Need Volunteer
Admin Support: Kevin Baitey
Greeters: Brian Kruse & John Mock
Speaker host: President James Mackiewicz
Guest Speaker: Adam Kroft
Buffet Lunch is $20 for members, $22 for visiting Rotarians and guests, and $4 for beverage/attendance only. Lunch ticket is back. Please collect your lunch ticket after check-in and put it in the jar at the beginning of the buffet line
Adam Kroft is the visionary behind redthread, a dynamic creative advertising agency. Armed with a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for innovation, Adam founded redthread with the mission of redefining the boundaries of advertising and marketing in the digital age.
Adam’s journey into the world of advertising began with a degree in advertising from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he developed a deep understanding of consumer behavior and market trends.
As the CEO of redthread, Adam has led the agency through significant growth and success, earning a spot four years in a row on Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies in the US. He’s also been awarded Lincoln’s 4 under 40, LIBA Young Professional of the Year, the Walter Scott Entrepreneurship award and more advertising and marketing awards that he can count.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Adam is an advocate for creativity and artistic expression in the community. Adam’s commitment to excellence and forward-thinking strategies continue to drive redthread’s success and continues to make an impact in the lives of other Nebraska businesses.
Cheryl Murray serves as the Director of Development at QLI, bringing over two decades of executive leadership, strategic fundraising, and community advocacy to her work. An accomplished leader, speaker, and problem solver, Cheryl is a natural Maximizer—passionate about balancing big-picture vision with detailed execution to turn great ideas into transformative community impact.
Prior to joining QLI, she spent nearly a decade leading development efforts at Partnership 4 Kids, following key leadership roles at Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska and Adoption Links Worldwide. Throughout her career, Cheryl has specialized in scaling annual community initiatives and helping donors transition from simple passion to high-impact, meaningful investment.
Above all, Cheryl leads with a relationship-first ethos. She is dedicated to listening deeply, connecting individuals with fulfilling programs, and serving as a relentless advocate for the missions, teams, and communities she represents.
Please join us in giving Cheryl a warm welcome!
Thank you to Nash Mahupete for giving the gift of Rotary to Cheryl!
Christopher “Chris” Frohardt serves as Chief Financial Officer of Stephen Center, an Omaha nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, and poverty. With approximately 15 years of accounting and financial leadership experience—including a background in public accounting—Chris brings a wealth of expertise and a strong commitment to mission-driven work. His very first job experience, however, was working on the Iowa farm where he grew up.
In his role at Stephen Center, Chris oversees the organization’s financial operations and helps guide its long-term financial strategy, regulatory compliance, and major development initiatives. He is passionate about using his professional expertise to strengthen organizations and create a meaningful, positive impact in the community.
Chris and his wife are proud parents of three children. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching their YMCA sports teams and staying actively involved in their school community. In his free time, Chris enjoys reading, bass fishing, and rekindling his longtime hobby of collecting sports cards.
Please join us in giving Christopher a warm welcome! We’re thrilled to have you as part of our community and look forward to getting to know you.
Thank you to Past President Steve McCollister and Stephen Center CEO Chris Knauf for giving the gift of Rotary to Chris Frohardt!
The Rotary Club of Omaha will once again honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, with the 9/11 Tribute of Flags Omaha at Memorial Park.
On Saturday, September 5, from 9:00–11:00 AM, Rotarians, Scouting America, and community volunteers will gather to set up nearly 3,000 U.S. flags, each representing a victim of the 9/11 attacks. Flags honoring victims with a Nebraska connection will be displayed in a special section.
Now in its 19th consecutive year, the tribute was originally organized by Lynn Castrianno in memory of her brother, Leonard Castrianno, who was killed at the World Trade Center.
The flags will remain on display through Monday, September 14. During the setup, the Irvington Volunteer Fire Department will also bring a steel beam from the World Trade Center’s South Tower.
Volunteer to Help
Community members are welcome to join the setup on September 5. Water will be available for volunteers. Click Here to register!
Event Details: 📅 Saturday, September 5, 2026 🕘 9:00–11:00 AM 📍 Memorial Park, 6005 Underwood Ave., Omaha, NE 68132 (On the hill in front of the large World War II monument)
For questions about volunteering, contact Dan Esch at desch402@yahoo.com or (402) 301-9290.
Are you new to the Club or know someone who recently joined? Join us for one of our upcoming New Member Orientation sessions! These meetings are a great opportunity to learn about the Club, discover member benefits, meet fellow members, and ask any questions you may have.
Upcoming Orientations:
Wednesday, August 5 at 11:00 a.m. – Field Club
Friday, September 18 at 8:00 a.m. – 17007 Marcy Street
Whether you're just getting started or would like a refresher, we encourage you to attend one of these sessions. We look forward to welcoming you and helping you make the most of your membership!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Yearling Chair Jill Slupe.
Stephen Center partners with the community, families, and individuals to overcome homelessness, addiction, and poverty. Stephen Center has served the homeless and low-income in Omaha since 1984 through its three programs: Emergency Shelter, HERO Program, and Transitional Living Program. The Omaha Downtown Rotary partners with Stephens Center in serving hot meals to its residents.
September is Rotary's Basic Education and Literacy Month, a reminder that one of the most lasting gifts we can give is the opportunity to learn. Whether supporting local schools, promoting literacy, mentoring students, or investing in youth leadership programs, Rotarians help open doors and create opportunities every day.
This month also gives us an opportunity to remember and celebrate a person who dedicated her life to helping others. On September 20, Rotarians from across the district will gather to honor the life and legacy of Nicki Klein. Nicki was often the person behind the scenes who helped district leaders, clubs, and events succeed. Her commitment to Rotary and to the people of District 5650 left an impact that will be felt for many years.As we honor Nicki's legacy, we are also working to ensure the district has the support structure needed for the future. District leadership has completed a draft job description for a new District Administrator position, and we expect to begin advertising for the role soon. The goal is not to replace Nicki, because no one can, but rather to build on the strong foundation she helped create and provide continuity for future district leaders and clubs.
Serving as your District Governor continues to be one of the highlights of my Rotary journey. So far, I have visited 29 clubs, with nine visits remaining. Those remaining visits include the opportunity to speak with two of our Rotaract clubs. Everywhere I go, I see clubs finding ways to strengthen belonging, serve their communities, and create meaningful impact.
I hope many of you will join me at Fusion 5650, our District Conference, October 23-24 at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland. District Conference is our opportunity to connect, learn from one another, celebrate our successes, and be inspired by the incredible work happening throughout our district. If you have not yet registered, I encourage you to do so and be part of the experience.
Thank you for all you do to strengthen Rotary, support your communities, and help create opportunities for others. I look forward to seeing many of you on the road, at Nicki's memorial, and at Fusion 5650 this fall.
Yours in Rotary, Gretchen Bren District Governor, Rotary District 5650
Where three or more Rotarians gather, it's called a Rotary Social, and you earn attendance credits. Rotarians may come from different clubs. Connect with Rotarians and enjoy the power of Rotary fellowship. Below are our recent Rotary Socials.
At the recently concluded Polio Bike Ride DG Gretchen Bren, Bill Kutler, and Gene DeBoer
Rotarians at the Salvation Army Echelon Advisory Board Mixer. From left to right: Hal Daub, Mayor John Ewing, Colin McArthur, and First Lady Viv Ewing.
New Member orientation led by Jill Slupe with Craig Cope, Chris Frohardt, and Brett Neely
Rotarians Meet Up L to R: Russell Vaughn, Leslie Volk, and Colin McArthur
Rotary Club of Omaha Rotarians at the Polio Bike Ride: Governor-Elect Bill Harvey (he took this photo), Jesse Moore, and Colin McArthur. The rest in the photo are from the other clubs.
Rotarians at the Omaha Business Hall of Fame: Dele Davies, Anthony Flott (Suburban) and Sue Kutschkau
Rotarians meet up: Randy Wieseler, Tom Adams, and Dakotah Smith
John Sullivan, Dakotah Smith, and Colin McArthur at the CRE Summit.
Rotary meeting at Pacaderm!
Rotarians at the ribbon cutting for the mural painted by youth from Italy through the Omaha Sister City Association at Pine Elementary School.
Rotarians at Susan Koester’s 50th birthday celebration: Sarah Robak, Sandy Lemke, and celebrant herself, Susan Koester (left to right).
Rotarians at RiverFront First Fridays L to R: Bob Keefer, Colin McArthur, and Mike Mancuso
Within hours of deadly floods and landslides that struck Mexico in October, Rotary members were responding. In hard-hit Poza Rica, Rotary and Rotaract members brought residents to safety, plowed mud-laden streets, and moved house to house to clean properties. The effort was supported by clubs throughout District 4185 and by neighboring districts and others abroad. The Rotary Club of Poza Rica joined the nonprofit Planet Water Foundation to install four water towers and a water block in the neediest area and deliver purified water elsewhere. The club also coordinated with World Central Kitchen to provide hot meals. Still, “we desperately need help to get back on our feet and return to our normal lives,” says club member Pepe Badillo. “The houses were a total loss. Everything was destroyed, from a single plate to the bedrooms on the second floor.”
India
The city of Thane, northeast of Mumbai, is recognized for its arts and culture scene. It’s home to drama troupes, an art expo, international film festivals, and comedy venues. What it was lacking, says Atul Bhide, of the Rotary Club of Thane Hills, was a large showcase for aficionados of the written word. To amend that, the club (which also sponsors a book-reading initiative for youth) launched the Thane Literature Festival. Over two days in November, bibliophiles toasted 22 authors and poets who read from their work and participated in panel discussions. The event honored journalist and writing coach Bachi Karkaria with the Thane Literature Festival lifetime achievement award, and judges critiqued entries in a short-story contest. “Encouraging reading habits and love for literature for Gen-Next is also our motive behind this literature festival,” says Bhide.
The Rotary Club of Omaha is now recruiting more members! It's your opportunity to join the Rotary Club of Omaha, click here to complete the membership application form. For questions, please contact Membership Chair Sarah Robak at sarah.robakcfa@gmail.com.
American Express Online Giving
Archdiocesan Schools
Bennington Schools Foundation
Centris
Chase Bank
Club Foundation
Club Service Fund
CFO Systems
Creighton University
DA Davidson
Elkhorn Schools Foundation
EHPV
FNBO
Goodwill Industries
Jungle Driving
Metro Community College
Millard Schools Foundation
Omaha Massage Therapy
Omaha Public Schools Foundation
Ralston Schools Foundation
UNO College of Business Administration
Union Omaha
Westside Foundation
Individuals:
Anonymous Donor
Bill Harvey
Brad Burklund
Brett Frevert
Chris Rath
Colleen Brennan
Deb Skinner
Fletcher Reel
Fr. Lloyd Gnirk
Gretchen Harvey
Heidi McGinness
Jim Stewart
Jim Suttle
John Ewing
John Marburger
John Mock
Larry Guenther
Larry Johansen
Lisa Tonjes Moritz
Mary Daub
Hal Daub
Paul Cohen
Randy Voorst
Randy Wieseler
Sandy Lemke
Todd Lemke
Scott Buchholz
Steve Carper
Steve McCollister
Tom Gouttierre
Viv Ewing
Adam Kroft
Mexico
