Omaha Morning Rotary

10/08/2026

PLEASE JOIN OMAHA MORNING ROTARY ON TUESDAY OCTOBER 13, 2026 AT FIRST WATCH AKSARBEN (1222 s. 71ST, SUITE B TO HEAR OUR SPEAKER MEEGAN VELLEK, OF PROJECT SURPRISE PARTY (PSP).

Meegan Vellek born and raised a South Dakota girl has now called Nebraska home for over 17 years. Having a passion for helping children since middle school, she graduated from the University of Sioux Falls with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. She put this degree to work for over 15 years in the corporate world. After staying home with her three boys for 10 years, she decided it was time to use her God given gifts again. She served six years on the Guild Board at Child Saving Institute, reigniting her calling during that time. Knowing there were so many wonderful organizations helping families in the community, Meegan recalled core memories of her own as A child...her birthdays! Being raised by a single mother, one thing her mom always made sure of was that Meegan celebrated her birthday. Now, as a mom to three, she and her husband Matt have also celebrated their boys. It became clear that not all children have that experience. After many thoughtful late-night conversations she took the leap and began the nonprofit journey, bringing to life Project Surprise Party. PSP just celebrated its third birthday on October 9. Project Surprise Party's mission is to ensure every child experiences the joy and magic of their birthday, regardless of the family's circumstances or financial situation. We believe that every child deserves to celebrate their special day with love, laughter and the simple joy of blowing out candles and opening a gift just for them! The essences of PSP is empowering parents/guardians with joy and dignity to celebrate their child without the child knowing assistance was provided. At PSP we truly believe that one day can make a WORLD of difference!

10/05/2026

PLEASE JOIN OMAHA MORNING ROTARY ON TUESDAY OCTOBER 6, 2026 AT FIRST WATCH AKSARBEN (1222 s. 71ST, SUITE B TO HEAR OUR SPEAKER CHRISTIAN GRAY, THE CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF inCOMMON COMMUNIY DEVELOPMENT.

Christian Gray is Co-Executive Director of inCOMMON Community Development, a local Omaha nonprofit dedicated to alleviating poverty at its roots by uniting and strengthening vulnerable neighborhoods. Since joining inCOMMON, Christian has helped lead efforts in affordable housing development, neighborhood organizing, and asset-based community development across historically underinvested areas of Omaha.

Christian holds two graduate degrees from the University of Nebraska Omaha's College of Public Affairs and Community Service — a Master's in Urban Studies and a Master's in Public Administration — both of which inform his approach to building thriving, opportunity-rich neighborhoods. Before his work in Omaha, Christian spent time serving internationally, which shaped his lifelong commitment to community-based solutions to poverty.
In addition to his work with inCOMMON, Christian is currently running for a seat on the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board, Subdistrict 6, continuing his dedication to responsible stewardship and community well-being in the greater Omaha area.

We're excited to welcome Christian to speak with Omaha Morning Rotary and share his insight into neighborhood development and community resilience.

10/02/2026

Omaha Morning Rotary enjoyed another successful after hours event hosted by Rotarian Jim Sullivan. A great time was had by all, including future Rotarian Callum Honaker, son of OMR Rotarian Max Honaker and wife Maggie. Thank you, Sully!!!!!

09/28/2026

Please help Omaha Morning Rotary congratulate one of our esteemed members, Scott M. Stevens, RHU,CDHC, as he celebrates another successful chapter in his professional career-joining Group on September 1, 2026

09/26/2026

Congratulations to Omaha Morning Rotary's newest Paul Harris Fellow - Jonathan Johnson. As a PHF, Jonathan (pictured on left) has achieved the $1000 or more gift.

The Paul Harris Fellow was established in 1957 to show appreciation for contributions that support Rotary's Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant.
Paul Harris Fellows recognize cumulative giving or gifts made in one’s honor of US$1,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation.

09/22/2026

Help Omaha Morning Rotary support Heart Heroes during their upcoming Superhero Heart Run. Follow this link to learn more.

Get ready to walk, run, and FLY at the […]

09/21/2026

PLEASE JOIN OMAHA MORNING ROTARY ON TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 AT FIRST WATCH AKSARBEN (1222 s. 71ST, SUITE B TO HEAR OUR SPEAKER EVELL THOMAS, THE PLANNED GIVING COORDINATORFOR THE CHILD SAVINGS INSTITUTE.

Child Saving Institute (CSI) is a not-for-profit agency serving nearly 4,802 families and children in the four programs areas of Childcare and Education, Mental and Behavioral Health, Community-Based Services and Residential Treatment. Agency services include Foster Care, Pediatric & Adolescent Therapy, Independent Living Skills, Emergency Shelter, two Early Childhood Education centers as well as other services. The mission of the agency is “to champion what’s best for each child and family.” CSI began serving the Omaha community in 1892; while children have always been the primary focus, the way in which CSI cares for children has evolved to meet the current needs of children and families. In September of 2025 CSI merged with Children’s Square and expanded our service to reach southwest Iowa. Since the merger, CSI has experienced a thirty percent increase in clients served. We anticipate continued increase in the services provided.
Evell Thomas began her tenure with CSI in 1984. Today Ms. Thomas works in the Development Department as the Planned Giving Coordinator.

With headquarters centrally located at 4545 Dodge Street, Child Saving Institute’s connection and partnerships with organizations enable CSI to best serve the children and families in this community. It is through this connection that Evell Thomas comes to share and bring you an update of the agency.

09/16/2026

🍀 Rotary After Hours — Hosted by Jim Sullivan! 🍀
Mark your calendars, Rotarians! We're swapping our usual morning meeting for something a little more festive this month. Join fellow Rotarian Jim Sullivan for a Rotary After Hours social — good company, good drinks, and good cheer! 🥂🎉
📅 Date: Tuesday, September 29
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (in lieu of our regular morning meeting)
📍 Location: Sean O'Casey's Pub — 2523 S 140th Ave, Omaha, NE 68144
🍺 What's included: Appetizers & drinks!
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who's invited: Members, guests, and family — everyone is welcome!
Getting there: Sean O'Casey's is located near 140th & Center Street on Omaha's west side. From I-680, take the West Center Road exit and head west; the pub will be on your right (north side of Center), just south of the 140th Ave intersection — easy to spot with plenty of parking available. 🚗
Come unwind, catch up with fellow Rotarians, and bring the family for a relaxed evening out. We can't wait to see you there! 🙌🍻

09/11/2026

HELP US WELCOME MAX WEHRLE TO OMAHA MORNING ROTARY!

Max is a Commercial Banker at Premier Bank, where he helps business owners and real estate investors with financing solutions for growth and development. Max earned a Finance degree from Creighton University's Heider College of Business in 2020 and is proud to call Omaha home with his wife, Lily.

09/10/2026

DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE OMAHA LEARNING COMMUNITY?

PLEASE JOIN US ON TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 15TH AT FIRST WATCH OMAHA - 7;00 AM AS WE HEAR FROM OMAHA MORNING ROTARIAN CORWIN KELLER, WHO IS RUNNING FOR A DISTRICT 3 SEAT ON THE LEARNING COMMUNITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN NOVEMBER.

Corwin Keller is a small-business owner and father raising his family in Omoho. He is the owner of Ideal Heating and Air Conditioning and has spent more than 20 years leading teams, managing budgets, and serving customers across the region.

Corwin has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, served in leadership roles mentoring young professionals and business owners, and understands firsthond how effective early childhood and family support programs matter to families.

He is running for the Learning Community Coordinating Council to bring fiscal responsibility, accountability, and a family-focused perspective to District 3.