The 2012 “Carnival of Love” Gala fundraiser continued to deliver a casual format and lively entertainment for about 480 guests on February 18that the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in La Vista. The Carnival is in its fifth year, a crowd-pleasing theme that continues to attract those who love to play while they support Heartland Family Service programs that help less fortunate residents of our community. Calliope music, tents and carnival games turned the ballroom into an exciting carnival atmosphere. Long lines formed at Psychic Suzanna’s tent, and the action was quick at the games, including the Wine Toss, Par One Golf, Bean Bag Toss and the “Bring Home the Bacon” pig races. This event is Heartland Family Service’s largest fundraising event of the year, growing in size and popularity since the first event was held in 1991.

The Gala’s 2012 co-chairmen were Karen Burkley and Cindy Hanley, who together with Heartland Family Service Friends Guild volunteers—led by President Mary Zlomke —helped plan and conduct the event. Carol Wang, KMTV evening anchor, served as mistress of ceremonies. Amy Nelson created the centerpieces. Scott Moore, vice president at World Group Commercial Real Estate, called the auction. Appetizers included funnel cake fries, soft pretzels, mini franks and popcorn. The dinner menu included Arugula, Spinach and Beet Salad with Pistachios, an Omaha Steak Filet with a Gorgonzola Peppercorn Sauce and a Tender Chicken Breast Wrapped around Sweet Fresh Mango Chutney and Cranberries, Purple Mashed Potatoes with Horseradish and Broccoli with Toasted Breadcrumb Gremolata. Caramel Apple Cheesecake and Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting were served for dessert.

The Guild’s Junior Friends and Student League volunteers sold raffle tickets, ran invoices to the tables and assisted with the live auction, in which a trip to a Lions vs. Packers At Lambeau Field drew the top bids. Other auction items included trips to New York for a Broadway show and to California for a chauffered tour of Sanoma County wineries.

Funds raised for the Gala will support the mission of Heartland Family Service, which is to strengthen individuals and families in our community. Programs that will receive financial support from Gala proceeds include the Omaha Children’s Emergency Shelter for abused children, the concealed Safe Haven Transitional Shelter for abused women and children, Family Works residential treatment facility for women with infants, Solomon Girls Center and the Senior Center.

The Gala rounds out the 2011-2012 formal activities of the Heartland Family Service Friends Guild, which includes the Safe Haven Golf Event, the Salute to Families Awards, the Student League and the Junior Friends.

For more information about the “Carnival of Love” Gala, about Heartland Family Service, or to become a member of the Friends Guild, contact Caryn Ficco at 402-552-7424 or cficco@HeartlandFamilyService.org.