“Carnival of Love” is the theme of the 2012 annual Gala, hosted by the Heartland Family Service Friends Guild. The February 18, 2012 fundraiser will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in La Vista at 6:00 p.m. The carnival theme was so well received the past four years that the Friends Guild decided to build and expand on the fun. Valet parking, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, carnival games, live and silent auctions and dinner make this evening memorable. Individual tickets are $125 per person ($85 tax-deductible), Patron tickets are $150 per person ($110 tax-deductible) and $1,500 per sponsored table (tables seat 10), with sponsor recognition. Click here to purchase tickets or contact Kerri at 402-552-7426 or krensch@HeartlandFamilyService.org.

Psychic Suzanna will be featured at this year’s gala, giving individual readings at the Fortune Teller’s booth. Travel to America’s coasts will headline the live auction items. A four-day California Wine Country Experience includes airfare, lodging and a six-hour tour of Sonoma Valley vineyards in a chauffeured luxury sedan. Those who love the theatre will want to bid on an unforgettable four-day New York Broadway Experience at a premium Manhattan Island hotel with airfare, tickets to the Broadway show of your choice, a VIP experience at the Times Square World Comedy Club and dinner at Sardi’s.

Co-chairs for the gala are Karen Burkley and Cindy Hanley. Honorary Chairmen are Kathy and Tom Martin. Mary Zlomke is president of the Heartland Family Service Friends Guild, which will host the event. 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 children’s emergency shelter for abused children, the concealed Safe Haven emergency and transitional facility for abused women and children, Family Works residential treatment facility for women with infants, the Solomon Girls Center and the Senior Center.

For more information about the 2012 “Carnival of Love” Gala, or to become a member of the Friends Guild, contact Caryn Ficco at (402) 552-7424 or cficco@HeartlandFamilyService.org.