Is Chase County up for a new Challenge?

    The Imperial Community Foundation, which is an affiliated fund of the Nebraska Community Foundation, was established in 1999.
    Since it organized, the foundation has been dedicated to enriching the quality of life for the residents of Imperial.
    Their goal is to create connections among people and promote meaningful giving to strengthen Imperial.
    The ICFF has organized a new event just for that.
    The Chase County Challenge  encourages community building, networking and enjoyment, thereby enabling the community to come together and address these issues.
    The Challenge will center around this summer’s Smokin’ on Broadway on Saturday, July 15, at City Square.
    ICFF Co-chair Tyler Pribbeno said organizations will set up booths at Smokin’ on Broadway, where people of the area will be invited to make donations to those groups they support. Groups will also provide information about their organization, which they hope will spur membership, as well, Pribbeno said.
    Any 501c-eligible organization can take part, and what they raise during the 24-hour period starting with Smokin’ will gain an additional ICFF donation. The ICFF will provide a total of $25,000 in donated funds, which could be a 1-1 match depending on dollars donated from the public.
    “It’s also a nice way for individuals new to the community to meet people” and learn about local organizations, he added.
    All nonprofits in the county are invited to take part, he said.
    There are individuals in Chase County who wish to contribute to their community but are uncertain about how to begin, ICFF members say.
    Similarly, several outstanding organizations in the region search for greater participation, but they lack sufficient resources to promote themselves effectively.
    By providing a dedicated platform each year, the Chase County Challenge hopes to empower volunteers, nonprofits and organizations throughout Chase County to showcase their efforts and accomplishments.
    This opportunity will eliminate the need to scramble for new members or donations on short notice, according to board members.
    Instead, these groups can promote their mission, attract more participants, acquire funding for specific projects and celebrate their achievements.
    ICFF secretary Brianna Pribbeno said, “I think Smokin’ on Broadway is the perfect place to uplift our community vision, learn how we can work together to keep improving and have some fun, too.”  
    “I think our residents and organizations will both benefit from knowing there’s always going to be an opportunity for them to connect and grow together at this annual event. I’m excited to kick it off this year and watch it amplify our strengths as the event grows,” she said.
    The advisory committee for the fund includes Tyler Pribbeno and Tanna Hanna, co-chairs, Brianna Pribbeno, secretary; Doug Gaswick, treasurer; along with Joel Gockley, Elizabeth Haarberg, Charley Colton, Chris Lee, Lucy Aragon, Linsey Foote and Jill Moline.