Ty and Terri Schenzel
A gala to support the Hope Center for Kids surpassed its goal, raising more than $600,000 to support services in north Omaha and Fremont.
More than 1,200 attended the gala held Saturday night at the Century Link Center in Omaha. The annual event honored the legacy of founders Ty and Terri Schenzel, both of whom died in a car accident in August.
Video presentations during the gala featured youth who testified that the center had changed their lives as well as testimonials from youth on the impact Ty and Terri had on their lives.
According to Brenda Christensen, board president, “The legacy of Ty and Terri Schenzel belongs to the children and families served by staff and volunteers of The Hope Center,” Hope Center Board President Brenda Christensen said in a written statement released by the Center, who added The Hope Center for Kids intends to stay and work in the community “until we are no longer needed.”
Ty and Terri Schenzel founded the Hope Center for Kids in Omaha in 1998. It expanded to Fremont last year. Schenzel had actually stepped down from the center, retiring in May.
The Hope Center for Kids serves 1,650 youth ages 5 to 18 in north Omaha and Fremont through after-school and summer programs. Programs focus on education, employability, collaboration, and faith.