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University Hospital Auxiliary

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2005 Kaleidoscope Fundraiser Brings NICU Project Into Focus
Fun, food and festivities translated into big fundraising at this year's Kaleidoscope, an annual event sponsored by the University Hospital Auxiliary to raise money for programs that support and benefit patients and families at The Nebraska Medical Center.

Net proceeds from Kaleidoscope 2005 totaled more than $140,000, said Jean Stothert, Kaleidoscope co-chairperson.

More than 700 people attended the "Mauna Loa Luau" themed event, held April 9 at the Qwest Center Omaha.

"The University Hospital Auxiliary is grateful to its medical community, and the Omaha community as a whole, for the continued support of Kaleidoscope over the years," Stothert said. "Their generosity during Kaleidoscope allows us to sustain projects and programs that benefit our patients and their families all year long."

Money raised at this year's Kaleidoscope will help fund a family-centered waiting area outside The Nebraska Medical Center's new neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU), scheduled to open in the fall of 2005. The waiting area project, being called "Branches of Life, Generations of Love," will have a nature theme and feature a large artificial tree with extending "branches of life" to symbolize growth in the family tree. An inspirational "Wall of Hope" near the entrance pays tribute to those NICU babies who have gone home with their families. A multi-purpose patient education room with a computer, models/mannequins, premature baby books, CD's and videos also will be included in the project.

"The University Hospital Auxiliary is excited to be part of this project," Stothert said. "The Nebraska Medical Center cares for hundreds of sick and premature infants each year. By funding this project we're able to offer parents and families some comfort at a difficult time."

The Auxiliary's Kaleidoscope co-chairs for 2005 are Jean Stothert (Left) and Carol Lackner (Right). The current Auxiliary President is Chris Shaw (Middle).