TeamMates Crafty Fundraiser Paints Opportunities For Youth

The Neligh-Oakdale TeamMates has found a creative way to paint the future for local youth as they hosted a Brushes and Beverages event on Thursday night.

This artsy event was a fundraiser for TeamMates activities and student scholarships.  

January is national mentoring month and the Neligh-Oakdale Teammates Mentoring Program is expanding opportunities to connect more young people with caring adults in the Neligh community.

More than 60 ladies from Neligh and the surrounding areas participated in this crafty fundraiser held at the Legion.

Rebecca Munson and Stephanie Nelson, art teachers at Elkhorn Valley and Battle Creek respectively, led the painting portion of the evening, 

Amy Pickrel of Neligh said she was excited about an opportunity to paint with a purpose. 

"I saw it on Facebook and I have some friends in TeamMates. I have always wanted to try a painting canvas night and thought it would be fun," Pickrel said.

Susie Loofe, a TeamMates board member, took charge of organizing Brushes and Beverages.

"Our Neligh-Oakdale TeamMates chapter does fundraising throughout the year to pay for scholarships and activities that our mentors and mentees attend," Loofe said.

Neligh-Oakdale currently has 24 students matched with a volunteer mentor through the Teammates Mentoring Program. They were recognized during halftime.

Students meet once a week for approximately 45 minutes to an hour during the school day with their mentor. 

Teammates board members include: Andy Beyer, Jenny Higgins, Susie Loofe, Becky Kerkman, Bill Mowinkel, Carrie Pitzer, Kay Schilling, Steph Wanek and Erin Whitesel.  Denise Gunderson and April Knust serve as coordinators for the program.