The energy in the room was undeniable on October 22 when Nebraska Appleseed hosted the 2015 Good Apple Awards, our annual awards dinner where we thank the many supporters and allies who stood up for justice alongside of us over the past year and give special honor to advocates who have made outstanding contributions to justice and opportunity for all Nebraskans.
Nebraska Appleseed 2015 Year In Review from Nebraska Appleseed on Vimeo.
We want to thank all the attendees who helped make this year’s Good Apple Awards the biggest and best edition yet! More than 300 people filled the ballroom of the Livestock Exchange Building in south Omaha for a cocktail social hour, where we were entertained by the excellent music of Manouche Mustache, who has become an annual crowd favorite.
During the social hour, attendees got the first look at this year’s social-justice themed poster show, “Actions Speak Louder.” The poster show, organized by graphic designer Justin Kemerling, features 10 different posters from Nebraska designers. You can check out and purchase these amazing works at neappleseed.org/posters. Proceeds from these sales go to support our work.
At the Good Apple Awards, we were very proud to honor three passionate, hard-working advocates who have gone above and beyond to create positive change in our state and their communities.
The Roots of Justice Award was presented to Unity In Action, a dedicated group of community leaders and advocates in South Sioux City.
2015 Roots of Justice Award – Unity In Action from Nebraska Appleseed on Vimeo.
The Milo Mumgaard Emerging Leader Award went to State Senator Sara Howard for her leadership in the Legislature to remove barriers to health care and economic opportunity for Nebraskans with low incomes.
2015 Milo Mumgaard Emerging Leader Award – Sara Howard from Nebraska Appleseed on Vimeo.
Finally, the Jim Wolf Equal Justice Award was presented to Frank LaMere, a long-time passionate fighter for human rights and dignity. Frank is best known for his work for positive change in the Native American community, but his efforts to improve the child welfare system, protect the right to vote, and fight for updated, common-sense immigration laws have touched the lives of thousands of Nebraskans of all ethnicities.
Frank was joined onstage by his son, Manape, who sang a prayer song to the audience following his father’s acceptance speech.
Jim Wolf Equal Justice Award – Frank LaMere from Nebraska Appleseed on Vimeo.
The 2015 Good Apple Awards was a wonderful evening to celebrate the success of the past year with the hard-working advocates and friends who make our work possible every day, while drawing strength from one another to get energized for the big opportunities that lay ahead in the coming year to Stand Up For Justice for all Nebraskans!
Thank you.
