July 3, 2024
The Immanuel Community Foundation marked a significant milestone with its 15th-annual Celebrating ONE Immanuel event on May 14, 2024. Held at the Embassy Suites in La Vista, Nebraska, this hallmark occasion brought together nearly 1,100 Immanuel community residents and Pathways center participants for a day filled with food, fellowship, and live entertainment.
The highlight of this year’s celebration was a stellar performance by the iconic British Invasion Rock Band, Herman’s Hermits, featuring the charismatic Peter Noone. The crowd was treated to timeless hits such as “I’m Into Something Good,” “Mrs. Brown You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter,” and “I’m Henry VIII, I Am,” transporting everyone to a nostalgic era of music and memories.
Peter entertained the exuberant crowd, coming off the stage and walking among the audience, providing a lively, interactive experience for those in attendance.
In addition, the All-Immanuel Choir, led by Conductor Janelle Miller, performed a musical selection of favorite pop hits, including “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” “My Girl,” “My Guy,” and “Downtown.”
Amid the entertainment, the event also shone a spotlight on the 2024 Immanuel Deaconess Awards. These awards recognize outstanding staff members who exemplify Immanuel’s CHRIST Promises – our core values of compassion, honor, relationships, integrity, service, and teamwork.
Out of 160 nominations, six individuals were honored for their exceptional service:
- Compassion: Linda Wiser, Immanuel Pathways Southwest Iowa (Council Bluffs, IA)
- Honor: Kathy Nannen, Yankee Hill Village (Lincoln, NE)
- Relationships: Jayme Degre, Trinity Village (Papillion, NE)
- Integrity: Cindy Tonniges, Yankee Hill Village (Lincoln, NE)
- Serve: Skylar Pinegar, Pathways Central Iowa (Des Moines, IA)
- Teamwork: Melony Loy, Pathways Central Iowa (Des Moines, IA)
.jpg?width=960&height=640&name=COI_FY24_JS-145%20(1).jpg)
Emily Tonniges, Executive Director of the Immanuel Foundations, expressed her pride in the event. “We honor our people, our spirit, and our joy throughout the event and celebrate those who have chosen Immanuel as their home,” Emily said.
The event would not have been possible without the generous support of corporate partners and high-level donors, whose contributions helped create an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Beyond the music and awards, the event helped foster meaningful connections and community spirit.
Immanuel President & CEO Eric Gurley extended his heartfelt appreciation to all who contributed to making Celebrating ONE Immanuel a resounding success. “It’s a celebration of our community’s resilience, unity, and unwavering commitment to enriching the lives of seniors,” he said.
