About the Event
Celebrating ONE Immanuel
The Immanuel Community Foundation’s annual Celebrating ONE Immanuel event brings together participants, residents, and team members from Immanuel's communities and PACE® centers. This award-winning, nonprofit event is one of Immanuel's most popular traditions.
A day of importance
Each year, the Immanuel Community Foundation hosts the Celebrating ONE Immanuel event. For one day, we bring participants, residents, employees, and board members to Omaha from across Nebraska and Iowa for an afternoon of celebration.
The generosity of our corporate partners, who work closely with numerous Immanuel departments throughout the year, makes this uplifting event possible. The day includes:
- Lively entertainment
- Musical performances from the All-Immanuel Choir
- Delicious food
- Engaging fellowship
- Recognition of staff excellence
Past Special Guests
Entertainment & Engagement
At Immanuel’s Celebrating ONE Immanuel event, we’ve been honored to host an inspiring lineup of guest speakers and performers who embody the spirit of connection and community. Past guests include:
- 2010: Rudy Ruettiger (motivational speaker and author)
- 2011: Peggy Fleming (Olympic figure skater)
- 2012: Dick Cavett (TV personality)
- 2013: Jim Lovell (astronaut)
- 2014: Richard Picciotto (9/11 NYC firefighter)
- 2015: Robert Edsel (author)
- 2016: USO Show Troupe (musical group)
- 2017: Mitch Albom (author)
- 2018: Henry Winkler (actor)
- 2019: Dr. Andrew Weil (celebrity doctor)
- 2020: Col. Mark Tillman (Air Force One pilot)
- 2021: Lesley Stahl (journalist)
- 2022: The Midtown Men (Broadway musical group)
- 2023: Kate Andersen Brower (author)
- 2024: Herman's Hermits featuring Peter Noone (musical group)
The Immanuel Deaconess Awards
Celebrating those who serve
The Immanuel Deaconesses were an order of Lutheran sisters who began as a ministry of Immanuel at its founding in 1887. They dedicated themselves to serving in hospitals, orphanages, senior care, and more. They took on roles such as nurses, teachers, and administrators, making an impact locally and globally. Today, their legacy of service lives on through the annual Immanuel Deaconess Awards, which honor team members who exemplify our CHRIST Promises of Compassion, Honor, Relationships, Integrity, Serve and Teamwork. Nominated by their peers, these recipients are celebrated for their outstanding commitment to excellence and service.
2024 Immanuel Deaconess Award Winners
The Immanuel Deaconess Awards presentation honors six outstanding staff members for their exemplary service and commitment to excellence. These awards recognize individuals who embody Immanuel’s core values.
Compassion
Linda Wiser, Immanuel Pathways Southwest Iowa
Honor
Kathy Nannen, Yankee Hill Village
Relationships
Jayme Degre, Trinity Village
Integrity
Cindy Tonniges, Yankee Hill Village
Serve
Skylar Pinegar, Immanuel Pathways Central Iowa
Teamwork
Melony Loy, Immanuel Pathways Central Iowa