Annual Report | 2011 - Omaha Childrens Museum

ANNUAL REPORT
2011

Table of contents
Attendance and Growth 1-3
Table of
Contents
Annual Report | 2011
Great Friends to Kids 4,5
Outreach 6
Camps and Programs 7
Exhibits and Sponsorships 8,9
Strategy 10
Federal Grant 11
School Partners 12
Staff and Volunteers 13
For the Kids Benefit 14
Board of Directors 15
Circle of Friends 15
Financials 16
Donors 17-21

Letter from the Executive Director
Omaha Children’s Museum completed its 35 th year of operation with a plethora
of reasons to celebrate.
Delivering on our mission to engage the
imagination and create excitement about learning,
the museum welcomed a record number of nearly
270,000 visitors. In a time and economy where
people are challenged to make choices in how to
spend their free time and money, we are pleased
that so many members, guests and friends spent
time experiencing all the museum has to offer.
We live by four over arching values that guide the
work we do, and we can summarize our year in the
categories of our core values:
Growth: The museum recognizes that only with
growth and innovation will the organization
continue to flourish. In the stories that follow,
you will read and understand how the innovative
approach to engaging community partners in
all we do has allowed us to grow our operations,
our donor base and has given us an opportunity
to develop deeper and richer relationships that
ultimately inspire growth in our young guests.
Respect: We believe in treating others as we
would like to be treated and have created an
environment where all are welcome, all are
heard and all are served. Our continued focus
on access to the museum through our school
partnerships, Carefree Kids, Autism Nights and our
Welcome Fund program that provides subsidized
memberships to our community’s neediest
families demonstrates our commitment to serving
the community as a whole.
Well-being: Omaha Children’s Museum recognizes
that behind every great organization, there are
great people. When well-being is thriving among
people involved in and associated with the
organization, the organization can thrive as well.
The museum’s newly established “Circle of Friends”
giving circle enabled us to secure non-restricted
funds that were allocated toward upkeep and
upgrading of the museum’s permanent
exhibits and created a sense of well-being across
the organization.
Fun: Omaha Children’s Museum is committed to
being a positive place for our guests, employees
and all other stakeholders. Much fun was had
at the museum in 2011 from Omaha’s inaugural
children’s parade to the Monster’s Ball benefit for
grown ups and a celebration for the city’s greatest
friends to kids.
With these values as our guide, we close out
2011 in a strong place both financially and
programmatically. We wholeheartedly appreciate
your continued support of Omaha Children’s
Museum and look forward to what the future holds.
1

268,954
Annual Attendance
The museum had a banner year for attendance with
268,954 people visiting, 25% of those from outside
the Omaha Metropolitan Area. This makes Omaha
Children’s Museum the second highest attended
arts and cultural attraction in the state, second
only to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.
The museum has also seen a significant increase
in membership, growing from 6,200 to more than
8,000 member families.
Omaha Children’s Museum
is the second highest
attended arts and cultural
attraction in the state.
2

Planning for the Future
To take a further look at and maximize
business operations, the museum
engaged industry expert firm
Management Resources.
The museum has nearly
three times the market
penetration as comparable
children’s museums
MARKET PENETRATION
In an industry comparison, Management
Resources found that Omaha Children’s Museum had
significant market penetration of 10.08%. This figure is
based on the number of leisure tourists and population
within the metropolitan statistical area.
Comparable museums averaged 3.61% in market
penetration. They included Betty Brinn Children’s
Museum in Milwaukee, Children’s Museum of Denver,
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, DuPage Children’s
Museum in Naperville, The Magic House in St. Louis and
Minnesota Children’s Museum in Minneapolis.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Management Resources found that Omaha Children’s
Museum’s operating expenses were far below the
norm in the industry. While it was essential to cut costs
during the economic downturn, Management Resources
recommended increasing expenditures to remain
sustainable, especially adding to and investing in staff to
enhance the visitor experience.
Taking the Lead
In response to the Management Resources recommendations to add staff that
would impact the guest experience new programming lead positions were created.
These leads offer expertise and
insight into each area, delivering
quality educational experiences
to the museum’s young guests.
Charlie Campbell Science
and Technology Center Lead
Cheryl Glasford
Creative Arts Center Lead
Tyler Swain
Imagination Playground Lead
Nikia Gunn-Abdulai
Traveling Exhibits Lead
Jo Beerman
Food, Fun and Memories
With the gift of a trailer from Dr. Pepper Snapple Group and contributions from
Sheboygan Hot Dogs and Hy-Vee, the museum was able to launch a small-scale food
service operation outside the museum’s front entrance for the summer months. This was
well received by visitors and added to the
museum’s earned revenue and possibilities for
future food service endeavors.
Staffers at the museum’s food
cart greet museum guests with
smiles and new food options.
Nikia Gunn-Abdulai, Imagination
Playground Lead, in her Preschool
Pals program
As the museum’s Official Fun Partner, Oriental
Trading Company enhanced the guest
experience for the museum’s visitors. OTC
supported numerous events, programs,
exhibits, birthday parties and fund raisers with
product that helped children and families
learn and make memories.
3

Great Friends to Kids
Omaha Children’s Museum honored the Rainbow Connectors Guild and
Mutual of Omaha at the annual Great Friends to Kids luncheon.
This luncheon recognizes individuals and
organizations who work diligently to make the
Omaha metro a wonderful place for children to grow
up. The Great Friend to Omaha Children’s Museum
award was given to the Rainbow Connectors Guild
and the Great Friend to Kids award was given to
Mutual of Omaha.
Twenty-five past presidents of the Rainbow
Connectors Guild accepted the award for the group.
Christine Johnson, president of the Mutual of Omaha
Foundation, accepted the award for Mutual of
Omaha.
The Rainbow Connectors Guild has been a Great
Friend to Omaha Children’s Museum for more than
30 years. Founded in 1981, the guild has helped raise
more than $4,800,000 to support the museum and
its mission of engaging the imagination and creating
excitement about learning.
Christine Johnson
For more than a century, Mutual of Omaha
President,
has been a Great Friend to Kids through its
Mutual of Omaha Foundation
enduring support of efforts that impact families.
As one of Omaha’s Fortune 500 companies, the
insurance and financial services company is a shining
example of corporate citizenship.
(left to right) Susie Landow, Lisa Gravelle, Jeanie Jones, Gabby Mormino,
Kathy Neary, Christine Stevens, Wendi Kroeger, Sandy Parker, Robyn
Freeman, Cydney Koukol, Cheryl Cooper, Donna Erker, Lori Williams,
Lynette Singer, Sandy Epstein, Laura Alley, Cheryl Smith
4

Rainbow Connectors Guild Presidents Past and
Present at the 2011 Great Friends to Kids Luncheon
Karen Levin, founder of Omaha
Children’s Museum, speaks fondly of the
guild at the Great Friends to Kids Luncheon
(not pictured) Brady Pape Gibson, Anne Hellbusch, Ann Hoffman, Laura Luther,
Stacie Reed, Heather Russell, Barbara Scanlan, Anne Shackman, Paula Smith,
Kathie Stemm, Kiley Maxwell Ward, Anne Weitz, Brigid Wilkening
35
Celebrating 35 years of play
and the Great Friends that
have made it possible
years
5

Reaching Out
Omaha Children’s Museum connected with 16,395
children in the metro area in 2011 with outreach
programming. These dynamic presentations make
science come alive for school groups, churches,
daycares and other groups. Shows like the Whiz
Bang Science Show and The Amazing Bubble Show
brought hours of delight to area children and
complemented school curriculum in a way that
resonates with kids.
An elementary student enjoys the
“Bubble Window” at the outreach
program, Bubble Extravaganza.
6

2010
441
One Big Summer
Camps were another success story of 2011.
Pretend play and imagination
are one focus at summer camps
Campers enjoyed programming at the museum with new camp
themes including Sid the Science Kid, Girl Power and Dinosaur
Train. Winter camps were also offered for the first time during
winter break. The ever-popular May the Force Be With You camp
made for some very happy holidays for area kids.
Number of summer
campers by year
203
2008
174
2009
2011
589*
33.6% increase from 2010
238% increase from 2009
Eliminating Barriers
WELCOME FUND | Sponsored by Iowa West Foundation,
Lincoln Financial Foundation, Lozier, Mammel Family Foundation and Wells Fargo
For families in financial need, the museum’s Welcome Fund provides
memberships for only $ 5. In 2011, the museum provided
546 families with these memberships. The museum provides a safe
and nurturing place for these children and families to spend quality
time together.
CAREFREE KIDS | Sponsored by CVS Caremark and The Nebraska Medical Center
This event invites children with suppressed immune systems and their families
to visit the museum. To prepare, the museum undergoes an intensive cleaning
process advised by medical partners throughout the community.
AUTISM NIGHTS | Sponsored by Autism Action Partnership
The museum expanded its efforts to reach all children by offering three Autism
Nights in 2011. Sponsored by Autism Action Partnership, these events are
designed to provide a welcoming environment and helpful information to
families with children on the autism spectrum.
7

Popular robotic dinosaurs
returned to the museum.
Presented by:
Jo Beerman, traveling exhibits
lead, guides a museumcreated
dino in the first-ever
children’s parade.
Dino Mania
The museum rang in 2011 with the successful Big Backyard exhibit
through mid-April and then welcomed back the ever-popular robotic
dinosaurs, this time with a fun new twist.
Dinosaurs: Dawn of the Ice Age, presented by
longtime museum supporter Children’s Hospital
& Medical Center, featured both dinosaurs as well
as Ice Age mammals. The exhibit opened on May
28 in grand fashion with the museum’s first-ever
children’s parade. More than 350 children and
their parents marched from The Rose to the
museum on 20 th street, delighting in the chance
to “be the parade” surrounded by music, fire
trucks, and dinosaurs. The parade ended with a
35-soda geyser salute to recognize the museum’s
35 th anniversary.
Through a partnership with Performance
Toyota, spokesperson Dave Webber became
“Dino Dave” on a video in the exhibit that sent
children on missions throughout the exhibit to
earn their “Junior Paleontologist” designation.
A Dino Van included in the exhibit was donated
by Performance and allowed Dino Dave to
make visits in the community and served as a
part of the paleontologist expeditions
while in the exhibit.
“Dino Dave” served as
a spokesperson in the
dinosaur exhibit, leading
kids on Jr. Paleontologist
challenges.
Dinosaurs have been a staple at Omaha
Children’s Museum throughout its 35-year
history. This iteration featured several special
partnerships that made it unique.
8

“First National Bank has a
longstanding commitment
to the community and the
education of our youth.
The Dinosaurs, Dawn of the
Ice Age Scholarship Contest
furthered that commitment
by providing families,
like Kamden’s, with
a fun opportunity to
get a head start on saving
for college.”
David Cota,
Senior Managing Director,
First National Bank of
Omaha, member OCM
Board of Directors
Taking Flight
NEST and Omaha Children’s Museum partner to get families thinking
about college savings and ensure a successful future for kids.
Kamden Norman,
winner of the $ 3,500
scholarship in the
dinosaur NEST
In honor of the museum’s 35 th anniversary and the
dinosaur exhibit, NEST, Nebraska’s 529 College
Savings Plans, offered a $ 3,500 scholarship contest.
To enter, families took photos in the dinosaur nest
and submitted them through the museum’s web site.
Two-year-old Kamden Norman, a museum member,
won the $ 3,500 scholarship. “Having this opportunity
come to us wasn’t just a surprise, but also a great
start for his college fund,” said Kamden’s mother,
Amanda Norman. “Nothing could make us happier
or prouder.”
9

With a primary focus on children from birth
to eight years old, the museum offers spaces
for its youngest visitors to learn and grow
Strategy for
Sustaining Success
In 2011, the museum embarked on a strategic
planning process that helped establish the
museum’s strategy looking forward. With help
from key community members, museum board
of directors and staff, planning sessions were
held. Special emphasis was put on the museum’s
key areas of focus – science, art, early childhood
and traveling exhibits. This process also helped
the museum define organizational values, critical
future plans; program, operational and evaluation
strategies; and financial plans.
Strategy Statement: Omaha Children’s Museum
provides educational and memorable experiences for
children and their families. With an emphasis on early
childhood, OCM creates opportunities for learning and
quality family time through interactive experiences
and play. We will expand our funding sources, establish
reserves and achieve strong earned revenues. We
will be seen as critical to the fabric of the community
through partnerships, tourism, economic impact and
donor involvement.
Values: Well-Being, Growth, Respect and Fun
10

Support from Near and Far
Museum secures federal grant and local media recognition through the
community-engaged exhibit program.
"We are pleased to support
museums through
investments in high-priority,
high value activities
that benefit communities
throughout the US. These
museums, small and large,
will help to educate and
inspire the public for years
to come."
Susan Hildreth,
Director of Institute of
Museum and Library Services
The community-engaged exhibit program continued to
thrive in 2011 as the museum secured partners to build
the second Construction Zone exhibit. The communityengaged
exhibit initiative involves community businesses
and organizations in the creation and building of the
museum’s traveling exhibits in its 10,000 square foot
upstairs gallery.
The federal Institute of Museum and Library Services
(IMLS) awarded the initiative a $ 150,000 grant to be used
over three years. Omaha Children’s Museum was the only
museum in Nebraska to secure an IMLS grant in 2011.
Museums for America is the Institute's largest grant
program for museums, supporting projects and ongoing
activities that build museums' capacity to serve their
communities. In reviewing the museum’s grant submission,
a reviewer commented that the community-engaged
exhibit program was one of “national significance.”
The grant provides support for three community-engaged
exhibits: Construction Zone: Return of the Bulldozer
(winter–spring 2012), Itty Bitty City (fall 2012–spring 2013)
and Things that Go (fall 2013–spring 2014).
The Omaha World-Herald featured the initiative in a
front page story of the Money Section when the IMLS
grant was announced.
D
MONEY
Global guests
Page 3D
D OMAHA WORLDHERALD THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 OMAHA.COM
MONEY
OMAHA WORLDHERALD THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 OMAHA.COM
MARKET
WATCH
Dow Industrials
11,414.86 (+275.56)
S&P 500
1,198.62 (+33.38)
NASDAQ
2,548.94 (+75.11)
Bloomberg Midlands
437.89 (+12.17)
Crude oil (NYMEX)
89.34 (+3.32)
World-Herald 150, 2D
Check your investments
at My Stocks & Funds
BUSINESS
BRIEFS
Saab owner
files for
bankruptcy
The owner of
cash-strapped car
maker Saab filed
for bankruptcy
protection on
Wednesday in a
last-ditch attempt
to salvage a
brand crippled
by production
stoppages,
withheld salary
payments
and mounting
debt. Swedish
Automobile,
formerly known
as Spyker Cars,
said the move
would buy it time
to receive funding
from Chinese
investors, currently
awaiting regulatory
approval, and
avoid bankruptcy.
Job postings
rose in July
Companies in July
advertised the most
jobs in three years,
and layoffs declined
— a bit of hope for
a weak economy.
Still, many employers
are in no rush to
fill openings. The
Labor Department
said Wednesday that
employers increased
their postings to 3.23
million from 3.17
million in June. That
is the largest number
of openings since
August 2008.
Smashburger
to enter
Middle East
Smashburger, a
Denver-based burger
chain, will open its
first international
locations next year in
the Middle East, said
Chief Executive Officer
David Prokupek.
Smashburger has
signed agreements
to open 17 stores
in Kuwait, Bahrain
and Saudi Arabia,
Prokupek said.
Auto talks
are still
revving up
Ford, Chrysler and the
United Auto Workers
remain far apart in
labor talks with just a
week left before their
contracts expire, two
people briefed on the
talks said Wednesday.
Negotiators for the
two companies
and the union have
started serious talks
on wages only in
the past few days,
even though the
union’s contracts
with all three Detroit
carmakers expire at
11:59 p.m. on Sept.
14, the people said.
General Motors Co.
has been talking
pay with the union
for about two weeks
MARKET
WATCH
Dow Industrials
11,414.86 (+275.56)
S&P 500
1,198.62 (+33.38)
NASDAQ
2,548.94 (+75.11)
Bloomberg Midlands
437.89 (+12.17)
Crude oil (NYMEX)
89.34 (+3.32)
ONLY IN THE WORLD-HERALD
Glo
Nebrask
Nebraska hosts its second “reverse” trade mission,
pitching the state to business leaders from 14
pitching
countrie
Page 3D
Walm
mark
stirs
■ Neighbors
object as a 90
advances, and
a Papillion sto
ONLY IN THE WORLD-HERALD
BY C
World-Herald 150, 2D
WORLD-
Walmart’s first
Nebraska moved a
plans became clear
mart neighborhood
Check your investments
Wednesday, the
at My Stocks & Funds
mously approved a
OMAHA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
which opened the d
store giant to build
The “Construction Zone” exhibit that opened in January 2010 was the first community-built project for the Omaha Children’s
BUSINESS
A community
2451 N. 90th St. (Th
Museum. The first company signing on to help was construction giant Peter Kiewit Sons’ Inc.
the Walmart Superc
BRIEFS
Maple Road.)
Approval came
residents who obje
clock hours, liquor
be heightened noise
Saying those we
to the rescue
their purview, Plan
ed that neighbors r
goes before the Om
site already is zoned
“You’ve got valid
Planning Board me
Larry Jobeun, an
Walmart, said cons
The “Construction Zone” exhibit that opened in January 2010 was the first Streets community-b
market wou
proval was granted
The Omaha Children’s Museum. Museum Thegains first company recognition signingfor onatobuild-it-yourself
help was construction giant Peter Kiewit Sons’
A proposal also is
exhibit strategy that involves Alocal commun
companies
cil for a Walmart n
of 84th Street and H
and has transformed the museum’s budget — and its future.
lands Place shoppin
Saab owner
cal streets and bus
BY ROGER BUDDENBERG
night.
files WORLD-HERALD for STAFF WRITER
Midlands Place sp
site would include a
bankruptcy
What is more doggedly creative than
mercial and retail s
a kid with a hammer who sees all the
The world owner as a nail? of
How about a kids museum with a big
cash-strapped car
empty room and no way to fill it?
maker TwoSaab years ago, filed
to the resc
that was the Omaha
for Children’s bankruptcy Museum.
The Great Recession had struck, and
protection the downtown onhaven for the young and
Wednesday curious had ainproblem, a said Executive
Hiddentwistco
last-ditch Director Lindy attempt Hoyer. Like a lot of
enterprises caught in the downturn,
toitsalvage had to cuta
the budget. Yet the most
brand obvious crippled target — rental costs for
byblockbuster production traveling exhibits, such as
those giant robotic dinosaurs — was
stoppages,
also the main thing bringing people The Omaha Children’s Museum gains recognition
withheld and revenue salary in the door.
OMAHA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
tobiteC
payments “We were in a pickle,” she said. “We
exhibit strategy that involves local co
sat down as a team and said, ‘Who do
THE
and we know mounting that can help us?’”
and has transformed The cones the and museum’s budget In August, food—
b
debt. Necessity Swedish mothered an invention.
barrels will be back
New York were inv
Automobile,
And the invention — exhibits built for
in January when the
restaurant in a We
the kids by local businesses, union BY ROGER BUDDENBERG
formerly parently, by George
membersknown
“Construction Zone”
and other volunteers — not
exhibit returns to the
“Ultimate Cake Off
asonly Spyker has kept Cars, the wolf from the door, WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
Omaha Children’s
Sotto Terra, the in
said Hoyer thesaid, move but also has yielded some
Museum. At left, a
Italian restaurant”
surprise bonuses.
young visitor hangs
would a “delicious four-co
“Webuy stumbled it time
What is more doggedly creative than
into a very successful
on to his helmet
kind sangria” and l
tomodel,” receive shefunding
a kid with a hammer who sees all the
said — so successful that
in the safety-zone
food industry analy
it won an award from a museum association
and a $150,000 federal grant
during its 2010 run.
portion of the exhibit
from Chinese
world as a nail?
continued that upon
investors, evenings beginning
expand on currently
How about a kids museum with a big
the “community-built
ceive an extra pair
awaiting exhibits” regulatory
concept, in hope of inspiringempty The cones room and and barrelsno willway be back toinfill January it? when
and that the dinner
other children’s museums, about 250 of
approval, and
Two years ago, that was the Omaha
them nationwide.
The first brainstorm — “Construction
Zone” Museum.
— seemed like a natural. The result was like a Bob the
the day.
surprise.”
avoid It might bankruptcy.
Children’s seem like a simple idea, one
The surprise: Ra
with a certain pioneer-spirit appeal: The Children Great loveRecession building things, had Hoyer struck, Builder and fantasy: 10,000 square feet of
the chef, the lasagn
If you can’t afford to rent those fancy said, and the first company signing on squeal-inducing structural joy. Pulleys
Meat and Four Ch
the downtown haven for the young and
robo-dinosaurs and other big-time to help was construction giant Peter and chutes and stuff to dump. Five
lender’s, a frozen lin
shows to entertain the kiddies, then Kiewit Sons’ Inc. Other Omaha-area kinds of building blocks. An obstacle
Foods. Hidden cam
Job postings
curious had a problem, said Executive
build something yourself.
firms and craft union locals, from course of orange cones and culverts.
orchestrated by the
roseBut init’s July
Director Lindy Hoyer. Like a lot of
tougher than it looks, Hoyer steamfitters to ironworkers, joined in. Real tools. Goggles. Hard hats. The
of the Omnicom Gr
enterprises caught in the downturn,
said. You have to come up with an idea But instead of just contributing innards of a house. A place to draw
lasagna and to the
Companies that’ll grab in July the under-age-9 target it had money to cut or materials the budget. or muscle Yet — the most plans. And holy mother of sand pits, a
from Marie Callend
audience (and their parents). Make it though they did all that, she said — the big dig full of kid-sized dump trucks
“Our intention w
advertised the most
obvious target — rental costs for
hands-on and educational. Make it good volunteers also dreamed up ways to and excavators.
ning in a special loc
jobs in forthree developing years, motor skills. Make it blockbuster show kids who traveling think theyexhibits, are just such as
said Stephanie Mor
safe. Make it on a budget.
playing what their parents do during
See Museum: Page 2
and layoffs declined
those giant robotic dinosaurs — was
— a bit of hope for
also the main thing bringing people
a weak economy.
and revenue in the door.
Still, many employers
“We were a pickle,” she said. “We
are no rush to
sat down as a team and said, ‘Who do
fill openings. The
we know
Lincolntruckstopplugsinto
Omaha that can help us?’” World-Herald
Labor Department
Necessity mothered an invention.
said Wednesday that
And the invention — exhibits built Money for Section
employers increased
the kids by local businesses, union
their postings 3.23
move toward chargingstations
members and other volunteers — not
million from 3.17
September 8, 2011
million in June. That
only has kept the wolf from the door,
BY ERIN GOLDEN
anti-idling laws. Plugging in instead of running
is the largest number
Hoyer said, but also has yielded some
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
the engine one truck saves 1,800 gallons of
of openings since
surprisediesel bonuses. fuel and reduces emissions by 21 tons of
A few weeks from now, truckers will be able to
August carbon dioxide per year, according to a report
pull up to 2008.
“We stumbled into a very successful
Shoemaker’s Travel Center and plug in
model,” from shethe said California — soEnergy successful Commission. that
rather than idling their engines for hours to keep Many new trucks are designed to be electricready,
award and any from trucka can museum be retrofitted as-(at a cost
in-cab amenities running.
it won an
Smashburger
The Lincoln business at Exit 395 on Interstate sociation of anywhere and a $150,000 from $100federal to $10,000, grant depending on
80 is one of a small but growing number of truck
to enter
the truck and the type of power setup).
stops that are becoming electrified — installing to expand on the “community-built
Alan Bates, the executive vice president of
Middle charging stations East where truckers can get electric exhibits” Shorepower concept, Technologies, in hope of aninspiring
Oregon company The cones and barrels will be back in Januar
power for heat, lighting or refrigerators. And it’s other children’s that installs museums, the charging stations aboutat250 truckofstops,
Smashburger, the first in the region a to sign on for a U.S. Department
of Energy-funded effort to bring thethem option nationwide.
The first brainstorm — “Construc-
said more drivers and companies are getting 11
interested in electrification — about 70 already

Liberty Elementary principal Ilka Oberst,
Luisa Palomo and Lindy Hoyer celebrate
Liberty’s 10 th anniversary.
Partnering for the Best Education
Support from Iowa West Foundation, Lincoln Financial Foundation, Lozier,
Mammel Family Foundation and Wells Fargo
By providing schools plenty of opportunities inside
and outside of the museum, students and families see
significant impact.
The museum continued its strong relationship with partner schools in the
metro area, bringing students for repeat visits, family nights and providing
teacher trainings and memberships. Through repeat exposure, children,
parents and educators can reap full benefits from visits to the museum, while
building critical thinking skills, creativity and hope.
A special relationship continued to grow with Liberty Elementary School,
located directly across the street from the museum. Longtime advocate for
the Liberty/OCM partnership, kindergarten teacher Luisa Palomo, was named
Nebraska’s Teacher of the Year. With her help, the museum’s annual campaign
raised funds to support the museum’s general operations.
"The opportunities at the museum
allow teachers to plan their lessons
with the museum in mind. A few
examples include emphasizing math
concepts, building vocabulary and
learning how to interact socially
with others. I have seen concepts
come to light for students during
and after visits to the museum – the
hands-on learning and play
brilliantly complement what is being
taught in the classroom."
Director of Education, Tom Simons,
brings science to life at Liberty
Elementary, extending the museum
experience to the classroom.
Luisa Palomo,
Nebraska Teacher of the Year
Liberty Elementary School
12

Volunteers
More than 200 volunteers gave 3,272 hours of
service to Omaha Children’s Museum in 2011. The
estimated value of their service is $ 69,894.19.
Omaha Children’s Museum honored two individuals
as volunteers of the year. Jarel Allen, a Central
High School Junior, volunteered 232 hours in one
summer at the museum, becoming the right-hand
man for the museum’s summer camp staff.
Nicole Harder volunteered 380 hours as a graphic
design intern. Nicole assisted the marketing
department in producing many different pieces for
the museum and helping to launch the museum’s
new brand.
$
69,894.19
Total estimated value of volunteer hours in 2011
Leadership Training
Chief Museum Officer, Jeff Barnhart, participated
in the fourth cohort of the Noyce Leadership
Institute. This program brings together leaders
of science centers and related institutions to act
as change agents at the crossroads of societal
trends, global issues, and the cutting edge of
informal science. The fellowship program provides
a mix of face-to-face sessions, coaching, peer
learning, audio conferencing, and other learning
strategies over a year, including leading a strategic
initiative. Barnhart’s initiative was based on the
museum’s community-engaged exhibit program.
Executive Director Lindy Hoyer completed the
program in 2008.
Museum Staff
Lindy J. Hoyer
Executive Director
Jeff Barnhart
Chief Museum Officer
Denise Pratt
Chief Financial Officer
Christina Kahler
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Tom Simons
Director of Education & Public Programs
Billy Burr
Facilities and Exhibits Manager
Michelle Chartrand
Development and Membership Manager
Sarah Piper
Guest Services Manager
Amber Klezaras
Front Desk and Retail Manager
Thomas Miller
Development Associate
Matt Orand
Graphic Designer and Marketing Associate
Sara Sherman
Special Events and Marketing Coordinator
Sherry Strumm
Human Resources Coordinator
Cindy Brodhagen
Administrative Assistant
Jo Beerman
Traveling Exhibit Lead
Matt Walker
Traveling Exhibits Coordinator
Cheryl Glasford
Science Center Lead
Nikia Gunn-Abdulai
Imagination Playground Lead
Tyler Swain
Creative Arts Center Lead
Anna Sander
Outreach Coordinator
A committed museum staff has
been essential to the museum’s
success. Staff is pictured in the
Creative Arts Center
13

Rainbow Connectors Guild
The Rainbow Connectors Guild is committed
to the advancement and growth of Omaha
Children’s Museum. In addition to planning the
museum’s largest fundraiser, the For the Kids
benefit, this active group of hardworking and
dedicated volunteers offered friend-raising events
throughout the year. These events included the
Big Backyard Bash in February and the Dino-Mite
Bash in November. With nearly 100 members, the
guild takes pride in the museum and what it offers
to the children of the Omaha community.
GUILD BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
2011/2012
Wendi Kroeger
President
Beth Ochsner
President Elect
Sarah Hinsley
Vice President Friendraising
Kayla Hawkins
Vice President Fundraising
Piper Johnson
Corresponding Secretary
Heather Efaw
Recording Secretary
Julie Liakos
Treasurer
Rachel Stricklett
Membership Chair
Melissa Schafer
Membership Vice Chair
Lisa Gravelle
Advisor
(top) Dave and Sandy Parker, Lindy
Hoyer and benefit honorary chairs,
Peggy & David Sokol
(bottom) For the Kids benefit chairs,
Beth Ochsner, Jennifer Simmons
and Christie Oberto
Monster Success for the Annual Benefit
The Rainbow Connectors Guild planned the annual For the Kids benefit that created a
memorable experience for all attendees and raised more than $ 255,000 for the museum with
record attendance of over 600. The event, themed Monster’s Ball, was chaired by Christie
Oberto, Beth Ochsner and Jennifer Simmons. Honorary chairpersons were Peggy and David
Sokol. MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company was the event sponsor.
Monster’s Ball was honored as winner of Metro Magazine’s award for Best Event Theme at
The Big Event 2011.
14

Board of Directors
2011 Executive Committee
Roberta L. Christensen - President
Tim Bird, President Elect
Chuck Campbell – Treasurer, Finance Chair
Tim Crockett – At Large
Scott Kroeger – Secretary, Governance Chair
Sandy Parker – Advisor
Teresa Rogers, Development Chair
2011 Members at Large
Linda Brandl
Terri Campbell
Isabelle Cherney
David Cota
Trent Demulling
Gail Graeve
Lisa Gravelle
Dan Hunt
Sherrye Hutcherson
Wendi Kroeger
Carolyn Law
Sharlon Rodgers
Kenneth “K.B.” Marshall
Teri Mercer
Jennifer Mosser
Beth Ocshner
Mary Wilson
A FOND FAREWELL
There were five outgoing board members in 2011:
Dr. Isabelle Cherney, Carolyn Law, Jason John, Jeff
Mueller and Tim Bird. These members brought
valuable strengths to the leadership of Omaha
Children’s Museum.
FOUNDING MEMBERS
Cindy and Mogens Bay
Gerry and Bruce Lauritzen
Susan and Michael Lebens
Shirley and Dan Neary
Amy and Joe Moglia
Julie and Mark Mowat
Sandy and Dave Parker
Amy L. Scott
Friend Request
Major support from a local foundation found its way to the
museum. The Robert B. Daugherty Foundation pledged to
support repair and restoration to the museum’s permanent
exhibits with a multi-year challenge grant.
In addition to providing needed funds
to maintain and improve exhibits, this
welcome support called for matching
dollars and opened the door for the
museum to create a more purposeful
group for donors called Circle of Friends.
The Circle of Friends is a diverse group
of individuals who demonstrate a
philanthropic commitment to the
children of our community. The
members of Circle of Friends support
the museum with multi-year gifts that
support the upkeep of permanent
exhibitions and the facility. This
support is invaluable to the museum
and the group of ardent supporters
continues to grow.
Through the foundation’s contribution
and pledged Circle of Friends support, the
museum has raised more than $350,000.
15

2011 Financials
Earned Revenue
Admissions $
718,588
Membership $
554,853
Programs $
196,686
Gift Shop $
143,593
Facility Rental $
13,683
Special Events $
11,073
Vending/Locker/Food $
21,328
Other $
99,589
Earned Revenue Total $
1,759,393
Kids delight in the museum’s
perennial favorite exhibit,
the Super Gravitron.
Unearned Revenue
Contributions/Grants/Other $
1,217,611
Unearned Revenue Total $
1,217,611
Revenue Total $
2,977,004
Expenses
COGS $
75,496
Payroll/Benefits $
1,211,665
Operating* $
1,152,196
Expenses Total $
2,439,357
Total
Net Income $
537,647
NET INCOME
$
292,539
NET INCOME
$
537,647
REVENUE
$
2,467,548
EXPENSES
$
2,175,009
REVENUE
$
2,977,004
EXPENSES
$
2,439,357
*Excludes depreciation
2010 2011
16

DONORS | 2011
CORPORATIONS
$
10,000+
Children’s Hospital and Medical Center
Cox Communications
Douglas County Board of Commissioners
First National Bank of Omaha
Gallup
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Mutual of Omaha
Oriental Trading Company
Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc.
Runza National
SKL Investment Corp.
$
5,000- $ 9,999
Backyard Playworld
Centris Federal Credit Union
Clear Creek Landscaping
Gorges Volvo
HDR, Inc.
Jet Linx Aviation
McCarthy Capital Corporation
Methodist Health System
Metropolitan Utilities District
Omaha Association for the Education of Young Children
Omaha Public Power District
Rainbow Play Systems, Inc.
RDG Planning and Design
TD Ameritrade
Terry McGill Inc.
The Nebraska Medical Center
Union Pacific Corporation
University of Phoenix
Walker Tire
Watkins Concrete
Wells Fargo
Werner Enterprises
$
1,000- $ 4,999
American Title Inc.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska
Conductix Wampfler
CVS Caremark
Downtown Omaha, Inc.
Dr. Pepper Snapple Group
Duncan Aviation
Election Systems and Software
Energy Systems Company
Godfather’s Pizza, Inc.
Hy-Vee, Stony Brook
Koley Jessen
Kutak Rock
Lincoln Financial Group
Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital
National Arts Strategies
National Paper and Sanitary Supply
NISE
Omaha World-Herald
Performance Toyota-Scion
Silverstone Group
Target
Tenaska
Toyota Dealer Match Program
Union Bank and Trust Company
Valmont Industries, Inc.
Yellowbook
$
500- $ 999
Arnold Weitz & Co.
Central States Indemnity
Patry, Fisher & Dudley, P.C.
Renze Display Company
Security National Bank
Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Company
$
100- $ 499
CSG Systems
Fraser Stryker PC LLO
Our Military Kids, Inc.
Steel Case
United Seeds, Inc.
Vondrak Elkhorn Dental Group
FOUNDATIONS
$
10,000+
Adah and Leon Millard Foundation
Amy L. Scott Family Foundation
Campbell Family Foundation
CarMax Foundation
David Scott Foundation
Dr. C. C. and Mabel L. Criss Memorial Foundation
Iowa West Foundation
Lincoln Financial Foundation
Mammel Family Foundation
Pacific Life Foundation
Parker Family Foundation
Robert H. Storz Foundation
The Ashgrove Charitable Foundation
The Sherwood Foundation
The Sunderland Foundation
$
5,000- $ 9,999
Autism Action Partnership
Hawks Foundation
Lozier Foundation
William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation
$
1,000- $ 4,999
Robertson Family Foundation
Tom and Mary Jetton Charitable Fund
$
500- $ 999
Omaha Community Foundation
$
100- $ 499
Rose Blumkin Foundation
The Bekins Foundation, Inc.
17

Individuals
$
10,000+
Cindy and Mogens Bay
Gerry and Bruce Lauritzen
Susan and Michael Lebens
Teresa and David Rogers
Peggy and David Sokol
$
5,000- $ 9,999
Krista and Mickey Anderson
Jeannie Heckman
Amy and Joe Moglia
Shirley and Dan Neary
Beth and Bo Ochsner
Sandy and David Parker
Janet Strauss
Dottie and Stan Truhlsen
Meredith and Andrew Weitz
Shirley and Jim Young
$
1,000- $ 4,999
Christine and Dale Burklund
Kelly and Kevin Buscher
Bill Cenovic
Roberta and Phillip Christensen
Traci and Brad Copple
Stephanie and David Cota
Mary and Tim Crockett
Susan and Bill Cutler
Robyn Devore
Debbie and Tom Dugdale
Kathy and Gary Gates
Carol Gendler
Brady and Ryan Gibson
Lisa and Matt Gravelle
Lindy and Michael Hoyer
Sherrye and Wes Hutcherson
Jeanette and Lawrence James
Mary and Paul Jessen
Jeanie and Lance Jones
Patricia and Stephen Kaniewski
Karen Levin
Teri and Matt Mercer
Honorable Ben Nelson and Diane Nelson
John P. Nelson
Christie and Gustavo Oberto
Alison and Dan O’Neill
Teresa and Andrew Ruback
Linda and Ed Schafer
Jennifer and Tom Simmons
Vickie Smith
Carol and Michael Whetstine
Mary and John Wilson
$
500- $ 999
Heather and Nick Andersen
Becky and Mike App
Linda and Matthew Brandl
Kim and Greg Brokke
Amy and Eric Christenson
Alyson and JR Demman
Aimee and Trent Demulling
Mary and Dale Dixon
Angela and Tom Drew
Jennifer and Jason Gilbreath
Gail and Shane Graeve
Sally and Bill Hanley
Shannon and Joshua Hite
Mary Beth and Dan Hunt
Kara and Kyle Krehbiel
Wendi and Scott Kroeger
Carolyn Law
Jodie and Bill Mackintosh
Jamie and Thomas Manley
Tracy and Kenneth “K.B.” Marshall
Jennifer and Matt Mosser
Melanie and Jeff Mueller
Erin and Rob Owen
Jen and Mike Parker
Sharlon and Chris Rodgers
Melissa and Michael Schafer
Jean and Roy Schroer
Shelley Siemers
Christine and Chuck Stevens
Jamie and Marcia Tauriella
Samantha and Andrew Wahl
With fun as a core value of the organization,
happiness and joy is an important component
of the guest experience.
Haley and Jamie Walker
Gina and Ryan Westfall
Meagan Wilson
Mary and Jeff Wilson
Dana and Jess Zeiss
$
100- $ 499
Erin and Steve Albers
Laura and Mike Alley
Jason Amdor
Diane and Robert Ames
Melissa and Mark Anderson
June and Gerald Asper
Leona and George Barker
Lisa and Zach Barrientos
Lee and Tom Belford
Cindy and Sherman Berg
Sarah and Terry Beutler
Janice and Mike Bjornstad
Dawnell and James Block
Cindy and Brad Brodhagen
Katie and Brian Brownrigg
Danielle and Scott Bunz
18

Individuals (continued)
Ellen and Dean Carlson
Mia and Guy Cherp
Darcy and David Coomer
Cheryl and Ron Cooper
Jaime and Michael Degan
Michelle and Curt Drew
Jessica and Ron Duce
Lori and Dave Dvorak
Tim Eischeid
Becky and Jimmy Ellsworth
Sharon and John Emery
Sally and Rick English
Donna Faber and David Quimby
Kim and Adrian Ferguson
Paige and Pete Festersen
Keith Forman
Jamie and Edward Friedland
Virginia Gerhardt
Jennifer and Jim Haggart
Mary Lynn and Randall Hallett
Elizabeth and John Hancock
Michelle and Morgan Hankins
Allie and Dave Hauptman
Kayla and Chris Hawkins
Mary and Ron Hicks
Sarah and David Hinsley
Shari Hofschire
Mary and Thomas Holley
Clark Horgan
Nancy Hornstein
Barbara Hunt
Emily and Mike Klauer
Alyssa and Donald Kohler
Cydney and David Koukol
Beth and David Kramer
Darlene Kroeger
Susie and Paul Landow
Ronald Larson
Angie and Jason Lauritsen
Angela and Mark Law
Sandra and John Lehr
Julia and Louis Linquata
Jackie and Jay Lund
Diane and John Lund
William March
Brian Maulari
Shawna and David Mayer
Colleen and Thomas McLeay
David McLeese
Leslie and Charles McMahon
Laurie and Paul Meyers
Jamie and Troy Meyerson
Jennifer and Scott Meyerson
Brenda and Mike Michalski
Liz Miller
Honorable Lindsey Miller-Lerman
Emily and Steve Mitchell
Julie and Tim Muessel
Stacy and Jarod Mundt
Jill Musil
Kalli and Chad Mustard
Amy Farha-Neary and Bryan Neary
Toni and Ryan Nietfeldt
Kristen and Jason Papenfuss
Shannon and Josh Peacher
Frank Pivalta
Jill and Brian Poole
Torey and John Reed
Angela and Sham Rock
Brenda and Rich Rosenblatt
Maureen and John Ross
Darla Schaff
Teri and Jim Schmidt
Heather and Bryan Schneider
Jennifer and Todd Scholz
Andee and Anthony Scioli
Matt Selinger
Tom Simons and Gordon Krentz
Carrie and Will Sitton
Kathie and Dick Stemm
Rachel and Ted Stricklett
Kelley and John Stuckey
Efigenia and Ralph Swinarski
Kim and Drew Theophilus
Lynda and Ross Thomas
Kelly and Ben Titus
Brooke and Mark Toelle
Maureen and Steve Turner
W. Joseph Vachal
Tom and Jan Visty
Susie and Erik Wagner
Dr. Liz Walenz and Steve Walenz
Lori and Mark Waterstraat
Anne and Arnold Weitz
Gina Westfall
Martha and Marc Wharton
Jane and Doug Wignall
Judy and James Woodbury
Mary Yount
Kristae and Pete Zandbergen
Great care was taken to make this report
as accurate as possible. We apologize
if anyone was mistakenly omitted
or incorrectly listed.
Creative arts programs give
kids the opportunity to explore
a number of art media.
19

PATRON MEMBERS | 2011
Gift of Play
Susan and Michael Lebens
Trina and Scott McCollister
Benefactor
Dianne Abbott
Meredith and Andrew Weitz
Contributor
Robert Broom and Mary Clarkson
Suzanne and Patrick Haney
Mary and Paul Jessen
Wendy and Avi Morrison
Jessie Ness and Kathy Simpson
Jasmine and Jason Pittack
Amy and Scott Sladovnik
Patron Level
Rae-Anne Anderson and Ashleigh Simanek
Katie and Ryan Anglim
Kellye and Michael Bagley
Jane Bailey and Tom Arndorfer
Kelly and Daniel Baker
Holly and Brett Barnhart
Kim and Stephen Barrows
Jeff Barta
Kerry and Joseph Bast
Kathleen and Cody Bazer
Kim Berg
Amardip and Bhagwan Bhuller
Debbie and Tim Bird
Jessica and Darin Blair
Abby and Mark Blair
Frances and Louis Blumkin
Kate and Dan Bodmann
Genevieve and Michael Bosilevac
Cybil and Brad Boss
Alexis and Matthew Boulos
Linda and Matt Brandl
Julie and Chris Bratetic
Lori Bruck and Dave Neubauer
Samantha and Daniel Buller
Vicki and Dan Bunnell
Kelly and Kevin Buscher
Karen and Lindsay Campagna
Janet and Chuck Campbell
Terri and Corey Campbell
Jennie and David Caplinger
Kathy and James Caputo
Carolyn and James Chamberlain
Jennifer and Jack Chambers
Rachael and Seth Chappell
Isabelle and Michael Cherney
Meribah and Craig Christensen
Roberta and Phillip Christensen
Amy and Eric Christenson
Julie and Kevin Chytil
Sarah and Andrew Clayton
Heather and Jason Cline
Emily and Eric Coldiron
Denise Ibsen-Cole and Joe Cole
Kara and Charlie Collins
Stephanie and David Cota
Mary and Tim Crockett
Emily and William Czaje
Aimee and Trent Demulling
Megan and Andrew Detjens
Stephanie and Lee Diamante
Jody and Seth Dickerson
Jill and Mark Dietrich
Holly and Michael Dixon
Katie and Michael Drelicharz
Irene and Gary Ecklund
Christie and Jeremy Eddie
Deanna and Jeff Edwards
Heather and Jason Efaw
Kim and Tom Egan
Debra and Roger Ericksen
Ruth and Joe Erman
Brenda and Chris Faulk
Lynn and Ed Fleming
Lisa and Kevin Flesner
Visits to the museum provide
time for parents and kids to
play and learn together.
Donna and Robert Forbes
Jennifer and Gregory Gaddie
Kathy and Gary Gates
Angi Gerard and James Rodriguez
Bonnie Giles and Jillian Kindig
Lisa and Diane Ginrich
Kristin Girten and David Pantos
Whitney and David Goldner
Nereyda Gonzalez Budge and Ross Budge
Carol and Anthony Good
Bernadette and William Gorman
Gail and Shane Graeve
Lisa and Matt Gravelle
Katie and Mike Grier
Jennifer and Jim Haggart
Linda and Todd Hall
Jodi and Jake Hammans
Angela and Chris Harnly
Elictia and James Hart
Elizabeth and Darin Heftie
Cindy and Scott Heider
Valerie and Jeremy Heintz
Bonnie Hickey and Susanne Hickey
20

Jen and Jeff Hickman
Cory and Andy Hilliard
Colleen Hofschulte
Theresa and John Hospodka
Carrie and Paul Hubert
Mary Beth and Dan Hunt
Sherrye and Wes Hutcherson
Coguette and Corey Jensen
Alisha and Gregory Jeppesen
Amber and Jason John
Patricia and David Kats
Michelle and Stuart Kazor
Raidy and Vance Klepadlo
Megan and Jake Koch
Tamarae and Matthew Kock
Mikha and Anton Kristijanto
Wendi and Scott Kroeger
Vicki and Tom Kroft
Whitney and David Kurcz
Kim and Matthew Latacha
Jennifer and Kip Lathrum
Emily and Clark Lauritzen
Carolyn Law
Paul and Gina Le
Carrie and Christopher Leighow
Sara and Brandon Lindsey
Julie and John Lingelbach
Tonya and Daniel Maca
Tracy and Kenneth “K.B.” Marshall
Micky and Barney Marvin
Renea and Rich McGill
Michelle and Douglas McKnight
Lisa and Mike Meehan
Katie and Matt Mendlick
Terri and Matt Mercer
Michele and Dorothea Merrill
Casey and Brett Meyer
Jennifer and Matt Mosser
Melanie and Jeff Mueller
Jennifer and Jeff Northouse
Meghan and Tom Oakes
Beth and Bo Ochsner
Exhibits encourage teamwork
and interaction that support
social development.
Shelby and Jeff Oksman
Dee Owen
Jen and Mike Parker
Sandy and David Parker
Katrina and David Pascarelli
Katherine and Gregory Penny
Jennifer and Matthew Peters
Jennie and David Piper
Lisa and Rich Propst
Patty Reed Sizer and Steve Sizer
Kira and Bill Rickabaugh
Sharlon and Chris Rodgers
Teresa and David Rogers
Carol Ann and Bill Rohan
Carol and Rick Russell
Andrea and Robbie Ryan
Sherita and Jerry Samuels Jr.
Carolyn and Greg Samuelson
Jackie and Joel Sanneman
Sasha R Saylor and Anthony Franklin
Elizabeth and Chris Schaben
Connie and Mike Schmiesing
Sarah and Kate Schondelmeyer
Amy L. Scott
Lori and David Scott
Jamie and Douglas Secord
Annette and Brian Seely
Lindsey and Scott Semrad
Brenda Shupe and Karson Cabbage
Barbee Davis and Marty Skomal
Bambi and Thomas Sobetski
Carol and Jim Stehlik
Jennifer and Tim Steiner
Brandi Shay and Chris Stolzer
Kala and Dustin Stroh
Janine and Scott Strunc
Jayne and Michael Sturek
Kellie and Jason Tagge
Laura and Jacob Thomas
Ann and Daniel Thomasset
Sara and Jean Tonje
Lara and Jim Turco
Laura and Ben Tworek
Melissa and Kane Valek
Katie Van Demark and Brian Reilly
Beth and Mark Wagner
Denise and James Walker
Lori and Mark Waterstraat
Jennie Weberg
Berinin Wieje and Eric Modde
Frances and John Williamson
Mary and Jeff Wilson
Rebecca and Jacob Wingebach
Kristee and Tony Yaghmour
Naomi and Robert Yanike
Diane and Tiffany Zech
21

NON-PROFIT ORG.
US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT #1220
OMAHA, NE 68102
500 South 20 th Street
Omaha, NE 68102
ocm.org
play. learn. together.
Engaging the imagination
and creating excitement
about learning
ocm.org