Pelini Foundation Raises $200,000

Connie Jamrog, Executive Director of the Bo Pelini Foundation, announced today that the Bo Pelini Foundation Celebrity Dinner on May 31, 2011 and the Celebrity Golf Tournament held on June 1 at Firethorn raised more than $200,000 before expenses.  The dinner and golf tournament were presented by the Bo Pelini Foundation and Continuum Financial.

The Bo Pelini Foundation (BPF) supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to the fight against cancer and juvenile and adult diabetes.  It provides targeted financial assistance to programs which advance opportunities for disadvantaged children, particularly young people growing up in Nebraska.  To date, the Foundation has distributed more than $300,000 to charities that fit within the BPF mission statement. 

Jamrog said the Foundation spends time and effort researching potential recipients of donations.  “Bo and Mary Pat Pelini and I find genuine needs and then contribute whatever we can to help a variety of recipients,” Jamrog said.  “Whether we're supporting major cancer efforts or giving to a worthy local charity cause, we do our homework.  At the end of the day, we believe every dollar we donate makes a difference here in Nebraska.”

The goal of the golf tournament and celebrity dinner was to provide funds to support the various charities with whom the Bo Pelini Foundation works. 

The golf tournament filled within three weeks of its announcement in February.  Celebrity golfers included  members of the coaching and athletic staff, Husker legends, and other prominent individuals from the state of Nebraska and with college or NFL football ties.  Larry the Cable Guy, Heisman Trophy winners Eric Crouch and Johnny Rodgers and Tom, Barrett and Bo Ruud were among the celebrities golfing.  Larry the Cable Guy was also the emcee for the live auction after dinner, using his wit to encourage the nearly 400 in attendance to be generous.  With his assistance, the silent and live auctions raised more than $79,000.

The Foundation was able to raise additional funds through sponsors.  In addition to presenting sponsor Continuum Financial, the dinner and golf tournament were sponsored by TD Ameritrade (site sponsor), Advanced Radiology and Lexus of Lincoln (golf towel sponsors), Travel and Transport (travel sponsor) and Ideal Images, Cargill, The Cornhusker Hotel, Firethorn Golf Club and Inspro Insurance as well as numerous hole sponsors.

Since there was not a Football 101 this year the Bo Pelini Foundation is committed to donating a portion of the money raised at the Bo Pelini Foundation Celebrity Dinner and Golf Tournament to find a cure for breast cancer.  Previously all the funds raised from Football 101 went toward those efforts. 

In 2010, the BPF donated to the following charities and community events: 

Concerned Nebraskans for Cystic Fibrosis

Charlie Brown's Kids

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

UNMC Eppley Cancer Center

Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center

Madonna Foundation

Heartland Big Brothers

Friendship Home

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach

Limbs for Life

Camp Quality

Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation

Lincoln Children's Museum

Brain Injury Association

The Salvation Army

Nebraska Children's Home Society Foundation -North Platte Harvest of Hope Dinner

Fans can join the BPF team and help make a difference by contacting Executive Director Connie Jamrog at bopelinifoundation@yahoo.com, P.O. Box 21648, Lincoln, NE  68542, www.bopelinifoundation.com; 402-326-5609.