United Way of the Kearney Area would like to thank everyone who made the four nights of “Dine Out for United Way” successful.Over the last four Tuesday evenings, we have arrived at local restaurants with our teams of campaign co-chairs and local celebrity servers to compete for tips for the 2010 United Way campaign.We are grateful, but not surprised, at the generosity of our local managers: Eric Hellreigel at Skeeter Barnes; Stacy Plautz at The Cellar; Ryan Hurlbutt at Little Mexico; and, Nate Votta at Old Chicago.We also are grateful for Kearney area citizens who packed the restaurants and tipped generously. Kearney is known for its support of many causes. The way folks came together to “Live United” was inspiring.Thank you to our local celebrities who volunteered their time and encouraged friends to dine out.

They are Brian Baer, Mark Sutko, Matt Meister, Greg Shea, Josh Jelden, Darren Robinson, Sophia Alvarez, Aaron Bishop, Kendall Frickey, Jan Rodehorst, Dale Arp, Bob Wilson, Virginia Sims, Jack Horner, Charlie Pickens, Brian Maher, Adam Wegner, Stan Clouse, Bruce Lear, Mark Reid, Bryan Kuntz, Gary Roubicek, Darryl Morris and Rita Uldrich.

Thank you also to our co-chairs, Ken Anderson and Andrea McClintic; Troy Brockmeier and Bob Lammers; Tim Shada and Bruce Blankenship; and Brad Kernick and Gary Straatmann. They continue to advocate for United Way even after their terms as campaign chairs come to an end. Thank you also to the Kearney Hub, NTV and KGFW-Talk of the Town.

Each and every one of you, whether you give, advocate or volunteer, are advancing the common good in our community.

Lisa Reese Parish, Kearney