Seniors Foundation of Lincoln/Lancaster County

There is still time to register to join us at the 2026 Keystone Luncheon. Our guest speaker will be Glenn Van Ekeren, recently retired President of Vetter Senior Living. Known for his engaging and down-to-earth style, he has delivered more than 1,500 seminars and keynote presentations nationwide, inspiring over 150,000 people. Van Ekeren is also a respected author, with recent works including Little Leadership Lessons…from an Old Guy and Leadership Matters…Make Where You Work a Place People Love to Be. Master of Ceremonies will be Rod Fowler, longtime news anchor at KLKN-TV. We hope to see you on May 28th. Additional information is available at https://www.seniorsfoundation.org/keystone-luncheon-2026/

We would like to express our sincere thanks to this year's sponsors of the Keystone luncheon including: Bridge to Better Living, Burlington Capital, Cada Law Firm, Cornhusker Bank, Home Instead, Immanuel, Pinnacle Bank, Rembolt Ludtke LLP, Slim Chickens, Union Bank & Trust, Vetter Senior Living, Sumner Place, Brookestone Home Health Care, Southlake Village Rehabilitation and Care Center

2026 Keystone Award Recipient: The Seniors Foundation is honored to present the 2026 Keystone Award to Keith Fickenscher, who has an extensive professional history of dedication to older adults and veterans.

Keith served as the Director of Veterans Affairs for Nebraska under former Governors Ben Nelson and Mike Johanns. As a U.S. Army veteran himself, he oversaw veterans’ programs and veterans’ homes statewide. He also served as Interim administrator at Veteran’s Homes in Grand Island and in Omaha. During that time, he worked to significantly improve the quality of care provided and discovered his passion for elder care, especially for veterans.

Keith is also a former Seniors Foundation Board member and was instrumental in planning the Victory Park project. He also served on the Nebraska State Stroke Association Board, which presented him with the inaugural Stephanie Wever Courage Award in 2017.

After a career dedicated to serving older adults and veterans, Keith Fickenscher continues to be a passionate advocate for veterans, elder care, accessibility, and stroke survivors. He is a truly deserving recipient of the Seniors Foundation’s 2026 Keystone Award.

Congratulations to Keith on receiving this honor. Please join us to celebrate him on May 28th at the Keystone Luncheon. https://www.seniorsfoundation.org/keystone-luncheon-2026/

Seniors Foundation Remembers Award Recipient: The Seniors Foundation is profoundly honored to posthumously present the Seniors Foundation Remembers Award to Alice Dittman. A trailblazer in business and a champion for her community, Alice’s lifelong dedication to service and leadership left an enduring impact on the City of Lincoln and beyond.

Alice’s remarkable career was defined not only by professional success, but by her unwavering commitment to helping others achieve their potential. She believed deeply that opportunity exists everywhere and that every challenge presents a chance for growth. Through her leadership, she inspired customers, colleagues, and community members alike to pursue their dreams.

We remember Alice Dittman not only for the barriers she broke, but for the generosity, vision, and integrity she demonstrated throughout her life. Her words continue to guide us: “You have to care about the little things to show people they can trust you with the big things.” Her legacy is a powerful testament to the difference one person can make in shaping a community.

Come help us celebrate the life and achievements of Alice at the Keystone Luncheon on May 28th https://www.seniorsfoundation.org/keystone-luncheon-2026/

Seniors Foundation Remembers Award Recipient: The Seniors Foundation is profoundly honored to posthumously present the Seniors Foundation Remembers Award to Lily Hans. A woman of immense character and intellect, Lily’s lifelong dedication to community service left an indelible mark on the City of Lincoln.

Lily’s influence was as broad as it was deep. She served with distinction on the Red Cross Board of Directors, the Broadway Theatre League, and the Lincoln General Auxiliary. From her early volunteer efforts with Educational Television (ETV) to her active role in the Community Women’s Club, she moved through the world with a commanding presence and an infectious joy for service.

We remember Lily Hans not only for the vital programs she established but for the grace, intelligence, and compassionate heart she brought to every room she entered. Her life was a testament to the power of a single individual to transform a city.

Please help us celebrate Lily on May 28th at the Keystone Award Luncheon https://www.seniorsfoundation.org/keystone-luncheon-2026/

The Seniors Foundation of Lincoln/Lancaster County is inviting nominations for its annual Keystone Award. It will be presented Thursday, May 28, 2026, during the Keystone Award Luncheon at the Country Club of Lincoln. The Keystone Award will be given to a person, couple or group who has provided a lasting legacy that enhances the quality of life of the older adults in our community. The award’s selection committee is looking for nominees who not only made a significant impact in the lives of seniors today but also provide lasting benefits for years to come. The committee will review the many ways nominees have contributed time, energy, effort and/or resources. The Foundation also presents the Remembers Award to someone who has made an impact on seniors in the community, helped to make Lincoln a city that values its seniors and has passed away within the last five years. For additional information and nomination forms, please visit https://www.seniorsfoundation.org/

With your support, the Seniors Foundation of Lincoln/Lancaster County was able to make Katelyn’s dream come true! Without a lift in her van, Katelyn was limited on the places she could go and was dependent on others to provide her transportation. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, Katelyn is off to the races… or better yet, fishing with her beloved service dog. She is able to do her shopping and even enjoy an evening out at the local coffee shop.
Katelyn is so thankful for the support of the Seniors Foundation to get a wheelchair lift for her vehicle and her new found freedom that comes along with it. Your support helps us to grant these items to seniors in need. Thank you for considering a contribution on Give to Lincoln Day to support the Seniors Foundation. https://www.givetolincoln.com/nonprofits/seniors-foundation

Today is the day! Please consider your support of the Seniors Foundation on Give to Lincoln day today. You support will make a profound difference in ensuring that seniors can age gracefully with dignity and independence. Your donation will provide essential services, social connections, and resources to help seniors thrive.

Give to Lincoln Day is a giving day event that encourages you to contribute to Lincoln and Lancaster County nonprofit organizations. Every donation makes a bigger impact on this day because nonprofits also get a proportional share of a $650,000 challenge match fund made possible by Lincoln Community Foundation and generous sponsors.

Together, we will build a community where seniors are cherished, respected, and empowered to live fulfilling lives. Please consider your support to the Seniors Foundation. https://www.givetolincoln.com/nonprofits/seniors-foundation

Each day, seniors face unique challenges such as health issues, mobility limitations, social isolation, and financial constraints. By extending a helping hand, we enhance their quality of life and affirm their inherent worth and dignity.

Tomorrow is Give to Lincoln Day! We invite you to be a part of the support provided by the Seniors Foundation to improv ethe lives of older adults in our community. When you give to the Seniors Foundation we help people like Katelyn, live a more robust life. Because of the lift installed in her van, Katelyn n ow has the freedom to take her beloved service dog fishing or go to the local coffee show to listen to music. She has the freedom to just go places.

It is the simple things that can make all the difference in someone's world. Please join us in helping seniors live better lives. https://www.givetolincoln.com/nonprofits/seniors-foundation

What an amazing event! The Keystone Awards Luncheon was held on Tuesday. Together we celebrated service to seniors in Lincoln and Lancaster County. We were joined by Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and the commitment Lincoln has made to being Age Friendly. Our Master of Ceremonies, Rod Fowler, kept our event fun and lively. Keynote Speaker Michele Manger renewed our passion for supporting older adults and what that commitment means to them. We also got to celebrate our award winners: Dennis Buckley, receiving the Keystone Award and the family of Kathleen "Kay" Green receiving the Remembers Award.

We would like to give our sincere thanks to our event sponsors and those that attended this important event. Together, we are raising funds to provide much needed support to older adults. We are SO close to our $40,000 goal! There is still time to donate to the 65 Society, which supports the Seniors Foundation to provide support to older adults in Lincoln and Lancaster County. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=53JU7VP3WRPGW

The Seniors Foundation of Lincoln/Lancaster County is pleased to honor Dennis Buckley at the upcoming Keystone Luncheon on May 20th.

For nearly 30 years, Dennis Buckley has been a devoted storyteller and community advocate in Lincoln, Nebraska. A journalist by trade and a champion of the human spirit by nature, Dennis created a legacy of positive journalism that uplifted countless lives. As the founding editor of the Neighborhood Extra at the Lincoln Journal Star, he shined a light on local nonprofits, service clubs, neighborhood associations, and individuals who might otherwise go unnoticed—including seniors, children, people in recovery, and those facing adversity.

Dennis’s legacy is one of connection, compassion, and commitment to lifting others through storytelling—truly embodying the spirit of the Keystone Award. For more information or to register for the luncheon, please visit: https://www.seniorsfoundation.org/keystone-luncheon-2025/