7811 Farnam Drive (402) 502-2773 Omaha, NE 68114 www.tedebearhollow.org

Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage Paid

Omaha, NEPermit # 1623

For a complete listing of upcoming events and registration details, please visit our website Events & Programs page at:www.tedebearhollow.org

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2012 Upcoming Events - MUST REGISTER AHEAD! January 7 Saturday 8-Session Group Begins 9:00-10:45am 9 Monday 8-Session Group Begins 6:00-7:45pm 14 Monthly Support Group9:30-10:45am 16 AHA (Adults Helping Adults) Group Begins 7:00-8:30pm

February 11 Monthly Support Group 9:30-10:45am 24-26 Child Grief Facilitator Training

March 6 Tuesday 8-Session Group Begins 6:00-7:45pm 10 Monthly Support Group9:30-10:45am April 14 KidsKamp 1:00 - 5:00pm 15 KidsKamp 1:00 - 5:00pm May 5-6 Camp Hope: A Retreat for Grieving Teens 7 Monday 8-Session Group Begins 6:00-7:45pm 12 Monthly Support Group9:30-10:45am

June 2 KidsKamp 1:00-5:00pm 3 KidsKamp1:00-5:00pm 9 Monthly Support Group9:30-10:45am 9 Doolin Classic Golf Outing July 14 Monthly Support Group 9:30-10:45amAugust 3-5 Child Grief Facilitator Training 11 Monthly Support Group9:30-10:45am 7 Saturday 8-Session Group Begins 9:00-10:45am 25 5K/10K Run and Remembrance Walk 27 Monday 8-Session Group Begins 6:00-7:45am

Grief is Like a Snowflake

Hope from the Hollow . . .

Mending the hearts of grieving children and teens since 2001

Newsletter, Winter 2011

Ted E. Bear Hollow also thanks...

“Deep in the emerald forest grew a beautiful little pine tree. He was very, very sad. He was so sad that he cried tree sap tears every day. He cried so much that he was almost out of tree sap tears…A few weeks ago, his father was taken.”

So begins the children’s story, Grief is Like a Snowflake, which explores all of the feelings and questions grief brings through the eyes of a child. The nonfiction version begins with a story as well. Renowned children’s author, Julia Cook, who hails from Fremont, Nebraska, had always wanted to write a children’s book on grief when a news story about Ted E. Bear Hollow caught her attention in the spring 2011. Cook came into the office to propose authoring a children’s book in which a portion of the proceeds would be donated to Ted E. Bear Hollow. And so, Grief is Like a Snowflake was born.

This book offers parents, teachers and other caring adults an opportunity to open communication with grieving children. It helps to answer questions such as, “Who will take care of me now?” and “Are my feelings normal?” To further assist caring adults, Cook wrote an accompanying activity book in conjunction with Ted E. Bear Hollow’s Program Director, Cathy Fox. This activity book provides a variety of crafts and games for work with all ages of grievers.

The Brunkhorst family, Jeanette (mom), John (age 13), and Joey (age 11) can relate well to these resources. When the boys were only seven and four, their father died of ALS. They began attending support groups at Ted E. Bear Hollow and have continued to both participate and volunteer. One afternoon while the family was volunteering, Cook was putting the final touches on Grief is Like a Snowflake and asked them to listen to her read the story. The boys were amazed, and both identified with everything the little tree said.

Jeanette says, “The story felt like us. Every page felt like us.” Based on her experience raising grieving children, she says that each child will gain something different out of the story based on their age and every parent will receive guidance on how to answer those tough questions.

The Burnkhorst family will join over 200 other family members at Ted E. Bear Hollow’s annual Tinsel & Tears day camps to make their very own Remembrance Tree inspired by Grief is Like a Snowflake. Families will gather together to enjoy the story, celebrate memories of the deceased and build support during the difficult holiday season. John and Joey will be able to enjoy the company of others and continue to remember their father in a safe and fun environment. As the momma tree says to the little tree, “You will never be able to forget him because he is a part of you. In time, he will find a way to show you that”.

Grief is Like a Snowflake and Grief is Like a Snowflake: Activity and Idea Book are available for purchase at: www.tedebearhollow.org

All of the pre-taxed price will be donated to Ted E. Bear Hollow

Dear Friends,

A few years ago Malcolm Gladwell wrote a fascinating book called The Tipping Point. It describes how some ideas or practices catch on and spread rapidly at some point in time - like an epidemic. It is comparable to what the social media people describe as “going viral.” These metaphors come to mind when I think of 2011 at Ted E. Bear Hollow.

For example, our 5K/10K Race and Remembrance Walk jumped from 500 participants to over 700 in one year. Our Comfort Food Classic attendance jumped from 300 to 500 in one year. Our beautiful new building with more space has allowed us to host more children, teens and families in our support groups and camps - up about 20% from last year. We have doubled our staff from three to six members. We have added training programs and begun an outreach program into north Omaha. Website visits have jumped 80%. Facebook friends have more than doubled this year. You get the point - or shall I say “tipping point.”

We ask ourselves why our steady growth has suddenly turned into a surge. I suspect there are many contributing factors but I do know that none of this would occur without the quality programs we offer the families who come through our door. The children constantly testify to the “lift” they are experiencing here when they tell their caregivers that they want to come to Ted E. Bear Hollow. They interact with other young people their own age and discover they are not alone. This provides hope and “Hope Heals.”

None of this would happen without our friends who spread the word, volunteer hundreds of hours, participate in our fundraising events and make outright donations. Thanks for the part you have played! Please use the envelope to make a year-end donation - keeping Ted E. Bear Hollow strong and prepared for the many children we will be serving in 2012.

Gratefully,

Letter from the Executive Director

Ted E. Bear Hollow also thanks...

Qiana joined the Ted E Bear Hollow team in July 2011. She started her career as an elementary teacher, moving on to teach high school English and British and American Literature at the junior college level. Those years of classroom teaching coupled with her sales background made her decision to come on board as Ted E. Bear Hollow’s Outreach Coordinator a natural fit.

Although Qiana is not an Omaha native, she has a passion for her work in the north and south Omaha Communities. Her work with children of all age groups and extensive travel as a military spouse of 14 years has shown her that the problems plaguing youth are not unique to any one city or nation.

Qiana works hard to share the Ted E Bear Hollow mission with the north and south Omaha communities through the “Growing through Loss” program. Qiana is the mother of two young girls and in her spare time enjoys reading, writing and cooking.

Qiana Brown: Outreach Coordinator

Three Ways to Contribute Financially!1. Make a monthly pledge online at www.tedebearhollow.org

2. Donate appreciated stock

3. Give a matching gift

Ted E. Bear Hollow 2011 Event Summary

The 5th Annual Comfort Food Classic was a success in every sense as Ted E. Bear Hollow made a profit of nearly $60,000 and sold out for the first time in the event’s history!

The guests decided which lasagna dish was best, choosing Chef Paul Urban and Chef Jessica Joyce of New York Chicken & Gyro. This duo was awarded $500 cash, the Comfort Food Classic traveling trophy and bragging rights.

The Comfort Food Classic remains Ted E. Bear Hollow’s largest fundraising event of the year. This year we would like to give special thanks to four Polar Bear Level Sponsors.

Ted E. Bear Hollow also thanks...

Ted E. Bear Hollow 5K/1oK Run & Remembrance Walk

The 13th Annual Ted E. Bear Hollow 5K/10K Run & Walk was successful as over 750 participants joined Ted E. Bear Hollow staff and volunteers at Outback Steakhouse on August 27, 2011. Netting more than $22,000 and seeing an increase of 300% in walker registrations, the event once again grew. Ted E. Bear Hollow was blessed to have Omaha’s Biggest Loser Marty Wolff, as he spoke about his hero and father, the late Blaine.

For the eighth year in a row, the Creighton Men’s Basketball team joined the festivities and signed posters for walkers, runners and families.

The 14th Annual Ted E. Bear Hollow Run & Walk will be held on August 25, 2012.

Thanks to: New York Life, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, Outback Steakhouse, Peak Performance, Omaha Running Club, Orthowest, Square One, RRCA, Dr. Sean M. Schmidt & 1 Eyed Jacks.

Prepare for the Doolin Classic! June 9, 2012, Eagle Hills Golf Course...

The Doolin Classic is a shotgun golf outing in loving memory of Tim and Judy Doolin. All proceeds from this event go directly to Ted E. Bear Hollow.

Proud to sponsor Ted E. Bear Hollow!

Upcoming Programs

Support GroupsMonthly: 2nd Saturday of each month 9:30 - 10:45amOpen to any family at any time. Please RSVP so we have plenty of food and supplies for everyone.

8-Session: Monday, Tuesday, or Saturday sessionsFamilies join us for eight sessions. Monday groups are held every other week from 6:00 - 7:45pm beginning January 9. Tuesday groups are held weekly from 6:00 - 7:45pm and will begin on March 6. Due to the increased interest in this program, we will also be offering a Saturday morning group in 2012. This group will meet every other week from 9:00 - 10:45am.

You must register in advance. Space is limited! More information at www.tedebearhollow.org

Adult ProgramsDon’t forget that Ted E. Bear Hollow isn’t just for kids! Adults have two of their very own programs to attend:

Young Adult Grief Support Group (YAG) In preparation for the holidays, we will be offering four support group sessions for young adults ages 19 - 40. These will be held on Thursdays in December from 6:30 - 8:00pm.

Adults Helping Adults (AHA)Adults who have completed our 8-session family support groups are invited to join this adults-only group for further support and education. The next group will begin on January 16.

For more information on adult programs, please call:(402) 502-2773.

Child Grief Facilitator Training

Do you want to join our fun-loving group of volunteer facilitators? Are you interested in learning more about how to support grieving children, teens and families? If so, don’t miss our upcoming “Child Grief Facilitator Training” opportunities! These 20-hour workshops are currently scheduled for the following dates in 2012:

February 24, 25, & 26August 3, 4, & 5

These trainings fill up quickly, so register today! More information can be found at www.tedebearhollow.org or by calling (402) 502-2773.

Social Nights

Previously “Teen Night,” Social Nights offer the opportunity for middle-schoolers and high-schoolers to hang out with their peers and enjoy a variety of fun activities.

Four Social Nights will be offered in 2012. Activities include game night, movie night, drumming, bowling and dance lessons.

Participants must have attended one of our family programs (support groups or day camps) before coming to a Social Night. If you are interested in this program, please call our office or check our website for more information.

TEBH Day CampsTed E. Bear Hollow offers two different day camps each year. These programs are a fun afternoon in which families work together on a variety of activities in memory of the person who died.

Tinsel & Tears: This winter camp is designed to provide grieving families with much-needed extra support during the difficult holiday season. Families work with volunteers to remember the person who died and create new holiday memories. Space is still available for some of our 2011 camps, so register today if you are interested in attending!

KidsKamp: This camp is offered in the spring. While kids and teens work with volunteers on projects to celebrate the live of those who have died, adults participate in their own support group. Camps are currently scheduled for April 14, April 15, June 2 and June 3, 2012.

These programs are a favorite among families. Spots fill up quickly, so visit www.tedebearhollow.org or call (402) 502-2773 today to register!

Camp HopeTeens who have participated in our family programs are invited to attend this overnight camp for teens only. Participants enjoy a variety of creative and healing activities, such as drumming, photography, horseback riding, tie-dying and a campfire. Teens who attended our recent camp in November said they enjoyed “meeting people who were okay with me being myself” and they learned that “there are more people there for me than I thought”.

TEBH provides all food and drinks and there is NO CHARGE to participate. This much-loved program fills up quickly, so teens are encouraged to register ASAP if they are interested in attending our next camp on May 5-6.

DONOR RECOGNITION

PANDA BEAR LEVEL $15,000+ Cleveland Foundation New York Life Foundation POLAR BEAR LEVEL $5,000 - $14,999 Quest Foundation Fund for Omaha/John Becker Fund Anonymous V Mertz H. Lee and Carol Gendler Charitable Fund Lincoln Financial Foundation, Inc. UPS Foundation KOALA BEAR LEVEL $1,000 - $4,999 Robert and Janice Batt Foundation The Nebraska Medical Center John Ringwalt Lawns Unlimited Gina Thompson Diana Waggoner Woodmen of the World Life Ins. Kevin Parks Claire Christie Alegent Health Arbor Family Counseling Centris Federal Credit Union First National Bank of Omaha Hyperion Integraters McCarthy’s Heating & Air Conditioning Omaha Steaks Robertson Family Foundation SAC Federal Credit Union Rosanna Morris

BROWN BEAR LEVEL $100 - $499 Larry Crouch Shannon Murante Valerie Riley LaDawna Doolittle Connie Palmerton Central States Indemnity Co. Heafey Heafey Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel Meagan Beldner Julie Bruner Yeva Byzek Troy and Laura Childress Karla Christensen Sue Devetter James Donatelle Daniel and Ellen Dosen Mary Lou and Mark Flearl Lois Givens Jo Grotelueschen Brenda Gunn Debbie Hallberg Brian and Kay Heskin Gene and Deb Hilgenkamp Mary Beth Manninger Henry and Janell McKinley Steven and Cecilia Meinhold John and Kate Morris Helen Noltimier Mary Patton Nolan and Lisa Paulsen Dorothy Pletsch Suzanne Propst Christopher Ramos Rod Rhoden Al and Joyce Schlosser Ray and Pat Schmidt Ann Tomcykowski

Thanks to all those that have made donations from May 1, 2011 to November 17, 2011...BROWN BEAR LEVEL $100 - $499 Irene and Bob Dodder Sandra Hobson Katie and Troy Carmichael Claire Hubbard Center Point for Inspired Living Christ Lutheran Church Pinnacle Bank Jim and Kate Ritter Judy Seeman Luke and Angela Cahill Integri-T Ann Marie Bausch Clayton Dukes Paul Hemesath Mark and Alice Jaksich Rachel McKeown Sue Meyers Roger and Maryann Munchrath Glenda Phaby Debra Romberger GRIZZLY BEAR LEVEL $500 - $999 Absolutely Fresh Seafood Irvington Volunteer Fire Dept 3M Ben Franklin Plumbing Daniel J. and Esther H. Brabec Charitable Fund Enterprise Bank Kohl’s Mr. Sparky Omaha Schools Foundation OrthoWest Security National Bank UMB Bank of Omaha Edward and Beth McGill Cynthia Peacock Lynn Thompson Erwin Atherton III

HONORARIUMS

Special gifts given in honor of special people in our lives …DENISE MEYERSRobert BattJOY JOHNSONMary Kerres

KAY KRONHOLMKids, Inc.Elizabeth KrebsMark and Lynnette Tate

MARY VONDRAGertrude HuffordDR. SHAWN M. SCHMIDTTimothy and Janet HillWilliam and Janine Hill III

FOOD SPONSORS

Many thanks to the community-minded restaurants who have so generously donated food to our programs...Be’ne Pizza & PastaSam & Louie’sGreat Harvest Bread

Olive Garden Italian RestaurantBruegger’s BagelCrane Coffee

Noodles & CompanyBuffalo Wild WingsOld ChicagoSoaring Wings

MEMORIALS

Special gifts given in memory of special people who have died . . .

ABRAHAM PRUITTTed and Melissa Pruitt

AGNES “PAT” BARRETTJohn and Vickie Williams

AL POCEVICIUSBill and Christina Fitzpatrick

ALEXANDER X. BADURALori Durand

ANGIE HOWStan How

BEN PETRZILKADoris Kirke

BILL “PAPA” TOMCYKOWSKIFamily and Friends

BRANDON TOMCAKMike and Cindy Tomcak

BRENT “GWEEDO” MATTHEWSBrook and Nick Hudson

BRUCE STUVAEllen Stuva

BRYCE HILGENKAMPJulie and Randy Sibert

CARLA NIGROFamily and Friends

CYNDI L. COLLINSCindi Peery

DANA AND TEDElmorine McKiernan

Many thanks to those that raised funds on behalf of Ted E. Bear Hollow...

FUNDRAISERS

DILLON HAYESDavid and Noah HayesWilliam Rauth

DORIS CURRYBill and Christina Fitzpatrick

DUSTIN PALMERBill and Christina Fitzpatrick

ERIC LEETim and Karen GalvinDiane PataniaJulie and Randy Sibert

GARRETT RITTENHOUSEAmy Heinrich

HADLEIGH FAITH MULLENBERGSheri CalvertLowell and Mary Beth KennedyStephen and Karrie MullenbergJacquelynn PedersenPete and Amy Mullenberg

HENRY JAXSON DELGADOStephanie Kremla

JENNIFER DAVISEmily Iske

J J MAASSShirley Jones

JIM (SMITTY) SMITHFamily and Friends

JOEL THURYChristy Daniel

JULIE HOVEFrances Petersen

KATE McCARVILLEColleen FurjanicJanet LeudtkeStanley and Phyllis RolfeMarci SeskerRobin StengleinKen and Judy ArginteanPam and Pat McCarville

KATE McRAERenee Reimer

KEVIN DULINGMeredith Duling

LORI ANN KUHLFamily and Friends

MARY LOU IRWINDiane Jelden

MICHAEL S. KARRCori Hoffman

MIKE GOALEYThe Mike Kudym Family

MILLIE REIFFShellee Dill

MOLLY STEVENSCindy and Brian Stevens

NICK MUTCHLERChristine Pope

NORA JANE VOLKERFamily and Friends

OPEL PENKEThe Mike Kudym Family

ORLIN JOHNSONDiane Jelden

PAT SHEARMANStephanie Kremla

PAUL CALLOWAYAshley Horgan

PHYLLIS BRANDTFamily and Friends

RICHARD PAUL DOBESHRoseann Debosh-Degraff

ROBIN LEELING HALEPat and Joe Neesen

TIM AND JUDY DOOLINPaul McGill

TOM ALLENLinda ChapmanDebbie ChristophersonConnie CorneliusAnn KennedyTerrance and Judy Wendt

TONI LOOTENSMike Lootens

VELMA DALZELLLinda and Michelle

Jennifer ChristensenCristy DanielLeslie DickinsonShellee DillColleen DupuisLori DurandRachel Elkenberry

Kimberly HansenJane KingBandi KrakowskiMolly MasatLeslie McCaslinJames NigroLynn Thompson

Angie WilliamsMeredith DulingMolly BullRenata GirthofferKatie HoustonBrian MaassChristine DunganCathy Fox

Nancy HemesathNicole LewisPatty WoodenDeb HilgenkampMichelle KeaysJerry ThompsonAmy BeltRob Evans