About Illuminate
Your support of Illuminate helps provide safety, shelter, and support to individuals experiencing domestic violence in our community. Every dollar raised directly benefits the individuals who turn to Friendship Home when they have nowhere else to go. Together, we can ensure survivors find safety, healing, and the resources they need to build new beginnings.
What to Expect
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Cocktail Hour & Drinks
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Heavy Hors D’oeuvres
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Live Auction
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Live Music & Entertainment
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Opportunities to Give and Make an Impact
Attire: Business casual. Guests are welcome to add a touch of purple to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Note: The Rococo Theatre has a clear bag policy. Clear bags and small clutch-sized purses are only allowed at entry. Click here to learn more about this policy.
Tickets & Parking
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Time: Doors open at 5:30 PM | Program begins at 6:00 PM
Location: The Rococo Theatre, 140 N 13th St, Lincoln, NE
Tickets: $50 per person
Your ticket includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, an inspiring program, and the opportunity to take part in our exciting live auction. Seating is limited, secure your spot early! Buy your ticket today.
Parking:
Parking is available at nearby parking garages and along surrounding streets. We recommend arriving early to allow time to find parking.
Auction Items
Dormie Network Stay and Play Package
Enjoy a stay with Dormie Network, the nation’s most exclusive collection of destination golf parks! This package includes a one night stay and two 18-hole rounds of golf for up to four people, and the choice is yours! Choose from any of their five private clubs: Ballyhack Golf Club in Roanoke, VA, Victoria National Golf Club in Newburgh, IN, ArborLinks Golf Club in Nebraska City, NE, Briggs Ranch Golf Club in San Antonio, TX, or Hidden Creek Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.
Wait, there’s more! The winner of this item will receive a Certified Piedmontese Grass Fed Grass Finished Taste of Italy Gift Box, containing a variety of steaks, including a 36oz. Tomahawk Ribeye!
Each club offers pristine courses, full-service amenities, and a secluded, relaxing retreat.
Get ready for an electrifying night at the Devaney Center as the powerhouse Nebraska Cornhuskers take on Big Ten rival Illinois! This is your chance to witness one of the top volleyball programs in the nation battle it out on their home court, where the energy is high and every point counts.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love the thrill of live sports, this matchup promises top-tier action, elite athleticism, and an unforgettable atmosphere. Don’t miss your shot to be part of the red-clad sea of Husker pride!
This package also includes a one night stay at The Kindler Hotel on November 6th and a certificate to Fleetwood in the Haymarket!
Date: Wednesday, November 6 | Time: 7:00 PM | Bob Devaney Sport Center
Mountain Retreat | Estes Park, CO
Escape to the breathtaking beauty of Estes Park with this exclusive vacation stay! This charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home comfortably sleeps four and offers all the comforts you need for a relaxing mountain retreat. Nestled in the heart of Colorado’s majestic Rockies, you’ll be just minutes from the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, scenic hiking trails, wildlife viewing, shopping, and dining.
Dates are flexible and can be coordinated directly with the generous donor to ensure the perfect time for your stay.
In the realm of international cuisine, German food is often overlooked. If you think German food isn’t exciting or delicious enough to be celebrated, think again! Achim Griesel is working to change that perception one meal at a time. Achim and his Frau, Kathy, will prepare a meal for 8-10, served at their home, using traditional recipes handed down from Achim’s Mom, Elfriede. On a mutually agreed upon date, you and your guests will be treated to mouth-watering specialties such as currywurst, flammkuchen (flatbread pizza), schnitzel, sauerkraut, rotkraut (red cabbage), spaetzle (noodles) and German-style bread. You’ll say “Prost!” to your friends with traditional German beer and wine.
Enjoy a magical Disney vacation with this exclusive stay donated by a Disney Vacation Club owner! This package offers flexible accommodations at eligible DVC resorts, including popular locations at Walt Disney World. Whether it’s a quick getaway or a longer stay, you’ll create unforgettable memories thanks to this generous donation.
Harlan County Lake Fishing Trip
Enjoy a relaxing stay at our charming cabin in Taylor Manor, overlooking beautiful Harlan County Lake on the Republican City side. Located near North Shore Marina, guests will enjoy convenient access to a full-service marina with a great restaurant, a shop with lake essentials, and of course — our private pontoon docked there. This auction includes a 3-bedroom, 2-bath lake cabin that comfortably fits 6 people!
Bonus Experience: Guided Fishing with “Let’s Fish Omaha”
Donate Now
Be a Light for Survivors
Your gift to Illuminate: Hope Shines Here ensures that survivors of domestic violence find safety, healing, and hope. Every contribution—no matter the size—helps us walk alongside families as they rebuild their lives free from violence.
💜 Make an Online Donation
Your immediate support provides safe shelter, counseling, and essential resources for survivors when they need it most.
You can further your impact by becoming a monthly donor while making a donation. Steady support means survivors can count on us today, tomorrow, and in the months ahead.
💜 Give at the Gala
If you’re attending Illuminate, raise your paddle or give online during the event to stand with survivors in a powerful way.
💜 Other Ways to Help
Interested in donating stock, making a planned gift, or becoming a sponsor? Contact us to explore how your generosity can leave a lasting legacy.
Give by Mail – Send Your Support
Prefer to mail your gift? Please send to:
Friendship Home
Attn: Illuminate Donations
PO Box 85358
Lincoln, NE 68501-5358
Checks payable to: Friendship Home
Become a Sponsor
When you sponsor Illuminate, you do more than support an event—you help light the way toward safety, healing, and hope for survivors of domestic violence. Every dollar raised through Illuminate directly supports the critical, life-saving services provided by Friendship Home, from safe shelter and advocacy to resources that empower survivors to rebuild their lives. Your partnership ensures that every survivor has a safe place to turn, and every family has the chance to thrive beyond violence. Together, we can create lasting change—and it starts with you.
As a sponsor, you gain unique marketing exposure to Friendship Home’s community of over 5,000 supporters. Friendship Home will promote your organization as an official sponsor in return for your support through event materials, social media blasts, and more. In addition to supporting survivors in our community, your organization’s name will be delivered to donors committed to supporting our mission, and you will have the opportunity to reach a new network of potential customers.
Sponsors are essential to our success! Please review the sponsorship levels and consider sponsoring Friendship Home’s brand-new fundraising event. Please contact us directly if you have any questions or want to discuss sponsorship packages.
Learn more: Illuminate Sponsorship Levels
Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors
Diamond Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Denny and Arlene Van Horn
Home Builders Association of Lincoln
Modern Woodmen Jr. Service Club
Bronze Sponsors
Capitol Heating & Air Conditioning
Jack Connealy
Contact
Thank you for your interest in Illuminate in support of Friendship Home. We’d love to connect with you!
General Inquiries & Event Information
For questions about the event, sponsorship opportunities, or getting involved, please contact:
Danielle Jurgens
📧 DanielleJ@FriendshipHome.org
📞 (402) 434-6599
Angie Hilsabeck
📧 AngieH@FriendshipHome.org
📞 (402) 436-2156
Financial or Payment Inquiries
For questions regarding donations, invoices, or payment processing, please contact:
Stephanie Scheffler
📧 StephanieS@FriendshipHome.org
📞 (402) 434-0168