Since 1982, gala has raised an astounding $17 million for our BT. It unites our community for a weekend of festivities, friendship, and fundraising that supports every facet of student life. From academics to arts, athletics to activities, faculty development to financial aid - gala impacts it all in profoundly positive ways.
Gala Honorary Chairs - Lori and David, '81, Scott
Brownell Talbot will proudly recognize Lori and David, ‘81, Scott as this year’s Gala Honorary Chairs. The Scott family has a long and impactful history at Brownell Talbot. From David’s years as a BT student, throughout their children’s school years (Madison, ‘18, Kaitlyn, ‘21, and Dylan, ‘23), and beyond, the Scott family are passionate and consistent supporters of the school, always looking for ways to support and celebrate BT’s faculty and staff as well as programs and initiatives that set the bar for educational excellence.
David was BT’s first graduate to serve as president of the Board of Trustees, an office he held for 10 years. Lori currently serves on the Board of Trustees, a role she has held for 13 years.
David also currently serves as the Chair of the Brownell Talbot Foundation Board. Lori and David served as Gala Chairs in 2009. Lori worked in the non-profit world for over 20 years, mainly with youth and adults with disabilities. She is a board member with the Platte Institute, QLI, CRCC, and the YMCA of Greater Omaha. David is the President and CEO of Tetrad Corporation. He has served on several public and private boards and has been involved in numerous civic organizations within our community. Currently he chairs the Core Bank Board, Share Good Board, and Nebraska Philanthropic Trust. He serves as a director on the boards for Boy Scouts of America (National), Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation, along with several other foundations. David also contributes to numerous committees associated with UNO, UNL, UNMC, NC3, Hastings College, and Colorado State University.
Through countless volunteer roles, numerous leadership positions, and endless years of support, the Scotts are a true example of what it means to be “all in for BT.” We look forward to celebrating them during gala weekend 2024!
Gala Co-Chairs -
Rhonda & Jeff Bishop and Valerie & Casey Garrigan
Rhonda and Jeff Bishop (parents to Reider, ‘30, and Hudson, ‘31) and Valerie and Casey Garrigan (parents to Liam, ‘25, Aiden, ‘27, and Declan, ‘30) have enthusiastically accepted the school’s invitation to serve as the 2024 Gala Co-Chairs.
Rhonda is a certified public accountant and an owner of SVAR accounting and consulting solutions, and Jeff is the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance at OPPD. Rhonda is an energetic BT volunteer who has served as a room parent and currently serves as the BTPA Vice President. The Bishop family is active in the community, volunteering regularly with Habitat for Humanity and other nonprofit organizations.
Valerie is a dedicated BT volunteer, with varying roles over the years from Booster Club to BTPA (Co-President 2017-2022) to the Gala Steering Committee to classroom parent and volunteer. Casey is an entrepreneur and paratransit operator who dedicates his free time to helping BT’s theatre program (you may have even caught him with a small role in this year’s fall musical, Jekyll & Hyde!). Valerie and Casey Garrigan are the fourth family to serve as Gala Co-Chairs twice (Diny and Jim Landen in 1991 and 1992, Fatima and Farhan Khan in 2015 and 2021, and Laura and Brad Crosby in 2013 and 2022).
Save the Date for I Love BT
Soirée and Carnival
Friday, May 10 & Saturday, May 11, 2024
Prepare to embark on an extraordinary gala weekend as we proudly announce the theme for this year's Brownell Talbot gala: I Love BT.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic "I Love New York" advertising campaign, this year’s gala theme becomes a symbol of love and appreciation for the pursuit of knowledge and educational excellence.
Similar to the original campaign's intent to cultivate a sense of unity among New Yorkers, I Love BT celebrates the shared experience of the Brownell Talbot community.
As we echo the spirit of "I Love New York," the heart symbol in I Love BT becomes a symbol of love and appreciation for the transformative power of a Brownell Talbot education. BT is a place where we foster an environment to prepare students to accomplish anything they set out to do. This year’s gala theme is a tribute to everyone in the BT community and your contributions to creating a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages our students to take risks, explore new opportunities, and collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
I Love BT will welcome guests to a two-day gala event: a New York-chic soirée on Friday, May 10 at the Cottonwood Hotel and an adults-only carnival on Saturday, May 11 at Brownell Talbot. A two-day gala weekend ensures every member of the BT community has the opportunity to attend, participate, and support the school in a memorable and meaningful way. More information can be found about gala at brownell.edu/gala.
Gala weekend is sure to be a memorable one, we look forward to celebrating on May 10 and 11!
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