The inaugural Nelson Gala is taking place on Oct. 14 in Omaha!
Each year the Nebraska Democratic Party celebrates elected officials, candidates, party leaders and grassroots volunteers that build our party. For about two decades, the annual event was called the Morrison Exon fundraiser in honor of Gov. Frank Morrison and Sen. Jim Exon.
In 2022, the NDP decided it was time to honor one of our party titans — Sen. Sen. Ben Nelson — and re-named the annual event the Nelson Gala.
Additionally, we are renaming various awards after leaders who shaped our party.
The annual fundraiser always includes great Nebraska and national speakers. Past speakers included Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Senator Jeff Merkley, Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Cori Bush and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.
About Ben Nelson
Sen. Ben Nelson served our state as governor from 1991 to 1999 and as U.S. Senator from 2001 to 2013. Nelson founded the CHIP program ensuring kids in our state had access to health insurance. A champion for the environment and property rights, Nelson denied a nuclear waste dump from being built in Boyd County.
Award Descriptions
In both 2018 and in 2022, the NDP re-named awards to honor Democratic leaders. Chair Jane Kleeb and the leadership team believed it was critical we honor Nebraska leaders in naming our awards. Note that recipients of past awards are still listed below with the name of the award they received that year.
Nominate someone for an award. Deadline is September 14th, 2022.
Preston Love Award
The Love Award is presented to volunteers who personifies the spirit of the Nebraska Democratic Party. The award is given to an individual who is tireless in supporting the Nebraska Democratic Party, county parties and candidates’ campaigns. An award is given to one volunteer per Congressional District.
Preston Love Jr., the NDP’s Vice Chair, is a community advocate who served as Jesse Jackson’s campaign manager during the 1984 Democratic primaries. He is the first black person to receive the support of a major political party for U.S. Senate in Nebraska, as he was endorsed by the NDP’s for the 2020 senate election in Nebraska, challenging incumbent Sen. Ben Sasse. For years, he has taken hundreds of young people and adults on tours of civil rights landmarks in the south through his Black Votes Matter, Black History tours.
Schimek Quirk Award
The Schimek Quirk Award is presented to a county party volunteer who works tirelessly to promote the activities and values of the Democratic Party in their county. The award winners demonstrate a dedication to service, integrity, the organizing of their county party infrastructure, and support for local Democratic candidates.
DiAnna Schimek, was chair of the NDP from 1980 to 1984. She, was elected in 1988 to represent the 27th Nebraska legislative district and re-elected in 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004. She sat on the Business and Labor and Urban Affairs committees as well as the Committee on Committees and chaired the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. Schimek was largely responsible for the enactment of Nebraska’s method of apportioning electoral votes in presidential elections by congressional district. In 2011, Schimek was appointed to replace Jane Snyder, who resigned for health reasons, on the Lincoln City Council. She took her seat on October 10, 2011 to represent one of the at-large seats. She did not seek reelection in 2013.
Deb Quirk knew the importance of local campaigns and gained her first experience in a Hastings City Council race. She met her husband John when he was working on the Jimmy Carter presidential campaign. While the family business is the Quirk Cattle Company, politics is also family business. Deb and John were a force in the state Democratic Party as well as in Adams County and CD3. Deb was elected state party chair and served from 1995-1998. Even after serving as chair, Deb has remained active in both local and NDP party and candidate activities. Always with attention to detail and strategic planning, making sure resolutions and motions were in proper form, Deb has always been a champion for rural Nebraska and assured rural counties and rural voters matter within the party structure.
Sunshine Award
The Sunshine Award is presented to individuals who are dedicated to improving both the Nebraska Democratic Party and their community as an ally to our Democratic values. The award is open to any ally working or volunteering in the community and does not have to be serving in a Democratic party role.
This award is given in honor of Carrie Howard, sister of Sen. Sara Howard and daughter of Sen. Gwen Howard.
Anne Boyle Award
The Anne Boyle Award is presented to a young person under 35 (using the age criteria of the Young Democrats) for their exceptional volunteer activities and participation within the Nebraska Young Democrats organization and the state party.
Commissioner Anne Boyle was the first woman to serve on the Public Service Commission and served three, six-year terms beginning in 1996. Boyle was our state party chair from 1998 to 2001. Boyle was committed to lifting young people up and mentoring fellow Democrats.
Mike Fahey Block Captain Award
The Mike Fahey award is presented to a Block Captain who goes above and beyond in their canvassing efforts and talking to their neighbors.
Mike Fahey took office as mayor of Omaha in 2001 and was re-elected in 2005. He was a member of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition, an effort to push for gun reform at the local level. He was responsible for changing the landscape of the city with new development and a revitalized commitment to neighborhoods. At the end of Fahey’s term in 2009, the city of Omaha named a section of Webster Street downtown, between 10th and 17th streets, in his honor.
Brad Ashford Award
The Brad Ashford Award is presented to a current State Senator who shows conviction, support for our party’s platform and leadership in the Unicameral.
Brad Ashford served in the Nebraska Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives from Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District. He served in the Legislature from 1987 to 1995, and returned to the Legislature in 2007 to 2015. Brad Ashford defeated 16-year incumbent Rep. Lee Terry to proudly serve the famous “blue dot” of Nebraska. Brad Ashford passed away in 2022 and dedicated years of his life to our state and country to better the lives of all Americans.
State Party Chair Award
The State Party Chair Award is presented to a person or group chosen by the NDP Chair.
Frank LaMere Hall of Fame Award
The Frank LaMere Hall of Fame Award is the highest honor given by the Nebraska Democratic Party. The award is presented to a former or current elected county party officer, state party officer or an elected official who are dedicated to the principles of the Nebraska Democratic Party and who have contributed above and beyond the call of duty to the Nebraska Democratic Party along with local issues that impact the state and national level.
Frank LaMere was the first Native American to serve as a Democratic National Committee member and he founded both the state and national Native American caucuses. LaMere was the longest-serving Native American on the DNC. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention seven consecutive times from 1988 to 2012. LaMere also served as the NDP’s first associate chair. LaMere dedicated his life to social justice and helped close down illegal beer sales at Whiteclay, NE, just across the border from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
Past Award Recipients
2021
Bob Kerrey CD1 Volunteer Award: Chris McCoy for personifying the spirit and values of the Democratic Party as an exceptional volunteer in the 1st Congressional District.
Bob Kerrey CD2 Volunteer Award: Dulce Sherman for personifying the spirit and values of the Democratic Party as an exceptional volunteer in the 2nd Congressional District.
Bob Kerrey CD3 Volunteer Award: Marci Docekal for personifying the spirit and values of the Democratic Party as an exceptional volunteer in the 3rd Congressional District.
Ben Nelson County Party Award: Terry Sigler for leading the way at the local level where it matters most and for contributing leadership to the state and Lincoln County Party.
Carrie Howard Sunshine Award: Meg Mikolajczyk for being an advocate for women and improving both the larger Nebraska community while showing respect for those who need an extra hand.
Anne Boyle Young Democrat Award: Ben Cass for showing exceptional volunteer activities and commitment to our Democratic values as a young leader within the state party.
State Senator Courage Award: Senator Machaela Cavanaugh for standing up for working moms and our Democratic values as an exceptional leader among senators.
State Party Chair Kleeb Award: State AFL-CIO President Sue Martin for serving as a key union leader who lifts up the voices of working people and is an ally to the entire Democratic Party.
Frank LaMere Hall of Fame Award: Preston Love for his lifetime of achievements and commitment to voters, candidates, elected officials, and the state party while exemplifying the word service.
2020
Bob Kerrey Volunteer Award, CD1: Emma Craig
Bob Kerrey Volunteer Award, CD2: Women Who Run, Denise Blaya Powell + Leanne Prewitt
Bob Kerrey Volunteer Award, CD3: Chair Kris Kinzie
Ben Nelson County Party Volunteer Award: Chair Janet Chung
Carrie Howard Sunshine Award: Yolanda Chavez Nuncio
Anne Boyle Young Democrat Award: James Michael Bowers
State Senator Courage Award: Senator Carol Blood
State Party Chair Award: Senator Justin Wayne; Board Member Kimara Snipe; Black Caucus Chair Precious McKesson; Jasmine Harris; Alisha Shelton
Frank LaMere Hall of Fame Award: Trevor Fitzgerald
2019
Bob Kerrey CD1: Roger Eschliman
Bob Kerrey CD2: Lilia Franciscony
Bob Kerrey CD3: Haley Mazour
Ben Nelson County Party: Judy Vohland
Carrie Howard Sunshine: Lisa Fricke
Anne Boyle: Caleb Rohrer
Anne Boyle: Krystal Fox
State Chair: The Women of CD1 – Pastor Janet Banks, Adelle Burk, Sydney Rae Butler, Janet Chung, Marthaellen Florence, Mary Harding, Jessica McClure, Megan Mikolajczyk, Michele Tilley, Christa Yoakum, Laurie Martinez
Frank LaMere Hall of Fame: Senator Patty Pansing Brooks
2018
Bob Kerrey CD1: Shirl Mora James
Bob Kerrey CD2: Scott Williams
Bob Kerrey CD3: Tom Genung and Doc Moore
John F. Kennedy: Zachary Mora James
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Senator Bob Kerrey
Sunshine: Brian Mikkelsen
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Lauren Williams
Morrison Exon: Delmer Adam
State Chair: Big Mama’s Kitchen
Hall of Fame: Senator Tony Vargas
2017
Bob Kerrey CD1: Mike Pittz
Bob Kerrey CD2: Rachel Huggins
Bob Kerrey CD3: Terry Wegner
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Meg Mandy
Sunshine: Patsy Koch-Johns Volunteers–Inonge Kasaji, Kaylie Schnittker-Hogan, Cooper Christiancy, Brodey Weber, Michael Maly and Maluba Mudundulu
John F. Kennedy: Mina Davis
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Frank LaMere
Hall of Fame: Senator Rick Kolowski
Morrison-Exon: John Quirk
State Chair: Janet Stewart and Stephanie Matejka
2016
Bob Kerrey CD1: Tom Havelka
Bob Kerrey CD2: Susan Tafini
Bob Kerrey CD3: Bud Pettigrew
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Paige Hutchinson
John F. Kennedy: Jose Jimenez
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Dennis Crawford
Hall of Fame: Senator Paul Hartnett
Morrison-Exon: Sharlette Schwenninger
Sunshine: Kathy Moore-Jensen
State Chair: Charlene Ligon
2015
Bob Kerrey CD1: Ellen Moore
Bob Kerrey CD2: Ramona Lisa Fricke
Bob Kerrey CD3: Ismael Valadez
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Meg Mikolajczyk
John F. Kennedy: Marque Snow
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Tom Tilden
Hall of Fame: Dave Newell
Morrison-Exon: John Yoakum
Sunshine: Dave Domina
State Chair: Andy Holland
2014
Bob Kerrey CD1: Marta Nieves
Bob Kerrey CD2: Bryon Line
Bob Kerrey CD3: Shaun Baker
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Jeremy Nordquist
John F. Kennedy: Lacey Merica
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Jim “Doc” Moore
Hall of Fame: Senator Bob Kerrey
Morrison-Exon: Charlene Ligon
Sunshine: Amanda McGill
State Chair: Deena Province
2013
Bob Kerrey CD1: Jon Rehm
Bob Kerrey CD2: Susan Tafini
Bob Kerrey CD3: Terry Sigler
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Bob Holmstedt
John F. Kennedy: Rebekah Caruthers
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Peg O’Dea Lippert
Hall of Fame:
Morrison-Exon: Jeff Leanna
Sunshine: Joey Adler
State Chair: Ken Mass
2012
Bob Kerrey CD1: Mary Herres
Bob Kerrey CD2: Shelisa Minnifield
Bob Kerrey CD3: Deena Province
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service:
John F. Kennedy: Bri McLarty
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Lanny Munson
Hall of Fame: Benjamin Nelson
Morrison-Exon: Bud Pettigrew
Sunshine: Chuck Hassebrook
State Chair:
2011
Bob Kerrey CD1: Bennie Shobe
Bob Kerrey CD2: Joe Higgins
Bob Kerrey CD3: Judy Vohland
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Jim Rogers & Missy Wigley
John F. Kennedy: Karlee Coleman
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Joan Killingsworth
Hall of Fame: Don Eret
Morrison-Exon: Bill Forsee & Christa Yoakum
Sunshine: Jane Raybould
State Chair: Mayor Jim Suttle
2010
Bob Kerrey CD1: Becki Gaston
Bob Kerrey CD2: Charlene Ligon
Bob Kerrey CD3: Frank Johannsen
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Danielle Conrad
John F. Kennedy: Crystal Rhoades
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Ted Kessler
Hall of Fame: James Quigley
Morrison-Exon: Tom Brown
Sunshine: Jan Osten
State Chair: John Yoakum
2009
Bob Kerrey CD1: John Yoakum
Bob Kerrey CD2: Sandi Skorniak
Bob Kerrey CD3: Bud Pettigrew
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Mark Fields
Hall of Fame: Mike Fahey
John F. Kennedy: Jessica Rathbun
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Kyle Michaelis
Morrison-Exon: Carol Blood
Special Services to the State: John Berge
State Chair: Chris Jerram
2008
Bob Kerrey CD1: Vic Covalt
Bob Kerrey CD2: Peg O’Dea Lippert
Bob Kerrey CD3: Carolee Koehn
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Donna Noll
Hall of Fame: Don Preister
John F. Kennedy: Heath Mello
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Vince Powers
Morrison-Exon: Marion Bahensky
2007
Bob Kerrey CD1: Rick Carter
Bob Kerrey CD2: Phyllis Ebey
Bob Kerrey CD3: Mike Zgud
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Selma Mesner
Hall of Fame: Colleen Seng
John F. Kennedy: Jeremy Nordquist
Kathleen Fahey Young Democrats of Service: Bill Avery
Morrison-Exon: Duane Jones
