Locals attend Nebraska Community Foundation celebration
BY DENNIS DEMMEL - PCCFF CHAIR
The Nebraska Community Foundation, NCF, held its annual celebration and training on November 13 in LaVista. Attending from Perkins County were Dennis & Ruth Demmel and Rodolfo Aragon of Grant. The theme of the event was “You Belong Here”, sharing the belief in the importance of Greater Nebraska as “a place where everyone belongs”, in addition to “invitation” to welcome newcomers and returners to the community, inspiring youth and encouraging the public to invest in the future.”
In the opening plenary session, Jeff Yost, CEO of NCF likened community development to natural ecosystems where community members collaborate to provide a “sense of belonging” together. He added that “we belong when gifts and treasure are appreciated” and when people have conversations about what they are passionate about. Bob Stowell, attorney from Valley County, added to the opening discussion. Stowell has been a longtime advocate of community building and added some history to the subject. He said much has changed over time including more philanthropy at the local level instead of pursuing grants. His county no longer seeks outside major employers, but emphasizes local asset development of the ecosystem.
The day’s sessions included training on a variety of subjects including building trusting relationships, local fund marketing, youth engagement, hometown unrestricted endowments, partnerships, inviting others, community change, visioning sessions, gifts of estate plans and more.
Rodolfo Aragon, vice chair of the Perkins County Community Foundation Fund, PCCFF, gave one of several presentations at the closing banquet entitled “You Belong Here”. Born in Mexico, Aragon said “My most important decision was to learn a new language” upon arrival in the U.S., “to know where I belong.” He helped start an English as a Second Language class at the local library for Hispanic community members. Rodolfo also teaches a conversational Spanish class weekly at the local high school.
Aragon expressed his acceptance into the community. “I was received by the community that embraced not only me, but my family as well, which, as many of you know, in my culture has an immense value. We all want our kids to come home after their first day of school and tell you how awesome it was and how happy they are to be there, for them to feel like the BELONG!” Aragon added that a community is special when it recognizes the good in people to grow a stronger and special community “by becoming the carrier of a message so unique and full of impact.”
Aragon said the local Fund Advisory Committee of PCCFF was valuable to him. “I have seen them take someone else’s vision and make it happen and make it a reality. It all, he said, helped him know his place, purpose and mentors to help accomplish his dreams and to “see the bridge between all cultures as God intended to be.” Rodolfo ended his remarks by teaching the crowd Spanish for “Together Greater Nebraska”, followed by standing ovation from the crowd as his family, wife Vicky and children Rodolfo, Jr. and Ayleen joined him off stage.
Jeff Yost concluded the evening with “we are the one we’ve been waiting for” to make the changes in communities where we “belong”. The next annual event is November 12, 2026 in Kearney.
The author is chair of the Perkins County Community Foundation Fund. PCCFF has a vision of “vibrant communities and high quality of life for the County. The PCCFF is a not profit 501c3 affiliate of the Nebraska Community Foundation.