Annual Toast

A night filled with tributes and jabs, supporters and friends gather every year to honor a prominent Nebraskan with a toast – which may include a little roasting, too. During the evening, attendees have the opportunity via auction to adopt-a-home, providing sponsorship of Merrymaker’s professional performances for a senior care facility for a year. It’s a great way to have fun and do good at the same time.

“The Toast is a highlight of the fall social season and an opportunity to support culture for senior citizens. The evening is filled with friendship, laughter, great entertainment, and light- hearted jokes!”

– Sandy Lemke, Executive Director

2022 Merrymakers’ Toast to Dennis Pate.


Toast Honorees Through the Years

  • 1991 Ben Nelson
  • 1992 Del Weber
  • 1993 Bob Kerrey
  • 1994 Chip Davis
  • 1995 Dr. Lee Simmons
  • 1996 J. James Exon
  • 1997 Walter Scott, Jr.
  • 1998 Reverend Michael G. Morrison
  • 1999 Bruce Lauritzen
  • 2000 Michael Yanney
  • 2001 Chuck Hagel
  • 2002 Ken Stinson
  • 2003 Dana Altman
  • 2004 Mary Maxwell
  • 2005 Mike Fahey
  • 2006 David Sokol
  • 2007 Dick Holland
  • 2008 Mogens Bay
  • 2009 Susan Jacques
  • 2010 Bruce Rasmussen
  • 2011 John P. Nelson
  • 2012 Sid Dinsdale
  • 2013 Tom Fangman
  • 2014 Cyndy Peacock
  • 2015 Michael Simmonds
  • 2016 Greg McDermott
  • 2017 Hal Daub
  • 2018 Stephanie and Jack Koraleski
  • 2019 Eldora and Jack Vetter
  • 2021 Jean Stothert
  • 2022 Dennis Pate

Love karaoke? Check out our summer fundraising event!

At Merrymakers, we provide music that brings smiles and movement to everyone’s day.