Child Saving Institute (CSI) is grateful to announce they have broken ground on its $46M Campaign for Hope expansion project. This milestone is possible, thanks to a generous pledge of $11 million from the Heider Family Foundation and major support from other likeminded donors in our community. This combined commitment brings CSI one step closer to realizing its vision of providing essential services to the Omaha community and expanding access to pediatric and mental health services, youth emergency shelter, and early childhood education.
The late Charlie and Mary Heider, the founders of the Heider Family Foundation, were steadfast supporters of CSI. “Their unwavering dedication to our cause has made a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals and families. Their legacy of compassion and generosity has left an indelible mark on our organization, and we are profoundly grateful for their support,” said Jaymes Sime, CSI’s President & CEO.
Carrying forward this legacy of philanthropy, Cindy and Scott Heider have been champions of CSI’s mission since the 1990s. Cindy, in addition to her pivotal role in the Heider Family Foundation, has been an active volunteer, board member, and now a campaign Co-Chair for CSI. “Her tireless efforts and dedication over the past two years have been instrumental in bringing us to this groundbreaking moment. Without her commitment, this project would not have been possible,” Sime adds.
The $11 million pledge from the Heider Family Foundation represents a landmark contribution, moving CSI closer to its campaign goal. While celebrating this significant step forward, there is more work to be done. CSI still requires an additional $5.5 million to complete the fundraising for the Campaign for Hope.
While embarking on its groundbreaking ceremony, CSI extends its gratitude to all its community partners who have supported them on this journey thus far. Together, a brighter future will be created for the Omaha community by expanding vital services and offering hope to those who need it most. We
cannot begin to express our immense gratitude to each and every donor who has shown faith in CSI and its mission, by pledging their resources to make this amazing community project a reality.
“We are incredibly humbled and grateful for the Heider Family Foundation’s historic pledge of $11 million, the largest single contribution in CSI’s 131-year history,” said Sime. “This transformative gift has allowed us to raise an additional $30M from community partners who believe in positioning CSI to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals in our community for decades to come.”
In the history of CSI, catalyst projects like the Campaign for Hope have been made possible by the unwavering and significant support of Omaha philanthropists including Dick and Mary Holland and George and Sarah Joslyn, whose commitment to the organization’s mission has paved the way for positive change today—and long into the future.
Cindy Heider, Co-Chair of the Campaign for Hope, and a passionate advocate for CSI’s cause, shared her thoughts on the Heider Family Foundation’s historic pledge to CSI, saying, “My family and I are honored to carry forward the legacy of support for Child Saving Institute. We believe in the impact of their work, and we are committed to ensuring that our community receives the critical services it needs. Together, along with our generous Omaha community we are changing lives one day at a time.”
CSI invites the community to continue aligning their support with their cause as they work tirelessly to achieve its campaign goal. Your contributions will play a pivotal role in enhancing the lives of children, families, and individuals who rely on the services and programs provided by CSI.
To learn more or support the cause, visit childsaving.org/campaignforhope.
