Giving & Volunteering

2010 Madonna Chair's Goal Awards

Nearly 700 Guests filled the ballroom of The Cornhusker Marriott on Thursday, September 30, to celebrate the accomplishments of four amazing individuals who were honored with a 2010 Madonna Chair's GOAL Award.

The GOAL Award is presented to former Madonna patients to recognize their courage and determination in their rehabilitation and who, with their stories of hope, continue to inspire the thousands of patients who pass through Madonna each year.

The 2010 recipients are Josh Hodgson (Blair, Neb), Chase Junck (Randolph, Neb), Adam Lehman (Omaha, Neb), and Danielle Rush (Bendena, Kan.)

In addition to the 16th annual GOAL award presentation, Madonna president and CEO Marsha Lommel bestowed the Crystal Angel to Dan and Cara Whitney. Since 1983, the Madonna Foundation has awarded its highest honor – the Crystal Angel – to an individual or couple who embodies a spirit of dedication to the mission of Madonna.

Dan and Cara Whitney donated $1.2 million through their Git-R-Done Foundation to establish the Alexis Verzal Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital at Madonna. The hospital opened July 12, 2010 and has been at near capacity since opening day.

According to Madonna President and CEO Marsha Lommel, “When I first met Dan and Cara Whitney last October, I was immediately struck by their sincerity and their passion for children. Their formation of the Git-R-Done Foundation has truly transformed lives for children across Nebraska and beyond. In spending time with the Whitneys, I clearly see that they share Madonna’s vision of becoming a national leader in children's rehabilitation.”

Since 1983, the Madonna Foundation has awarded its highest honor – the Crystal Angel – to an individual or couple who embraces the mission of Madonna in a lasting and significant way.

Past recipients include:
1983 – Helen Hayes
1985 -- Gordon MacRae
1986 – Governor Bob Kerrey
1988 – Jacqueline Meyer Townsend
1989 – Dr. Tom Osborne
1991 – Dr. Howard Dinsdale
1992 – Joe R. Seacrest
1993 – James E. Ryan
1995 – Mary D. Hillegass
1996 – Robert E. Campbell, II and the Most Reverend Bishop Fabian W. Bruskewitz
1998 – Sister Phyllis Hunhoff, OSB
2000 – Dr. Tom and Nancy Heiser
2001 – James Stuart, Sr. and Helen Catherine (HK) Stuart
2002 – Richard and Eloise Agee
2003 – Dr. Donald O. Clifton
2007 – Margaret Lincoln Donlan
2008 – Angie Muhleisen