“Each year the Gala is an opportunity not only to raise critical funds for research, but also to celebrate the incredible strength of the children and families affected by brain cancer. Their courage inspires our mission, and the support of this community helps move us closer to better treatments and more hope for the future.” -Kylie Dockter, Executive Director, Team Jack Foundation
The 13th Annual Team Jack Gala was held Saturday, February 28 at The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska. Former Nebraska running back and current NFL player Ameer Abdullah welcomed nearly 700 guests to the event which is presented by Fat Brain Toys. It marked Abdullah’s first return to the event in several years and helped kick off an evening dedicated to raising funds for childhood brain cancer research.
Rex and Danielle Burkhead
Team Jack Foundation Executive Director Kylie Dockter thanked supporters for their continued commitment and emphasized the urgent need for research funding. Rex Burkhead, a member of the Team Jack Foundation Board of Directors, and his wife Danielle shared a prayer before dinner. Emcee D-Wayne Taylor guided the evening’s program and sponsor recognition.
During the event, the Teammate of the Year Award, sponsored by Day One Biopharmaceuticals and presented by former Nebraska wide receiver Kenny Bell, was awarded to Brian Kreikemeier of B & B Video. Kreikemeier has partnered with Team Jack since the Foundation’s first gala in 2013, helping tell the stories of children battling brain cancer and documenting research progress through video. Watch the replay of the award presentation here.
An update on the Nebraska Childhood Brain Tumor Program was provided by Dr. Sidharth Mahapatra of the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Children’s Nebraska. Team Jack has committed $6.5 million toward this program to improve the care of children with brain tumors in Nebraska and surrounding states. Watch the program update here.
Mark & Karen Carson with brain cancer survivor, Lamya Luckey
Mark and Karen Carson, co-founders of Fat Brain Toys and presenting sponsors of the event, shared their support for families affected by childhood brain cancer and presented a $130,000 check to the Team Jack Foundation. The check was accepted by brain cancer survivor Lamya Luckey. Watch the Fat Brain Toys’ fun video here.
A moving slideshow honoring more than 100 children affected by brain tumors brought the room to silence and served as a powerful reminder of the mission behind the evening. This year’s Spotlight Story featured Stella McConnell of McCook, Nebraska, who bravely battled DIPG for 18 months before passing away in September 2023. Following the tribute, Stella’s mother, Brandi, shared remarks with attendees. The McConnell family accepted a $50,000 check on behalf of the Foundation from The Home Agency and the Jim and Sharri Baldonado family. Watch Stella’s story here.
The evening also included the presentation of the Team Jack Legacy Award to longtime supporters Bill and Meredith Orthman of Lexington, Nebraska which was presented by longtime Team Jack supporter Jim Baldonado of The Home Agency. Watch this special moment here.
Bergen Reilly with team-signed Nebraska Volleyball
One of the night’s surprises came when Bergen Reilly of the Nebraska Cornhuskers women’s volleyball team appeared with a team-signed volleyball for auction. Auctioneer Scott Jarman and the Jarman Auction Group helped energize the crowd and raise nearly $80,000 for research.
Zac Taylor and moderator Jeremiah Sirles
The program concluded with a question-and-answer session with Zac Taylor, head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, moderated by former Nebraska and NFL offensive lineman Jeremiah Sirles. Taylor shared stories from his coaching journey and his time as a Nebraska Football player.
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees, the 13th Annual Team Jack Gala raised more than $800,000 for childhood brain cancer research. The Team Jack Foundation will continue working to fund research and improve treatment options for children battling brain cancer.
To watch the Team Jack Gala Livestream replay click here.