Friday night, the Lane Thomas Foundation launched with a gala fundraiser and Christmas tree auction. Saturday, the public was invited to bid on their favorite tree on display at the Hilton Omaha.
Kids enjoyed cookies and milk and taking a picture with Santa Claus. Each family also took home a lighthouse ornament, the symbol of the Lane Thomas Foundation.
“The lighthouse is really a light of love and a beacon of hope. So, that’s what the foundation is really giving-hope and helping families navigate through some tough times. So, it's a support system," said Lesley Brandt, volunteer organizer of the event.
The foundation is named after Lane Thomas Graves who was killed in an alligator attack earlier this year. It raises money in his memory for families of children coming to Omaha for organ transplants. They help with expenses not covered by insurance, such as food and lodging. A freewill donation was also collected at Saturday's event. You can donate by texting "Lane" to 79230 or by visiting their page on Omaha Gives.
