Bravo to our volunteers: 2026 Ambassador Appreciation Dinner

A year of milestones

Welcoming guests over cocktails and dinner, O-pa President Joan Squires opened the evening with a reminder of what the gathering was about.

“As our organization and our city grow and change, two things stay the same,” she said. “One is the power of the arts to connect and inspire us. The other is the tremendous impact you have on creating extraordinary experiences for every visitor who steps through our doors.”

The past year was filled with milestones, including the 20th anniversary of the Holland Performing Arts Center, the opening of the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement, the launch of the Education Ambassador Program, and the continued growth of the Ambassador programs. Through it all, our volunteers showed up with enthusiasm and a commitment to serving our community.

O-pa Board member Meg Dodge highlighted the group’s remarkable work during her remarks. This year, volunteers contributed 45,000 hours of service at 370 events. We were also excited to celebrate 22 Student Ambassadors who contributed more than 870 hours. Several of them even shared their talents on stage at events like All City and the Nebraska Theater Academy Showcase.

What the numbers can’t measure

While the stats are impressive, the true impact of our Ambassadors cannot be measured. It is found in every smile that welcomes a first-time guest, every question answered with patience, and every moment that helps someone feel they belong. We are deeply grateful for our Ambassadors and proud to celebrate the generosity, passion, and dedication they bring to O-pa every day.

To every volunteer who welcomed a guest, guided a student, or simply showed up with a smile this year — thank you. You are what makes O-pa’s mission possible.

A special thank you to our many partners in the community who donated raffle prizes for the Ambassador Appreciation Dinner. They were a hit!