Coffee & Contacts: Kindergarten to Careers at Partnership 4 Kids

Coffee & Contacts @ P4K

Who likes getting up early? Not this aging rocker, that’s for sure.

But when I reached the beautiful Burlington Building (on the National Register of Historic Places) at 10th & Farnam St. last Tuesday morning, April 22, 2019, I walked into the spacious Atrium and, below the skylight, saw the awesome Dale Chihuly glass sculpture, “End of Day Chandelier”, that dominates the space. Talk about setting a “vibe”!

The occasion was another installment of the Greater Omaha Chamber’s “Coffee & Contacts” networking series, and was the first I’d heard of “Partnership 4 Kids”. What I learned was that P4K takes a “kindergarten to careers” approach to helping disadvantaged kids live up to their potential.

P4K is a very special organization, and it was altogether fitting that a beautiful work by sculptor Dale Chihuly was in the center of the action, adding its beauty to the event. As attendees mingled, networked, drank coffee and munched on Dunkin’ Donuts, the Chamber’s Kristy Fortenbury welcomed us, and thanked all the sponsors (including Midwest Sound & Lighting, of course). She then handed the mic to P4K President Debbie J. Denbeck, who spoke to the mission of their non-profit.

Prize giveaways are a part of Coffee & Contacts, and as Debbie reached into the jar to pull out some lucky winner’s business card, yours truly blurted out, “Pick me”. The prize was tickets to the P4K Hops and Grapes Gala in October, some books and a wine bag. To my shock, Debbie did, indeed, pull my card from the jar! I won! Who says there are no perks for audio guys?

Coffee & Contacts @ P4K/Atrium

Partnerships for Kids is a wonderful group of folks doing good works for kids who’d struggle to succeed in life without some help. I am now a big fan, and encourage you to check them out, and support them to whatever level feels right to you.

P4K’s President, Debbie J. Denbeck

Midwest Sound & Lighting is a proud co-sponsor of Coffee & Contacts, and used a single, 1KW, QSC K-12 powered loudspeaker and Shure wireless microphones to provide crystal-clear, feedback-free sound reinforcement in the highly-reverberant atrium. We congratulate The Greater Omaha Chamber and Partnerships 4 Kids on a very fun and successful event.

Peace, Love, out-

JR/MSL