Pender-Thurston Veterans Challenge Invests in Community’s Future
Pender, Neb. (September 21, 2026) Local veterans and veteran families are continuing a tradition of service in a new way: by investing in the future of Pender and Thurston.
The Pender-Thurston Education & Community Foundation Fund (PTECFF), an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation, has announced the Pender-Thurston Veterans Challenge, an effort to significantly grow the community’s unrestricted endowment and create a lasting source of support for generations to come.
Local veterans and veteran families have committed $100,000 toward the challenge, with Nebraska Community Foundation providing an additional $50,000 in matching funds. The campaign seeks to inspire $300,000 in community contributions, creating the opportunity to add $450,000 to PTECFF’s unrestricted endowment.
The campaign is already more than halfway toward its fundraising goal, with plans to complete the challenge during this year’s Pender-Thurston Big Give, November 29 through December 6. Community members who would like to support the Veterans Challenge are encouraged to make a gift to PTECFF during the Big Give and help carry the campaign across the finish line.
“Our veterans and their families have already given so much through their service, and now they’re stepping forward again with an incredible investment in our community,” said Dee Moeller, Chairman of the PTECFF Board. “Their generosity gives all of us an opportunity to be part of something that will make a difference not just today, but for generations to come.”
PTECFF’s unrestricted endowment is a permanent fund that supports the community year after year. Each year, PTECFF reinvests back into Pender and Thurston through grants that support local projects, organizations and initiatives. As the endowment grows, so does the Foundation’s ability to provide grants and support new opportunities that help our communities thrive for generations to come.
Community members are encouraged to support the Veterans Challenge by making a gift to PTECFF during the Pender-Thurston Big Give, November 29 through December 6.
For questions or more information about the Veterans Challenge, contact PTECFF Coordinator Channing Reha at ptecffcoordinator@gmail.com or 402-615-1082, or reach out to any PTECFF Board member.
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About Nebraska Community Foundation
Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska. Headquartered in Lincoln, the Foundation serves communities, donors and organizations by providing financial management, strategic development, education and training to a statewide network of 1,500 volunteers serving more than 265 communities. In the last five years, 45,993 contributions have been made to Nebraska Community Foundation and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, Nebraska Community Foundation has reinvested $517 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org.
