Holy Smokes: The Next Right Thing

The 21st Annual Holy Smokes fundraiser filled Steelhouse Omaha with a strong sense of community on Wednesday, September 2. Over 800 supporters, including new friends, longtime champions, sponsors, volunteers and community partners came together to celebrate The Next Right Thing to advance Heart Ministry Center’s mission. Fan-favorite musicians Finest Hour kept the energy on beat.

Among the evening’s meaningful moments came when Joe Dahir, brother of Heart Ministry Center’s late former CEO and beloved friend Mark Dahir, joined Fresh Start director, Rayna Pollock to present the second annual Mark of Distinction Fresh Start Graduate Award to Hailey Ghumm.

Hailey, the 33rd graduate of the Fresh Start program in 2018, shared her inspirational experience while at Heart Ministry Center. Congratulations, Hailey, on this well-deserved recognition.

We are grateful to our presenting sponsors Mary Jo and Mike Dahir, the Neary Nation and the Pape Family Foundation. Their extraordinary generosity will help support Heart Ministry Center’s mission providing food, healthcare and a way forward to people impacted by poverty in Omaha.

A special thank-you goes to our honorary chairs, the Neary Nation, whose dedication helped make Holy Smokes 2026 a success. From meeting with our team and making phone calls to friends and colleagues, they went above and beyond to help us achieve the Next Right Thing. We are grateful to advisory chairs, Maria and Jeff Sauvageau, for their commitment to making the evening meaningful and successful.

To our guests, friends, and sponsors, thank you! You are delivering the next right thing.