The 2025 Heartland DSC Banquet & Auction set new records both in attendance and funds raised to support our mission of Getting Youth Outdoors. Once again, the evening was highlighted by gifting an all-terrain mobility chair to a youth to provide him with mobility and access to the outdoors. New in 2025, youth were awarded “First” Awards in recognition of their first catch or first harvest that took place during the preceding year. The inaugural Rick Gibson Award was awarded to Shirley Hill-Marshall for her untiring support of our mission, and our Guardians were presented plaques in recognition of their support. The fun-filled evening included raffles, games, and auctions along with a roving magician, kids casting contest, and the always popular Wildlife Encounters exhibit for family members. It is with great appreciation that we recognize the attendees, sponsors, and donors that make it possible for us to continue our efforts in regards to Access Outdoors, Conservation, Education, and Advocacy!

Watch your emails and our website for information on our upcoming 2026 Heartland DSC Banquet & Auction.

Published – February 2024

Heartland DSC awarded a mobility chair to a youth during the 2024 Summer Event much to the surprise of the recipient. This is the seventh mobility chair awarded by Heartland DSC and was presented to a 12-year old young man from Nebraska that was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy when he was four years old.

Upon being awarded the chair it quickly became evident that it will be put to good use as he raced around the grounds with other children in attendance. In addition to awarding the chair, Heartland DSC members and guests relaxed and socialized while 46 children enjoyed fishing the private ponds on the property.

Our latest chair recipient is shown here with his family and Heartland DSC Board Members.

Published June 2024

Heartland DSC has partnered with Nebraska Game and Parks in support of their On Track Program by making our all-terrain mobility chair available to them on a permanent basis. The On Track program is designed to provide people with limited mobility the ability to hunt, fish, view nature, and enjoy the outdoors in all types of terrain.

Heartland DSC mobility chair will be permanently available at a Nebraska State Park to allow visitors the ability to explore parks in new ways by accessing areas that may not be suitable for regular wheelchairs. The chair will also be available at a variety of events, park programs, mentored hunts, shooting ranges, and other educational and recreational activities across Nebraska.

Heartland DSC presented the chair to Nebraska Game and Parks during the 18th Annual Missouri River Outdoor Expo held at Ponca State Park on September 16-17, 2023. 

Heartland DSC’s chair is the fourth chair in the program and the goal is to have eight chairs available for use throughout Nebraska.

Published October 2023