Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) (www.midlandscommunity.org) announced that Tonee and Tim Gay will receive the Reflection Award at the organization’s GALA 2026 on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at The Astro Theater in La Vista. Each year, MCF honors an individual or individuals who have significantly contributed to Sarpy and/ or Cass counties and the mission of the foundation with its Reflection Award. Tim Gay earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. His career spans grain merchandising, financial advising and governmental affairs. He served on the Sarpy County Board from 1995–2006 and in the Nebraska Legislature from 2006–2011, where he chaired the Health and Human Services Committee and helped pass more than 70 bills. He later served on the OPPD Board, including terms as treasurer and chair, and is president of Catalyst Public Affairs, which he founded in 2018.
Tonee Gay holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting from UNL. She served as executive director of Midlands Community Foundation from 2005–2022, leading its transition to a public charity and creating key community programs, including the COVID-19 Response Fund. She joined Catalyst Public Affairs in 2022 as finance manager and community relations. “Tonee and Tim embody the kind of dedication and heart that strengthens our community, and we are honored to celebrate their outstanding impact with the 2026 Reflection Award,” said Rick Iske, president of the MCF Board of Directors.
Honorary chairs for GALA 2026 are Karla Rupiper and Bob O’Neal, both longtime community leaders and attorneys with deep ties to Papillion and Sarpy County. Tim and Tonee have been married for 34 years and live in Papillion. They have three children and welcomed their first grandchild in 2024. To become a sponsor or register to attend the event, visit www.midlandscommunity.org.