Southern Nebraska Register
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) hosted its annual Trivia Night in Imperial Nov. 14—an evening of friendly competition and community generosity in support of CSS’s outreach across southwest Nebraska.
The event drew 18 teams, including some traveling from as far as Colorado.
Trivia Night served not only as a fundraiser but also as a celebration of the mission of CSS in the region. In 2008, CSS was welcomed into the Imperial community, and three years later opened the St. Isidore Gift & Thrift Store in the heart of downtown. Since then, the store—made possible through the donations, volunteerism, and support of the community—has helped hundreds of individuals and families of all faiths and backgrounds experiencing financial hardship or crisis.
CSS’s Imperial outreach spans a 10-county region, assisting neighbors with rent and utility support, essential household items, clothing, food assistance, and help for survivors of domestic violence and under-supported pregnancies.
Bill Sullivan, regional manager of St. Isidore Gift & Thrift, leads the effort locally, and earlier this year CSS expanded its reach by adding a Family Support Specialist based in McCook, Jennifer Hinze, to help serve families across the region.
The Nov. 14 Trivia Night included creatively named teams such as The Guessperts, Quizzly Bears, Divine Intellects (led by Father Lothar Gilde), and the winning team, Brain Buds.
For co-organizer Tonya Olsen, the evening represented far more than a competition.
“It’s a true reminder of what our community can accomplish together,” she said. “Seeing neighbors, families, and friends continue to come out to support CSS exemplifies the generosity and team spirit of southwest Nebraska to help those in need.”
Courtesy photos
