The fifth Annual Nemaha County Gives Back Winter Festival Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 3-4 at the 4-H Building in Auburn, proved to be a huge success, said Bobette Guenther, co-chair of the event.
There were 550 people served soup, relishes and desserts during the two-day festival.

Between the sponsorships ahead of the festival and during the event, there was $19,245 raised to help Nemaha County residents in need, Guenther said.
She said that the Christmas tree/wreath auction proved to be another success with a lot of fun themes. There were eight trees and one wreath contributed back to families this year, Guenther said.

The entertainment was great and definitely got people in the Christmas spirit both nights, she said. The military tribute was a very heartwarming tribute to the men and women from Nemaha County who will be away from home during the holidays, Guenther said.
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 16-17, all the food baskets and the toys, gifts and clothing were dispersed. Guenther said that there were 204 designated children in Nemaha County who received toys, gifts and clothing. There were 130 food baskets prepared and distributed. There were 60 gift certificates given out to the Southeast Nebraska Developmental Services clients. Designated elderly persons also received gifts, Guenther said.
“We would like to say ‘Thank You’ to everyone who made the event a success! It takes a lot of time, dedication and hard work, but when everyone works together, it is a true community event. Thanks to all the committee members, sponsors, entertainers, decorators and buyers of the trees/wreaths, servers, all the people who provided desserts and helped shop this year,” she concluded.