United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County is one of the organizations that has benefited from the efforts born of that value. The couple's steady annual financial support, accompanied by years of dedicated service, has blossomed into a legacy of change that will last beyond their lifetimes.

Mark began his hands-on service with United Way as a member of an allocations review team under what is now the Community Impact Distribution Committee (then Allocations Division) and continued as he rose to Chair that area of fund distribution and eventually leadership of the Board as Chair in 1999. Through these roles, he became deeply familiar with United Way's role as a community connector and learned how his donations along with other community support helped close the most urgent gaps so that every resident has an opportunity to thrive.

When the time came for the organization to begin thinking about investment for the long-term health of the organization, Mark joined other leaders in helping establish the United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County Foundation, Inc. At that time, a generous community member offered to match all donations to the foundation as a way to kickstart the endowment. Mark then served as a member of the Foundation Board of Directors and served as Chair for 2 years.

More recently, Mark again served on the Foundation Board and again led the organization for a two year Presidency in 2022 and 2023, during which United Way celebrated 100 years of being there for the Lincoln and Lancaster County community. Mark was instrumental in the Second Century campaign to raise funds for the endowment, which included securing support from generous community members.

It was during this Second Century campaign that Mark and Deb felt prompted to make their own planned gift to the Foundation, demonstrating, once again, their commitment to their community both for today and far into the future.