Venue: Liberty First Credit Union Arena
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
On Saturday, January 17, our community came together at Liberty First Credit Union Arena for a night that was about far more than hockey. In partnership with the Omaha Lancers, we were proud to be part of a Down Syndrome Awareness Fundraiser Night supporting both the Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska (DSAF) and the Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands (DSA).
The energy inside the arena was electric—from the opening puck drop to the final horn. Families, friends, teammates, and supporters filled the stands, cheering loudly and showing exactly what community looks like when it rallies around inclusion, awareness, and support.
With both the Lincoln Stars and Omaha Mavericks out of town that weekend, this game became the place to be for live hockey in Nebraska. But what made the night truly special wasn’t just the action on the ice—it was the shared purpose in the stands.
Throughout the evening, fans learned more about Down syndrome awareness, the mission of DSAF and DSA, and the importance of supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families across our region. From first-time attendees to longtime supporters, the message was clear: this is a community that shows up.
Total attendance: 3,343 fans!
Funds raised: Between packed stands, ticket sales, and a highly anticipated jersey auction, the night delivered both energy in the arena and financial support for Down Syndrome awareness efforts across Nebraska and the Midlands. Final fundraising totals still being finalized.
Organizations supported: Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska & Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands
For our family, this event was deeply personal. Down syndrome awareness isn’t just a cause we support—it’s part of our story. Events like this help create understanding, fund vital programs, and remind families that they are not alone.
If you’d like to learn more about our journey and why this cause means so much to us, you can read our family’s story here: Down Syndrome Community Connections, March 2025
We are incredibly grateful to the Omaha Lancers, the staff at Liberty First Credit Union Arena, DSAF, DSA, and every single person who attended, donated, shared, or cheered that night. Your support helps build a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate community.
This was more than a game. It was a reminder of what’s possible when sports, community, and purpose come together.
We can’t wait to do it again.