TeamMates program honors Cabela's

Representatives from more than 130 communities across the Midwest traveled to the Holthus Convention Center in York in July to be recognized for their outstanding work in the TeamMates Mentoring Program.

Cabela's was honored with the TeamMates Corporate Champion Award. Eighty-six employees mentor with the Sidney chapter, and 11 mentor in other communities. Cabela's allows employees to mentor on company time along with generous financial support.

Recruiting and Marketing Coordinator for TeamMates Hannah Miller said, program coordinators, board members, some corporate partners, and special guests attend the Annual Partnership Meeting.

"We give out awards to chapters who go above and beyond, some awards include the 24 or more club and the 30 or more club. Our goal is for matches to meet 24 times a year, so these awards go to chapters whose matches meet an average of 24 or more and 30 or more. We also recognize superintendents who go above and beyond in their chapters to recruit mentors, match support, and keep the program going strong in their community," Miller said.

In a press release Cabela's said, "for several years Cabela's has encouraged employees to volunteer for TeamMates, providing education about the program during training sessions and new-hire orientation."

"We are so grateful for Cabela's support over the years," said Suzanne Hince, TeamMates executive director. "Cabela's has truly been a champion for youth and has been instrumental in making a difference in the lives of so many of our mentors and mentees across Nebraska. As we celebrate 25 years of mentoring, we could not have reached this important milestone without great partnerships like Cabela's."

Several Cabela's employees also served as board members and program coordinators for TeamMates chapters across the state. Additionally, the company has provided support to the organization and its programs through monetary donations and in-kind printing.

"We are proud of our involvement with TeamMates and all of our employees who contribute to the success of the mentoring program," said Christine Wamsley, Cabela's director of communications and partnerships. "TeamMates is an outstanding organization that continues to have a positive impact on Nebraska and Iowa youth, and we are honored to receive the Corporate Champion Award."

Founded by Tom and Nancy Osborne, the mission of the Nebraska-based TeamMates Mentoring Program is to positively impact the world by inspiring youth to reach their full potential. Throughout the past year, TeamMates served nearly 8,000 youth in 137 communities across Nebraska and Iowa. Mentors meet with their mentees one-on-one in school each week during the academic year.