By Panhandle Post
ALLIANCE, Neb. - After wildfires across the state of Nebraska caused families, farmers and wildlife thousands of acres of damage, the Schmidt Foundation has made good on its promise to provide support where ever there is need.
On Monday, March 30, 2026, a $5,000 check from the Schmidt Foundation, along with Eagle Communications, was presented to the Executive Director of United Way of Western Nebraska, Karen Benzel, outside of KCOW radio station in Alliance, Nebraska. This donation from the foundation will help provide crucial financial support for those impacted by wildfires in the panhandle.
United Way of Western Nebraska has already announced the development of their Western Nebraska Fire Relief fund, as well as the application Nebraskans can fill out for emergency relief. This donation from the Schmidt Foundation will continue to allow the UWWN to provide these essential options for the variety of impacted groups from these fires.
The primary focus of the Schmidt Foundation is to help others. According to the foundation’s website, “Bob and Pat Schmidt were determined to contribute to the success and well-being of the communities they served. They believed the rising tide lifts all boats –if you give back to your community, it begins a chain reaction of good and creates a place where we can all grow and thrive.”
The Morrill and Cottonwood Fires have reached hundreds of thousands of acres as the firefighters and volunteers around the state have worked hard to limit the spread. As the state works to recover from these terrible circumstances, the UWWN and Schmidt Foundation continue to lend a helping hand to those who need it the most in these times.