Community Organizations
Tilden Community Alliance
In early 2023, the Tilden Community Alliance was formed, spearheaded by local business owners who share a collective vision for enhancing the quality of life for all residents. This alliance serves as a unified voice, advocating for the needs and interests of the business community, while also collaborating with local organizations, government entities, and stakeholders to drive positive change.
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Mission Statement
Business members joined together to enhance the community through Business, Education, and Outreach, while working together with other organizations.
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Board Members:
Pat Decker, President (Countyline Insurance/New 2 U Thrift Store)
Paul Bichlmeier, Vice President (Thriftway Market)
Amber Wilcox, Treasurer (Cornerstone Bank)
Kyle Petersen, Secretary (Jarecki Sharp & Petersen P.C., L.L.O.)
Derric Werner (Bryant Home Comfort)
If you'd like to get involved with this group, feel free to reach out to any of the Board Members or you may email TildenCommunityAlliance@gmail.com
Tilden Meadow Grove Foundation
This local non-profit is affiliated with the Nebraska Community Foundation that works to fundraise for capital projects that will have a long-term impact on Tilden.
Mission Statement
The T-MG Community Foundation Fund’s mission is to add to the general quality of life and economic vibrancy of our community. We inspire people to invest in the community through time, talent, and treasure.
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Vision Statement
Our vision for the community utilizes our assets of community pride, positive attitude and personal involvement to empower and grow a vibrant community. We build upon our founding pioneer spirit of hard work and independence to make our community a magnetic place for residents and business. Through collaboration and leadership building, we strengthen opportunities for economic development, education, health, and recreation.
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Most recently, the TMG Foundation partnered with the City of Tilden to fund a community center study aimed at determining the cost and feasibility of construction a new community center for Tilden.
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Fund Advisory Committee Members:
Ross Tegeler - Co-Chair
Brian Koch - Co-Chair
Laurie Ryan - Secretary/Treasurer
Dustin Taake
Jeanne Dittrich
Bill Ross
Matt Wilken
Sam Johnsen
John Dittrich
Janet Rood
Tom Zwingman
Tilden Young Men's Club
The Tilden Young Men's Club (TYMC) is dedicated to serving the community of Tilden and its surroundings by organizing events, activities, and services aimed at promoting community pride and betterment. Established in January 2016, the TYMC aims to capitalize on the positive trends in Tilden, such as growing school enrollment and families returning to the area, in order to make the town more appealing for residents and families. The group hosts various annual activities including a Red, White and Blue Flag Display Fundraiser, Mud Volleyball Tournament, Summertime Fireworks Display, sponsorship of an Annual Scholarship for Elkhorn Valley Schools Seniors, and a Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
For inquiries or interest in joining, you can email TYMClub@gmail.com, and the group holds monthly meetings on the second Sunday at the Tilden Legion Club.
New 2 U Community Thrift Store
New 2 U thrift store was established in 2017, driven by the initiative of Pastor Theta Dame. Inspired by a similar store in Elgin, Nebraska, the project gained momentum with the help of local citizens, resulting in a five-member board and a successful opening. The thrift store operates as a non-profit, with profits reinvested into the Tilden community and its surroundings, benefitting individuals and groups in need through monetary donations.
New 2 U Community Thrift, located at 113 East 2nd Street, Tilden, is entirely volunteer-staffed and open five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday.
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Donations are always welcome.
Prairie Days Celebration in July
Tilden Prairie Days has since become an annual event, organized by a committee of approximately eight volunteers. Local businesses support the event financially in exchange for sponsorship exposure. The three-day event takes place at the end of July and features activities for people of all ages. It initially focused on antiques and collectibles, but it has expanded to include a community/nature-themed display competition and, in 2022, a successful car show organized by a local resident. Tilden Prairie Days has become a beloved tradition that brings the community together in celebration each year.
The Tilden Library Foundation
Mission Statement
To solicit and receive gifts from private individuals, associations and corporations; to accept gifts, devises and bequests and to hold and administer the same for the use and benefit of the Raymond A. Whitwer Tilden Public Library.
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The Foundation is made up of seven community members whom attend regular scheduled quarterly meetings. Aside from collecting and maintaining donations, gifts and endowments, the Foundation promotes, assists and funds various programs, events and fundraisers.
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Meadow Grove & Tilden Lions Club
Mission Statement
To create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples for humanitarian needs by providing voluntary services through community involvement and international cooperation.
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The Meadow Grove-Tilden Lions Club actively supports numerous local programs and businesses including the Tilden Swimming Pool, Raymond A. Whitwer Tilden Public Library, Meadow Grove Public Library, TeamMates of Elkhorn Valley, Little Lambs Day Care, Can-Cara-Van food assistance for the needy, Orphan Grain Train, providing eye glasses, facilitating leader dogs for the blind, sponsoring children to attend Kamp Kaleo, supporting S.M.I.L.E.S. for handicapped children in the area, organizing an Easter egg hunt in Meadow Grove, hosting local fishing clinics for children aged 4-13.
The Lion's Club fundraises through events like a pancake feed in February, selling peaches and pears during the summer, and popcorn sales in the fall.
Monthly meetings held the first Monday each month at Branding Iron in Tilden at 7 PM.
Blessings in a Backpack Weekend Food Program
The Blessings in a Backpack program is designed to provide weekend meals to students from Elkhorn Valley Schools in Tilden, NE. The program aims to address food insecurity and ensure that students have access to nutritious food during the weekends throughout the school year.
Program Details:
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Participants: The program currently serves 10 students from Elkhorn Valley Schools.
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Distribution: Every Friday, bags of food are discreetly placed in the students' backpacks, ensuring privacy and dignity.
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Contents of Each Bag: Each bag contains the following items:
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Two entrees: Examples include Kraft Mac and Cheese, chicken noodle soup, and Sketti O's.
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Two breakfast items: Options include cereal and granola bars.
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Two snack items: Choices range from raisins, applesauce, mandarin oranges, to crackers.
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One container of shelf-stable milk: Specifically, skim white milk is provided.
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Kid-Friendly: All items are chosen to suit the tastes and preferences of children.
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Accessibility: Canned items come with tab-openers for easy access
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Cost: The approximate cost per student for the entire school year amounts to $160.
Donation Information:
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Checks: Donations can be made by writing a check payable to "Blessings in a Backpack" and including "Elkhorn Valley Schools Tilden, NE" on the memo line. The checks should be mailed to Chrisi Rutjens at PO Box 354, Tilden, NE 68781.
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Online Donations: Donations can also be made online using a credit card through the official Blessings in a Backpack website. To ensure the donation goes to Elkhorn Valley Schools in Tilden, NE, select "Donate Now" and specify "Elkhorn Valley Schools, Tilden, NE" in the Designation section.
Acknowledgment: When making donations through the national office or online platform and providing contact information, Blessings in a Backpack will send a thank-you letter that can be used as a charitable gift receipt.
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Contact Information:
For any further questions or inquiries, please reach out to:
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Chrisi Rutjens
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Phone: 402.641.1170
For more local organized groups, visit the TMG Foundation Community Organizations Page