Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The annual dance supporting Villa Marie Home and School for Exceptional Children is scheduled for Friday, February 7, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln.

Villa Marie, located on the west end of the Marian Center near Waverly, has been a refuge for children with learning challenges since its inception in 1963. It was established as a continuation of St. Thomas Orphanage, which operated from 1906 to 1966 in Nebraska. The transition from orphan care to supporting intellectually challenged children was led by Bishop James Casey and Msgr. James Dawson during the early 1960s.

Over the past sixty years, Villa Marie has served an average of twenty students annually. These students come from across Nebraska when they cannot be accommodated in local public schools. At Villa Marie, they find both education and acceptance as "children of God."

The Marian Sisters of the Diocese of Lincoln, along with dedicated lay specialists, have provided care and education to mainstream these students. While some attend as day students locally, others board at Villa Marie during the school week under the leadership of Sister Jeanette Rerucha M.S., who serves as principal.

Villa Marie's mission is to educate and develop children towards semi-independent living and gainful employment. The school's board consists of professional lay Catholics, parents of alumni, priests, and women religious who are focused on promoting enrollment and achieving financial sustainability through an ambitious agenda.

A strategic plan for Villa Marie is underway as part of this effort. The annual dance remains a key fundraising event where benefactors can meet students and staff while supporting operational expenses through their contributions.

This year's dance marks the 61st such event with a "hoedown" theme at Sandhills Global Event Center located at 84th Street and Havelock Avenue in northeast Lincoln. Guests are encouraged to wear boots and hats while enjoying food, a live DJ, dancing, and stories highlighting donor impact on student lives.

Tickets and sponsorships can be obtained via https://auctria.events/vmdance2025.