Dawn and Paul Gonzales met three decades ago as high school students involved in Masonic youth organizations. Dawn belonged to the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls; Paul was a member of DeMolay International. The couple attended the same Masonic dance, and dating quickly followed. One thing led to another, and eventually, Dawn and Paul married. They’ve now been celebrating wedding anniversaries for 30 years.
The couple has also been building busy professional lives. Paul is a civil engineering project manager at HGM Associates Inc.; Dawn serves as vice president of community relations at Centris Federal Credit Union. Although they are focused on their own careers, giving back to the community as a duo has always been important in their marriage.
Enter Shriners International. In 2004, Paul joined Tangier Shriners in Omaha. Since then, the couple has participated in numerous fundraising events through the local temple, for which Paul is today potentate, or the highest leadership position. The fraternity itself is famously based on brotherly love, relief, and truth, and in 1922, it established the Shriners Hospitals for Children (popularly known as Shriners Children’s), one of the world’s largest pediatric sub-speciality healthcare systems.
Although the couple volunteers separately, the Shriners has become their joint passion. “It’s a social network we share. There is a lot more involved. We are doing stuff for others but there is also the great social side of it,” Dawn said. “The Shriners is about fellowship, fun, and family. At some fundraisers, we sit at the spaghetti feed table. At an event, I might sell cannoli, clear plates, and clean up after the event. There is a job for everyone.”
“Shriners is all about having fun,” Paul added. “We enjoy each other’s company. By making everything co-ed and family friendly, there is more participation.”
When it comes to raising money for Shriners Children’s, the annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl is the organization’s largest event. Established in 1958 by Nebraska Shrine temples Tangier Omaha, Sesostris just outside Lincoln, and Tehama Hastings, the all-star football game features the state’s graduating high school seniors. In addition to the game, the “Beyond the Field Experience” invites local patients to meet the players and coaches. Last year’s Shrine Bowl raised $110,000.
Over 300 children in the Omaha area need care from the Shriners hospital system. Some patients require only short-term care, while others require long-term treatment. Shriners covers 100% of this care.
“Some of these kids max out their care, but with Shriners, it doesn’t matter,” Dawn said. “The care of these children is the most important thing. We take care of them.”
That care extends far beyond what takes place in the hospital system. For example, a portion of Shrine Bowl proceeds goes toward local transportation funds, because Shriners takes care of expenses related to travel for care, including housing and food.
“If you have a child in a wheelchair with multiple concerns, to not have to be the person driving that child and getting the hotels and the meals is such a relief for the parents,” Dawn explained. “Our retirees love to be roadrunners. Whether it is for surgery or a prosthetic fitting. It extends beyond the dollars that we are raising. We do what we do to help these kids. We know the struggles that they go through and the expenses that add up for them. If we can help them in any way, that is what we do.”
Brody Linnell, a 14-year-old freshman at Millard South High School, is one of those kids. Megan and Tom Linnell’s son was born with fibular hemimelia, a congenital absence of the fibula leg bone. Brody’s left leg grows slower than his right, and he has only three toes on his left foot. The teen has endured multiple surgeries to correct this condition, and last year, the Linnell family discovered that Brody had scoliosis and needed a brace.
The Tangier Shriners assist Brody and his family with transportation back and forth to Saint Louis, where he receives treatment. They also cover the cost of gas, food, and lodging—expenses that can easily skyrocket for working families.
Megan appreciates all that the Gonzales couple does for her family through their volunteerism with the Shriners. “Dawn and Paul are amazing,” she enthused. “We met them through Tangiers [where] Brody speaks at events like Christmas parties. The last few years, we have gotten to know Dawn and Paul more. They are so kind, and they make Brody feel so comfortable when he is speaking. They are invested in him. You can genuinely tell that their heart is in it, and they care about these kids. We love them. They are amazing!”
For more information about the Tangier Shriners and their events, visit
tangiershrine.com.
This article originally appeared in the December 2023/January 2024 issue of B2B Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
Dawn and Paul Gonzales met three decades ago as high school students involved in Masonic youth organizations. Dawn belonged to the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls; Paul was a member of DeMolay International. The couple attended the same Masonic dance, and dating quickly followed. One thing led to another, and eventually, Dawn and Paul married. They’ve now been celebrating wedding anniversaries for 30 years.
The couple has also been building busy professional lives. Paul is a civil engineering project manager at HGM Associates Inc.; Dawn serves as vice president of community relations at Centris Federal Credit Union. Although they are focused on their own careers, giving back to the community as a duo has always been important in their marriage.
Enter Shriners International. In 2004, Paul joined Tangier Shriners in Omaha. Since then, the couple has participated in numerous fundraising events through the local temple, for which Paul is today potentate, or the highest leadership position. The fraternity itself is famously based on brotherly love, relief, and truth, and in 1922, it established the Shriners Hospitals for Children (popularly known as Shriners Children’s), one of the world’s largest pediatric sub-speciality healthcare systems.
Although the couple volunteers separately, the Shriners has become their joint passion. “It’s a social network we share. There is a lot more involved. We are doing stuff for others but there is also the great social side of it,” Dawn said. “The Shriners is about fellowship, fun, and family. At some fundraisers, we sit at the spaghetti feed table. At an event, I might sell cannoli, clear plates, and clean up after the event. There is a job for everyone.”
“Shriners is all about having fun,” Paul added. “We enjoy each other’s company. By making everything co-ed and family friendly, there is more participation.”
When it comes to raising money for Shriners Children’s, the annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl is the organization’s largest event. Established in 1958 by Nebraska Shrine temples Tangier Omaha, Sesostris just outside Lincoln, and Tehama Hastings, the all-star football game features the state’s graduating high school seniors. In addition to the game, the “Beyond the Field Experience” invites local patients to meet the players and coaches. Last year’s Shrine Bowl raised $110,000.
Over 300 children in the Omaha area need care from the Shriners hospital system. Some patients require only short-term care, while others require long-term treatment. Shriners covers 100% of this care.
“Some of these kids max out their care, but with Shriners, it doesn’t matter,” Dawn said. “The care of these children is the most important thing. We take care of them.”
That care extends far beyond what takes place in the hospital system. For example, a portion of Shrine Bowl proceeds goes toward local transportation funds, because Shriners takes care of expenses related to travel for care, including housing and food.
“If you have a child in a wheelchair with multiple concerns, to not have to be the person driving that child and getting the hotels and the meals is such a relief for the parents,” Dawn explained. “Our retirees love to be roadrunners. Whether it is for surgery or a prosthetic fitting. It extends beyond the dollars that we are raising. We do what we do to help these kids. We know the struggles that they go through and the expenses that add up for them. If we can help them in any way, that is what we do.”
Brody Linnell, a 14-year-old freshman at Millard South High School, is one of those kids. Megan and Tom Linnell’s son was born with fibular hemimelia, a congenital absence of the fibula leg bone. Brody’s left leg grows slower than his right, and he has only three toes on his left foot. The teen has endured multiple surgeries to correct this condition, and last year, the Linnell family discovered that Brody had scoliosis and needed a brace.
The Tangier Shriners assist Brody and his family with transportation back and forth to Saint Louis, where he receives treatment. They also cover the cost of gas, food, and lodging—expenses that can easily skyrocket for working families.
Megan appreciates all that the Gonzales couple does for her family through their volunteerism with the Shriners. “Dawn and Paul are amazing,” she enthused. “We met them through Tangiers [where] Brody speaks at events like Christmas parties. The last few years, we have gotten to know Dawn and Paul more. They are so kind, and they make Brody feel so comfortable when he is speaking. They are invested in him. You can genuinely tell that their heart is in it, and they care about these kids. We love them. They are amazing!”
For more information about the Tangier Shriners and their events, visit
tangiershrine.com.
This article originally appeared in the December 2023/January 2024 issue of B2B Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
Dawn and Paul Gonzales met three decades ago as high school students involved in Masonic youth organizations. Dawn belonged to the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls; Paul was a member of DeMolay International. The couple attended the same Masonic dance, and dating quickly followed. One thing led to another, and eventually, Dawn and Paul married. They’ve now been celebrating wedding anniversaries for 30 years.
The couple has also been building busy professional lives. Paul is a civil engineering project manager at HGM Associates Inc.; Dawn serves as vice president of community relations at Centris Federal Credit Union. Although they are focused on their own careers, giving back to the community as a duo has always been important in their marriage.
Enter Shriners International. In 2004, Paul joined Tangier Shriners in Omaha. Since then, the couple has participated in numerous fundraising events through the local temple, for which Paul is today potentate, or the highest leadership position. The fraternity itself is famously based on brotherly love, relief, and truth, and in 1922, it established the Shriners Hospitals for Children (popularly known as Shriners Children’s), one of the world’s largest pediatric sub-speciality healthcare systems.
Although the couple volunteers separately, the Shriners has become their joint passion. “It’s a social network we share. There is a lot more involved. We are doing stuff for others but there is also the great social side of it,” Dawn said. “The Shriners is about fellowship, fun, and family. At some fundraisers, we sit at the spaghetti feed table. At an event, I might sell cannoli, clear plates, and clean up after the event. There is a job for everyone.”
“Shriners is all about having fun,” Paul added. “We enjoy each other’s company. By making everything co-ed and family friendly, there is more participation.”
When it comes to raising money for Shriners Children’s, the annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl is the organization’s largest event. Established in 1958 by Nebraska Shrine temples Tangier Omaha, Sesostris just outside Lincoln, and Tehama Hastings, the all-star football game features the state’s graduating high school seniors. In addition to the game, the “Beyond the Field Experience” invites local patients to meet the players and coaches. Last year’s Shrine Bowl raised $110,000.
Over 300 children in the Omaha area need care from the Shriners hospital system. Some patients require only short-term care, while others require long-term treatment. Shriners covers 100% of this care.
“Some of these kids max out their care, but with Shriners, it doesn’t matter,” Dawn said. “The care of these children is the most important thing. We take care of them.”
That care extends far beyond what takes place in the hospital system. For example, a portion of Shrine Bowl proceeds goes toward local transportation funds, because Shriners takes care of expenses related to travel for care, including housing and food.
“If you have a child in a wheelchair with multiple concerns, to not have to be the person driving that child and getting the hotels and the meals is such a relief for the parents,” Dawn explained. “Our retirees love to be roadrunners. Whether it is for surgery or a prosthetic fitting. It extends beyond the dollars that we are raising. We do what we do to help these kids. We know the struggles that they go through and the expenses that add up for them. If we can help them in any way, that is what we do.”
Brody Linnell, a 14-year-old freshman at Millard South High School, is one of those kids. Megan and Tom Linnell’s son was born with fibular hemimelia, a congenital absence of the fibula leg bone. Brody’s left leg grows slower than his right, and he has only three toes on his left foot. The teen has endured multiple surgeries to correct this condition, and last year, the Linnell family discovered that Brody had scoliosis and needed a brace.
The Tangier Shriners assist Brody and his family with transportation back and forth to Saint Louis, where he receives treatment. They also cover the cost of gas, food, and lodging—expenses that can easily skyrocket for working families.
Megan appreciates all that the Gonzales couple does for her family through their volunteerism with the Shriners. “Dawn and Paul are amazing,” she enthused. “We met them through Tangiers [where] Brody speaks at events like Christmas parties. The last few years, we have gotten to know Dawn and Paul more. They are so kind, and they make Brody feel so comfortable when he is speaking. They are invested in him. You can genuinely tell that their heart is in it, and they care about these kids. We love them. They are amazing!”
For more information about the Tangier Shriners and their events, visit
tangiershrine.com.
This article originally appeared in the December 2023/January 2024 issue of B2B Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
Dawn and Paul Gonzales met three decades ago as high school students involved in Masonic youth organizations. Dawn belonged to the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls; Paul was a member of DeMolay International. The couple attended the same Masonic dance, and dating quickly followed. One thing led to another, and eventually, Dawn and Paul married. They’ve now been celebrating wedding anniversaries for 30 years.
The couple has also been building busy professional lives. Paul is a civil engineering project manager at HGM Associates Inc.; Dawn serves as vice president of community relations at Centris Federal Credit Union. Although they are focused on their own careers, giving back to the community as a duo has always been important in their marriage.
Enter Shriners International. In 2004, Paul joined Tangier Shriners in Omaha. Since then, the couple has participated in numerous fundraising events through the local temple, for which Paul is today potentate, or the highest leadership position. The fraternity itself is famously based on brotherly love, relief, and truth, and in 1922, it established the Shriners Hospitals for Children (popularly known as Shriners Children’s), one of the world’s largest pediatric sub-speciality healthcare systems.
Although the couple volunteers separately, the Shriners has become their joint passion. “It’s a social network we share. There is a lot more involved. We are doing stuff for others but there is also the great social side of it,” Dawn said. “The Shriners is about fellowship, fun, and family. At some fundraisers, we sit at the spaghetti feed table. At an event, I might sell cannoli, clear plates, and clean up after the event. There is a job for everyone.”
“Shriners is all about having fun,” Paul added. “We enjoy each other’s company. By making everything co-ed and family friendly, there is more participation.”
When it comes to raising money for Shriners Children’s, the annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl is the organization’s largest event. Established in 1958 by Nebraska Shrine temples Tangier Omaha, Sesostris just outside Lincoln, and Tehama Hastings, the all-star football game features the state’s graduating high school seniors. In addition to the game, the “Beyond the Field Experience” invites local patients to meet the players and coaches. Last year’s Shrine Bowl raised $110,000.
Over 300 children in the Omaha area need care from the Shriners hospital system. Some patients require only short-term care, while others require long-term treatment. Shriners covers 100% of this care.
“Some of these kids max out their care, but with Shriners, it doesn’t matter,” Dawn said. “The care of these children is the most important thing. We take care of them.”
That care extends far beyond what takes place in the hospital system. For example, a portion of Shrine Bowl proceeds goes toward local transportation funds, because Shriners takes care of expenses related to travel for care, including housing and food.
“If you have a child in a wheelchair with multiple concerns, to not have to be the person driving that child and getting the hotels and the meals is such a relief for the parents,” Dawn explained. “Our retirees love to be roadrunners. Whether it is for surgery or a prosthetic fitting. It extends beyond the dollars that we are raising. We do what we do to help these kids. We know the struggles that they go through and the expenses that add up for them. If we can help them in any way, that is what we do.”
Brody Linnell, a 14-year-old freshman at Millard South High School, is one of those kids. Megan and Tom Linnell’s son was born with fibular hemimelia, a congenital absence of the fibula leg bone. Brody’s left leg grows slower than his right, and he has only three toes on his left foot. The teen has endured multiple surgeries to correct this condition, and last year, the Linnell family discovered that Brody had scoliosis and needed a brace.
The Tangier Shriners assist Brody and his family with transportation back and forth to Saint Louis, where he receives treatment. They also cover the cost of gas, food, and lodging—expenses that can easily skyrocket for working families.
Megan appreciates all that the Gonzales couple does for her family through their volunteerism with the Shriners. “Dawn and Paul are amazing,” she enthused. “We met them through Tangiers [where] Brody speaks at events like Christmas parties. The last few years, we have gotten to know Dawn and Paul more. They are so kind, and they make Brody feel so comfortable when he is speaking. They are invested in him. You can genuinely tell that their heart is in it, and they care about these kids. We love them. They are amazing!”
For more information about the Tangier Shriners and their events, visit
tangiershrine.com.
This article originally appeared in the December 2023/January 2024 issue of B2B Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
Dawn and Paul Gonzales met three decades ago as high school students involved in Masonic youth organizations. Dawn belonged to the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls; Paul was a member of DeMolay International. The couple attended the same Masonic dance, and dating quickly followed. One thing led to another, and eventually, Dawn and Paul married. They’ve now been celebrating wedding anniversaries for 30 years.
The couple has also been building busy professional lives. Paul is a civil engineering project manager at HGM Associates Inc.; Dawn serves as vice president of community relations at Centris Federal Credit Union. Although they are focused on their own careers, giving back to the community as a duo has always been important in their marriage.
Enter Shriners International. In 2004, Paul joined Tangier Shriners in Omaha. Since then, the couple has participated in numerous fundraising events through the local temple, for which Paul is today potentate, or the highest leadership position. The fraternity itself is famously based on brotherly love, relief, and truth, and in 1922, it established the Shriners Hospitals for Children (popularly known as Shriners Children’s), one of the world’s largest pediatric sub-speciality healthcare systems.
Although the couple volunteers separately, the Shriners has become their joint passion. “It’s a social network we share. There is a lot more involved. We are doing stuff for others but there is also the great social side of it,” Dawn said. “The Shriners is about fellowship, fun, and family. At some fundraisers, we sit at the spaghetti feed table. At an event, I might sell cannoli, clear plates, and clean up after the event. There is a job for everyone.”
“Shriners is all about having fun,” Paul added. “We enjoy each other’s company. By making everything co-ed and family friendly, there is more participation.”
When it comes to raising money for Shriners Children’s, the annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl is the organization’s largest event. Established in 1958 by Nebraska Shrine temples Tangier Omaha, Sesostris just outside Lincoln, and Tehama Hastings, the all-star football game features the state’s graduating high school seniors. In addition to the game, the “Beyond the Field Experience” invites local patients to meet the players and coaches. Last year’s Shrine Bowl raised $110,000.
Over 300 children in the Omaha area need care from the Shriners hospital system. Some patients require only short-term care, while others require long-term treatment. Shriners covers 100% of this care.
“Some of these kids max out their care, but with Shriners, it doesn’t matter,” Dawn said. “The care of these children is the most important thing. We take care of them.”
That care extends far beyond what takes place in the hospital system. For example, a portion of Shrine Bowl proceeds goes toward local transportation funds, because Shriners takes care of expenses related to travel for care, including housing and food.
“If you have a child in a wheelchair with multiple concerns, to not have to be the person driving that child and getting the hotels and the meals is such a relief for the parents,” Dawn explained. “Our retirees love to be roadrunners. Whether it is for surgery or a prosthetic fitting. It extends beyond the dollars that we are raising. We do what we do to help these kids. We know the struggles that they go through and the expenses that add up for them. If we can help them in any way, that is what we do.”
Brody Linnell, a 14-year-old freshman at Millard South High School, is one of those kids. Megan and Tom Linnell’s son was born with fibular hemimelia, a congenital absence of the fibula leg bone. Brody’s left leg grows slower than his right, and he has only three toes on his left foot. The teen has endured multiple surgeries to correct this condition, and last year, the Linnell family discovered that Brody had scoliosis and needed a brace.
The Tangier Shriners assist Brody and his family with transportation back and forth to Saint Louis, where he receives treatment. They also cover the cost of gas, food, and lodging—expenses that can easily skyrocket for working families.
Megan appreciates all that the Gonzales couple does for her family through their volunteerism with the Shriners. “Dawn and Paul are amazing,” she enthused. “We met them through Tangiers [where] Brody speaks at events like Christmas parties. The last few years, we have gotten to know Dawn and Paul more. They are so kind, and they make Brody feel so comfortable when he is speaking. They are invested in him. You can genuinely tell that their heart is in it, and they care about these kids. We love them. They are amazing!”
For more information about the Tangier Shriners and their events, visit
tangiershrine.com.
This article originally appeared in the December 2023/January 2024 issue of B2B Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
Dawn and Paul Gonzales met three decades ago as high school students involved in Masonic youth organizations. Dawn belonged to the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls; Paul was a member of DeMolay International. The couple attended the same Masonic dance, and dating quickly followed. One thing led to another, and eventually, Dawn and Paul married. They’ve now been celebrating wedding anniversaries for 30 years.
The couple has also been building busy professional lives. Paul is a civil engineering project manager at HGM Associates Inc.; Dawn serves as vice president of community relations at Centris Federal Credit Union. Although they are focused on their own careers, giving back to the community as a duo has always been important in their marriage.
Enter Shriners International. In 2004, Paul joined Tangier Shriners in Omaha. Since then, the couple has participated in numerous fundraising events through the local temple, for which Paul is today potentate, or the highest leadership position. The fraternity itself is famously based on brotherly love, relief, and truth, and in 1922, it established the Shriners Hospitals for Children (popularly known as Shriners Children’s), one of the world’s largest pediatric sub-speciality healthcare systems.
Although the couple volunteers separately, the Shriners has become their joint passion. “It’s a social network we share. There is a lot more involved. We are doing stuff for others but there is also the great social side of it,” Dawn said. “The Shriners is about fellowship, fun, and family. At some fundraisers, we sit at the spaghetti feed table. At an event, I might sell cannoli, clear plates, and clean up after the event. There is a job for everyone.”
“Shriners is all about having fun,” Paul added. “We enjoy each other’s company. By making everything co-ed and family friendly, there is more participation.”
When it comes to raising money for Shriners Children’s, the annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl is the organization’s largest event. Established in 1958 by Nebraska Shrine temples Tangier Omaha, Sesostris just outside Lincoln, and Tehama Hastings, the all-star football game features the state’s graduating high school seniors. In addition to the game, the “Beyond the Field Experience” invites local patients to meet the players and coaches. Last year’s Shrine Bowl raised $110,000.
Over 300 children in the Omaha area need care from the Shriners hospital system. Some patients require only short-term care, while others require long-term treatment. Shriners covers 100% of this care.
“Some of these kids max out their care, but with Shriners, it doesn’t matter,” Dawn said. “The care of these children is the most important thing. We take care of them.”
That care extends far beyond what takes place in the hospital system. For example, a portion of Shrine Bowl proceeds goes toward local transportation funds, because Shriners takes care of expenses related to travel for care, including housing and food.
“If you have a child in a wheelchair with multiple concerns, to not have to be the person driving that child and getting the hotels and the meals is such a relief for the parents,” Dawn explained. “Our retirees love to be roadrunners. Whether it is for surgery or a prosthetic fitting. It extends beyond the dollars that we are raising. We do what we do to help these kids. We know the struggles that they go through and the expenses that add up for them. If we can help them in any way, that is what we do.”
Brody Linnell, a 14-year-old freshman at Millard South High School, is one of those kids. Megan and Tom Linnell’s son was born with fibular hemimelia, a congenital absence of the fibula leg bone. Brody’s left leg grows slower than his right, and he has only three toes on his left foot. The teen has endured multiple surgeries to correct this condition, and last year, the Linnell family discovered that Brody had scoliosis and needed a brace.
The Tangier Shriners assist Brody and his family with transportation back and forth to Saint Louis, where he receives treatment. They also cover the cost of gas, food, and lodging—expenses that can easily skyrocket for working families.
Megan appreciates all that the Gonzales couple does for her family through their volunteerism with the Shriners. “Dawn and Paul are amazing,” she enthused. “We met them through Tangiers [where] Brody speaks at events like Christmas parties. The last few years, we have gotten to know Dawn and Paul more. They are so kind, and they make Brody feel so comfortable when he is speaking. They are invested in him. You can genuinely tell that their heart is in it, and they care about these kids. We love them. They are amazing!”
For more information about the Tangier Shriners and their events, visit
tangiershrine.com.
This article originally appeared in the December 2023/January 2024 issue of B2B Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
Dawn and Paul Gonzales met three decades ago as high school students involved in Masonic youth organizations. Dawn belonged to the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls; Paul was a member of DeMolay International. The couple attended the same Masonic dance, and dating quickly followed. One thing led to another, and eventually, Dawn and Paul married. They’ve now been celebrating wedding anniversaries for 30 years.
The couple has also been building busy professional lives. Paul is a civil engineering project manager at HGM Associates Inc.; Dawn serves as vice president of community relations at Centris Federal Credit Union. Although they are focused on their own careers, giving back to the community as a duo has always been important in their marriage.
Enter Shriners International. In 2004, Paul joined Tangier Shriners in Omaha. Since then, the couple has participated in numerous fundraising events through the local temple, for which Paul is today potentate, or the highest leadership position. The fraternity itself is famously based on brotherly love, relief, and truth, and in 1922, it established the Shriners Hospitals for Children (popularly known as Shriners Children’s), one of the world’s largest pediatric sub-speciality healthcare systems.
Although the couple volunteers separately, the Shriners has become their joint passion. “It’s a social network we share. There is a lot more involved. We are doing stuff for others but there is also the great social side of it,” Dawn said. “The Shriners is about fellowship, fun, and family. At some fundraisers, we sit at the spaghetti feed table. At an event, I might sell cannoli, clear plates, and clean up after the event. There is a job for everyone.”
“Shriners is all about having fun,” Paul added. “We enjoy each other’s company. By making everything co-ed and family friendly, there is more participation.”
When it comes to raising money for Shriners Children’s, the annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl is the organization’s largest event. Established in 1958 by Nebraska Shrine temples Tangier Omaha, Sesostris just outside Lincoln, and Tehama Hastings, the all-star football game features the state’s graduating high school seniors. In addition to the game, the “Beyond the Field Experience” invites local patients to meet the players and coaches. Last year’s Shrine Bowl raised $110,000.
Over 300 children in the Omaha area need care from the Shriners hospital system. Some patients require only short-term care, while others require long-term treatment. Shriners covers 100% of this care.
“Some of these kids max out their care, but with Shriners, it doesn’t matter,” Dawn said. “The care of these children is the most important thing. We take care of them.”
That care extends far beyond what takes place in the hospital system. For example, a portion of Shrine Bowl proceeds goes toward local transportation funds, because Shriners takes care of expenses related to travel for care, including housing and food.
“If you have a child in a wheelchair with multiple concerns, to not have to be the person driving that child and getting the hotels and the meals is such a relief for the parents,” Dawn explained. “Our retirees love to be roadrunners. Whether it is for surgery or a prosthetic fitting. It extends beyond the dollars that we are raising. We do what we do to help these kids. We know the struggles that they go through and the expenses that add up for them. If we can help them in any way, that is what we do.”
Brody Linnell, a 14-year-old freshman at Millard South High School, is one of those kids. Megan and Tom Linnell’s son was born with fibular hemimelia, a congenital absence of the fibula leg bone. Brody’s left leg grows slower than his right, and he has only three toes on his left foot. The teen has endured multiple surgeries to correct this condition, and last year, the Linnell family discovered that Brody had scoliosis and needed a brace.
The Tangier Shriners assist Brody and his family with transportation back and forth to Saint Louis, where he receives treatment. They also cover the cost of gas, food, and lodging—expenses that can easily skyrocket for working families.
Megan appreciates all that the Gonzales couple does for her family through their volunteerism with the Shriners. “Dawn and Paul are amazing,” she enthused. “We met them through Tangiers [where] Brody speaks at events like Christmas parties. The last few years, we have gotten to know Dawn and Paul more. They are so kind, and they make Brody feel so comfortable when he is speaking. They are invested in him. You can genuinely tell that their heart is in it, and they care about these kids. We love them. They are amazing!”
For more information about the Tangier Shriners and their events, visit
tangiershrine.com.
This article originally appeared in the December 2023/January 2024 issue of B2B Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
Dawn and Paul Gonzales met three decades ago as high school students involved in Masonic youth organizations. Dawn belonged to the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls; Paul was a member of DeMolay International. The couple attended the same Masonic dance, and dating quickly followed. One thing led to another, and eventually, Dawn and Paul married. They’ve now been celebrating wedding anniversaries for 30 years.
The couple has also been building busy professional lives. Paul is a civil engineering project manager at HGM Associates Inc.; Dawn serves as vice president of community relations at Centris Federal Credit Union. Although they are focused on their own careers, giving back to the community as a duo has always been important in their marriage.
Enter Shriners International. In 2004, Paul joined Tangier Shriners in Omaha. Since then, the couple has participated in numerous fundraising events through the local temple, for which Paul is today potentate, or the highest leadership position. The fraternity itself is famously based on brotherly love, relief, and truth, and in 1922, it established the Shriners Hospitals for Children (popularly known as Shriners Children’s), one of the world’s largest pediatric sub-speciality healthcare systems.
Although the couple volunteers separately, the Shriners has become their joint passion. “It’s a social network we share. There is a lot more involved. We are doing stuff for others but there is also the great social side of it,” Dawn said. “The Shriners is about fellowship, fun, and family. At some fundraisers, we sit at the spaghetti feed table. At an event, I might sell cannoli, clear plates, and clean up after the event. There is a job for everyone.”
“Shriners is all about having fun,” Paul added. “We enjoy each other’s company. By making everything co-ed and family friendly, there is more participation.”
When it comes to raising money for Shriners Children’s, the annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl is the organization’s largest event. Established in 1958 by Nebraska Shrine temples Tangier Omaha, Sesostris just outside Lincoln, and Tehama Hastings, the all-star football game features the state’s graduating high school seniors. In addition to the game, the “Beyond the Field Experience” invites local patients to meet the players and coaches. Last year’s Shrine Bowl raised $110,000.
Over 300 children in the Omaha area need care from the Shriners hospital system. Some patients require only short-term care, while others require long-term treatment. Shriners covers 100% of this care.
“Some of these kids max out their care, but with Shriners, it doesn’t matter,” Dawn said. “The care of these children is the most important thing. We take care of them.”
That care extends far beyond what takes place in the hospital system. For example, a portion of Shrine Bowl proceeds goes toward local transportation funds, because Shriners takes care of expenses related to travel for care, including housing and food.
“If you have a child in a wheelchair with multiple concerns, to not have to be the person driving that child and getting the hotels and the meals is such a relief for the parents,” Dawn explained. “Our retirees love to be roadrunners. Whether it is for surgery or a prosthetic fitting. It extends beyond the dollars that we are raising. We do what we do to help these kids. We know the struggles that they go through and the expenses that add up for them. If we can help them in any way, that is what we do.”
Brody Linnell, a 14-year-old freshman at Millard South High School, is one of those kids. Megan and Tom Linnell’s son was born with fibular hemimelia, a congenital absence of the fibula leg bone. Brody’s left leg grows slower than his right, and he has only three toes on his left foot. The teen has endured multiple surgeries to correct this condition, and last year, the Linnell family discovered that Brody had scoliosis and needed a brace.
The Tangier Shriners assist Brody and his family with transportation back and forth to Saint Louis, where he receives treatment. They also cover the cost of gas, food, and lodging—expenses that can easily skyrocket for working families.
Megan appreciates all that the Gonzales couple does for her family through their volunteerism with the Shriners. “Dawn and Paul are amazing,” she enthused. “We met them through Tangiers [where] Brody speaks at events like Christmas parties. The last few years, we have gotten to know Dawn and Paul more. They are so kind, and they make Brody feel so comfortable when he is speaking. They are invested in him. You can genuinely tell that their heart is in it, and they care about these kids. We love them. They are amazing!”
For more information about the Tangier Shriners and their events, visit
tangiershrine.com.
This article originally appeared in the December 2023/January 2024 issue of B2B Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.