Live Well. Go Fish. (LWGF) will host five Red, White and “Blue” Honor Floats celebrating Nebraskan veterans thanks to a $6,000 grant from the Nebraska Blue Foundation.
The nonprofit LWGF provides therapeutic boating and fishing experiences specifically designed for people with disabilities, hospice patients, veterans and seniors. The outings, held on a wheelchair-accessible pontoon boat, allow individuals with limitations and their caregivers a structured outdoor recreational therapy program that is beneficial for mental and physical health.
Barbie Lang, caregiver at Green Senior Living, said assisting her residents on these outings is something she looks forward to.
“I’m very passionate about getting [my residents] good care,” said Lang. “This program makes my heart happy. The fresh air, them enjoying themselves and just being out of the building, brings so much value to their lives. We’re just making sure they’re happy and doing what they want to do and living to the potential of what they want to live to.”
With the grant, LWGF can provide five Honor Float days for senior veterans across Nebraska. David Ruder, founder and CEO of LWGF, said the grant gives veterans a chance to experience some of the freedoms we give up as we age.
“We can help our veterans relive some memories while creating new ones in honor of the freedom they gave us with their service to our country,” Ruder said. “Everyone remembers the first fish they ever caught; with [the Nebraska Blue Foundation’s] help, we can make sure nobody forgets their last.”
The impact of these outings goes beyond a day on the water. For many veterans, it’s a chance to reconnect with nature, enjoy peaceful moments and feel remembered and appreciated.
“I always enjoy these boat rides and seeing all of nature,” said Bob Stutzman, LWGF client. “It means a lot to me that people are interested in this type of recreation. Going out and fishing a little, it just does me good.”
In April of this year, the Nebraska Blue Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, gave $300,000 in grant funds to 20 Nebraska nonprofits to support preventive health initiatives and enhance the well-being of seniors across the state.
“Live Well. Go Fish. is one of 11 organizations we were able to award grant funding to,” said Jay Warren-Teamer, community and strategic engagement leader and executive director of the Nebraska Blue Foundation. “These organizations go above and beyond to support Nebraska’s seniors through initiatives focused on health and wellness, safe and accessible housing, nutrition and exercise and social connection.”
Learn more about LWGF and the other 2025 Nebraska Blue Foundation grant recipients at NebraskaBlue.com/Foundation.
