LEMOYNE, Neb. – Pat Cooley, co-founder and longtime volunteer of the Lemoyne Senior Center, was named a Community Hero by News Channel Nebraska and Medica, earning a $1,000 donation for the center she’s helped build and sustain over the past two decades.

Cooley, of Lemoyne, was surprised with the honor on Friday at the center she and her late husband, Burdette, helped create in 2005. The award recognized her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of senior citizens across the rural Keith County community.

“I think it’s wonderful,” Cooley said. “I’m so proud of this place. That it’s still here after all these years. It’s still going and it’s going to continue to go.”

The Lemoyne Senior Center was born from a vision the Cooleys had after moving to the area in 1991. When the town’s school building was vacated through consolidation, the couple led a group of residents to repurpose it into a gathering space for seniors. They secured a lease from Keith County and transformed the space into a hub of activity, offering meals, medical services, exercise classes, educational programs and social events.

“We have wonderful people that come and they all interact with each other,” Cooley said. “It’s a good addition to the community. It’s all volunteers and that’s amazing to me. I’m just proud of this place and the people.”

Today, the center serves an average of 25 weekday lunches, hosts monthly fundraisers, and supports a variety of wellness and community programs.

Now 20 years in, Cooley continues to spend seven to eight hours a day volunteering at the center, her only compensation she wants is a meal.

“Burdette saw the need,” she said. “He would come home and tell me we need to get these people out of their house and interacting with each other. He planned it all. He did it all.”

Still in shock from the surprise, Cooley said the award will help the center purchase items it has long needed.

“The money will allow us to get some of the things we talked about,” she said. “I just want to thank everybody who planned this and kept it from me. I almost stayed home today.”

Medica and News Channel Nebraska announced a new twist to the Community Hero this fall. People can nominate their favorite healthcare hero for a chance to win $1,000 to a non-profit of their choice. The two entities are looking for extraordinary doctors, nurses, caregivers and medical staff who not only provide exceptional care but also give back through volunteerism, philanthropy and leadership that makes a real impact on their community. Nominate online at newschannelnebraska.com.