HISTORY
In March 2005, the Diamond Foundation was born on a road trip to Norfolk, Nebraska. Troy Fienhold-Haasis and Jade Esteban Estrada decided that they wanted to do something that would have a lasting effect on the GLBT community of Nebraska:
. . .a project that would help enable the GLBT community a chance to make a difference;
. . .a project which would provide for those in our community who are less fortunate and deserving;
. . .a project to give talented vocalists in our community a chance to utilize their talents for the greater good of others;
. . .and finally, a project which would provide a way to educate and raise awareness in our community about HIV/AIDS.
After consulation and much planning, in 2007 the Diamond Foundation was formed and quickly became the vehicle which would accomplish each of the goals set out by Estrada and Fienhold-Haasis.
MISSION
Educating and raising awareness about HIV/AIDS in the Midwest;
and improving the life and quality of children and young adults affected by HIV/AIDS through support and advocacy.
PURPOSE
- Giving kids affected by HIV/AIDS the opportunity to experience cost-free camping programs at Camp Kindle;
- Providing financial assistance to students infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS to help pursue a undergraduate or graduate degree;
- Helping to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS through education in our communities.
The Diamond Foundation of Nebraska focuses its time and volunteer energy on raising funds for and awareness about the kids of Camp Kindle.
HIV/AIDS is a devastating disease which affects far too many families across our community, state and nation.
Camp Kindle, a division of Project Kindle, Inc., is a Nebraska based week-long summer camp for kids affected by HIV/AIDS. Project Kindle provides 100% of the cost for camp to each camper - and at -$-1000 per camper - you can quickly do the math for the total cost each year to bring 100+ kids to camp.
The Diamond Foundation helps to raise funds which directly support bringing kids to Camp each summer through its major fundraising events:
- the highly success Pride IDOL vocal competition which searches for and awards the best of the live performance artists in our communities. . .
- our association with award winning entertainer Jade Esteban Estrada and his A Lullaby for Ryan: The History of HIV/AIDS in Amercia performances which helps to educate our communities about HIV/AIDS throughout history. . .
- our Diamond Princess Pageant which selects our Diamond Princess representative to further help raise funds and awareness throughout the year. . .
- and our annual "Hooray for Hollywood - Oscar Nite Extravaganza".
We are also extremely proud to be helping fund the Students Affected by AIDS Scholarship Fund of Project Kindle, Inc. By giving scholarships of up to -$-1000 or more - the Scholarship Fund is helping to provide for the educations of past campers who are now pursuing a higher education!
STAFF & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Director/Founder - Troy Fienhold-Haasis
With management, fundraising and nonprofit volunteerism under his belt, Fienhold-Haasis definitely knows the ins and outs of raising money and promoting events. A graduate of the Nonprofit Management Academy in 2009, he is also attending the Nonprofit Executive Institute with plans to graduate in early 2010.
As Rainbow Celebrations' Pride Chair 2002-2006, Fienhold-Haasis was responsible for leading the effort to plan and produce the annual Nebraska Pride Celebration. As a former Mr Gay Pride Nebraska 2001, Mr Q 1996, and Grand Duke 22 with the Imperial Court of Nebraska, he has extensive experience in event planning. Before bringing his skills and talents to Nebraska, he served the GLBT communities of Iowa as Emperor 6 of the Imperial Court of Iowa, Mr Gay Des Moines All American 1991 and founded the Rainbow Unity Foundation which provided scholarships to GLBT high school graduates across Iowa.
Fienhold-Haasis is also the creator and producer of the highly success Pride IDOL vocal competition series which has raised over -$-45,000 since its beginning in 2004. Most recently, he and his partner were married in Toronto, Ontario, Canada during an all expense paid Wedding Trip they won from the Same Sex Wedding Show. Upon returning to Nebraska, they were nominated and elected by the community as the 2006 Nebraska GLBT Pride Parade Grand Marshals.
As Founder of the Diamond Foundation, Fienhold-Haasis plans to provide much needed monies to Project Kindle so that kids affected by HIV/AIDS can experience summer camp and just be kids!
Photo
You can email him at troy [at] diamond-foundation [dot] org
As Rainbow Celebrations' Pride Chair 2002-2006, Fienhold-Haasis was responsible for leading the effort to plan and produce the annual Nebraska Pride Celebration. As a former Mr Gay Pride Nebraska 2001, Mr Q 1996, and Grand Duke 22 with the Imperial Court of Nebraska, he has extensive experience in event planning. Before bringing his skills and talents to Nebraska, he served the GLBT communities of Iowa as Emperor 6 of the Imperial Court of Iowa, Mr Gay Des Moines All American 1991 and founded the Rainbow Unity Foundation which provided scholarships to GLBT high school graduates across Iowa.
Fienhold-Haasis is also the creator and producer of the highly success Pride IDOL vocal competition series which has raised over -$-45,000 since its beginning in 2004. Most recently, he and his partner were married in Toronto, Ontario, Canada during an all expense paid Wedding Trip they won from the Same Sex Wedding Show. Upon returning to Nebraska, they were nominated and elected by the community as the 2006 Nebraska GLBT Pride Parade Grand Marshals.
As Founder of the Diamond Foundation, Fienhold-Haasis plans to provide much needed monies to Project Kindle so that kids affected by HIV/AIDS can experience summer camp and just be kids!
Photo
You can email him at troy [at] diamond-foundation [dot] org
Co-Founder - Jade Esteban Estrada
San Antonio native and star of Comedy Central, as well as ICONS: the Lesbian and Gay History of the World - Volumes 1, 2 & 3 and A Lullaby for Ryan: the history of HIV/AIDS in America; Jade worked with Troy Fienhold-Haasis to begin the Diamond Foundation.
This gay - latin - pop - international recording artist; award winning theatrical actor; 2005 GLBT Hall of Fame Inductee; 2005 Performance Artist of the Year, travels and performs year-round across the United States and around the globe.
Jade has made two appearances at Nebraska Pride as a national headliner, as well as repeat performances at many high schools, colleges and organizations throughout Nebraska with the tour of his ICONS trilogy. Jade’s energy and compassion shine through in every performance as audience members walk away with a profound new understanding of what being an ICON is for many of our most memorable GLBT ICONS throughout history!
Photo
You can email him at info [at] diamond-foundation [dot] org
This gay - latin - pop - international recording artist; award winning theatrical actor; 2005 GLBT Hall of Fame Inductee; 2005 Performance Artist of the Year, travels and performs year-round across the United States and around the globe.
Jade has made two appearances at Nebraska Pride as a national headliner, as well as repeat performances at many high schools, colleges and organizations throughout Nebraska with the tour of his ICONS trilogy. Jade’s energy and compassion shine through in every performance as audience members walk away with a profound new understanding of what being an ICON is for many of our most memorable GLBT ICONS throughout history!
Photo
You can email him at info [at] diamond-foundation [dot] org
Board Member - Howard Swain
Howard Swain has over fifteen years of Beauty/Scholarship Pageant experience having worked actively in the 70's and 80's with both the Miss Omaha and Miss Nebraska Pageants and was actively involved in preparing five Miss Nebraska's and one Miss Colorado for their journey to Atlantic City, New Jersey to compete for the coveted title of Miss America.
He has been a five year Judge for Pride Idol which garnered him the First Pride Idol Sprit Award, twice served as a judge for the Miss MAX Pageant and also for the Miss Closet Ball Pageant. Mr. Swain has vast experience directing Musical Theatre, Opera and Ballet. Currently he is in his 14th year as the Artistic Staging Director for the Omaha Press Club Show.
Always one to step forward and help a charity in need, he is also one of several hosts for the biggest Night of 1000 Stars Annual Dinner party at the Omaha Press Club each year! Read about Howard in The Encounter Magazine - Jan/Feb 2009 Issue
You can email him at howard [at] diamond-foundation [dot] org
He has been a five year Judge for Pride Idol which garnered him the First Pride Idol Sprit Award, twice served as a judge for the Miss MAX Pageant and also for the Miss Closet Ball Pageant. Mr. Swain has vast experience directing Musical Theatre, Opera and Ballet. Currently he is in his 14th year as the Artistic Staging Director for the Omaha Press Club Show.
Always one to step forward and help a charity in need, he is also one of several hosts for the biggest Night of 1000 Stars Annual Dinner party at the Omaha Press Club each year! Read about Howard in The Encounter Magazine - Jan/Feb 2009 Issue
You can email him at howard [at] diamond-foundation [dot] org
Board Member - Misty Price (Stokes)
See below for Biography
You can email her at misty [at] diamond-foundation [dot] org
You can email her at misty [at] diamond-foundation [dot] org
Board Member - Jason Fienhold-Haasis
Biography coming soon . . .
You can email him at jason [at] diamond-foundation [dot] org
You can email him at jason [at] diamond-foundation [dot] org
Board Member - Chrys Whitmarsh
Biography coming soon . . .
You can email her at chrys [at] diamond-foundation [dot] org
You can email her at chrys [at] diamond-foundation [dot] org
TITLEHOLDERS
Diamond Princess 2009 - Fanta Cee aka Nicholas Woodard
Diamond Princess 2007 - Wendy Dey aka Dan Whelan
Diamond Princess 2006 - Monroe aka Conway John
Pride IDOL 2009 - Erik Gosnell
Biography coming soon . . .
You can email him at erik [at] pride-idol [dot] com
You can email him at erik [at] pride-idol [dot] com
Pride IDOL 2008 - Alina Tenorio
The power of the women prevailed in 2008 with all four of the top spots at Finals being awarded to our women Finalists.
An avid Karaoke fan and competitor, Alina Tenorio captivated the judges as well as the audience on Sunday, May 25 in front of a packed house during the 5th Anniversary Finale! Her determination paid off as she was named Pride IDOL 2008.
A mother of 6 (including 4 foster children) and the owner of a prospering home day care business in Council Bluffs, Alina has her hands full during the day. But come nightfall, her basement becomes the equivalent of a home recording/karaoke studio - giving her and her family time to hone their singing!
Alina brought excitement and fun changes to the many benefits throughout her reign as Pride IDOL. Always with a smile, her presence on stage was sure to bring a spotlight to the show!
You can email her at alina [at] pride-idol [dot] com
An avid Karaoke fan and competitor, Alina Tenorio captivated the judges as well as the audience on Sunday, May 25 in front of a packed house during the 5th Anniversary Finale! Her determination paid off as she was named Pride IDOL 2008.
A mother of 6 (including 4 foster children) and the owner of a prospering home day care business in Council Bluffs, Alina has her hands full during the day. But come nightfall, her basement becomes the equivalent of a home recording/karaoke studio - giving her and her family time to hone their singing!
Alina brought excitement and fun changes to the many benefits throughout her reign as Pride IDOL. Always with a smile, her presence on stage was sure to bring a spotlight to the show!
You can email her at alina [at] pride-idol [dot] com
Pride IDOL 2007 - Chad Williams
Trials and tribulations. . .our Pride IDOL 2007 has been through it all. And came out shining! Chad entered the competition at the urging of a friend, and left as the first runner up for that prelim. Later, after a contestant dropped out, he became a finalist. At Finals, with a huge audience vote behind him, he emerged as Pride IDOL 2007! From the beginning, Chad, like all our IDOLS, had a sound all his own. A little country and a little pop.
Late in fall of 2007, after an amazing summer of performing at various Midwest Pride Festivals, Chad was informed that he had a tumor, possibility cancerous attached to his jaw. After several months off from singing, Chad emerged from the hospital, cancer free and tumor free! Although his recovery was many more months, Chad proved his commitment as a Pride IDOL by jumping right back into the performing scene just as Season 5 kicked off.
Just as each previous Pride IDOL honed their own look and sound, Chad has stayed true to his - almost always casual with a personality that anyone would love! As the fourth in a line of accomplished vocalists, Chad and partner Jeremy (Pride IDOL 2005) spent time in the studio producing a mini CD of their signature songs. Proving that nothing is greater than prayer, trust and commitment, Chad has emerged as one of the most tried and true IDOLS to date!
You can email him at chad [at] pride-idol [dot] com
Late in fall of 2007, after an amazing summer of performing at various Midwest Pride Festivals, Chad was informed that he had a tumor, possibility cancerous attached to his jaw. After several months off from singing, Chad emerged from the hospital, cancer free and tumor free! Although his recovery was many more months, Chad proved his commitment as a Pride IDOL by jumping right back into the performing scene just as Season 5 kicked off.
Just as each previous Pride IDOL honed their own look and sound, Chad has stayed true to his - almost always casual with a personality that anyone would love! As the fourth in a line of accomplished vocalists, Chad and partner Jeremy (Pride IDOL 2005) spent time in the studio producing a mini CD of their signature songs. Proving that nothing is greater than prayer, trust and commitment, Chad has emerged as one of the most tried and true IDOLS to date!
You can email him at chad [at] pride-idol [dot] com
Pride IDOL 2006 - Ryan Klaus
Ryan took Season 3 by surprise. Having competed in Prelim #2 at FLIXX Video Bar, Ryan wowed the judges and audience that evening. But then he disappeared for most of the rest of the season. As Finals drew closer, we wondered if Ryan would be competing. . .but he came out of the shadow right at the end of the season to get a little practice in before Finals.
Ryan was not ashamed or afraid to tell us or anywhere where he had been. Outside influences had gotten ahold of his life and he needed time away to straighten out his priorities. As only the IDOL family could and would, we welcomed him back with open arms - glad that he was ok! But, having missed most of the season and the extra practice that all the other prelims afford each finalist, the question remained - how would Ryan fair against some very seasoned vocalists who had qualified.
The night of Finals 2006, Ryan took that stage with different costumes and music that captured the audience as well as the judges. In the end, Ryan surprised everyone by taking the 2006 IDOL title. Since Finals, Ryan has been extremely active in many performances and was a featured vocalists during the 2006 National Coming Out Day events. As Pride IDOL, Ryan has discovered not only a chance to further his performing talents, but also in helping to advocate for a clean and sober lifestyle! We are all proud of Ryan and his dedication to our charities!
You can email him at ryan [at] pride-idol [dot] com
Ryan was not ashamed or afraid to tell us or anywhere where he had been. Outside influences had gotten ahold of his life and he needed time away to straighten out his priorities. As only the IDOL family could and would, we welcomed him back with open arms - glad that he was ok! But, having missed most of the season and the extra practice that all the other prelims afford each finalist, the question remained - how would Ryan fair against some very seasoned vocalists who had qualified.
The night of Finals 2006, Ryan took that stage with different costumes and music that captured the audience as well as the judges. In the end, Ryan surprised everyone by taking the 2006 IDOL title. Since Finals, Ryan has been extremely active in many performances and was a featured vocalists during the 2006 National Coming Out Day events. As Pride IDOL, Ryan has discovered not only a chance to further his performing talents, but also in helping to advocate for a clean and sober lifestyle! We are all proud of Ryan and his dedication to our charities!
You can email him at ryan [at] pride-idol [dot] com
Pride IDOL 2005 - Jeremy Young
Jeremy competed half way through the season at Prelim #5 at FLIXX Video Bar. Winning the judges and audience over, he advanced to the Finals in May of 2005 when the IDOL competition was moved to the MAX in Omaha. When the night was over, Jeremy was actually announced as the 1st Runner Up for 2005. The final results were razor close....in fact, once again, the judges had voted for one contestant and the audience another. But because of changes in the scoring system, the judge's score edged out the audience. But things would not stay this way as the year progressed. . .
Halfway through the year, we found out that the Pride IDOL was moving out of state and would not be able to fulfill the responsibilities of the title. We quickly approached Jeremy and he didn't even think twice about stepping forward to assume the 2005 title! A Step Down/Crowning Show was planned and during that show, the first 2005 IDOL presented Jeremy with a check for -0 to represent that amount of money that was awarded. Jeremy immediately announced that the check was going directly to Camp Kindle - he would not keep any of it! The sign of a true Pride IDOL! In fact, Jeremy and his partner also stepped forward to sponsor the -$-500 Prize Money for the 2006 Competition, helping to ensure that every dollar raised went toward our charities!
Jeremy continued to perform and raise money for our charities. His style and choice of songs always won over any audience he was performing at. When the time came to say goodbye to Jeremy, it truly was as if he had served an entire year with the title! Without him, Pride IDOL would not have continued to Season 3!
You can email him at jeremy[at] pride-idol [dot] com
Halfway through the year, we found out that the Pride IDOL was moving out of state and would not be able to fulfill the responsibilities of the title. We quickly approached Jeremy and he didn't even think twice about stepping forward to assume the 2005 title! A Step Down/Crowning Show was planned and during that show, the first 2005 IDOL presented Jeremy with a check for -0 to represent that amount of money that was awarded. Jeremy immediately announced that the check was going directly to Camp Kindle - he would not keep any of it! The sign of a true Pride IDOL! In fact, Jeremy and his partner also stepped forward to sponsor the -$-500 Prize Money for the 2006 Competition, helping to ensure that every dollar raised went toward our charities!
Jeremy continued to perform and raise money for our charities. His style and choice of songs always won over any audience he was performing at. When the time came to say goodbye to Jeremy, it truly was as if he had served an entire year with the title! Without him, Pride IDOL would not have continued to Season 3!
You can email him at jeremy[at] pride-idol [dot] com
Pride IDOL 2004 - Misty Price (Stokes)
Misty competed back in May of 2004 when the very first Pride IDOL competition was held at the JOY in Omaha. A one night event, 9 vocalists stepped forward to compete for the first ever title. At the end of the night, the judges had selected one contestant and the audience selected another. A tie breaker at the last minute with the judges having the final decision, resulted in Misty being crowned the very first Pride IDOL.
After the competition, it was decided to expand the event and also to pick a charity partner to help raise money for along with Nebraska Pride the next year. Having just returned from a day at camp, Misty was very persuasive that Camp Kindle needed and deserved our support. After visiting their website, we all agreed that she was right. Camp Kindle became the "permanent" charity partner of Pride IDOL and eventually of the Diamond Foundation!
During her year, Misty performed almost every weekend, helping raise money for many, many other groups. She also was the major force behind promoting the competition series for 2005 as her continuous presence out in public helped make everyone familar with Pride IDOL and its charities.
Misty did not stop her involvement once a new IDOL was crowned. In fact, she is largely too thank for helping to contiue the success of IDOL here in Nebraska. In 2006, she stepped forward during Finals to help emcee the competition which added a new element to the evening's event! Not content to being the original, Misty has continued to "set the bar" of involvement for all IDOLS who follow her. Without her, Pride IDOL simply would not exist today!
You can email her at misty [at] pride-idol [dot] com
After the competition, it was decided to expand the event and also to pick a charity partner to help raise money for along with Nebraska Pride the next year. Having just returned from a day at camp, Misty was very persuasive that Camp Kindle needed and deserved our support. After visiting their website, we all agreed that she was right. Camp Kindle became the "permanent" charity partner of Pride IDOL and eventually of the Diamond Foundation!
During her year, Misty performed almost every weekend, helping raise money for many, many other groups. She also was the major force behind promoting the competition series for 2005 as her continuous presence out in public helped make everyone familar with Pride IDOL and its charities.
Misty did not stop her involvement once a new IDOL was crowned. In fact, she is largely too thank for helping to contiue the success of IDOL here in Nebraska. In 2006, she stepped forward during Finals to help emcee the competition which added a new element to the evening's event! Not content to being the original, Misty has continued to "set the bar" of involvement for all IDOLS who follow her. Without her, Pride IDOL simply would not exist today!
You can email her at misty [at] pride-idol [dot] com
For Official Downloads of Diamond Foundation and Pride IDOL Graphics please visit our Download Site