For the second annual Celebrate to Elevate event, Elevate Wellness hosted an evening featuring a comedic duo, information about Beautify McCook and a meal prepared by Coppermill, site of the celebration on April 13.

Emily Young, owner of Elevate Wellness, told those in attendance that everyone benefits from having abundant, thriving communities, which is why she and her staff at Elevate host Celebrate to Elevate. 

"We hope to bring awareness to different groups and projects going on to make McCook and Southwest Nebraska an even better place to live," she told the approximately 75 people in attendance.

The Beautify McCook committee started as the “Light Up McCook” project last fall ,which oversaw the installation of holiday lights along McCook's downtown skyline. The project evolved into "Beautify McCook," with the goal of completing at least one project each year. This year's project is dedicated to placing planters overflowing with flowers on the corners of downtown McCook. 

“We are hoping to bring literal beauty to McCook” committee member Ronda Graff said. “There are a lot of people doing a lot of things in this town, we just need to get the word out.” Graff also noted that volunteers of all ages are welcome to take part in the projects, with several signing up after the recent Celebrate to Elevate event.
As the creator of the downtown planters, Nicole Siebrandt of Garden Thyme Greenhouse designed air plant centerpieces which were auctioned off to raise funds for Beautify McCook. She also showcased a sample of the planters that will go on the corners of Norris Ave.

The 2nd annual Celebrate to Elevate also featured Hayley Kobza and Lena Koebel, known for their “Coaching, Caffeine, and Comedy" podcast. 

The evening raised awareness and more than $2,000 for the Beautify McCook project.

All the downtown planters will require regular watering, with the Beautify McCook committee working to develop a schedule, led by downtown resident Gary Wiemers.

The Beautify McCook is also working with the city of McCook and NPPD to install additional electricity in Norris Park and along Norris Avenue to accommodate additional holiday lights. 

To be part of the watering crew, provide a donation or just learn more about the projects, find Beautify McCook on Facebook. Beautify McCook is part of "Celebrate McCook," a subaccount of the McCook Community Foundation Fund.