LINCOLN, NE – Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest, through its Commonwealth Cares initiative, has generously donated $50,000 to the Children’s Nebraska Foundation. This donation underscores Commonwealth’s commitment to illuminating lives and serving the community.

The Children’s Nebraska Foundation is an advocate for children, devoted to raising awareness and managing and distributing funds to support Children’s Nebraska’s premier pediatric services and programs in Omaha, Nebraska. Its purpose is to solicit, receive, invest, and distribute gifts for the benefit of the hospital, whether general, specific, restricted, or unrestricted.

“At Children’s Nebraska, we are so grateful for the
support from Commonwealth Cares during this
season of giving. The holidays are a difficult time of
year for both children and their families to be away from
home. Commonwealth’s generosity helps bring comfort
and holiday magic during their time at the hospital.”

– Beth Greiner,
Executive Director, Children’s Nebraska Foundation

The mission of Children’s Nebraska allows for funds to be allocated specifically for the growth and development of its teams, resources, culture, and future. Boasting state-of-the-art technology, the best medical professionals in their fields, engaging and relaxing atmospheres for patients, gifts, and programs, Children’s Nebraska ensures that families can focus on being there for their children while allowing for the unbearable weight of responsibility and fear to subside.

Nick Manes, an estimator for Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest, nominated the Children’s Nebraska Foundation for the Commonwealth Cares initiative due to his family’s personal experience with the organization.

In April of 2023, Nick’s son Giovanni (Gio) began showing signs of illness as he became more fatigued, lost his appetite, found less joy in his favorite activities, and began complaining of headaches through the night, said Nick. On May 5, 2023, following an emergency MRI, it was discovered that Giovanni had a large tumor enveloping his optic nerve. This resulted (among many factors) in the pathway of cerebral fluid in his brain to be blocked, causing hydrocephalus and migraines. These findings confirmed a diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis Type I, a genetic disorder allowing tumors to grow along nerves throughout his body.

Since his diagnosis, Giovanni has undergone nearly 18 months of chemotherapy, several neuro & pediatric surgeries, countless ER visits, and dozens of scans. Giovanni will live his entire life with NF1, and is still living with the brain tumor, which thanks to the miracle workers at Children’s Nebraska, is now reduced to a small fraction of the original size.

“The community at Children’s Nebraska has truly become a part of our physical family over the last year-and-a-half. From the countless hours spent with the medical professionals, the messages back and forth in Children’s Connect at all hours, phone calls, and the special care they have for my son, they have always been just a breath away from any question or need we have had. I would feel special for this intensely focused care, however, if you spend more than 20 minutes within the walls of Children’s Nebraska you realize quickly that it isn’t just a single community, but rather a melting pot of souls connected and touched individually by the kindness and healing that resonates from within.”

– Nick Manes,
Estimator, Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest

The Commonwealth Cares initiative formalizes all aspects of the company’s giving under the banner “Energizing Communities for a Brighter Tomorrow,” building upon local efforts and establishing a framework for more significant, strategic charitable actions. Commonwealth’s philanthropic approach is rooted in the belief that the company exists not only to deliver top-tier electrical, low voltage, and exposition services, but also to actively contribute to the betterment of its industry, customers, and communities. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and community within Commonwealth, encouraging employees to actively contribute and nominate charities that are important to them. This inclusive process allows employees to use their skills, volunteer their time, and have a say in the philanthropic direction of their company.

About Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest

Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest is a 100% Employee Owned, full-service electrical and low voltage contractor located in Arizona, Iowa, Nebraska, and Utah. Commonwealth specializes in large and small-scale commercial and industrial electrical work while offering 24/7 service, design and build assist, and pre-fabrication to ensure every project is completed with efficiency and expertise. Learn more at www.commonwealthelectric.com.

Manes Family

Giovanni Manes (Gio), Brooke Manes, Olive Manes, Nick Manes