Harmonies for Hope: Three Alumnae come together to support CUES students
Harmonies for Hope: Three Alumnae come together to support CUES students
Susan Rosenlof
Photo by Bob Shulte
For three Marian alumnae, music has been a gift that has played a significant role in their lives. Nikki Boulay ‘88, Natalie Thomas Hughes ‘03, and Karly Jurgensen Daniel ‘04 have all had active music careers since graduating from Marian.
Boulay ‘88 is a radio personality, voice-over actor, and vocalist in the band Finest Hour. Hughes ‘03, is the lead vocalist in eNVy and serves in a nursing leadership role at Children’s Nebraska. Daniel '04 is a pianist and vocalist who has performed with bands like Grammy-Winning Mannheim Steamroller.
Over the years, their paths would frequently cross, but they never had the opportunity to work together.
“We would run into each other and say, ‘We should really do something together.’ In the summer of 2023, we finally got serious and came up with the idea for Harmonies for Hope. We wanted to perform together, but just as importantly, we shared the same heart for using music to give back to the community and shine a light on the incredible work being done by local charities, ” said Boulay ‘88.
With that moment, Harmonies for Hope was created. These alumnae worked year-round to create a wonderful show! For the first two years, the charity concert benefited Heart Ministry Center. This year, they chose to support the CUES School System.
The CUES School System consists of three different schools serving pre-k through eighth grade: Sacred Heart, Holy Name, and All Saints Catholic School and primarily serves families of low-income students. The schools share resources and provide innovative instructional methods with comprehensive student and family support in a Catholic environment.
Many CUES alumnae have gone on to attend Marian High School. Since the 2018-2019 school year, 27 CUES graduates entered Marian. Many of them are the first in their families to attend a college-prep high school.
The Harmonies for Hope benefit concert was also special this year because the charity of choice, CUES, is run by a fellow alumna, CUES President and CEO, Marzia Puccioni Shields ‘75. With more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit management, Shields joined CUES at the start of the 2024 school year.
For Shields, working at CUES has been a full-circle moment. “As a kid, when I was an immigrant, to now, coming back to serve immigrant kids and other kids of the community, all that our kids need is that opportunity. They already come with amazing potential, {CUES} just provides them the opportunity,” Shields said.
Being able to support the CUES schools at her alma mater alongside fellow alumnae for Shields was a highlight. “Marian girls, whatever class you are… there is that special bond that outlives time and profession”, said Shields.
As Boulay, Hughes and Daniel began their two-day residency for a sold-out crowd at Harmonies for Hope, they were amazed at the impact.
“This event is incredibly special. Music has a way of bringing people together - it’s a universal language. The holidays are such a powerful and emotional time, and this concert taps into that magic. Our goal has always been to do more than raise funds. We want to raise awareness, spark connections, and ensure that the impact continues long after our concerts. The entire experience is humbling and deeply fulfilling,” said Hughes.
Supporting an organization like CUES was another great moment of the event. “There is so much that moves me about CUES. The commitment to the whole student is remarkable, from education to mental health to life and social skills. That approach is unique. Their investment in the entire family is also making a measurable difference, and their outcomes truly speak for themselves,” said Boulay.
By sharing their incredible talents with over 800 guests, Boulay, Hughes and Daniel create awareness for the transformative work happening at the CUES schools and support needed for their mission. As they reflect on this years’ show, they are proud of the love that Harmonies for Hope was able to show CUES and the Omaha community as a whole.
“At the heart of Harmonies for Hope is love... love for music, love for our community, and our love for each other. The three of us are women who push each other, but we don't compete. We hold each other accountable to be the best versions of ourselves, while also holding space for brokenness and vulnerability. I would say this is our "Marian-ness," and what is at the heart of any success we have with Harmonies for Hope,” said Daniel.
Harmonies for Hope is truly an example of what we teach at Marian - to be a confident, independent, thinking leader inspired by faith.