Mutual of Omaha Announces Aha Moment Semi-Finalists for National Ad

OMAHA, NE--(Marketwired - Sep 17, 2014) - Mutual of Omaha, proud sponsor of life's aha moments(SM), has announced the 20 semi-finalists in its search for the insurance company's next commercial, which will begin airing nationally next spring. Focused on the inspiring, life-changing stories of everyday real people, Mutual of Omaha's Aha Moment campaign is built on an integrated platform that includes its widely popular annual Aha Moment Tour, comprehensive social media engagement and extensive local media coverage.

"In its 5th year, we feel confident the Aha Moment Tour has uncovered some of America's greatest aha moments -- moments that inspire and lead to significant decisions, ventures and journeys. These are the stories that showcase the possibilities that a single moment possesses," said John Hildenbiddle, senior vice president of brand management and public relations at Mutual of Omaha. "Not only do we provide the insurance, retirement, banking and investment products necessary to protect those possibilities, but we believe in people and their personal power to change their worlds."

From the nearly 1,000 moments recorded in 20 markets nationwide, Mutual of Omaha selected a semi-finalist in each city. During the next two weeks, Mutual and its internal panel of judges will narrow the field to 10 finalists. One inspirational story will be chosen through a combination of Mutual of Omaha's panel and online voting at www.mutualofomaha.com/aha, which begins on Sept. 29. The winning spot will be included in Mutual of Omaha's broadcast advertising campaign in Spring 2015.

This year's tour kicked off in Redding, Calif. on May 12 and visited 20 cities in 20 states through mid-August. Along the way, locals were given their shot at 30-seconds of fame as they lined up to share their personal aha moments in an Airstream trailer serving as a mobile television studio. All of the interviews can be viewed at www.mutualofomaha.com/aha.

The 20 aha moment semi-finalists are as follows:

Redding, Calif. - John
John believed in himself enough to give up his career, test his dream, and start a successful brewing company.

Flagstaff, Ariz. - Kelly
As the director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Kelly realized she loved her job when she took time out of her busy life to change the life of a child.

Lubbock, Texas - Meagan
While working at the South Plains Food Bank, Meagan met a family who lost everything. When their son was excited to have milk in his box, she realized the importance of being thankful for what you have. 

Oklahoma City, Okla. - Willy
Willy's daughter asked him if everyone gets to eat turkey on Thanksgiving Day. After giving 14 plates of food away, Willy was inspired to start a food truck where no one leaves hungry, whether they can afford it or not.

Fayetteville, Ark. - Pamela
Pamela's husband suffered physical and emotional trauma from the Vietnam War. When Pamela got enough courage to write a book about post-traumatic stress disorder, she realized when we are honest and vulnerable with other people, it heals us and the other person, too.

Hattiesburg, Miss. - Johnny
While undergoing surgery, Jonny had a near-death experience when his lungs began to fill with fluid. After recovering, Johnny realized life is about giving and sharing.

Tuscaloosa, Ala. - Sonny
As a juvenile judge, Sonny's aha moment was discovering the value of setting up children for success rather than giving them a sentence.

Albany, Ga. - Pam
Pam's brother died at a young age from health complications due to obesity. Through a partnership with the YMCA, Pam set up a fitness center project to help obese children.

Scranton, Pa. - April
When an intruder attacked her 5-year-old daughter, April's community started a fund for her called the "Marlee Fund." April bought her a horse and got to see her daughter be a little girl again. Now April runs a non-profit that provides horse therapy for kids who have faced trauma.

Canton, Ohio - Tim
A homeless veteran gave one of his prized possessions to Tim, a chiropractor who has served wounded warriors. Tim's aha moment was realizing there is always someone that we can reach our hand out to and help.

Bowling Green, Ky. - Stormi
Stormi's aha moment is a way of life. Working with medically fragile children, she's seen them come alive at camp. Realizing life is short, she dusted off things she's always wanted to do and did them.

Decatur, Ill. - Sarah
Deciding that corporate work wasn't for her, Sarah started interning with the Make A Wish Foundation. Her aha moment was realizing after a day of serving, she's the one who is blessed.

St. Cloud, Minn. - Jennifer
When Jennifer was seriously injured in a car accident, a friend encouraged her to go to Yoga. Jennifer believes when we stop telling ourselves we can't and start believing that we can, the possibilities are endless.

Grand Forks, N.D. - Brenda
Brenda gained a new perspective on life when her and her family lost everything in a flood. Focusing on family is the most important thing, while everything else is just extra.

Great Falls, Mont. - Kate
Volunteering for a leadership position within a homeless ministry, Kate realized the good that can come from opening yourself up to helping people in your community.

Casper, Wyo. - Amy
After living on the streets herself, Amy got involved with an organization that helps single homeless parents. If Amy can put a smile on these family's faces, that's when she's most fulfilled.

Grand Junction, Colo. - Barbara
In an emotionally abusive relationship for half her life, Barbara realized that she had the right to be who she wanted to be. Now, she appreciates the beautiful moments in life that seem to be out of the blue.

Pocatello, Idaho - Evan
When Evan had a massive heart attack, he used his second chance to fulfill his dream of teaching government and history to high school students.

Walla Walla, Wash. - Ann-Erica
Taken aback by the love a Down Syndrome child showed her, Ann-Erica put on an exceptional rodeo for kids with disabilities and experienced their potential.

Bend, Ore. - Erin
Diagnosed with cancer at the age of 32, Erin tried to build for her future. She realized that the future isn't always guaranteed and realized that each day is a blessing.

Mutual of Omaha launched its sponsorship of life's aha moments in February 2009 and has captured almost 5,000 moments from people in cities all across the United States. Over 50 commercials have been produced and aired since the campaign's inception. For more information about the Aha Moment campaign, visit http://www.mutualofomaha.com/aha.

About Mutual of Omaha
Mutual of Omaha, proud sponsor of life's aha moments(SM), is a full-service, multi-line organization providing insurance, banking and financial products for individuals, businesses and groups throughout the United States. For more information about Mutual of Omaha, visit www.mutualofomaha.com.