Gambling with the Good Life Executive Biographies

Gambling with the Good Life Director Pat Loontjer has been nicknamed the “Grassroots Grandma.” She was a homemaker and mother of five when the predator known as “Casino Gambling” attempted to invade Nebraska in 1995. She quickly organized a dynamic group of concerned citizens from all walks of life who despite tremendous odds defeated the gambling industry four times in 1996. Since that time Gambling with the Good Life has successfully fought off the out-of-state gambling interests dozens of times in the legislature, the courts, and the ballot box. In 2004 Nevada launched an all out attack, spending over $7 million in an attempt to bring slot machines and casinos to our great state. In spite of being out spent by over 20 to 1,Tom Osborne, Warren Buffett, Pete Rickets and other prominent Nebraskans joined with Gambling with the Good Life to mobilized the largest coalition ever formed in the state and soundly defeated the Nevada gambling interests at the ballot box. Pat has been active in church and civic affairs for most of her life. She has served as board member for Good News Jail & Prison Ministry and Pro America and was active with Release Ministry, which works with youth in the juvenile detention centers. In 1986 Pat was named Nebraska Homemaker of the Year by Eagle Forum. Pat currently serves as a board member for the national organization, Stop Predatory Gambling. Pat works in sales and public relations and has 13 beautiful grandchildren. They all live in Nebraska, whose future “Good Life” she seeks to protect.