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Syd and Betty Cate

When you think of significant dates in the history of Omaha’s Zoo, one might reflect on any given year that a major exhibition or building opened. Another possibility is when the Zoo changed names from Riverview Park to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. That monumental event was, of course, in 1963. Interestingly enough, 1963 was also a significant date for Syd and Betty Cate, who gave up their Idaho address and moved to Omaha.

Born in Idaho and raised in Salt Lake City, Syd earned an engineering degree from the University of Utah before leaving to serve in World War II. After serving in the Army, Syd started a heavy equipment company, Southern Idaho Equipment, which had operations in Idaho Falls, Twin Falls and Boise. Later, he acquired a steel company in Pocatello and Boise.

The couple moved to Omaha after purchasing Gate City Steel Corp., which was a larger steel operation than the one he left in Idaho. Upon their arrival, Syd and Betty immersed themselves in civic and community life, and raising their four children. Syd’s involvement in the community also led to his philosophy that organizations must build and sustain endowments for future generations.

Leading by example, Syd and Betty included Omaha’s Zoo in their estate plan as a beneficiary of a joint life insurance policy.

“The Zoo is an important attraction for Omaha that has a strong board of directors and support from the community,” Syd remarked. “It was our desire to leave something of significance, and life insurance allowed us to leverage our gift while also providing a meaningful figure to be used in perpetuity.”

It is estimated that Americans own more than $8 trillion worth of ordinary life insurance. As you consider how you might help Omaha’s Zoo, don’t forget about the benefits that life insurance may provide as a charitable gift. You can use existing life insurance that is no longer needed or purchase new life insurance. New insurance can be purchased insuring an individual life or joint lives (called second-to-die) and can be purchased for ages 80 and older, depending on the health of the individuals.
Omaha Zoo Foundation • 3701 South 10th Street • Omaha, Nebraska 68107 • Phone: 402-738-2073 • Fax: 402-738-6909