A NIGHT IN MONTE CARLO FUNDRAISER EXCEEDS REVENUE GOAL

BY KIMBERLY PERROS, CONTENT WRITER

For 2024, the Spring Fundraiser committee proposed a new theme in lieu of the traditional spring fashion show A Night in Monte Carlo was hosted at The Cincinnati Ballet Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance included gambling and entertainment for a fun-filled event Members and non-members alike attended and made the event a huge success. Christina Yardley, Chair of the Spring Fundraiser Committee, shared how the projected revenue goal for the event was exceeded by over $10,000! Positive changes made by the Spring Fundraiser Committee gave this year’s event glowing reviews.

Christina shared the details behind planning and preparation to make the new concept outstanding and memorable The Presenting Sponsors were Chemed Foundation, The Sheila Jake Home Foundation, and Renee Grace Bridal Several in-kind sponsors provided support as well, thank you to Courtenay Lambert Floral & Event Design, Robin Wood Flowers, Skyline Chili for the late-night bites, photographers, Reinvented Media and Blackbird Photography and DJ Ishan Ghildyal. Cincinnati Circus led the game-play, teaching members and guests tips and tricks on blackjack, Texas Hold ‘Em and more Mojo Smoke offered cigars for purchase and Taylor Healey Jewelry invited guests to have their diamonds cleaned on-site to sparkle throughout the evening. Christina mentioned how this year’s DJ, Dreaming of the Island, created a vibe with the background music for the event Several JLC members and their families purchased sponsor and hostess-level tickets to help support the event Behind-the-scenes help was provided with collaboration from the Communications Council. Katie Ziegler, VP of Communications, designed the logo and digital program, while the Online Committee set up ticket sales on the JLC website and made ongoing updates to the fundraiser landing page The Marketing Committee promoted the event on social media, which brought in a lot of additional ticket sales.

This year’s event had an increase in ticket sales as JLC members extended more invitations to friends, family, and partners to the new event. Based on post-event survey feedback, "Members really enjoyed the unique Cincinnati Ballet venue space, and had a great time gambling and learning to play new games with Cincinnati Circus They also were thrilled to include their partners and spouses with the more inclusive theme, allowing them to meet their League friends and learn more about the organization they support " Monte Carlo offered special areas for gambling, food, and a silent auction The gambling room included exciting games of Texas hold 'em, black jack and craps. The food provided at the event was a buffet-style dinner provided by Village Pantry Catering.

The Cincinnati Ballet were great partners in planning, generously supporting the JLC’s plans to host in the new space. Christina shared, “We hope to host at the ballet’s space again next year since it was so wonderful ” A full collection of photos from the event are available on the JLC Facebook page Thank you to Jess at Blackbird Photography and Alexis Shoffstall at Reinvented.Media for capturing this event.