

FOOD + BEVERAGE
A BELOVED RESTAURANT BUILT ON FAMILY
FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES
INVESTMENTS WORTH MAKING
LOCAL SERVICES
GETTING DRESSED WITH ALISE







FOOD + BEVERAGE
A BELOVED RESTAURANT BUILT ON FAMILY
FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES
INVESTMENTS WORTH MAKING
LOCAL SERVICES
GETTING DRESSED WITH ALISE
Investment, by definition, is the act of devoting time, effort, energy or finances to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. We can invest in a lot of things such as our community, our relationships, our finances and our health with the hope that the effort will have a positive impact.
On a larger scale, we can participate in public surveys and stay educated and involved with future city planning. Investing in our finances helps create wealth, meets long-term financial goals and secures our retirement. On a personal level, we can invest in our families and enrich relationships by giving time and effort to the people in our lives that mean the most to us. This type of investment has the most meaningful impact to not only ourselves but to the people closest to us.
Our April issue focuses on investments—how funneling resources, time and energy into the world immediately around us can bloom into something extraordinary. From supporting local businesses to dedicating ourselves to personal and familial growth, our actions weave the fabric of a stronger, more vibrant community tapestry.
Take a moment to meet Avishar Barua, the proud owner of Joya's restaurant in Worthington—an establishment that resonates with warmth and is named in honor of his mother, Joya. Theirs is a tale of love and homage, and their story highlights how caring deeply for someone or something often pays dividends that can't be measured on any balance sheet.
Parallel to this, we have Alise Ghanem, who with her boutique, ModeAlise, shows us that competing in the fast-paced world of fashion and retail is possible with grit and a flair for style. Her story is one of resilience and commitment to an idea that has stood the test of time, reminding us of the perseverance needed when investing in our ambitions.
With this issue, our aspiration is to inspire—may it prompt you to ponder, act and cultivate your own investment story that echoes beautiful short and long-term returns. Some investments may fit into neat categories, while others are harder to define. Yet all are meaningful, and all create impact–on your life, your community and the world at large.
Until next month,
Whether independent and exploring sites unseen or wanting to stay closer to home, our communities know how to bring adventure to all residents. From cultured dining and themed events to joining friends to explore local attractions, our residents can experience life in a comfortable and accessible way.
Discover our vibrant communities, innovative programs, and extraordinary services like:
• Independent Lifestyle Apartments, Assisted Living, and Memory Support
• Nursing, Therapy, and Wellness Programs
• Special Events, Volunteer Opportunities, and Engaging Clubs and Committees
Explore the Life Enriching Communities in Columbus today by scanning the QR code:
Wesley Glen |
Wesley Ridge
Wesley Woods | Wesley Hospice
lec.org/city-lifestyle
Lisa Federico NORTHWEST COLUMBUS CITY LIFESTYLE
Blue Boat Counseling
WWW.BLUEBOATCOUNSELING.COM
Branch Beauty Studio
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CoHatch
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CarifaTile
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J.S. Brown & Company
WWW.JSBROWNCOMPANY.COM
Jason Harris, Guaranteed Rate
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Life Enriching Communities
LEC.ORG
ModeAlise
WWW.MODEALISE.COM
Moore Brothers Landscaping and Pools
MOOREBROTHERSLANDSCAPING.COM
NME Builders
WWW.NMEBUILDERS.COM
Nathan Daugherty, Ameriprise
WWW.AMERIPRISEADVISORS.COM/NATHAN.M.DAUGHERTY
Paulette’s Princess Parties
PAULETTESPRINCESSPARTIES.COM
Planes Moving and Storage
WWW.TEAMPLANES.COM
Residence Design Build
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Smartlevel Concrete
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Surreal Style
SURREALSTYLEWITHCOURTNEY.COM
The Timbrook Guesthouse
TIMBROOKGUESTHOUSE.COM
Theresa Mesaros CB Full Circle Team THEREALT614.COM
Tristate Exteriors
TRISTATEEXTERIORSLLC.COM
With an unmatched streak of victories, Central Ohio’s local NARI chapter, our community of remodelers, has truly outshone the competition, sweeping up more than 32 awards, the most of any other chapter nationwide. At the forefront, J.S. Brown & Co., clinched SEVEN Regional Contractor of the Year awards in several categories. Central Ohio is home to unparalleled remodeling expertise, and through NARI, this excellence will be recognized on the national NARI stage in April.
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The Ohio Birth Center celebrates the dawn of a new era in childbirth services as Central Ohio’s first independent, freestanding birth center. Specializing in midwifery care, the center offers a full spectrum of support including prenatal, delivery, postpartum, newborn and well-body care. Embrace a gentle, empowering birth experience with expert, compassionate care in a home-like setting designed for a family's most memorable moments.
Address: 3530 Snouffer Road, Suite 100 Columbus, OH 43235 www.ohiobirthcenter.com
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Body Intuit announced their grand opening in March, bringing Pilates, Barre, Yoga and nutritional coaching to Worthington. This beautifully designed studio offers a unique and diverse class schedule in traditional Pilates, Barre and Yoga that is designed to improve core strength, joint stability, balance coordination and flexibility, all while reducing stress levels.
Address: 1000 North High Street, Suite 1, Worthington, OH 43085 www.bodyintuit.com
Give them the childhood they deserve.
When doctor visits, medical bills, and treatments disrupt the joys of childhood, A Kid Again Adventures help them regain those moments to share with their families.
akidagain.org/centralohio
Avishar Barua sits on a couch next to his mother, Jayasree Barua, better known by her nickname, Joya. One of her arms lays across his shoulders, and a smile radiates from her face like a warm glow.
Avishar was already a Food Network alumnus by the time he opened Joya’s Café, a Bengali-American daytime restaurant named after his mother, in September 2022. But this isn’t why Joya beams at Avishar. It is, she says, because of how proud she is of her son.
“He cares for other people,” says Joya. “His employees, everybody.”
Located in the heart of Worthington on High Street, Joya’s is a restaurant which happened (almost) by surprise.
Following his appearances on Bravo’s “Top Chef” in 2021 and Food Network’s “Beat Bobby Flay” in 2022, Avishar moved into Joya’s eventual location at 657 High Street, never intending for it to be a restaurant.
“It actually was supposed to be my office,” says Avishar. “People were requesting us to do private dinners, host cooking demos and things like that. So, we were going to have an office space for a chef and a counter to be able to do those.”
Avishar, who also owns Agni in downtown Columbus, noticed that Worthington locals recognized him from his television appearances, and were anticipating a restaurant opening at the new location.
“People in Worthington are very curious,” Avishar says. “They recognized us and wanted to know what was going into this spot. We tried to tape up the walls, and that made people more curious.”
With demand from the public growing, Avishar slowly began offering smaller services, which evolved into a restaurant with daytime dishes such as a breakfast sandwich, tacos and fried rice.
“We started doing coffee, and that got really popular, and then we decided to do street food,” says Avishar. “We wanted to make it a spot people could come to in the mornings and just hang out.”
Avishar found inspiration for the menu from the foods he grew up eating, his experiences traveling abroad and extensive research on food and culture. It was important for him to bring a new kind of culinary experience to Worthington.
“We didn’t want to do what everyone else was doing. There’s a lot of places that do breakfast and brunch in Columbus,” says Avishar. “I wanted to do my own thing. When you go and travel abroad in other countries and you eat at the street food stands, you always get a charred flavor, and we try to do that with most of our dishes.”
Avishar grew up in Worthington as a child, and has warm memories of the welcoming atmosphere. He is glad this is where Joya’s is located. “It felt like coming home,” he says.
But Avishar, admittedly, didn’t grow up with an interest in cooking, Bengali cuisine or even his mother’s recipes.
For Avishar, his passion for food and becoming a chef, was an accident that happened while attending The Ohio State University. Avishar began cooking out of necessity for himself and his friends, and found that he loved learning about how food can connect people.
“It’s a great way to understand a culture and share that with somebody else,” says Avishar. After graduation, he decided to attend culinary school. Avishar worked his way through apprenticeships and found success as an executive chef. He received great reviews, and television networks began reaching out about opportunities for him to join cooking competition shows.
“We filmed “Top Chef” in 2020 and I filmed “Beat Bobby Flay” in 2021,” says Avishar. “It was a very interesting experience. It was stressful.”
“ He’s such a good man. I want him to chase his dream, whatever he dreams about. He makes me so proud.”
-Joya
“ We didn’t want to do what everyone else was doing. There are a lot of places that do breakfast and brunch in Columbus. I wanted to do my own thing ... [Cooking] is a great way to understand a culture and share that with somebody else.”-Avishar
Avishar didn’t watch his episodes, but Joya describes the experience of watching her son on television as "tense."
“I didn’t know what was going on because they’re not allowed to talk about it,” says Joya. “I was just holding my husband, asking him, ‘What’s going to happen? What’s going to happen?’”
Though Avishar didn’t win on “Top Chef,” he did, in fact, beat Bobby Flay. He has received calls from other shows asking him to participate, but hasn’t accepted any new offers—yet.
Joya’s Café continues to bring in crowds daily, and while there are currently no plans to expand with more locations, Avishar says he may be open to the idea in the future.
But for Joya, the real happiness comes from seeing her son succeed, give back to his community and care for others.
“He’s such a good man. I want him to chase his dream, whatever he dreams about,” says Joya. “He makes me so proud.”
Photo courtesy Nicholas Dekker / Breakfast With Nick4 people 8 Pieces
Ingredients:
• 2 tbsp Cooking Oil or Ghee
• 1 Cinnamon Stick
• 4 Cardamom Pods
• 2 Whole cloves
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1 large white onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1 tbsp Pureed Garlic
• 1 tbsp Pureed Ginger
• 2 tsp Cumin, ground
• 2 tsp Coriander, ground
• 1 tsp Turmeric, ground
• 1 tsp Cayenne or hot Chili Powder
• 1 tsp Garam Masala Powder
• 1 Chicken, cut into 6 or 8 pieces
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1/4 cup Water
• 1/4 cup Cilantro leaves, finely sliced
Murgir Jhol is a classic Bengali chicken curry dish brimming with warm, aromatic spices and usually served over rice. This is pure Indian home cooking. Simple. Straight forward. And delicious.
Directions:
1) Heat oil or Ghee, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves and bay leaves over medium heat in 5 qt Dutch Oven until cinnamon unfurls
2) Add onions and salt to the pot and saute until translucent (2-3 minutes)
3) Add pureed garlic and ginger until "raw" aroma dissipates
4) To the pot, add Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric, Cayenne and Garam Masala. Cook until fragrant and oil begins seeping out
5) Add the chicken and salt, increase heat to medium high and thoroughly coat until the chicken turns opaque
6) Add water and deglaze any bits on the bottom and give it a good stir (don't be lazy!), reduce heat to medium low. Cover and avoid the urge to add more water than this.
7) Simmer until tender (depends on the chicken, but the average store chicken gets done around 30-40 mins). Stir every 10 minutes. If thicker gravy is desired, remove lid and reduce down as needed.
8) Stir in cilantro, adjust seasoning as necessary and finish with our secret ingredient (we don't have any secrets, it is roasted cumin powder!)
1. RETIREMENT, COLLEGE, THAT DREAM VACATION, A NEW BUSINESS—INVEST IN MAKING YOUR FUTURE PLANS A REALITY.
Nathan Daugherty with Ameriprise can help you reach those financial goals, but the time is now. "There is no secret formula to financial success—it just comes down to discipline and time." Crafting the plan is a great way to get those dreams in motion.
2. PURCHASING A HOME IS AN INVESTMENT THAT INCREASES YOUR OVERALL NET WORTH
Guaranteed Rate can make financing easy whether you’re a first-time homeowner or not. Jason Harris has served our community for over 20 years. “Owning a great house in a great community has proven to be the number one wealth-building tool in the average American’s financial plan," Harris says.
3. INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME.
Already own a home? What better way to enhance your investment than with a remodel? NME Builders specializes in home remodels with a focus on craftsmanship and quality finishes. Remodeling with guided expertise can add value to your home and your happiness.
"When you invest in your personal style, you're showing up for yourself as a more confident, empowered individual. Your whole mindset and outlook will shift," says Courtney Smith, owner of Sur(Real) Style with Courtney. Shop your own closet, add just a few pieces, and focus on cost-per-wear.
Wesley Glen offers a fitness facility for our entire community, not just residents. Anyone, any age, can join Wesley Glen Fitness Center complete with a supervised Hydroworx Therapeutic pool, indoor lap pool and a wealth of wellness classes like Tai Chi, Water Aerobics, Balance & Strength and more. Monthly fees start at just $27/month.
I Am Boundless is a local nonprofit that provides care to people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities or behavioral health problems. While monetary donations are accepted, you can also show support by shopping using AmazonSmiles or volunteering your time.
A WOMAN WHO KNOWS GOOD STYLE IS MORE THAN WHAT MEETS THE EYE
Alise Ghanem has been in the fashion industry for 26 years. Her beloved store, ModeAlise, has occupied the same space since its inception 14 years ago inside The Shops at Worthington mini mall. Offering a beautiful range of clothing, accessories and shoes from European lines, American brands and more, ModeAlise is all about dressing differently
"To be different is what makes it interesting. Life is too short to blend in. People forget about you that way. They want to stand out. You are a woman! Embrace that and enjoy it. It’s what makes life beautiful because we are all different."
I was born and raised overseas. I am Lebanese. When I came here, I didn’t know anyone and I didn’t speak English. I was raised in a house [that exuded fashion]. My dad was a tailor and my mom a wedding gown designer. I have always had fashion in my blood and have always loved it. When I came to this country, there was nothing I liked (fashion wise), so I started a modeling agency and the store came later.
I love clothing. I love fabric. I don’t like basics. I like the unusual. When I was first married, I asked myself, “Should I start designing?" but I didn't have the time. Retail gave me the opportunity to dress people. I started my business with $500 and it grew from there. If you have the passion for it, I think you can do anything you want.
My customer base is 40 and older, and I know my customer. I buy for her. I think about her when I'm expanding my lines and refreshing the store. I want my customer to feel good in her own skin through what she wears. I don’t just sell my customers clothes—I want them to be happy and relaxed in what they're wearing, and to come back.
My customer likes to be different. You can find the classics anywhere and everywhere. When you step out [of the store], we make sure you’re going to stand out. Life is too short to blend in.
ModeAlise offers regular, petite and plus-size clothing, as well as shoes. Price point ranges anywhere from $60-$700.
WEBSITE: modealise.com
IG: @modealise
YOU ONLY GET ONE RETIREMENT
Retirement marks the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance and sound financial choices. It's often envisioned as a period of relaxation, exploration and deep connection with family and friends. However, this dream doesn't just manifest. It necessitates forward-thinking and detailed planning, regardless of one's financial status. Amid global economic changes, evolving life expectancies and intricate tax systems, an all-encompassing and strategic retirement plan is more crucial than ever.
A key element of effective retirement planning is diversifying your income sources. While staples like 401(k)s or IRAs are foundational, it's equally important to branch out. Dividend-bearing stocks can provide regular dividends, bonds offer both periodic interest and principal return and real estate, whether directly or indirectly owned, has potential for both rental income and value growth. Private investments can also yield passive income and impressive returns.
Tax considerations significantly influence retirement strategies. Each financial action, from asset sales to account withdrawals, can carry tax consequences. Knowing these details can greatly influence one's overall retirement income. Tactics such as Roth IRA conversions can help distribute tax liabilities over time, allowing for tax-free withdrawals later on. Using strategies like tax-loss harvesting can balance out capital gains, ensuring proactive steps to reduce tax impact.
Annuities have long been recognized as a popular retirement income source. An annuity is essentially a financial contract that can
offer a steady and predictable income, with options that might even extend to lifetime payouts. Available in varieties like fixed, variable and indexed, they often come with tax advantages. However, retirees should also be aware of certain drawbacks. These might include fees and expenses, issues around liquidity, and potential concerns related to inflation.
Delving into the world of Alternative Investments, retirees can consider assets such as hedge funds, private equity and real assets, among others. These investments may promise higher returns and provide diversification away from traditional stocks and bonds. However, the complexities of these investments mean they often come with challenges like illiquidity, higher fees and the need for a thorough understanding of the investment itself.
Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs), while not familiar to everyone, can be a potential retirement income source. Historically rooted, DSTs offer a form of passive real estate investment, which can lead to regular distributions. They also open doors to 1031 exchange possibilities, offering tax deferral benefits. But, just like any other investment, DSTs have their limitations, notably the lack of liquidity and the heavy reliance on trust management.
Introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs) were designed to spur economic development. Investing in these zones can lead to deferral, reduction and even the potential elimination of certain capital gains taxes. However, they often require a long-term investment horizon, and retirees must be well-versed with the specifics of the chosen opportunity zone.
“USING STRATEGIES LIKE TAX-LOSS HARVESTING CAN BALANCE OUT CAPITAL GAINS, ENSURING PROACTIVE STEPS TO REDUCE TAX IMPACT.”
Rental Income remains a favorite for many looking for consistent returns. Whether through direct property ownership or Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), real estate can offer passive income, tax benefits and appreciation. Yet, the responsibilities tied to property management, the uncertainties of market fluctuations and other associated costs must not be ignored.
The backbone of many retirement plans, Social Security Income, provides a safety net for millions. Established with the intent of financial assistance, the amount one receives depends on various factors. There are also strategies retirees can employ to maximize these benefits, such as deciding on the optimal time to claim or considering the implications of working while receiving benefits.
Beyond the immediate realm of retirement, estate planning emerges. This encompasses not just post-retirement arrangements but also asset distribution for future generations or charitable endeavors. Regularly reviewing wills, trusts and beneficiary designations ensures alignment with changing circumstances.
Philanthropy seamlessly integrates with retirement plans. Beyond fulfilling a personal mission to give back, it also carries financial benefits. Using instruments like donor-advised funds or charitable trusts lets individuals make impactful societal contributions while enjoying tax advantages.
You only get one retirement. In the ever-evolving world of finance, staying updated and flexible is essential to ensure the continued relevance and efficiency of one's retirement strategy.
Securities offered only by duly registered individuals of Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/ SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals of Csenge Advisory Group, LLC. MAS, Csenge Advisory Group, LLC and Impact Wealth, LLC are not affiliated entities. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. This is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Our firm is not permitted to offer and no statement made during this presentation shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency.
Every retirement journey is distinct, and each vision merits expert guidance. Impact Wealth is based in Boulder Colorado. You can contact them at Impact@ImpactWealth.com.
Find the things that you love. Take the stress out of food. Feed people because all they really care about is spending time with you. Bring joy back into the kitchen.”
Whether you know him from the Netflix hit Restaurants on the Edge or from his absolutely mouth-watering food photos as @dennistheprescott on the ‘gram, this former-musician turned internationallyrenowned Chef is an amazingly talented, thoughtful, and globe-trotting force to be reckoned with. When it comes to inspiration for creating experiences around food and your community, as well as creating travel bucket lists to some of the world’s most unique and delicious destinations off the beaten path, Chef ‘Dennis The Prescott’ is a culinary change maker whose feed you’ll want to feast on.
Host for two seasons of the show, Dennis and his two food and design co-hosts travel the world to revive failing restaurants by connecting them to the local culture. Filming included 13 episodes over 9 months that included three in Canada, one in the continental US, one in Hawaii, and others outside of North America, including Hong Kong, Slovenia, Austria, Malta, St. Lucia and Finland.
“Slovenia borders Italy and Croatia, which is to say there are a lot of shared values in and around food; they have really great cheese, dairy, beef, pasta, but very few tourists, hardly any. So if you love Italy, that kind of specific travel and food experience, particularly Northern Italy, because you can see the Alps from where they are. It’s picture perfect, a beautiful place, and also where orange wine is from.”
Dennis also highly recommends Costa Rica, Hawaii and Finland.
“Most people love the idea of travel, but we tend to pick the same places when we travel, and there is nothing wrong with that, they are amazing for a reason, but when you get off the beaten path a little bit, you learn the difference between vacation and travel.”
In addition to travels, Dennis is a huge advocate for supporting local businesses and the connection grilling in your own backyard can make.
“Grilling is inherently communal. You talk to your neighbors, they smell it, they ask you what you’re cooking; the whole act of it is a community.
One of the most common fears Dennis hears from people cooking and/or grilling at home is, ‘where do I start?’ Dennis recommends cooking the things that bring you joy — things that are on a restaurant menu you can’t NOT order because you’re so pumped that those dishes are on there.
“Find the things that you love. Take the stress out of food. Feed people because all they really care about is spending time with you. Bring joy back into the kitchen.”
Antrim Park 5800 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43085
Every spring, 85,000 rainbow trout are released into public lakes across Ohio, and Antrim Lake was stocked on March 29th, making April an excellent time for fishing. Rainbow trout, raised at state hatcheries, measure 10-13 inches before they are released by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. The fishing limit for inland lakes is five trout per angler.
Worthington Historic District, 689 High St, Columbus, OH
Sip, stroll and shop through Old Worthington each 3rd Thursday from April through October. Local vendors will set up shop on the sidewalks, and regular merchants in our historic district will stay open late!
APRIL 5TH
MadLab: 227 North 3rd Street, Columbus, OH | 7:00 PM
Come support your fellow Worthington neighbor’s at Spring Awakening this April! The musical is an adaptation of Frank Wedekind’s 1891 play. This rock musical follows a group of coming-to-age adolescents set in 19th century Germany. Enjoy this dramatic comedy April 5-14.
Visit WCTPresents.org for ticket information and more.
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Why Choose our HELOC?
5-10 days2
• No upfront costs
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• Apply in 5-10 minutes
initial draw. This product is currently not offered in the states of New York, Kentucky, Texas, West Virginia, Delaware and Maryland. The HELOC requires you to pledge your home as collateral, and you could lose your home if you fail to repay. Borrowers must meet minimum lender requirements in order to be eligible for financing. Available for primary, second homes and investment properties only. Dependent on minimum credit score and debt-toincome requirements. Occupancy status, lien position and credit score are all factors to determine your rate and max available loan amount. Not all applicants will be approved. Applicants subject to
APRIL 8TH
Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 | 2:00 PM
Astronomers are predicting that the “Great North American Eclipse” will be the most-watched event in modern history! Celebrate the solar eclipse from 2 to 3:30 p.m. from the backyard of the Northwest Library. Meet up with other viewers of all ages, make your own pinhole eclipse viewer, play cosmic trivia and more.
APRIL 12TH
McConnell Arts Center | 7:00 PM
Join Laura Camara & The Jake Reed Trio for a special concert commemorating the release of their new album, “Shades of Ellington.” The Jake Reed Trio has been performing at venues all over Columbus for over 10 years. In 2018, they decided to team up with award-winning local jazz vocalist Laura Camara.
Ticket prices range from $10-$20
APRIL 20TH
CoverMyMeds: 910 John Street, Columbus, OH | 6:30 PM
Martinis and Magic is a unique experience that supports families caring for a child with a life-threatening medical condition. Attendees will enjoy mesmerizing performances, music, dancing, amazing food, specialty cocktails and most importantly, quality time with families they are impacted. Proceeds raised will benefit the Central Ohio Chapter of A Kid Again to help provide cost-free adventures for 12,000+ families.
Since 1978, J.S. Brown & Co. has transformed homes and improved the quality of our clients’ lives. We can do the same for you.