August 2026

August 2026

SUMMERMUSIK Concerts full of joy, fun … & ‘sin’ FOCUS ON

ANIMAL WELFARE David Jenike Cincinnati Zoo +

Carolyn Evans Cincinnati Animal CARE ‘Lalovavi’ composer

Chris Seelbach Kevin Day & librettist SPCA Cincinnati Tifara Brown

‘Lalovavi’ Black Opera Project looks to the future FOCUS ON

Addiction & recovery services

Polly Campbell: The joys of Polly Campbell: Paddlefest Philanthropy without strings

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Movers&Makers August 2026

MoversMakers.org

Publisher’s Letter 4 Arts & Culture 5 Summermusik looks to joy, fun … & sin | By David Lyman 6 The A&C List 8 Arts news in brief 9

FOCUS ON: Animal welfare 16 Zoo’s new CEO aims for experiences that inspire | By Thomas Consolo 16 SPCA, Cincinnati Animal CARE leaders on pets in need | By Kathy Doane 18

The Datebook 20 Social calendar shines a spotlight on the movers and makers behind Greater Cincinnati’s fundraisers, friend-raisers and community events.

Gifts & Grants 24 Nonprofit News 25 Names in the News 26

Snapshots 28 Cincy Shakes salutes Plotts at ‘Revel and Wit’ 28 NKY Chamber honors trailblazing women 29 Classic cars the attraction at Concours d’Elegance 30 Crohn’s & Colitis event takes steps toward cure 31 Giving gets glitzy and groovy to boost Alzheimer’s research 32 FotoFocus opens ‘Big Tent’ and grand new headquarters 33 BBBS golf a sellout in support of young people 34 Design LAB dines to benefit students and Newport restaurants 35 Best Point salutes excellence at 162nd annual meeting 36 Opera preview event celebrates ‘Salome’ stars and supporters 37 Golf Classic plays through for Stepping Stones 38 Conversations in canoes explore Mill Creek’s potential 39 Fatherhood Celebration raises $440K for Talbert House 40 Drag brunch brings in real change for Queen City Charities 41 KAA dinner proceeds empower adults with disabilities 42 20th Swing into Spring raises $440K for DCCH 43 Movers & Makers mingles under FotoFocus’ ‘Big Tent’ 44 Planned Giving Council honors philanthropists 45 500 support students’ journeys at Springer gala 47 Little Brothers gala marks 29 years of connection 48

The Last Word 50 Polly Campbell: Philanthropy without strings

Cover photo: Cincinnati Zoo CEO David Jenike, photo by Helen Adams for Movers & Makers

helen@helenadamsphotography.com

Movers & Makers

AUGUST 2026

3

PUBLISHERS’ LETTER

A

nimals. Are. Everywhere.

And I’m not even talking about the human kind.

Depending on who’s doing the measuring, somewhere between 60% and 70% of American households include a pet and more than 80% of those homes have a cat or dog. Even here in Over-the-Rhine, so many people walk their dogs several times per day, take them to the dog park, bring them to a bar.

They are part of the fabric, part of the family. But what happens when that fabric is torn apart by the complications of human life? What happens to our furry friends when home circumstances change?

We are blessed with numerous animal welfare agencies in the region. Kathy Doane sat down with the leaders of the area’s two largest to assess the overall pet landscape and provide some clarity as to how the two differ in the services they provide. See Page 18 for our conversation with Carolyn Evans of Cincinnati Animal CARE and Chris Seelbach of SPCA Cincinnati.

We have posted a longer version of the conversation on our website.

Also, there’s a new leader in charge of the global flora and fauna hereabouts. Thomas Consolo profiles Dave Jenike, who took over the reins of Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden at the beginning of this year. While Dave is not new to the organization, he brings a fresh perspective to the future of this centerpiece Cincinnati institution. Learn more on Page 16.

Summermusik returns this month, in case you’re looking for something other than al fresco pop and rock

Elizabeth & Thom Mariner, co-publishers

2026 Publishing schedule Issue

Deadline

Available

Digital edition & daily posts

SEPTEMBER

JULY 31

AUG 26

MoversMakers.org

OCTOBER

AUG. 28

SEPT 23

Social media

NOVEMBER

OCT 2

OCT 28

@moversmakerscincinnati

DEC ’26 / JAN ’27

OCT 30

NOV 25

Movers & Makers Magazine

2027 schedule coming soon.

@moversmakers

moversmakers.org/publishing-schedule

News/calendar submissions editor@moversmakers.org Advertising & distribution Thom Mariner, 513-543-0890 or tmariner@moversmakers.org Creative & accounting Elizabeth Mariner, emariner@moversmakers.org Free direct mail subscriptions and email newsletter sign up: moversmakers.org/subscribe

4

Co-publishers Thom and Elizabeth Mariner at Music Hall for Cincinnati Opera’s “Lalovavi”

AUGUST 2026

Movers & Makers

© Copyright 2026 Movers & Makers Publishing We make every effort to verify information submitted for publication (print and online), but are not responsible for incorrect information or misidentified photos provided to us.

Readers are advised to confirm event dates and other important details and check for last-minute changes with the organizations or advertisers involved.

Publication of this magazine and its website (MoversMakers.org) does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of any information contained within, including advertisements and links.

during these dog days. David Lyman explores one program intended to put the “sin” back in Cincinnati. Intrigued? See Page 6.

And Polly Campbell provides an update on the aftereffects of the generosity of Mackenzie Scott, who has given away billions in recent years to nonprofits across the country, including tens of millions here in Greater Cincinnati.

Find out how these investments helped several of the organizations expand their service offerings without bogging them down in paperwork. See Page 50.

This month marks 18 years that we Mariners have helmed what is now Movers & Makers. Thanks so very much to those who have supported and worked with us along the way. Want to help us continue as the only public voice of Greater Cincinnati nonprofits?

Reach out to learn how.

For their work on this issue, our gratitude to:

• Casey Weldon, digital editor • Phil Fisher and Ray Cooklis, copy editors • All the nonprofits that contributed news and photos.

Support comes from:

Gratefully, Thom & Elizabeth Mariner, co-publishers

Join M&M for our monthly

Mix & Mingle Ruckus, 2809 Woodburn Ave. Wednesday, Aug. 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Free light bites and happy-hour drink prices.

Hosted by James Reynolds and Ruckus.

RSVP required by Aug. 7.

Scan to RSVP

Interested in sponsoring or hosting in 2027? tmariner@moversmakers.org

m or ial H a ll e M t a s e i r e O u r 113 R e c i t a l S o -S o p ra no z z e M k c a B Welco m e s th

J A MIE BA RTO N !

Photo: Mark Allan

Sunday, October 25, 2026 3 PM

Along With Artists Making Their Cincinnati Debuts!

Jonathan Mamora

Amelia Zitoun

Oliver Neubauer

Sunday, September 13, 2026 3 PM

Sunday, February 7, 2027 3 PM

Sunday, March 7, 2027 3 PM

PIANO

CELLO

VIOLIN

And Musicians Joining Their Considerable Forces!

The McGill/McHale Trio Anthony McGill CLARINET

Demarre McGill FLUTE

Michael McHale PIANO

Thursday, April 15, 2027 7:30 PM

MatineeMusicale.com

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Movers & Makers

AUGUST 2026

5

ARTS & CULTURE

Arts & Culture

Summermusik looks at joy, fun … & sin

By David Lyman

Victoria Okafor

A

ll year long, Greater Cincinnati is blissfully awash in fine music. Recitals, chamber music, opera. And then there are the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Cincinnati Pops and the May Festival. These are blessings that are so abundant that it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming.

But there is nothing quite like the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra’s Summermusik Festival.

Lasting just four weeks in the closing portion of summer, it has earned a much-deserved spot in the pantheon of Cincinnati music.

In some ways, Summermusik is like summer itself – precious and all-too-brief. It is a festival filled with the unexpected. It’s unexpected because we may not have heard the works before – and also because of the way Music Director Eckart Preu brings together various works. Even more unexpected is the variety of venues, everything from traditional concert halls to neighborhood bars.

And there is one more thing: Summermusik is perennially wreathed in a sense of joy. Preu seems to have so much fun pulling all of this together.

No matter how serious the music may be – and it often is – there is never anything ponderous about the gatherings. As audience members, we’re coming together for the sheer joy of sharing and discovering music.

If it sounds like I’m being unfair to other groups, I get it. But at Summermusik performances, you feel that joy in the room in the way that you do at few other performances.

Looking over this summer’s lineup, there are programs with catchy titles, things like “The Isle of Enchantment” (the music of Puerto Rico) and “Musical Renegades,” which pairs the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with that of Frank Zappa.

A certain part of the interest Summermusik generates is because of the way the concerts are packaged. But more often than not, the music featured in those cleverly named programs is fascinating. And even entertaining.

“What I love about Summermusik is all the music you do with a chamber orchestra that you just can’t do with a big orchestra,” Preu said. “I don’t have to sell 2,500 tickets. The people who come to our concerts are having a ball. They 6

AUGUST 2026

Movers & Makers

understand why we do what we do. They are curious and adventurous and want to be entertained.

“And with a small orchestra, the music becomes more transparent – you can hear the inner workings of the music so much more clearly.

And for the musicians, I think it’s much more of a challenge. There is no hiding in a chamber orchestra. When you have 20 first violins, you can hide. Not in these performances.”

Sometimes those clever titles can get a little corny, like “Summer Meowsic,” featuring petinspired musical compositions. But for all the silliness of the name, the composers – Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland, Gabriel Fauré, George Gershwin, Domenico Scarlatti – are legit.

The concert title that immediately caught my eye, though, was “‘Sin’cinnati.” As the title suggests, it’s a program that revolves around the theme of sin.

“This program has been on my back burner for decades,” said Preu, noting that the centerpiece of the Aug. 22 concert is “The Seven Deadly Sins,”

by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht. “I was always fascinated by this piece. The concept, of course, goes back centuries. And even beyond, if you think about the idea of original sin.”

The music was distinctly modern for the 1930s. And it is thick with political and social undertones.

“The Seven Deadly Sins” premiered in Paris on June 7, 1933, less than six months after Adolf Hitler was appointed chancellor of Germany.

Weill and Brecht were both Germans who had fled their homeland. The choreography was by a 30-year-old expat who had fled the Soviet Union – George Balanchine. By the time the work premiered, Hitler and his Nazi Party had assumed full control of the German government and launched their increasingly harsh oppression of Jews, a movement that would eventually expand into World War II and the Holocaust.

“When you listen to it, at first, you’re struck by how melodic the music is,” said Victoria Okafor, the Cincinnati-based soprano who will sing the work. “But the more you listen to it, the more the ominous mood of the piece settles in. It’s straightforward. But it also has a profound influence of German cabaret. What can I say – it’s very Kurt Weill.”

Simone Muhammad

Joshua Stayton

Okafor should know. In recent years, she has come to be regarded as a Kurt Weill specialist. In 2025, she was named a Kurt Weill/Lotte Lenya Artist by the Kurt Weill Foundation, the first artist to receive the recognition since 2023. In 2021, she was awarded the second prize of the Lotte Lenya Competition, named for Weill’s wife, a noted singer-actor who would later win acclaim in Hollywood and on the Broadway stage.

“Weill was always experimental with subject matter,” Okafor said. “That’s part of what made him such an ideal creative partner for Brecht,” one of the most significant theater radicals of the 20th century. “Weill felt that you can’t just rely on the voice to be beautiful. Sometimes, the voice needs to be ugly. To him, the story-telling was as important as the singing. That’s why I love his music so much. He really made his singers

ARTS & CULTURE work hard.”

“The Seven Deadly Sins” is more than a collection of musical portraits, though. Weill referred to it as a ballet chanté or a “sung ballet.” He and Brecht believed that, for this work, movement should carry equal importance to the singing. So Preu recruited Cincinnati Ballet dancer Simone Muhammad to dance as Okafor’s onstage alter ego. In turn, Muhammad recommended that Preu engage former Cincinnati Ballet dancer Joshua Stayton – now artistic director of the Azara Ballet in Sarasota – to choreograph the work.

“It’s interesting – I’ve never worked with a chamber orchestra before,” said Muhammad.

“Usually, it’s been big orchestras.”

Think “Nutcracker” and “Swan Lake,” the sort of story ballets that are staples of most ballet companies. “I’m looking forward to the intimacy of working with a smaller orchestra. And with just one singer.”

And how about the material itself?

“This is definitely not the type of score I perform to every day,” Muhammad said. “But I think it’s going to be extremely fun to dance to, to embody all these different emotions, these different sins. And to act with this music. It will be a completely new experience.”

It’s worth noting that the following day’s A Little Afternoon Music recital, meant to offset all that sinning, is titled “Virtues: a Moral Compass.” But when Preu set out to program the performance, he found it a bit of a struggle. “I quickly realized that virtues were not as interesting as the sins,” he said. “Virtues took out all the fun out of the music, all the spice.”

Overcoming those initial hurdles, he ended up with a recital featuring Okafor (in a church!) that’s filled with optimism and variety, ranging from works by Henry Purcell, Johannes Brahms and Florence Price to Morten Lauridsen.

Preu can never explore a piece of music or an idea deeply enough. So rather than limit his exploration of sin to a single concert, he added a

second, related presentation.

The July 29 show is called “The 7 Deadly Sins of Cincinnati” and features local historian and columnist Greg Hand. It takes place at Urban Artifact in Northside.

Hand, a retired University of Cincinnati public relations executive, has spent much of his life rummaging around in libraries and archives and is always ready to share a good – and well-researched – story.

In fact, he’s part of a group of local historians who specialize in entertaining twists on history they call “stand-up history.”

“The stand-up history is an offshoot of my ‘Cincinnati Curiosities’ blog,” Hand said.

The whole premise of the blog is reminding Cincinnatians that the mythology they cling to so passionately was not always the way that Cincinnati was. Before 1920, this was a totally different city, weird and, in some cases, a very menacing city.”

Apparently, before 1920, the centers of “sin” were located on this side of the river. It would be a decade or so before Newport and Covington assumed those mantles.

“Cincinnati had a huge red-light district in the West End,” said Hand. “The Boss Cox machine required an open city. That meant that gambling was allowed. But only as long as you paid your bribes. Liquor and beer flowed freely, even on Sundays. Organized crime? It was all here in Cincinnati.

I think it was a more interesting city back then.”

Human nature, it seems, hasn’t changed much in the ensuing century. That’s part of what drew Preu to the Weill-Brecht collaboration.

“Weill may have been writing nearly 100 years ago, but I think all of this material is relevant today,” Preu said. “The pursuit of money and career, how we sell ourselves out, how much do we compromise our own values. And pride?

Wars have been fought over pride.

So yes, I think this music is still relevant. There are lessons to be learned.”   summermusik.org

Movers & Makers

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The A&C List Also online at moversmakers.org ARTS & CULTURE | The List

Cultural Exhibits/Tours 1001 Colors (formerly ArtWorks) | 1001colors.org Thru October. Walking mural tours of Pendleton, Over-the-Rhine and downtown American Construction Toy Museum | Norwood. actmuseum.org Preservation and history of 3D building toys in America American Legacy Tours | Over-theRhine. americanlegacytours.com Historic tours American Sign Museum | Camp Washington. americansignmuseum.org Saturdays, noon & 2 p.m. & Sundays, 2 p.m. Guided museum tours Archaeological Research Institute | Lawrenceburg. 812-290-2966. exploreari.org Hands-on educational experiences Behringer-Crawford Museum | Covington. 859-491-4003. bcmuseum.org Thru Aug. 9. “Treasures From the Attic: 250 Years of Fashion & Furniture” Betts House | West End. 513-651-0734. facebook.com/thebettshouse By appointment only. Oldest home in Cincinnati Brewing Heritage Trail Tour Center | ​ Over-the-Rhine. 513-604-9812. brewingheritagetrail.org Explore Queen City beverage history Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame | Brady Center, The Banks. cincyblackmusicwalkoffame.org Daily, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Queen City contributions to Black music Cincinnati Fire Museum | Downtown. cincyfiremuseum.com Permanent collection. Historic artifacts and equipment Cincinnati Food Tours | Findlay Market, Over-the-Rhine. cincinnatifoodtours.com Exploring Queen City culinary culture

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Cincinnati Museum Center | Queensgate. cincymuseum.org Thru Jan. 4. “LEGO Jurassic World: The Exhibition” Thru Aug. 23. “Declarative Acts and Revolutionary Actors” Saturdays, 10 a.m. Cincinnati Heritage Programs: “America 250” Cincinnati Nature Center | Milford. cincynature.org Nature trails and ponds amidst oldgrowth forest Cincinnati Observatory | Hyde Park. cincinnatiobservatory.org Oldest professional observatory in the United States Cincinnati Type & Print Museum | Lower Price Hill. cincinnatitypeprintmuseum.org Permanent collection. Equipment, tools and artifacts Cincinnati Zoo | Avondale. cincinnatizoo.org World-class fauna and flora Civic Garden Center | Avondale. civicgardencenter.org Aug. 6, 11 a.m. Compost Tour Aug. 20, 10 a.m. Green Learning Station Tour Aug. 20, 11 a.m. Hauck Arboretum Tour Friends of Music Hall | Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine.

513-621-2787. friendsofmusichall.org Indoor and outdoor tours of Queen City landmark Glendale Heritage Preservation | Village Square, Glendale. 513-771-8722. glendaleheritage.org Current exhibit. “Glendale: Looking Back Over 250 Years,” an America 250 exhibit Greater Cincinnati Police Museum | Pendleton. 513-300-3664. police-museum.org Permanent collection. Historic artifacts and equipment Harriet Beecher Stowe House | Walnut Hills. 513-751-0651. stowehousecincy.org Historic family home of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” author and later a Green Book location

“Declarative Acts and Revolutionary Actors” runs through Aug. 23 at Cincinnati Museum Center, part of the USA 250th birthday celebration.

Heritage Village Museum | Sharonville. 513-563-9484. heritagevillagecincinnati.org Thru Dec. 31, 2027. America 250 Exhibit Select Saturdays, 7-10 p.m. Spirits by Starlight Ghost Tours Holocaust & Humanity Center | Cincinnati Museum Center, Queensgate.

513-487-3055. holocaustandhumanity.org Media, artifacts, art and interactive exhibitions commemorating the Holocaust Imperial Theatre | Mohawk, Over-the-Rhine. imperialmohawk.org Aug. 8, 10 a.m. Tour of the Imperial Theatre Krohn Conservatory | Eden Park. 513421-4086. cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks Thru Aug. 9. “Destination Monarch” Butterfly Show Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad | Lebanon. lebanonrr.com Historic train rides in Warren County Lloyd Library and Museum | Downtown. 513-721-3707. lloydlibrary.org Permanent exhibit. George Rieveschl Jr.: History of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Thru Sept. 11. “More-Than-Human Medicine,” art about the healing power of nature Aug. 5, 7 p.m. “Therapy Animals in Care and Community” with Marilyn Edwards of Pet Partners of Greater Cincinnati

Mercantile Library | Downtown.

513-621-0717. mercantilelibrary.com Oldest membership library west of the Alleghenies Milford Historical Society | Promont, Milford. 513-248-0324. milfordhistory.net Permanent exhibit. Historical displays of art, artifacts and more Mill Creek Alliance | Urban Artifact, Northside.

513-563-8800. themillcreekalliance.org Aug. 5, 7-10 p.m. Stand-Up History: Mill Creek Edition Mt. Adams Civic Association | 513-235-3957. mtadamscincy.org By appointment only. Historic walking tours National Museum of the United States Air Force | Wright-Patterson AFB, Fairborn. nationalmuseum.af.mil World’s largest military aviation museum National Underground Railroad Freedom Center | The Banks, downtown. 513-333-7500. freedomcenter.org Permanent collection exploring themes of individual freedom National VOA Museum of Broadcasting | West Chester.

513-777-0027. voamuseum.org Radio’s golden age and Cincinnati’s role in America’s global voice Newport Aquarium | Newport. newportaquarium.com Showcase of exotic aquatic creatures

ARTS & CULTURE Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum | Hamilton. 513-868-1234. pyramidhill.org Large-scale art and nature intertwined Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati | Covington. cincirailmuseum.org Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Exhibited railroad yard collection RAPTOR Inc. | Milford. raptorinc.org Aug. 30, 1-4 p.m. Open house for birds of prey sanctuary Skirball Museum | Hebrew Union College, Clifton.

513-221-1875. csm.huc.edu Permanent exhibit. “An Eternal People: The Jewish Experience” Star Walk | WEB Extreme Entertainment, West Chester Twp. verseimmersive.com/cincinnati/starwalk Augmented reality odyssey through the cosmos Taft Museum of Art | Lytle Park, downtown. 513-241-0343. taftmuseum.org Historic home, art collection and exhibits Tri-State Warbird Museum | Batavia. tri-statewarbirdmuseum.org Permanent exhibition of military and historic aviation Valley View Nature Preserve | Milford. valleyviewpreserve.org Preserved 190-acre farm and open land Vent Haven Museum | Ft. Mitchell. 859-341-0461. venthaven.org By appointment only. World's only museum dedicated to ventriloquism White Water Shaker Village | Harrison. whitewatervillage.org Preserved historic village William Howard Taft National Historic Site | Mt. Auburn. nps.gov/wiho/index.htm Historic home of early 20th-century U.S. president and chief justice

Fairs/Festivals/Markets Artisan Marketplace | Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine. artisanfest513.org Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

ArtisanFest513 Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Vintage Market

Slow down, look closely at the Lloyd Library The Lloyd Library & Museum’s current exhibit, “More-Than-Human Medicine,” invites visitors to reconsider healing as a shared inheritance between humans and the living world that surrounds us. Moving between art, science and history, the exhibit is intended to illuminate the quiet intelligence of plants and animals whose unseen labor has long sustained practices of medicine and care.

Eighteenth-century botanical illustrations from the Library’s collections are placed in conversation with hand-stitched elements of a life-sized human skeleton, carefully sculpted animal co-conspirators and much more. Sara Torgison, 2025 Lloyd artist-in-residence, has created a layered narrative where past and present meet.

Together, these works trace connections between traditional healing knowledge and contemporary scientific inquiry, revealing medicine as something deeply relational – rooted in reciprocity, observation and coexistence.

“More-Than-Human Medicine” encourages audiences to slow their pace, sharpen their attention and encounter the natural world as collaborator, teacher and kin. The exhibit runs through Sept. 11.

In conjunction with the exhibit, The Lloyd will host an event, “Therapy Animals in Care and Community,” Wednesday, Aug. 5, 7 p.m. Featuring Marilyn Edwards of Pet Partners of Greater Cincinnati and Chris Seelbach of SPCA Cincinnati, the presentation will share how trained therapy-animal teams are used as a tool in health and wellness bringing comfort, emotional support and meaningful connection. Registration required. Hear more from Seelbach on Page 18.  lloydlibrary.org

“Arthritis Quilt”

by Sara Torgison

Local theater names playwright-in-residence American Legacy Theatre named Louisville-based playwright, educator and performer Terry Tocantins as its next playwright-in-residence.

Founded in 2016, American Legacy Theatre creates community-centered productions and educational programs designed to make theater more accessible while using the art form to foster dialogue, empathy and social change.

Through its Playwrights for Change program, Tocantins will spend the next two years developing a new original play through readings, workshops and community engagement as

it evolves from page to stage. In a Facebook post, the stage company described the residency program as part of its “ongoing commitment to supporting new voices and original theatre in Cincinnati.”

With a background in theater and creative writing, Tocantins centers his work on stories of people and communities that are often overlooked.

“Courage and risk are a requirement in the work at ALT,” Tocantins said. “To see both of these traits in a theater’s practice is a surprise in our contemporary climate.”  americanlegacytheatre.org

Terry Tocantins

Movers & Makers

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ARTS & CULTURE | The List Charm at the Farm Markets | Lebanon. charmatthefarm.com Aug. 14-15. Rustic gifts, furniture a nd home decor City Flea | Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine. thecityflea.com Aug. 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Curated arts and crafts Covington Farmers Market | 600 block of Washington St., Covington. greatneighborhoods.org Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Regional market East Walnut Hills Farmers' Market | Madison Road at Woodburn. ewhfarmersmarket.com Fridays, 4-7 p.m. Produce, baked goods and arts & crafts EquaSion | Cintas Center and virtual. equasion.org Aug. 2, 1-5 p.m. Festival of Faiths Great Inland Seafood Festival | Newport’s Festival Park. thingstodocincinnati.com Aug. 13-16. Wide array of seafood and live entertainment Hyde Park Farmers’ Market | Hyde Park Square. hydeparkfarmersmarket.com Sundays, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Regional food and beverage market Madeira Farmers Market | Dawson Road at Miami Avenue, Madeira. madeirafarmersmarket.com Thursdays, 4-7 p.m. Local growers and purveyors Northside Farmers Market | Heart of Northside, Northside. northsidefm.org Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m. Regional food and beverage summer market Northside Summer Market | CAIN and throughout the neighborhood. northsidesummermarket.com Aug. 8, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Neighborhood market, plus home yard sales through the weekend Ohio River Paddlefest | Schmidt Recreation Complex, East End. ohioriverpaddlefest.org Aug. 1. Paddling, kayaking and more on the Ohio Westside Market | Westwood Town Hall. westsidemarketcincy.com

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Movers & Makers

Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Handcrafted goods by small businesses

Film Cindependent Film Fest | Main Library, downtown.

214-843-6781. cindependentfilmfest.org Aug. 13, 7:30 p.m. “The Public” and “Fresh” Washington Park | Over-the-Rhine. washingtonpark.org/events ◆ 9 p.m. Summer Cinema: Aug. 4. “Naked Gun” (2025) Aug. 11. “Mortal Kombat” (1995) Aug. 18. “Superman” (2025) Aug. 25. “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything” Woodward Theater | Over-the-Rhine.

513-345-7981. woodwardtheater.com Aug. 10, 7:30 p.m. Cameo Cincy Film Collective presents Barrio Triste Ziegler Park | Ziegler Pool, Over-the-Rhine. zieglerpark.org Aug. 28, 7:30 p.m. “Anaconda” (2025)

Literary/Lectures Cincinnati Preservation | Bellevue Pavilion, Bellevue Park. 513-721-4506. cincinnatipreservation.org Aug. 27, 5:30 p.m. Preservation in the Park. Beth Johnson: “Ohio Goes to the Fair: History of Hamilton County Fair” Harriet Beecher Stowe House | Walnut Hills. 513-751-0651. stowehousecincy.org Aug. 20, 5:30 p.m. Open mic with Zeda Stew Aug. 23, 4 p.m. Semi-Colon Club Book Discussion: “Fever in the Heartland” Joseph-Beth Booksellers | Rookwood Commons, Norwood.

513-396-8960. josephbeth.com Aug. 1, 7 p.m. Discussion: Shari Lapena “Getting Away with Murder” Aug. 5, 7 p.m. Discussion: Maggie Stiefvater “The Dream Thieves: The Graphic Novel” (Public Library, downtown) Aug. 13, 7 p.m. Discussion: Archer Sullivan “Brimstone Hollow” Aug. 15, 1 p.m. Discussion: Alexandra Ammon Parthun “For the Love of the Quest” Aug. 27, 7 p.m. Discussion: Chuck Wendig “The Calamities”

Dean Young

Matt Hart

Word of Mouth Cincinnati hosts a tribute Aug. 30 to the late poet Dean Young, who passed away here in 2022. Poet, musician and educator Matt Hart will lead the event – 6 p.m. at MOTR Pub in Over-the-Rhine – with readings by himself and others.

Mercantile Library | Downtown.

513-621-0717. mercantilelibrary.com Aug. 5, 6 p.m. Discussion: Lorissa Rinehart “Winning the Earthquake” Poetry at Artifact | Urban Artifact, Northside. facebook.com/poetryatartifact Aug. 4, 7-8:30 p.m. Poetry night Swell | Camp Washington. swellartcafe.com Literary events, salons, visual arts Women Writing for (a) Change | Silverton. 513-272-1171. womenwriting.org Aug. 11, 6 p.m. Open mic Word of Mouth Cincinnati | Over-the-Rhine. motrpub.com Aug. 30, 6 p.m. Featured poets and open mic

Music Annie's Music Center | East End. anniesmusiccenter.com Aug. 1, 8 p.m. Yonder Mountain String Band Aug. 8, 7 p.m. John and the Locals Aug. 13, 7 p.m. Andy Frasco & The U.N. Aug. 20, 8 p.m. Lettuce Arcade Music Fest | Covington. arcademusicfest.com Aug. 8-9. Genre-spanning music festival Arts Alliance | Cottell Park, Mason.

513-309-8585. the-arts-alliance.org ◆ 7 p.m. Acoustic Nights (District at Deerfield Park): Aug. 5. Ashley Watts Aug. 12. Stephanie Coffey Aug. 19. Nick Heffron Aug. 26. Daybreak Duo

◆ 7 p.m. Sounds of Deerfield (District

at Deerfield Park): Aug. 15. Michelle Robinson Band Behringer-Crawford Museum | Covington. bcmuseum.org ◆ Thursdays, 7 p.m. Music@BCM: Aug. 6. The Hot Magnolias Aug. 13. Soul Pocket Blues Dance Cincinnati | Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum. bluesdancecincinnati.com/events Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Tuesday Blues Bogart’s | Corryville. bogarts.com Nightly live music Brady Music Center | The Banks, downtown. bradymusiccenter.com Aug. 12, 7 p.m. Simple Plan Aug. 13, 7:30 p.m. Jack Harlow Aug. 20, 7 p.m. Billy Currington and Kip Moore Caffè Vivace | Walnut Hills.

513-601-9897. caffevivace.com Aug. 28, 7 & 9 p.m. Jazz Vivace Series: Mike Clark Organ Trio The Carnegie | Covington.

859-957-1940. thecarnegie.com Aug. 8, noon. Accumulations: Performance by Plume Girl and Sean J Patrick Carney Cincinnati Metropolitan Orchestra | Seton High School, Price Hill.

513-941-8956. gocmo.org Aug. 9, 3 p.m. Summer Series Cincinnati Nature Center | Milford. cincynature.org Aug. 21, 7-10 p.m. Music Under The Moon Series: Gina and Johnny

ARTS & CULTURE | The List ◆ 7-10 p.m. Salsa on the Square

Cincinnati’s Hot Magnolias take center stage twice this month: Aug. 6 at the Behringer-Crawford Museum and Aug. 22 on Fountain Square.

Cincinnati Parks | Riverfront, downtown. cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks Aug. 7-8. On Point Music Festival (Sawyer Point) ◆ Music at the Esplanade, 5-7 p.m.

(Castellini Esplanade/Smale Park) Aug. 1. Knowrulz Aug. 15. Alex Scheft Aug. 22. Deej Aug. 29. Temani ◆ Rockin’ the Roebling, 6-9:30 p.m.

(Schmidlapp Event Lawn/Smale Park) Aug. 6. The Foles Aug. 13. Run Katie Run Aug. 20. Zack Attackbell Aug. 27. Cassette Junkies Classical Revolution | The Loon, Northside. classicalrevolutioncincinnati.com Aug. 9, 7:30 p.m. Chamber music in casual bar setting Clifton Cultural Arts Center | Clifton.

513-497-2860. cliftonculturalarts.org ◆ Saturdays in the Park, 10 a.m.-noon (Inwood Park) Aug. 15. Jump ’N Jive Big Band ◆ Wednesdays in the Woods, 7-9 p.m.

(Burnet Woods Bandstand) Aug. 5. Jess Lamb & The Factory Aug. 12. The Screamers

Aug. 17. The Music of Billie Eilish Aug. 24. The Music of Michael Jackson Aug. 31. The Music of Bruno Mars ◆ 6-9 p.m. Jazz at the Square: Aug. 4. Eric Lechliter Quintet Aug. 11. Brasilia Aug. 18. Craig Bailey Quintet Aug. 25. Davis/Pimental Quartet ◆ 6-9 p.m. Southern Sessions: Aug. 5. Corduroy Brown and Tinfoil Hat Cowboys Aug. 12. Buffalo Wabs and Dalchord Aug. 19. Evan McMillian and Conrad Moore Aug. 26. Joe’s Truck Stop

Aug. 6. Somos Música y Sabor & Salsaires Aug. 13. Son del Caribe & Diana Hoffman Aug. 20. Chevere LF Aug. 27. Dayton Salsa Project & Cuban Salsa Cincinnati ◆ 7-10 p.m. Visit Cincy National Series Aug. 7. J. Roddy Walston & The Business x The Bright Light Social Hour Aug. 28. The Jayhawks x Sixpence None the Richer ◆ 7-10 p.m. Fifth & Vine Live Aug. 8. 2nd Wind Aug. 15. Boss & The Novas Aug. 22. Hot Magnolias Aug. 29. Karate Girls Ghost Baby | Over-the-Rhine. ghost-baby.com Most evenings. Live performances in subterranean space

Hard Rock Casino | Downtown. hardrockcasinocincinnati.com Aug. 18, 8 p.m. The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA The Härth Room | Downtown. theharthroom.com/music Wednesday-Saturday evenings.

Live jazz Heritage Bank Center | Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com Aug. 5, 7 p.m. Barry Manilow It's Commonly Jazz | Seasongood Pavilion, Eden Park. itscommonlyjazz.com ◆ Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.

Aug. 6. William Menefield Aug. 13. Mandy Gaines Aug. 20. Myles Twitty Aug. 27. Yemi Oyediran Kenton County Public Library | Covington Branch. 859-962-4000 Aug. 21, 6:30 p.m. Estrada Do Sol

Groovin’ on the Green | Fairfield. fairfield-city.org Aug. 6, 7 p.m. 10,000 Maniacs

Contribute to the Power of Place Power our mission by making your donation to the Freedom Center.

Concerts on the Commons | Corner of Winton Road and Farragut Ave., Greenhills. greenhillsohio.us Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

Delhi Event Center | Delhi Park Performance Pavilion, Delhi, Twp. oh-delhitownship.civicplus.com Aug. 19, 7 p.m. Concerts in the Park Series: The Menus Fountain Square | Downtown.

513-621-4400. myfountainsquare.com ◆ 6 p.m. Strings on the Square: pop music by string quartet Aug. 3. The Music of Michael Jackson Aug. 10. Elton John vs. Billy Joel

Movers & Makers

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ARTS & CULTURE | The List Kentucky Symphony Orchestra | 859-431-6216. kyso.org Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m. Summer Park Series: “Swingin’ the Classics” (Devou Park, Covington) Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m. Encore (Tower Park, Ft. Thomas) Ludlow Garage | Clifton. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m. Who’s Bad Aug. 8, 7:30 p.m. Boney James Aug. 13, 7:30 p.m. Robert Glasper Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m. Aldo Nova Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m. Kashmir Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m. Steve Earle Aug. 21, 7:30 p.m. Will Downing Aug. 26, 7:30 p.m. Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble Aug. 28, 7:30 p.m. Strangelove Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m. Jonathan Butler Aug. 30, 7:30 p.m. Stokley MegaCorp Pavilion at Ovation | Newport. promowestlive.com Aug. 4, 6 p.m. The Black Keys Aug. 14, 7 p.m. Courtney Barnett Aug. 15, 7 p.m. Todd Rundgren Aug. 21, 7 p.m. Paul Cauthen Aug. 29, 5:30 p.m. Gavin Adcock Memorial Hall | Over-the-Rhine. memorialhallotr.com Aug. 11, 8 p.m. The High Kings Aug. 14, 8 p.m. TUSK: The Classic Tribute to Fleetwood Mac Muse Café | Westwood. musecafecincy.com/events Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Phil DeGreg Trio Thursdays, 6 p.m. Pete Papania Fridays, 7:30 p.m. Muse Sings the Blues Newport on the Levee | Newport. newportonthelevee.com ◆ 7 p.m. Live on the Levee: Aug. 6. Long Live (Taylor) Aug. 13. Audio Graffiti Aug. 20. HiFi Honey Aug. 27. Gina and Johnny Paycor Stadium | The Banks, downtown. bengals.com/stadium/concerts Aug. 1, 6 p.m. Chris Stapleton Radio Artifact | Northside. radioartifact.com Sundays, 5 p.m. Open jam Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Flight 88 Classical Music Series Thursdays, 7 p.m. Open jazz Riverbend Music Center | Anderson Twp. 513-232-6220. riverbend.org 12

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Aug. 1, 7 p.m. Evanescence Aug. 6, 7 p.m. Styx & Chicago Aug. 8, 6:30 p.m. Lynyrd Skynyrd Aug. 9, 7:30 p.m. Rod Stewart Aug. 10, 6:45 p.m. Five Finger Death Punch Aug. 11, 7:30 p.m. Josh Groban Aug. 12, 8 p.m. The Beach Boys Aug. 21, 7:30 p.m. TLC and Salt-N-Pepa Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m. Jason Aldean Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m. Empire of the Sun Aug. 25, 6:30 p.m. Mötley Crüe Aug. 26, 6 p.m. Alabama Shakes Aug. 27, 7 p.m. Tim McGraw RiversEdge | Marcum Park, Hamilton. riversedgelive.com Aug. 7, 6 p.m. Ozzmosis and The Warped Band Aug. 20, 6 p.m. Sensamotion Aug. 20, 6:30 p.m. Jared's Jam Schwartz’s Point | Five Points, Over-the-Rhine. thepointclub.weebly.com Thursdays-Sundays. Live jazz Sorg Opera House | Middletown. sorgoperahouse.org Aug. 15, 8 p.m. Meet Loaf Southgate House | Newport.

859-431-2201. southgatehouse.com Nightly rock, alternative blues, etc.

Summermusik Festival | Various.

513-723-1182. summermusik.org Aug. 4, 7:30 p.m. Road Trip Playlist (HighGrain Brentwood) Aug. 8, 7:30 p.m. The Soundtrack of America (School for Creative and Performing Arts) Aug. 9, 4 p.m. Harmony & Honor (St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, Ft. Wright) Aug. 11, 7:30 p.m. SummerMeowsik (Woodward Theater, Over-the-Rhine) Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m. The Island of Enchantment (School for Creative and Performing Arts) Aug. 16, 4 p.m. ¡Jangueo boricua!

(Puerto Rican Hangout) (Delhi Event Center) Aug. 18, 7:30 p.m. A Night at the Circus (Newport Syndicate) Aug. 22, 4 p.m. “Sin”cinnati (School for Creative and Performing Arts) Aug. 23, 4 p.m. Virtues: A Moral Compass (Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Kenwood) Aug. 25-26, 7:30 p.m. American Beauties (The Redmoor) Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m. Musical Renegades: Mozart and Zappa (School for Creative and Performing Arts)

Actor Giles Davies portrays composer Frank Zappa as part of Summermusik’s “Musical Renegades: Mozart and Zappa” on Aug. 29 at the School for Creative and Performing Arts.

Symphony Hotel & Vivaldi’s Restaurant | Over-the-Rhine. symphonyhotel.com Thursday-Saturday evenings, Live jazz Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org Aug. 4, 8 p.m. Andrew Bird Aug. 6, 8 p.m. Watchhouse Aug. 8, 7:30 p.m. Tori Amos Aug. 14, 8 p.m. The Mountain Goats Aug. 22, 8 p.m. Tommy Emmanuel CGP Turfway Park Events Center | Florence. turfway.com Fridays, 9 p.m. Bourbon & Brew Saturdays, 7 p.m. Party in the Paddock Voices of America Country Music Fest | Voice of America MetroPark, West Chester. voacountrymusicfest.com Aug. 6-9. Top country artists feat. Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton and Jordan Davis Washington Park | Over-the-Rhine. washingtonpark.org/events ◆ Mondays, 6 p.m. Jazz at the Park: Aug. 3. Marc Fields Aug. 10. Keigo Hirakawa Trio Aug. 17. Lili Shires & Steve Schmidt Aug. 24. Hank Stephens & Erwin Stuckey Aug. 31. Five Little Bears ◆ Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Reggae: Aug. 12. DaSquad Aug. 26. T-Natty ◆ Thursdays, 6 p.m. Roots Revival: Aug. 6. Matt Wabnitz & Blue Rock Boys Aug. 13. Sonya Moomaw & Buffalo Wabs and The Price Hill Hustle Aug. 20. Megan Bee & Jeremy Short Aug. 27. Ray Vietti & Teddy and the Rough Riders ◆ Fridays, 7 p.m. Friday Flow: Aug. 7. 2nd Wind Aug. 14. Terrell Carter Aug. 21. Harpoetic Aug. 28. Honey Child

◆ Sundays, 5 p.m. OTR Performs:

Aug. 23, 6 p.m. Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra Aug. 30. Stephen Gould & The Disco Piano Woodward Theater | Over-the-Rhine.

513-345-7981. woodwardtheater.com Aug. 29, 8 p.m. Ray’s Music Exchange

Opera Cincinnati Opera | Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine. cincinnatiopera.org Aug. 1, 3 & 8 p.m. Gordon: “Orpheus and Euridice” (Wilks Studio) Aug. 2, 3 p.m. Bizet: “Carmen”

Theater/Comedy Bogart’s | Short Vine, Corryville. bogarts.com Aug. 21, 8 p.m. Rene Vaca, comedian The Carnegie | Covington.

859-491-2030. thecarnegie.com Aug. 14-23. “La Cage Aux Folles” Cincinnati Landmark Productions | Incline Theater, Price Hill. 513-241-6550. cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com Thru Aug. 2. “Always… Patsy Cline” Aug. 19-Sept. 13. “Crazy for You” Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-2273. cincyshakes.com Thru Aug. 23. “The Complete Works of Jane Austen (Abridged)” Commonwealth Artists Student Theater | Corbett Theatre, Northern Kentucky University.

859-545-0770. caststages.org Thru Aug. 2. “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812” Commonwealth Sanctuary | Dayton. commonwealthcomedyclub.com Weekly comedy shows

ARTS & CULTURE | The List

Visual Art

Drama Workshop | Cheviot.

513-598-8303. thedramaworkshop.org Thru Aug. 9. “And Then There Were None”

Middletown Lyric Theatre | Sorg Opera House, Middletown.

513-425-7140. middletownlyric.org Thru Aug. 2. “Pippin”

East Side Players | Tom Stone Amphitheater, Blue Ash. esptheater.org Thru Aug. 8. “Once Upon A Mattress”

One Off Productions | Gabriel's Corner, Over-the-Rhine. oopstroupe.com Thru Aug. 1. “The Sunset Limited”

1001 Colors (formerly ArtWorks) | Walnut Hills. 513-333-0388.

1001colors.org Thru Sept. 9. Daryl Myntia Daniels: “Naps, Nebulas, and Neurons: Mark-Making as a Pathway to Radiance”

Funny Bone | Liberty Twp. liberty.funnybone.com Weekly comedy shows

Queen City Productions | Arts Center at Dunham, Price Hill. queencityproductions.weebly.com Thru Aug. 9. “Once Upon A One More Time”

21c Museum Hotel | Downtown.

513-578-6600. 21cmuseumhotels.com/ cincinnati Thru August. “Fragile Figures: Beings and Time”

Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org Aug. 1, 5 & 8:30 p.m. Josh Johnson, comedian Aug. 2, 7 p.m. Josh Johnson, comedian

Algin Furniture/Art Loft | Downtown. alginfurniture.com New gallery space

Go Bananas Comedy Club | Montgomery. gobananascomedy.com/main Weekly comedy shows Improv Cincinnati | Clifton Performance Theatre, Clifton. improvcincinnati.com Thursday-Saturday evenings. Comedy shows InBocca Performance | Know Theatre, Over-the-Rhine. inboccaperformance.com Thru Aug. 2. “The Road to Oz” Inspiring Arts | Parrish Auditorium, Miami University, Hamilton. inspiringartsproductions.com Thru Aug. 2. “McBride’s Call”

Woodward Theater | Over-the-Rhine.

513-345-7981. woodwardtheater.com Aug. 1, 8 p.m. Jerry Wayne Longmire, comedian Aug. 21, 7 p.m. Peter Antoniou, mind reader Aug. 23, 8 p.m. Phil Medina, comedian

Art Beyond Boundaries | Over-the-Rhine. 513-421-8726. artbeyondboundaries.com Thru Aug. 24. “Under the Sun” Art Design Consultants | West End. adcfineart.com Current exhibit: “Wild Whimsy”

Art on Vine | Elm Street Plaza, downtown. artonvinecincy.com Aug. 9, noon-6 p.m. Summer Residency: 14 Birthday!

ARTclectic Gallery | Silverton.

513-822-5200. artclecticgallery.com Thru Aug. 31. “Endless Summer” The Barn | Mariemont.

513-272-3700. thebarninmariemont.org Aug. 6-25. Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society 2026 Annual Show. Reception: Aug. 9, noon-3 p.m.

Aug. 28-Sept. 8. ​Greentree Studio Artists: “An Artists' Prism: a Celebration of Vision, Color, and Imagination” The Carnegie | Covington.

859-491-2030. thecarnegie.com Thru Aug. 8. “The body isn’t a battery that discharges upon death” Aug. 18, noon. Accumulations: Performance by Plume Girl and Sean J Patrick Carney Cincinnati Art Galleries | Downtown. 513-381-2128. cincyart.com Aug. 14-Oct. 2. “A Story to Tell” Reception: Aug. 14, 5-8 p.m.

Kincaid Regional Theatre | Falmouth. 859-654-2636. krtshows.com Aug. 28-30. “Disney's Dare to Dream Jr.” La Comedia Dinner Theatre | Springboro. 800-677-9505. lacomedia.com Thru Aug. 9. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” Aug. 20-Sept. 27. “Come From Away” Lebanon Theatre Company | Lebanon.

513-932-8300. ltcplays.com Aug. 7-16. “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” Marjorie Book Continuing Education | Stepping Stones, Norwood. marjoriebook.org Aug. 7 & 12, 7:15 p.m. “Watch on the Rhine” Aug. 9, 2:30 p.m. “Watch on the Rhine” Memorial Hall | Over-the-Rhine. memorialhallotr.com Aug. 1, 5 & 8 p.m. Coleman Love Comedy Explosion Aug. 22-29. “We Will Rock You” Merit Theatre Company | Anderson Center Theater, Anderson Twp. 859-795-1860. merittheatre.org Aug. 28-Sept. 5. “Fiddler on the Roof” Movers & Makers

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ARTS & CULTURE | The List Cincinnati Art Museum | Eden Park.

513-721-2787. cincinnatiartmuseum.org Thru Sept. 6. Tamary Kudita: “African Victorian and Birds of Paradise” Thru Aug. 2. Elizabeth Hawes: “Radical American Fashion” Aug. 28, 5-9 p.m. Art After Dark Cincinnati Museum Center | Queensgate. 513-287-7000. cincymuseum.org Thru Oct. 14. FotoFocus: “Equal to Any in the City: Ball & Thomas Photographs – 1840s-1870s” Clifton Cultural Arts Center | Clifton.

513-497-2860. cliftonculturalarts.org Thru Aug. 14. Kyle Salandy: “Resilient Narratives: Inheritance, Survival, and Self-Redefinition” • “Ancestral Weaving: Batwa Story and Craft” Aug. 18-Sept. 18. Todd Kunkler: “Fever” • “Security Blanket” Reception: Aug. 21, 6-8 p.m.

Contemporary Arts Center | Downtown. 513-345-8400. contemporaryartscenter.org Thru Aug. 30. Gee Horton: “Chapter 4: In Another Lifetime” • Michael Stillion: “And then it was flowers” Thru Oct. 31. “Gravity’s Rainbow” Thru Oct. 4. Sarah Rodriguez: “Homespun” The Contemporary Dayton | Dayton, Ohio. 937-224-3822. codayton.org Thru Sept. 12. “Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi” Thru Aug. 15. Niki Johnson: “Pillars of Democracy” DAAP Galleries | Philip M. Meyers Jr. Memorial Gallery, University of Cincinnati.

513-556-2839. daap.uc.edu Thru Aug. 9. “Material Witness” Dayton Art Institute | Dayton, Ohio.

937-223-4278. daytonartinstitute.org Thru Aug. 9. FotoFocus: “All the World’s a Stage” Thru Jan. 3. “Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection” Thru Jan. 31. FotoFocus: “Exploring Feminism” Fitton Center | Hamilton.

513-863-8873. fittoncenter.org Thru Sept. 12. “The Soul of Black Folks: 250 Years of Creativity, Leadership, and Innovation” Reception: Aug. 14, 5 p.m.

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FotoFocus | Liberty at Sycamore, Mt. Auburn/Over-the-Rhine. fotofocus.org Thru Aug. 22. “Big Tent” Gallery 506 | Elsmere.

513-919-5415. gallery-506.com Thru Aug. 22. Dan Kunkel: “Instructions and Prototypes” Gallery Jenseits | Mt. Adams. galleryjenseits.com Current exhibit. Stylianos Schicho: “The Spectated Spectator” • V Benjamin: “A Walk on the Wild Side” Harriet Beecher Stowe House | Walnut Hills. 513-751-0651. stowehousecincy.org Current exhibit: “The Presents of our Presence: Black Women as Art” Kennedy Heights Arts Center | Kennedy Heights. 513-631-4278. kennedyarts.org Thru Aug. 22. Printed Voices from Kenya: Social and Cultural Reflections (Kennedy Gallery) Lloyd Library and Museum | Downtown. 513-721-3707. lloydlibrary.org Thru Sept. 11. “More-Than-Human Medicine,” art about the healing power of plants Manifest Gallery | East Walnut Hills.

513-861-3638. manifestgallery.org Thru Aug. 7. “Land(Scape)” • “Sub(Scape)” • “20th Annual Master Pieces” • Al Denyer + Quinn Hunter + Sean Solus-Edrington Aug. 14-Sept. 11. “18th Annual Nude” • “Velvet” • “Pastel” • Daniela Kovacic + Katie Simmons. Reception: Aug. 14, 6-9 p.m.

Middletown Arts Center | Middletown.

513-424-2417. middletownartscenter.com Thru Aug. 20. Annual Photography & Digital Art Exhibition • Works by Deb Jo Jones Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights. 859-572-5148. nku.edu/artsci/sota/art Aug. 21-Sept. 17. “Tactile Revolutions” PAR-Projects | Northside. parprojects.com Thru Aug. 15. David Estep and Michael Boyer: “Braincase”

“Worlds Becoming I:xi,” Cynthia Kukla

Works by Cynthia Kukla and Joeliene Magoto continue at Wash Park Art through Aug. 15.

Pendleton Art Center | Pendleton, Over-the-Rhine.

513-421-4339. pendletonartcenter.com Aug. 28, 5-9 p.m. Open studios

Studio San Giuseppe Art Gallery | Mount St. Joseph University, Delhi Twp. msj.edu Thru Sept. 4. MSJ Student Art Exhibition

Pendleton Art Center - Middletown | Middletown. 513-465-5038. pendletonartcenter.com Aug. 7, 5-9 p.m. Open studios

Taft Museum of Art | Lytle Park, downtown. 513-241-0343. taftmuseum.org Thru Sept. 20. “The Scandinavian Home: Landscape and Lore”

Queen City Clay | Norwood. queencityclay.com Thru Aug. 21. “Reign of Fire” Aug. 28-Oct. 23. “Fertile Ground”

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience | Downtown. vangoghexpo.com/cincinnati Thru Aug. 31. 360º video, light and music experience

Rosewood Arts Centre | Rosewood Gallery, Kettering. 937-296-0294. playkettering.org/rosewood-gallery-home Aug. 3-Sept. 12. 20th Annual HWD Juried Sculpture Exhibition

Wash Park Art | Over-the-Rhine.

513-291-3626. washparkart.com Thru Aug. 15. Cynthia Kukla: “Not Afraid of Beauty” • Joeliene Magoto: “Renascent”

Solway Gallery | Solway Building, West End. 513-621-0069. solwaygallery.com Thru Aug. 28. Robert Fronk: “Assisted Readymades” • Tom Marioni: drawings, prints and other works

Wave Pool Gallery | Camp Washington. wavepoolgallery.org Thru Aug. 29. Ten Welcome Editions

Studio Kroner | Downtown. studiokroner.com Aug. 14-16. “Where Grief Takes Shape: A Fernside Art Event”

Weston Art Gallery | Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-977-4165. cincinnatiarts.org/weston-art-gallery Thru Aug. 30. Zachary Armstrong: “Encaustic House” • Bridgette Bogle: “Bad Boundaries” • Aaron Coleman: “Sentinels” 

Get listed Arts/Culture listings are free. Send event details and photos to: editor@moversmakers.org See Page 4 for print deadlines.

Visit moversmakers.org for more listings.

©Samaritan Car Care Clinic 2026

SHE GOT THE JOB. THE HARD PART IS GETTING TO WORK.

HELP WORKING FAMILIES KEEP WORKING A $250 donation covers two tires or a maintenance repair that keeps a working parent in Northern Kentucky from losing everything they’ve worked for.

She got the job. Help her keep it.

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FOCUS ON Animal Welfare

By Thomas Consolo

David Jenike: Zoo’s new CEO aims for experiences that inspire

I

f you’re asked to picture the CEO of a major U.S. zoo, the image you conjure might look a lot like David Jenike. Tall, friendly and decked out in logoed work shirt, pants and boots, he could as easily be heading to pitch in on exhibit construction as to a media interview.

What he does not have is a Smokey Bear hat. He’d expected one in his younger days.

The president and CEO since January of the Cincinnati Zoological & Botanical Garden earned his bachelor’s degree in zoology with thoughts of working at one of the country’s marquee national parks.

Jenike steps into big shoes. His predecessors include two legends of the zoo world: Thane Maynard, who has been involved with the zoo for 48 years and its head for the last 20, and Ed Maruska, a protégé of Marlon “Wild Kingdom” Perkins who led the zoo for more than 30 years prior.

Jenike’s interest in nature was sparked by childhood curiosity nurtured by his parents, both teachers. His father taught history at Walnut Hills High School. (Jenike also graduated from there.) When he was a boy, weekends often meant trips to the zoo, including feeding the giraffes – the start of a theme, as it turned out. During summer vacations, the family packed up the car and explored major historic sites and national parks. Young Dave was fascinated by the natural world.

Fast forward to his undergraduate program at Miami University, and Jenike realized his degree was preparing him for a life in a lab, not the great outdoors. That triggered a pivot to carpentry. (So, yes, he could pitch in on a zoo construction project.) That, though, wasn’t the answer.

After a few years in that symbolic instead of literal wilderness, Jenike returned to Miami for its master’s program in environmental science. It’s offered through what’s now the university’s Institute for the Environment and Sustainability – renamed in 2010 from Institute of Environmental Sciences – which focuses on interdisciplinary environmental education.

The IES program features hand-on experience through several partner organizations across the state. Its practical applications for natural interests resonated with him.

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Movers & Makers

Teaching about plants, animals and nature is more important now than 30 years ago.

It’s the role of a zoo to inspire people with wildlife. Hope, inspiration – they connect with action.

– David Jenike

David Jenike Photos by Helen A dams for Movers & Makers

Nice kitty It was at Miami that Jenike met a serval.

Servals are slender, medium-sized wild cats, about 2 feet tall, native to sub-Saharan Africa. Loss of the grasslands and wetlands it calls home are stressing the species.

Jenike’s encounter came thanks to the Cincinnati Zoo’s ambassador program. A zoo staffer brought the serval to one of his Miami classes. Jenike was immediately intrigued to hear about the zoo’s many conservation-focused education efforts. With education already in his blood, he soon became a zoo education volunteer.

That was more than 30 years ago. He’s never left.

From volunteer leader on youth overnight experiences to intern to full-time employee to nearly two decades as chief operating officer, he has been integral to the success of most of the zoo’s major projects, both in Cincinnati and around the world.

On the zoo’s Avondale grounds, a short list includes the Africa exhibit, the new Asian elephant habitat, the Bear Ridge and sea otter displays, and the Mexican wolf habitat slated to open later this year. All told, the projects he’s managed represent investments of more than $250 million.

All those improvements mark big upgrades to the quality of life animals lead, with space to roam and opportunities to engage actively with

their environments. They simultaneously offer humans the chance to connect with nature in meaningful ways.

That’s key to Jenike’s vision.

Solutions for coexisting That inspiration isn’t limited to the institution’s home grounds. When he met with M&M, Jenike had just returned from a two-week trip to Kenya, where the zoo has for 20 years worked with the Maasai people to develop solutions to coexist with wildlife. Together, they’re keeping more rangeland open, which helps not just the herd animals the Maasai depend on but helps other roaming animals – like giraffes – thrive.

Giraffes, coincidentally, are next on the zoo’s list for a habitat upgrade. With elephants now moved to their spacious new digs on the north side of the grounds, Jenike said the giraffes will move into the old elephant house – one of the zoo’s most historic and architecturally iconic structures – along with a greatly expanded outdoor space that will more resemble the Serengeti. The giraffes will be joined there by zebras and okapis, and the new location will make them among the first animals visitors will encounter.

The new habitat is to be dubbed Giraffe Tower, a nod both to the historic building’s dome and the collective noun for a group of

FOCUS ON Animal Welfare giraffes, “tower” (not “herd”). Like most of the zoo’s recent construction, Jenike said there’ll be as much work done behind the scenes as publicly visible. The exhibit will include a new water reclamation system and batteries to take better advantage of the solar power arrays that cover the zoo’s parking lots.

(The solar panels already provide most of the zoo’s electrical needs, Jenike said, “and – bonus – you get to park in shade.”)

Growing green The floor-to-ceiling windows of Jenike’s office in the zoo’s modest administration building are shaded by trees. The lights of the Swan Lake carousel flicker through the leaves. It’s a handy reminder of the other half of the zoo’s mission: a botanical garden.

While much of our discussion focused on animal welfare, the success of those initiatives are rooted in greenery. A dedicated team of horticulturalists maintains the grounds in Avondale, where landscape architecture is integral to the design.

“When you come in to the zoo, the trees frame your experience,” Jenike said. “People visit us from other zoos, and they’re just blown away by it.”

He said he was proud that a recent survey of zoo attractions ranked the annual spring tulip display among respondents’ top 10 favorites.

Beyond the main grounds, the zoo owns a 600-acre farm just north of Mason. Bowyer Farm was willed to the zoo in 1995 on the condition that the land be used only to further the zoo’s mission.

The farm now supplies the zoo’s hay and straw, and it’s the home of a native plant program whose goal is to revive the diversity of North American flora – and by extension the animals and insects that depend on them.

Last year, the zoo partnered with Hillsboro, Ohio-based Ohio Solar Grazing to build an agrivoltaics facility on 140 acres of Bowyer Farm.

The project combines a 30-megawatt electricity-generating system

David Jenike with giraffes at the Cincinnati Zoo

with farming and conservation programs on the same land. It also will provide $150,000 annually to Lebanon City Schools.

When its plantings are fully grown, the development will use up to 800 sheep to control the vegetation. They’ll in turn restore soil health, eliminate emissions from mowers and supply meat. The zoo’s conservation plan for the land also includes installing bird boxes, restoring a vernal pool and creating more than five acres of pollinator plants.

The zoo’s plant expertise, Jenike said, offers one of the easiest ways for people to benefit from nature.

Its horticulturalists can help guide local plantings, whether you’re in a city townhome or on your own farm, to minimize invasive species and expand native varieties.

The horticulturalists are just some of what Jenike calls the zoo’s heroes – the keepers, animal behavioral scientists, veterinary staff and volunteers that share a commitment to the organization’s mission.

Natural joy Underlying these ambitious undertakings, teaching remains Jenike’s core passion. “For me, teaching isn’t about facts; it’s about experiences and new perspectives.

Experiences here then lead to action – lasting impact, whether it’s across the street or across the globe.”

He also believes it lies at the heart of our environmental future.

“Teaching about plants, animals and nature is more important now than 30 years ago. It’s the role of a zoo to inspire people with wildlife.

Hope, inspiration – they connect with action.”

Many people appear to agree

with the formula. The zoo’s annual attendance of more than 1.7 million makes it Hamilton County’s largest attraction, and more than 79,000 Greater Cincinnati households hold zoo memberships.

The zoo also has benefited from philanthropic largesse. Recent multimillion-dollar gifts from Harry and Linda Fath and from Hugh Hoffman are just the latest examples.

“I recognize this is an organization that is beloved and respected,” Jenike said. He sees his role as one of service to the community “to maintain this organization’s momentum.” His legacy, he said, will be the lasting impact people’s experiences through the zoo have on the well-being of the world’s wildlife.

His goal is for those experiences to start with fun and joy.

“If we’re connecting people to nature and can’t have fun, we’re not doing something right.”   cincinnatizoo.org

KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER When people face a housing crisis, they shouldn’t have to choose between safety and their pets. Found House IHN’s Pet Support Program provides temporary pet shelter and care so families can stay together.

A donation of $50 feeds a pet for a month.

Learn more about the Pet Program and their September Fundraiser at https://www.foundhouse.org/pets/

Movers & Makers

AUGUST 2026

17

FOCUS ON Animal Welfare

Caring for animals in need

By Kathy Doane

H

amilton County has two major animal welfare organizations, the 153-year-old SPCA Cincinnati and 6-year old Cincinnati Animal CARE. Both are humane societies and no-kill organizations. Cincinnati Animal CARE also runs Hamilton County’s animal shelter, which the SPCA used to operate.

M&M recently sat down with Carolyn Evans, president and CEO of Cincinnati Animal CARE, and her counterpart at SPCA Cincinnati, Chris Seelbach, to help the public better understand the role of each organization, their common ground, differences and challenges.

Let’s clarify something right away. Being a no-kill organization doesn’t mean that animals in your care don’t die. Talk about that.

Evans: Yes, there’s a lot of confusion around that language. As the municipal shelter, we have to take in every dog that comes through our doors. For instance, sometimes they have been hit by a car and by the time they get to us and we get them on the operating table, they die or have to be euthanized.

The national designation to be called a nokill shelter is that 90% of your animals come in and go out alive. We have been at 94% for several years.

Seelbach: At SPCA, of the animals that come in, at least 98% go out alive. Some have to be euthanized for humane reasons. They are too dangerous or are at the end of their life. Like Cincinnati Animal CARE, animals we take in are never euthanized to free up space.

Back to basics. What services do each of your organizations provide?

Seelbach: The most basic things we do at SPCA is that we take animals that their owners surrender to us as well as transfers from dozens of other shelters that are overcrowded.

We get those animals healthy enough to be adopted and then we adopt them out. It takes medical, sheltering, food and then adoption.

Behavioral care also is incredibly important for dogs. Many of the dogs surrendered to us already have behavioral issues which make them harder or impossible to adopt.

Every one of our dogs is in a structured play group where they interact, get out a lot of energy, and check each other. It helps them get adopted.

We also have the free Chow Now Pantry 18

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Movers & Makers

for people who reach out to surrender their pet because they can’t afford food.

Evans: At a high level, we’re wearing two hats. We’re a humane society, but we also hold the county shelter contract, which is only about dogs. So all the work we do with cats and other surrenders falls under our humane society hat in animal intake, providing care for them while they are with us and then trying to adopt them out.

We brought in four key programs when we became the municipal shelter in Hamilton County: A behavior and training program; fostering because there wasn’t a fostering program; completely expanded our medical care and began doing spay and neuter surgeries in-house, which was quicker and cheaper.

And we provide surrender prevention services, too, to help owners keep their pets.

We also have humane agents who respond to calls about animal cruelty and neglect.

Is there much contact and cooperation between your organizations?

Seelbach: I can only speak to the last 16 months, but I think and I’ve heard that we’re working together more and better than we ever have. I hope that’s true and I’ve worked hard at it. We intake and transfer from Cincinnati Animal CARE. When there are medical or behavioral cases, we try to do our best to help when we can on an ongoing basis. I feel good about our relationship.

Evans: There’s room to improve, but it’s definitely been better since Chris has been onboard. He’s really committed to supporting the Hamilton County shelter. If people in the community want a life-saving, no-kill community, it has to start with the municipal shelter because that’s where the strays are brought.

The majority of dogs both of your organizations take in are pit bulls or pit bull mixes. How easy is it to get them adopted?

Seelbach: Their “bad reputation” is less widespread than the media make it seem.

There is more of a community of people who love bully-type dogs than any other community of animals that I’ve seen, but the media often portrays pit bulls in a way that overemphasizes fear. I also think in some people’s minds, there’s bias in what animals look like. They are incredibly cute puppies that get big and strong and that makes them

Carolyn Evans of Cincinnati Animal CARE and Chris Seelbach of SPCA Cincinnati

Photo by Elizabeth Mariner

harder to adopt.

Evans: People support what we’re doing and don’t want them to die, but many don’t want to bring them into their home. A hundred years ago, pit bull-looking dogs were very welcomed into people’s homes. The Little Rascals dog was a pit bull. Today, they are definitely the most bred and most euthanized [in the country].

What’s the public’s role in ensuring the success of each of your organizations?

Evans: Fostering and volunteers are the lifeblood of what we do. We have about 1,200 volunteers who donate around 60,000 hours of their time a year. And we could not do what we’re doing without that support.

We do get government funding for the contract work we do [as the municipal shelter], but we heavily rely on additional support from the community.

When we took over the shelter Aug. 1, 2020, we had zero dollars in our bank. To be able to build up to the point where we can do the other things we want to do [as a humane society], we absolutely rely on the public to do that.

Seelbach: We don’t get a single dollar from a government or tax-funded source. SPCA is incredibly fortunate to have had financial support from the philanthropic community here who have given lots of money to animals through the SPCA for 153 years.

We also have 400 active volunteers, working a shift a week. They are primarily walking dogs and trained to facilitate our play groups.

We have volunteer teachers who are in our public schools every week. We have people working with our cats and a ton of people fostering.

Does that mean you are competing for the same dollars?

Seelbach: I don’t see it like that. I would never ask someone to donate to us and not to Cincinnati Animal CARE. I would

FOCUS ON Animal Welfare encourage them to do both. In my mind, I’m never competing for dollars with another animal welfare organization.

There was a perception that we were competitors, but I have worked incredibly hard internally and with Cincinnati Animal CARE to abolish that. We are here to support and cheer each other on.

Evans: I don’t know if it’s competing but there are limited dollars out there.

There are 75 to 80 smaller animal welfare organizations in the Cincinnati area doing important work. It’s important that people understand what each organization is doing and fund what’s important to them.

What does the future look like for your two organizations?

Seelbach: We just announced a new $3.5 million medical center in Sharonville, a 4,000-square-foot, state-of-theart facility with dedicated surgery space, dental care, isolation and holding spaces for dogs and

living, working, and playing in the heart of the city. It will be a storefront on Main Street where you will be able to see dogs and cats in the window.

Evans: We’re always operating behind the eight ball. Our facility was built 65 years ago for a very different community and time of animals sheltering. It was a catch-and-kill model that was accepted then and the norm in our country.

The county is finally at a point where they are talking about building a new shelter by 2030.

They acquired land last year.

There will be a huge shift when we have a new animal shelter that Hamilton County can be proud of.

One very exciting thing is happening the week of Sept. 28.

The PBS series, “Shelter Me,” will premiere a full-length documentary featuring Cincinnati Animal CARE and how it has transformed municipal animal sheltering in Hamilton County with the support of the community.

To wrap up our conversation, tell me about your pets.

Seelbach: We have three of our own cats, Jerry, Doe and Dottie, and we are fostering a cat Pumpkin to get her healthy enough for adoption. She was 25 pounds, but she’s lost almost 2 Cassidy, left, is a long-time foster by Carolyn Evans pounds. and is available for adoption. Pumpkin, who became Evans: I have an internet sensation while being fostered by Chris two bully breeds Seelbach, has found a forever home. in my house, cats, and a pharmacy.

Sanchez and Toby, one adopted Our current medical space from Clermont County Shelter will become our new foster and the other from the Hamilton center that will make fostering at County Shelter. I’ve also been the core of who we are in trying fostering a pit bull-boxer mix, to get every single animal into a Cassidy, for two years.  home while they are with us.

We also are opening an Read a longer version of this adoption center in the heart of interview at moversmakers.org the city [Over-the-Rhine], Sept.  cincinnatianimalcare.org, 17, that will bring our adoption SPCACincinnati.org services to where people are

PRESENTED BY

CINCINNATI ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDEN

FRIDAY, SEPT. 18, 2026 HEAR YE, HEAR YE! Official Announcement Tickets are still available for the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s biggest fundraising party of the year!

Scan the QR code to purchase your tickets for Zoofari Knights: An Evening of Tails and Scales.

Don’t miss out on the merry, magic, and morsels! Huzzah!

cincinnatizoo.org/zoofari

Movers & Makers

AUGUST 2026

19

The Datebook DATEBOOK

AUG. 1, SATURDAY Adventure Crew, Ohio River Paddlefest | 7 a.m. Schmidt Recreation Complex, East End. Participants travel up to nine miles through downtown Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky in canoes, kayaks and other human-powered craft. Music, food and beer at the post-paddle Finish Line Festival. ¼ohioriverpaddlefest.org

Brewing, Westwood. Pint night fundraiser, conservation games, raffles and prizes. Free. ¼wavefoundation.org AUG. 6, THURSDAY Cincinnati Museum Center, After Hours: Sci-Fi Edition | 7-10 p.m.

Cincinnati Museum Center. Food, cash bar and programming. Tickets: $20. ¼cincymuseum.org/after-hours

Atrium Medical Center Foundation, Highway to Help | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Atrium Medical Center, Middletown.

Motorcyclist charity ride ending at Lebanon Blues Festival. T-shirt and raffles. ¼atriummedcenterfoundation.org

Clermont Chamber of Commerce Foundation, LEADing Together: Alumni & New Class Luncheon | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Mt. Carmel Christian Church. Lunch, program and presentation. Tickets: $20. ¼clermontchamber.com

AUG. 2, SUNDAY

AUG. 7, FRIDAY

EquaSion, Annual Festival of Faiths | 1-5 p.m. Cintas Center, Xavier University. Exhibitor and vendor village, food, children’s activity center and entertainment. Free. ¼equasion.org/about-the-festival-2

Talbert House, Summer Smash | 5-8 p.m. Aces Pickleball Bar + Grill, Norwood. Dinner, drinks and pickleball.

Tickets: $85. ¼talberthouse.org

AUG. 14-16, FRIDAY-SUNDAY

Women’s Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation, The Story of Us: Pulse & Progress | 6 p.m. The Spot on West Fifth, downtown. Panel and more with cocktails and food from women-owned businesses. Tickets start at $75. ¼womensfund.gcfdn.org

Fernside, Where Grief Takes Shape | 5 p.m. Studio Kroner, downtown. Art exhibit highlighting work of Fernside children and teens, alumni share-and-tell, art-making session and split-the-pot.

Tickets: $75. ¼fernside.org

AUG. 12, WEDNESDAY

AUG. 15, SATURDAY

Great Parks, Spark in the Dark | 8-11 p.m. Miami Whitewater Forest Harbor. Glow boat rentals, light up lawn games, food and drinks. ¼greatparks.org

Pro Seniors, Seniors Who Rock | 4:30-6:30 p.m. 20th Century Theater, Oakley. Valet parking, beer/wine, light bites, desserts, photo booth, plus awards celebrating Alfonso Cornejo, Howard Elliott and Julieta Simms. Tickets: $75. ¼proseniors.org/seniors-who-rock

Help Squad, Golf Fundraiser | 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Pebble Creek Golf Course, Dry Ridge. Golf, split-the-pot, raffles, food, drinks and swag bag.

Registration: $420/foursome. ¼thehelpsquadcincy.com

AUG. 9, SUNDAY

AUG. 13, THURSDAY

WAVE Foundation, Career Exploration Panel | 10-11:30 a.m.

WAVE Foundation, Newport. Open panel discussion from biologists, conservation educators, divers and more. Tickets: $5. ¼wavefoundation.org

Dan Beard Council - Scouting America, Whitewater Trails Awards & Recognition Dinner | 5-8 p.m.

Izaak Walton League of America, Northgate. Awards and dinner. Tickets: $10. ¼scoutingevent.com

AUG. 7-8, FRIDAY-SATURDAY

AUG. 4, TUESDAY Matthew 25: Ministries, Back to School Giveaway | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Matthew 25: Ministries, Blue Ash. Free bagged lunch and school supplies for students and teachers. ¼m25m.org/event/backtoschool AUG. 5, WEDNESDAY Companions on a Journey, Vince Munafo Memorial Golf Outing | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Glenview Golf Course, Glendale. Shotgun start, continental breakfast, food, music, prizes, awards and Legacy Wall viewing. Registration: $200. ¼companionsonajourney.org/events WAVE Foundation, Community Hangout | 5-10 p.m. West Side 20

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Pro Seniors honors three Seniors Who Rock on Aug. 12 at the 20th Century Theater: Alfonso Cornejo, Howard Elliott and Julieta Simms.

AUG. 11, TUESDAY

AUG. 3, MONDAY Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Golf Classic | 10 a.m. Golf Club at Stonelick Hills, Batavia. Golf, lunch and dinner.

Registration: $350. ¼events.cff.org/ohiogolfclassic

20

With a Spotlight on the Movers and Makers behind Greater Cincinnati’s Fundraisers, Friend-Raisers and Community Events

Welcome House, Summer Sunday | 5-9 p.m. Drees Pavilion, Covington.

Food, open bar, live music, silent auction and raffle. Tickets: $100. ¼welcomehouseky.org AUG. 10, MONDAY Junior Achievement of OKI Partners, JA Golf Classic | 8:30 a.m.

Heritage Country Club, Mason. Golf, breakfast, lunch, awards, prizes and open-bar reception. ¼japartners.org

Northern Kentucky Young Professionals, Bourbon & Boards| 5-7 p.m. Wenzel Distillery, Covington.

Connect with nonprofit executives to learn about leadership positions, expectations and how to get involved.

Tickets: $45. ¼business.nkychamber.com/events/ Details/2026-nkyp-bourbon-andboards-1256192 ¼business.nkychamber.com/events

Karen Wellington Foundation, Annual FUN Run 5K & Recipient Celebration | 9 a.m. Voice of America Park, West Chester. 5K run/walk, postrace celebration, DJ, food trucks, raffles and prizes. Registration: $40. ¼runsignup.com AUG. 17, MONDAY Master Provisions, Larry Nelson Master Pro Golf Classic | Noon.

Triple Crown Country Club, Union. Golf, lunch and dinner. Registration: $3,000/ foursome. ¼masterprovisions.org AUG. 22, SATURDAY Easterseals Redwood, Honor Ride | 8:30 a.m. Miami Whitewater Forest, Harrison. Non-competitive, familyfriendly bicycle ride. Tickets start at $25. ¼eastersealsredwood.org

People Working Cooperatively shows off its new headquarters at the Annual Recognition Celebration, Aug. 25.

AUG. 23, SUNDAY Catholic Charities Diocese of Covington, Cassba | 3-7 p.m. Drees Pavilion, Covington. Music, food, open bar, silent auction, live auction and raffle.

Tickets: $100. ¼covingtoncharities.org/news-events

Big Brothers Big Sisters, Annual Project Role Model Fashion Show | MegaCorp Pavilion, Newport. Runway event honoring Bob Deck, Kayla Robison and Ivy Costa. Open bar, appetizers, silent auction, raffles, DJ Natalie Jones and after-party. Tickets: $150. ¼bigsforkids.org AUG. 29, SATURDAY

AUG. 23-24, SUNDAY-MONDAY American Cancer Society, Cincinnati Golf Classic | Kenwood Country Club.

Cocktail hour, dinner, live auction, golf, lunch, reception, raffle and silent auction. ¼cincinnatigolfclassic.org AUG. 24, MONDAY Circle Tail, Annual Golf Classic | 8:30 a.m. O’Bannon Creek Golf Club, Loveland. Golf, contests, raffles, lunch and chance to meet Circle Tail Dogs.

Registration: $200. ¼circletail.org Junior Achievement of OKI Partners, JA Golf Classic | 8:30 a.m.

The Golf Club at Stonelick Hills, Batavia.

Golf, breakfast, lunch, awards, prizes and open-bar reception. ¼japartners.org AUG. 25, TUESDAY People Working Cooperatively, Annual Recognition Celebration | 4-6 p.m. 3440 E. Kemper Rd., Sharonville. Light bites, drinks and awards ceremony at new headquarters.

Tickets: $45. ¼pwchomerepairs.org AUG. 28, FRIDAY Addiction Services Council, Annual Overdose Awareness Day Event | 3-7 p.m. Washington Park, Over-theRhine. Food, snow cones, popcorn, petting zoo, pony rides, bounce houses, community resources and support. ¼addictionservicescouncil.org

Caracole, Gala | 6:30-11 p.m. Super Bowl Bellewood Lanes, Newport. Cocktails, dinner by-the-bite, silent auction, bowling, music and dancing. ¼caracole.org Cari Ann Fund, Golf for a Cure | 11:30 a.m. Boone Links Golf Course, Florence. Golf, dinner, door prizes, split-the-pot and awards.

Registration: $100. ¼cariannfund.com/events PAWS Adoption Center, Paws-A-Palooza | 2-7 p.m. Monroe Community Park, Monroe.

Education and resources on animal welfare topics, shopping, food and vendors. ¼pawsadoptioncenter.org Tri-State Trails, Tour de CROWN | 8 a.m. Fifty West Brewing Company, Mariemont.

Bike ride showcasing existing and future trails of Cincinnati Riding or Walking Network. ¼raceroster.com SEPT. 3, THURSDAY Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, Annual Joe Nuxhall Memorial Golf Outing | 10 a.m. The Elks Golf Club, Hamilton.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. Celebrity golfers matched with each foursome.

Registration: $1,600/foursome. ¼nuxhallmiracleleague.org SEPT. 6, SUNDAY Aubrey Rose Foundation, Fireworks Spectacular | 4-10 p.m. Belle of Cincinnati, Newport. Cruise on Belle of Cincinnati, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert and drinks.

Tickets: $220. ¼aubreyrose.org

Photo by Bruce Crippen

DATEBOOK

Brad Lindner

Mike Hirschfeld

Archie Brown

Shubhangi Srishti

Robert C. Reifsnyder

AFP announces 2026 National Philanthropy Day honorees The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Cincinnati has announced this year’s slate of honorees for National Philanthropy Day, celebrated each November.

• Philanthropist of the Year: Brad Lindner, retired president/CEO of United Dairy Farmers. Nominated by Keep Cincinnati Beautiful.

• Volunteer of the Year: Mike Hirschfeld, senior counselor at Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP. Nominated by Meals on Wheels.

• Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy: Shubhangi Srishti, Lakota East High School student, co-founder and board president of TechElevate. Nominated by Magnified Giving.

• Outstanding Corporation or Foundation: First Financial Bank, led by CEO Archie Brown.

Nominated by Playhouse in the Park.

• Lifetime Achievement in Fundraising: Robert C. Reifsnyder, retired president/CEO of United Way of Greater Cincinnati. Nominated by Jim Zimmerman.

Learn more on our website and look for profiles of each honoree in the November issue of Movers & Makers Magazine.

National Philanthropy Day is set aside to promote philanthropy and recognize individuals, organizations and businesses inspiring change through their significant impact on nonprofit organizations. The annual program is AFP’s signature event. Movers & Makers is proud to serve as media sponsor.

This year, instead of a luncheon, AFP will hold an evening reception. This new format aims to allow greater opportunities for conversation, networking and re-connecting.

National Philanthropy Day Reception Nov. 19, 6-8 p.m.

Corbett Tower, Cincinnati Music Hall  afpcincinnati.org/2026-national-philanthropy-day

Movers & Makers

AUGUST 2026

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DATEBOOK Big Brothers Big Sisters honors Bob Deck, Ivy Costa and Kayla Robison, Aug. 28, during its annual Project Role Model Fashion Show at MegaCorp Pavilion.

SEPT. 6, SUNDAY

Registration: $500/foursome. ¼assistanceleaguecincinnati.org

Best Point Education & Behavioral Health, Rockin’ at Riverfest | 5:30-11 p.m. Anderson Pavilion, Smale Riverfront Park. Cocktail reception, dinner, live auction, silent auction and after-party. Tickets: $150. ¼bestpoint.org/rockin-at-riverfest Dan Beard Council - Scouting America, Festival of Fireworks | 5 p.m. Mt. Adams by Highland Towers.

Fireworks, dinner, open bar, kids area, entertainment and silent auction.

Tickets: $275. ¼danbeard.org SEPT. 10, THURSDAY Allied Construction Industries, Clay Shoot | Noon-5 p.m. Sycamore Sporting Clays, Loveland. Lunch, networking and clay shooting. Registration: $290. ¼aci-web.com/events Elder Law Cincinnati, Elder Care Symposium | 8:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Oasis Conference Center, Loveland. Allday educational event with representatives from senior care providers with breakout sessions, panel discussions, raffles and lunch. Registration: $40. ¼elderlawcincinnati.com Findlay Market, Flavor of Findlay | 6:30-9:30 p.m. Findlay Market, Over-theRhine. Tasting stations, wine pairings, silent auction, games, raffles and VIP area. Tickets: $100; $175 VIP. ¼findlaymarket.org Purcell Marian, Golf Outing | Glenview Golf Course. Save the date. ¼purcellmarian.org SEPT. 11, FRIDAY Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati, Golf Scramble | 12:30 p.m. Stillmeadow Country Club.

Golf, split-the-pot, dinner and prizes.

22

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Movers & Makers

May We Help, Annual Engineering Dreams Gala | 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Music Hall Ballroom. Save the date.

Tickets: $150. ¼maywehelp.org WAVE Foundation, Make WAVEs Gala | 7:30-11:30 p.m. Newport Aquarium, Newport. 21+ event, food, drinks, games, activities, raffles and auctions. Tickets: $100. ¼wavefoundation.org SEPT. 12, SATURDAY Behringer-Crawford Museum, freshART | 6-9:30 p.m. BehringerCrawford Museum, Covington. Food, music and art auction. ¼bcmuseum.org Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Wild About A Cure | 6 p.m. Cincinnati Zoo. Special animal experiences, after-hours admission to zoo, light bites, open bar and program. Tickets: $150. ¼events.cff.org/wild-about-a-cure Down Syndrome Association, Buddy Walk | 9 a.m. Sawyer Point.

Pre-party with music and activities, one-mile walk and after-party. ¼dsagc.donordrive.com/events/645

SEPT. 15, TUESDAY Impact 100, Annual Awards Celebration | 5:30-9 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Finalists: The Bridge Adaptive Sports & Recreation, The Hillside Trust, Mary Magdalen House, Cincinnati ToolBank, Women Helping Women, Mercy Neighborhood Ministries and Giving Voice Foundation. ¼impact100.org St. Elizabeth Foundation, Annual Golf ParTee | Lassing Pointe Golf Course / Summit Hills Country Club / Triple Crown Country Club. Golf at one of three courses throughout the region. ¼stelizabeth.com SEPT. 16, WEDNESDAY Beech Acres, Love Grows Here Breakfast | 8-9 a.m. MadTree Brewing Company, Oakley. Breakfast and program. ¼beechacres.org/love-grows-here The Family Nurturing Center, Golf Scramble | 9 a.m. Boone Links Golf & Event Center. Shotgun start.

Lunch & awards reception to follow.

Registration: $600/foursome. ¼familynurture.org SEPT. 17, THURSDAY

Ronald McDonald House, Gala | 6:30 p.m. First Financial Center. Food, entertainment and auction. Tickets: $250. ¼ronaldmcdonaldhousesouthwestohio.org

Warren County Foundation, Community Service Awards | 6 p.m. Manor House, Mason.

Open bar, food and awards. ¼warrencountyfoundation.org

SEPT. 14, MONDAY

SEPT. 18, FRIDAY

Little Brothers Friends of The Elderly, Tom Wess Memorial Golf Outing | 10:30 a.m. Glenview Golf Course. Shotgun start. ¼littlebrotherscincinnati.org

Beechwood Home, Block Party | ¼beechwoodhome.com Cincinnati Zoo, Zoofari Knights – An Evening of Tails and Scales | 7-11 p.m. Cincinnati Zoo. Cocktails, food, animal experiences and entertainment.

Tickets: $300. ¼cincinnatizoo.org

Hospice of Cincinnati, HOCtoberfest | Little Miami Brewing Company Event Center, Milford. Save the date. ¼bethesdafoundation.com Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, Cincy Block Party | 6:30-11 p.m. Harry Hake building, Walnut Hills. Food, drinks, music, art, games, silent auction, splitthe-pot and VIP experience. Tickets: $125; $200 VIP. ¼keepcincinnatibeautiful.org SEPT. 19, SATURDAY Cancer Support Community, Clays for a Cause | 9 a.m.-noon. Sycamore Sporting Clays, Montgomery. Food, awards, raffles and bingo.

Tickets: $100. ¼mycancersupportcommunity.org The Carnegie, Suits That Rock | 6:30 p.m. MegaCorp Pavilion, Newport.

Concert fundraiser celebrating the legacy of Saturday Night Live. ¼thecarnegie.com League for Animal Welfare, Whiskey & Whiskers Gala | 6:30-10 p.m. Oasis Conference Center, Loveland. Dinner, live music, live and silent auctions and games.

Tickets: $100. ¼lfaw.org Norwood Together, Norwood International Art Show | ¼norwoodtogether.org Parkinson Support & Wellness, Annual Steady Strides | Lindner Family Tennis Center, Mason. 5K run/ walk, food court, awards and raffle.

Registration: $45. ¼parkinsoncincinnati.org SEPT. 21, MONDAY City Gospel Mission, Annual Golf Outing | 8:30 a.m. Aston Oaks Golf Club, North Bend. Shotgun start, gifts, games, snacks, drinks, lunch and dinner. ¼citygospelmission.org

DATEBOOK SEPT. 21, MONDAY (CONT.)

SEPT. 25, FRIDAY

Clermont Chamber, Classic Golf Outing | 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Elks Run Golf Club, Batavia. Breakfast, shotgun start, lunch, happy hour, raffles, program and awards.

Registration: $1,200/foursome. ¼business.clermontchamber.com

ERS Foundation, Gathering for Good Gala | 6:30-9 p.m. Meshewa House - Turner Farm, Indian Hill. Wine, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dinner. ¼episcopalretirement.com

From Fatherless to Fearless, Fearless Awards | Save the date. ¼fromfatherlesstofearless.org Saint Joe’s, Annual Golf Classic | Clovernook Country Club. stjoescincy.org/events SEPT. 23, WEDNESDAY Spirit of Construction, Scholarship Breakfast | 7:30-9 a.m. Kenwood Country Club.

Breakfast and program. ¼spiritofconstruction.org SEPT. 24, THURSDAY Lighthouse Youth & Family Services, Fall Event | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Private home. Silent auction. Pop-up shops. Lunch by the bite. Wine by the glass. Tickets start at $250. ¼trellis.org/2026-fall-event Over-the-Rhine Community Housing, Annual Walk Our Blocks | 5-8 p.m. Over-the-Rhine.

Neighborhood walk, meal and awards ceremony. Tickets: $85. ¼otrch.org/event/cobc2026

Melanoma Know More, Music for Melanoma Gala | 5:30-10 p.m. Manor House, Mason. Music, food, drinks, silent auction, live auction, raffles and giveaways. Tickets: $150. ¼melanomaknowmore.com SEPT. 26, SATURDAY Children’s Law Center, Boots, Bourbon, & Biscuits 2026 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Receptions Event Center, Erlanger. Brunch, biscuit bar, open bar, music, entertainment, contests and silent auction. Tickets: $70. ¼childrenslawky.org Cincinnati Cancer Foundation, Ride Cincinnati | Four-mile loop along Cincinnati’s Riverfront. Food, drinks, music and post-ride party. ¼ridecincinnati.org/events/502 Dancefix Foundation, Studio DFX | 6-10:30 p.m. Dancefix, Walnut Hills. Food by-the-bite, drinks, presentation and dance party. ¼dancefixfoundation.org/events Forever Kings, Building Stronger Men Gala | 6-10 p.m. Savannah Center, West Chester. Entertainment, storytelling, dinner and awards. Tickets: $150. ¼foreverkingsinc.org/bsm-gala-2026

September 26, 2026, 6:00 pm to 11:30 pm New Gala Location!

Turfway Park Racing & Gaming Event Center in Florence, KY Discover More

Honoree: Dr. Candyse Jeffries For sponsorship opportunities or details, contact Charlotte Boemker at 859-442-3200 or c.boemker@nkycac.org

Found House Pet Support Program, Open House | Noon-2 p.m. Found House IHN, Walnut Hills. Facility tours of pet shelter and stories from past clients. ¼foundhouse.org/pets

Envision, Go the Extra Mile Walk | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Winton Woods Kestrel Shelter. Free festival with music, games, activities, prizes, raffles and vendor fair. ¼envisionohio.org/event

Greater Project, Sonder 5K Run/ Walk | 10 a.m. Sonder Brewing, Mason.

5K race, food, kids activities and live music. Registration: $35. ¼greaterproject.org/sonder-5k-run

Talbert House, Annual Luncheon | Noon. Hard Rock Casino. Luncheon and program. ¼talberthouse.org

Hearing Speech + Deaf Center, Sign Speak + Swing Golf Outing | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Golf. Registration: $300. ¼hearingspeechdeaf.org Northern Kentucky Children’s Advocacy Center, Illumination Grand Gala | 6-11:30 p.m. Turfway Park Racing & Gaming Event Center, Florence. Honoring Dr. Candyse Jeffries.

Open bar, live music by The Leftovers.

Black-tie optional: Formal wear with a sleek, futuristic flair. ¼nkycac.org/2026-gala Santa Maria Community Services, Passport to Success: Belonging | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Western Hills Country Club. Emcee: Lauren Minor, WCPO. Keynote: Teddy Kremer. Stories, raffles and silent auction. Tickets: $95. ¼santamaria-cincy.org SEPT. 28, MONDAY DePaul Cristo Rey, Annual Golf Classic | Western Hills Country Club.

Chair: Dave Lockard. Four-person scramble format, skills contests, lunch, cocktail reception and prizes. Registration: $300. ¼depaulcristorey.org

SEPT. 30, WEDNESDAY Greenacres Foundation, Giving with Grace Fundraiser | 6-9 p.m.

Greenacres Arts Center, Indian Hill.

Cocktail hour, dinner by-the-bite and program. Tickets: $150. ¼tickettailor.com 

More Datebook at MoversMakers.org Make sure your fundraiser or community event is listed at moversmakers.org/datebook Listings are free.

Send event details to: editor@moversmakers.org

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Gifts & Grants The Ohio Department of Higher Education awarded $750,000 in Third Frontier Research Incentive funding to support Miami University’s Center of Excellence in Literacy, Education, Advancement and Development.

46 arts groups receive nearly $9M from ArtsWave From the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra to first-time recipient Q-Kidz Dance, 46 regional arts organizations will share nearly $9 million in ArtsWave operating grants ranging from $10,000 to $2.3 million.

ArtsWave’s Board of Trustees approved $8.97 million in Sustaining Impact grants for the 2027-29 funding cycle, providing multiyear operating support for performances, exhibitions, arts education and other community programming. The CSO received the largest grant at $2.3 million, followed by the Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Ballet and Cincinnati Opera. Smaller grants went to organizations including American Legacy Theatre, My Nose Turns Red Youth Circus, Queen City Opera, Pones and Q-Kidz Dance.  Full list of grant recipients and award amounts: moversmakers.org  artswave.org

Miami receives $750K to expand Science of Reading training Miami University will receive $750,000 from the Ohio Department of Higher Education to expand teacher training and professional development centered on the Science of Reading, part of a statewide effort to strengthen literacy instruction.

The funding will support Miami’s Center of Excellence in Literacy, Education, Advancement and Development, known as MU-LEAD. The university is one of three institutions sharing $2.5 million to develop and expand Structured Literacy Centers across Ohio. The University of Akron received $1 million, while Bowling Green State University also received $750,000.

Miami plans to use the funding to develop professional development materials for school districts and educator preparation programs, while creating classroom-ready literacy resources for PreK-12 teachers. Ohio law requires public schools to use evidence-based 24

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Students who will benefit from a Charles H. Dater Foundation grant to support North Fairmount Community Center’s Youth Enrichment Program

literacy instruction aligned with the Science of Reading, increasing demand for teacher training and ongoing professional development.

Amity Noltemeyer, dean of Miami’s College of Education, Health, and Society, called the award “a testament to the expertise and hard work of the MU-LEAD team.” The university earned a perfect score on Ohio’s Science of Reading audit in December 2025.

“I can’t wait to see the impact this will have on the community,” Noltemeyer said.  miamioh.edu

health justice and supporting young people.

Eligible organizations can seek funding for urgent operational needs, time-sensitive programs or efforts that address unmet community needs. Another $300,000 will fund one-on-one sustainability consulting, while $200,000 will support invited partners focused on organizational resilience and workforce well-being.

Application information, eligibility requirements and additional funding opportunities are available on the Movers & Makers website.  interactforhealth.org/open-funding

Impact 100 names finalists for $100K, $10K awards

$25K grant backs youth program in North Fairmount

Seven local nonprofits are in the running for Impact 100 Cincinnati’s annual grants, with four organizations set to receive $100,000 each and three others getting $10,000 each.

The women-led philanthropic organization selected the finalists from a record 146 applications. Finalists include The Bridge Adaptive Sports & Recreation, The Hillside Trust, Mary Magdalen House, Cincinnati ToolBank, Women Helping Women, Mercy Neighborhood Ministries and Giving Voice Foundation.

More than 450 Impact 100 members will vote on the winners, who will be announced Sept. 15 at the organization’s annual awards celebration.  Full list of finalists and their proposed projects at moversmakers.org  impact100.org

North Fairmount Community Center received a $25,000 grant from the Charles H. Dater Foundation to support its free Youth Enrichment Program for neighborhood children.

The funding will help the nonprofit continue providing after-school academic support, homework help, mentoring, enrichment activities and recreation in a safe environment. The program is offered at no cost to families and aims to help children build academic, social and life skills.  nfcommunitycenter.org

Interact for Health launches $2M Responsive Fund Interact for Health is making up to $2 million available to help Greater Cincinnati nonprofits respond to rising demand, policy changes and financial uncertainty through a new Responsive Fund.

The initiative includes up to $1.5 million in grants of $50,000, $75,000 and $100,000 for nonprofits providing critical community services, including organizations advancing

Haile Foundation support helps Memorial Hall expand staff A $40,000, two-year grant from the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation is helping the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society expand its staff with a new full-time marketing and development coordinator.

Kyle Fugate will lead marketing, donor engagement, sponsorship and community outreach while helping grow the LongworthAnderson Series and strengthen fundraising for Memorial Hall’s historic preservation efforts and year-round cultural programming. The organization says the new position aims to help strengthen its long-term sustainability by increasing awareness of its programs.  memorialhallotr.com/cmhs-friends Continued on Page 27

Nonprofit News

After 50 years, Crossroads Center has a new name and visual identity.

Crossroads Center becomes NorthStar Behavioral Health The Crossroads Center has rebranded as NorthStar Behavioral Health, a change leaders say better reflects the nonprofit’s expanded focus on mental health, substance use treatment and long-term recovery.

President and CEO JB Boothe said the new name signals the organization’s evolution while emphasizing that its mission, leadership, staff and services remain unchanged. Boothe added that the rebrand is intended to better communicate its role in guiding individuals and families toward healing, stability and wellness.

“NorthStar represents direction, purpose and the belief that no matter how lost someone feels, a path forward is always possible,” Boothe said. “Our new name reflects our commitment to guide individuals toward healing, hope and lasting recovery.”

Boothe emphasized that only the name is new. NorthStar Behavioral Health will continue providing the same behavioral health and substance use treatment it has offered Greater Cincinnati for more than 50 years, she said.

The new-look organization planned to hold a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at its headquarters on July 30.  northstarbh.org

Activities Beyond the Classroom has new name, same mission Activities Beyond the Classroom is now KidFuture CPS, marking the Cincinnati nonprofit’s closer partnership with Cincinnati Public Schools and a new era of leadership.

The name change reflects the nonprofit’s new exclusive focus on serving CPS students and families. The transition follows a five-year memorandum of understanding with the district that formalizes their partnership while preserving KidFuture’s status as an independent nonprofit with its own board and leadership.

KidFuture has committed to raising more than $20 million by 2030 to support district

Miami University Polytechnic on the university’s Hamilton campus will offer a more hands-on education model, giving students more ways to earn degrees and credentials while preparing them for in-demand careers.

priorities, including early literacy, workforce development and what it calls “holistic student support,” while CPS will cover some of the nonprofit’s administrative costs.

“While our name and branding may be different, day-to-day operations at KidFuture CPS have remained fairly steady,” said Carmen Lawrence-Bille, senior manager of grants and foundations. “Many of our programs remain untouched, and we’ve even added new programs born of strategies with the district.”

The transition also comes with a leadership change. Executive Director Sally Grimes has stepped down after nearly a decade leading the organization, and Deputy Director Rachel Stallings is serving as interim executive director while the board searches for a permanent replacement.

The organization expects to complete the rebranding and name a new executive director this fall.  kidfuturecps.org

Miami to launch polytechnic campus in Hamilton Miami University will open a polytechnic on its Hamilton campus in 2027, creating a new education model centered on hands-on learning and workforce preparation.

Approved by the university’s Board of Trustees, Miami University Polytechnic will focus on fields such as advanced manufacturing and information technology while expanding work-based learning and industry partnerships.

University leaders say the new campus will prepare students for high-demand careers while continuing to offer a broad range of academic programs.

“It provides an exciting opportunity to deliver hands-on training and industry-driven, technical education that leads to strong career outcomes aligned with workforce priorities across the region and throughout the state of Ohio,” President Gregory Crawford said.

The polytechnic will build on the university’s recently opened Advanced Manufacturing

Workforce and Innovation Hub, where Miami, Butler Tech and OhioMeansJobs Butler County collaborate on workforce training.

Miami plans to enroll its first polytechnic class in fall 2027, with three initial academic programs.  miamioh.edu

NKY leaders unveil new regional trail plan A proposed 31-mile trail linking seven Northern Kentucky cities is the centerpiece of a new regional plan to better connect Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties.

Commissioned by regional leadership nonprofit OneNKY Alliance and developed by the Cincinnati Off-Road Alliance and Tri-State Trails, the Northern Kentucky Regional Trails Plan outlines a vision for linking 934 miles of existing and future paved and natural-surface trails. The feasibility study identifies opportunities to connect communities, parks and neighborhoods while expanding recreational access, encouraging active transportation and improving regional connectivity.

Project leaders unveiled the plan during an event at the OneNKY Center in Covington, where local officials highlighted investments already underway in trail infrastructure.

Afterward, the group took a bike ride along the proposed route.

Organizers said the proposed OneNKY Connector helped accelerate the broader planning effort by bringing together cities, counties and trail advocates around a shared vision for the region.

The report is available online and in print for local governments, community organizations and other stakeholders. tristatetrails.org/nky-rtp

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NAMES in the NEWS

Larry Krauter

Jamie Schorsch

Dave Knox

Kate Uraneck

Chad Summe

M. Katherine Hurley

Ed Walton

Ed Mathis



The BE NKY Growth Partnership board of directors recently welcomed five Northern Kentucky leaders to its roster. Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore and the Boone County Fiscal Court appointed Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport CEO Larry Krauter to a term ending June 30, 2027. Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann and the Kenton County Fiscal Court appointed Blue North Executive Director Dave Knox and eGateway Capital managing partner Chad Summe to the board for threeyear terms. On March 10, BE NKY’s Board of Directors approved the appointments of STEP CEO Ed Walton and P.L. Marketing President Nick Basch to the board. They also will serve three-year terms. The board also named Anna Wright, Prysmian North America VP of marketing and communications, as the new secretary.



William “Bill” Baumann joined the board of trustees at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum. The Cincinnati native co-founded the Los Angeles-based production company PorchLight Entertainment and previously held leadership positions at Taft Broadcasting. Since returning to the region in 2009, he has served in leadership roles with the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society, the Longworth-Anderson Series, the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center and Cincinnati Preservation.



The Cincinnati Art Club, a nonprofit that has supported the region’s visual arts community since 1890, has named six new members to its board of trustees. The appointments include Melinda Benfield as community engagement chair, Jazmina Robinhawk as hospitality chair, Alan Brown as social media chair, Jamie Schorsch as development chair, Kate Uraneck as secretary and M. Katherine Hurley as vice president.



Ed Mathis will lead the Rotary Club of Cincinnati as president for 2026-27.

Founded in 1910, the club is one of the world’s

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Nick Basch

Jordan Bankston

Anna Wright

Stephen Mosby

William Baumann Melinda Benfield Jazmina Robinhawk

Abby Gibbons

oldest Rotary clubs. Mathis, vice president of Republic Commercial Real Estate, plans to expand membership, strengthen community partnerships and bring together businesses, nonprofits and government to tackle regional challenges.



After leading Forever Kings since founding the nonprofit in 2019, Jordan Bankston has handed the reins to Stephen Mosby as the organization enters its next phase of growth.

Mosby, formerly the organization’s lead impact coordinator, now serves as executive director while Bankston transitions to a strategic adviser role focused on growth and sustainability. Forever Kings has served more than 3,000 boys and young men of color and their families through mentorship, academic support, workforce development and leadership programs.



Abby Gibbons joined Ohio Valley Goodwill as retail district director, overseeing sales and operations at more than 20 stores across Greater Cincinnati. Gibbons has 33 years of retail leadership experience, including district management positions with European Wax Center, francesca’s and New York & Company.

Revenue from Goodwill’s retail stores helps fund the nonprofit’s job training and community programs.



Carolyn Hefner joined YWCA Greater Cincinnati as chief development officer, where she will lead fundraising, donor engagement and philanthropic partnerships for the nonprofit. Most recently, Hefner served as chief of external affairs at the Contemporary Arts Center, where she led fundraising, marketing and communications while helping shape the museum’s long-term strategy. She also previously held development roles with Mayerson Academy, Camp Joy, Cincinnati Museum Center, and Music Resource Center.



Dress for Success Cincinnati welcomed Natalie Meyer as its new volunteer and events coordinator. A lifelong Cincinnatian with

Carolyn Hefner

Natalie Meyer

Alan Brown

Marshelle Watkins-Blackwell

Ginger Clark

experience in marketing, events and community engagement, Meyer will oversee volunteer engagement and help lead the nonprofit’s annual Illuminate fundraiser. Dress for Success Cincinnati helps women achieve economic independence through career coaching, professional attire, workforce development and support services.



Early childhood educator and family engagement leader Marshelle WatkinsBlackwell will lead the Read Ready Network as it expands its efforts to boost early literacy across Northern Kentucky’s river cities. The Northern Kentucky University graduate has more than a decade of experience building partnerships among families, schools and community organizations. She most recently served as a family resource center coordinator for Newport Independent School.



A veteran conservation leader with deep ties to Ohio’s riverways will lead the Little Miami Conservancy into its next chapter.

Ginger Clark takes over as executive director after managing the Great Miami Riverway at the Miami Conservancy District, where she partnered with more than 20 communities and organizations to promote conservation and recreation along the 99-mile Great Miami River National Water Trail. Founded in 1967, the Little Miami Conservancy protects and preserves the Little Miami State and National Scenic River through land conservation, habitat restoration and public stewardship.



The Friends of Harriet Beecher Stowe House has added six members (not pictured) to its board of directors: Susan Casey, Michael Kursell, Shannon Miranda, Jennifer Williams, Kristine Yohe and Charlotte Webb, who’ll serve as treasurer. The new members bring experience in historic preservation, education, nonprofit leadership, accounting and community development to the board, which supports the Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Walnut Hills.

NAMES in the NEWS  GIFTS & GRANTS (Cont. from Page 24)



Thomas More University has named alumnus M. Scott McIntyre vice chair of its board of trustees and appointed H. Lytle Thomas chair of the board’s Finance, Business & Capital Planning Committee. McIntyre, a 1997 graduate, is a partner at Baker Hostetler who leads the firm’s employment and labor law practice.

Thomas is president of First National Bank of Kentucky and previously served as president and CEO of Heritage Bank.



A longtime champion of the arts is joining the Art Academy of Cincinnati’s Board of Trustees. Sara M. Vance Waddell, a Cincinnati philanthropist and nationally recognized collector of feminist art, serves on the boards and advisory councils of several arts organizations, including the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Carolee Schneemann Foundation and Wave Pool. She is also president of SMV Media.

M. Scott McIntyre

H. Lytle Thomas

Sara Vance Waddell



The Cincinnati Youth Choir has tapped nationally recognized music educators Ryan Ellis and Cindy Ellis to serve as co-artistic directors beginning with the 2026-27 season. The husbandand-wife team will lead the choir’s artistic vision, programming and instruction as the organization enters its 34th season. Ryan Ellis previously led the acclaimed choral program at Miami Arts Studio in Florida, while Cindy Ellis is an award-winning choral director and vocalist whose ensembles have performed at Carnegie Hall, the BBC Proms and other international venues. 

Freedom Center to use $25K grant to enhance arts programming A $25,000 grant from the John A. Schroth Family Charitable Trust will help the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center expand its arts and cultural programming. The funding will go toward helping the downtown Cincinnati museum increase access to cultural experiences for Greater Cincinnati residents and visitors alike.  freedomcenter.org

More DePaul Cristo Rey grads to complete college thanks to grant The Charles H. Dater Foundation awarded a $35,000 grant to DePaul Cristo Rey High School to help more graduates complete college. The funding will support the school’s Graduate Success Fund, which provides microgrants to alumni facing financial hurdles such as tuition gaps, books, lab fees, transportation and housing.

Most DePaul Cristo Rey graduates

Ryan Ellis

Cindy Ellis

are first-generation college students from families with limited financial means, making those unexpected expenses a common barrier to earning a degree.

School leaders say more than 80% of students who receive one of these microgrants stay in college or graduate.  depaulcristorey.org

Grant to improve mental health services in rural NKY OneQuest Health received a three-year, $23,000 grant from the WHAS Crusade for Children to expand mental health services for teenagers in rural Northern Kentucky communities.

The funding will increase access to therapy and telehealth for youth ages 12 to 17 in Carroll, Grant and Owen counties, where shortages of mental health providers often force families to travel long distances for care, according to OneQuest.

Formerly known as CHNK Behavioral Health, the organization said the grant will help connect more young people with counseling and early intervention services.  onequesthealth.org 

More than 27,000 area older adults and people with disabilities live independently at home with help from Council on Aging.

Connect with us to learn how we improve the quality of life for older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers:

athy

Bill & K

Bonita

Polly

help4seniors.org (513) 721-1025

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Snapshots SNAPSHOTS

Cincy Shakes’ ‘REVEL & Wit’ event honors Plotts Cincinnati Shakespeare Company welcomed donors and supporters to “REVEL & Wit,” a gala and benefit performance of “Emma.” The event raised more than $80,000 for “Shakespeare For All,” an initiative focused on breaking down barriers to people experiencing Shakespeare and other classic stage productions.

CSC honored Glenn Plott and Cassandra Plott with the 2026 Globe Award in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to the company and the broader Cincinnati arts community.  cincyshakes.com Jim Kinney and Marcie Kinney, representing sponsor GBBN

Honorees Glenn Plott and Cassandra Plott (Back row) Glenn Plott, Gary Kidney, Evans Mirageas, Cassandra Plott, Krista Billings and Thomas Hase; (front row) Matt Singleton, Terri Kidney, Lyla Forlani, Kate Schofield and Ellen Graham

Gala host Debbie Westheimer with “Hamlet”

Representing sponsor EY: Shannon Kane and Steve Kane

Brian Isaac Phillips, CSC producing artistic director; Sara Clark, director of development; and Jennifer Damiano, board chair

Katie O’Shaughnessy with Revel hosts Nancy Yund and George Yund

Hosts Rick Reynolds and Vicky Reynolds Sherry Hughes and Myron Hughes from sponsor Blue Rose Supply

Event sponsors Debby Mason and Jim Mason 28

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Sponsors Patrick Points and Wijdan Jreisat, with guests Brian Storck, Melissa Griley, Prentice Carter and Liz Carter

SNAPSHOTS

NKY Chamber Women’s Initiative honors trailblazers The Women’s Initiative Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Awards were held at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming. Each year, these awards recognize women who are blazing trails, opening doors and demonstrating leadership in their homes, professions, communities and across the region.

The awards were created more than 40 years ago by the late Nancy Janes Boothe. More than 500 people gathered to recognize this year’s inductees.

• Outstanding Women of NKY honorees: Terri Bernstein, BB Riverboats; Jessica Fette, Erlanger mayor; Christine Russell, BE NKY and Port Authority of NKY; Lacy Starling, LINK Media; and Karen Zengel, St. Vincent de Paul NKY. • St. Elizabeth Healthcare Henrietta Cleveland Inspiring Women honoree: Dr. Holly Danneman, UK College of Medicine-NKY • Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship recipient: Kristin Hughes, Thomas More University

Honoree Terri Bernstein and Dale Silver

Dale Silver, VP of C-Forward, presents Christine Russell with her Outstanding Women of NKY award

 nkychamber.com/womensinitiative Honoree Holly Danneman with Carri Chandler of St. Elizabeth

Photos by Emory Davis

Amber Baugh of award sponsor altafiber presents the Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship award to Kelsey Wicher of Thomas More University (accepting on behalf of scholarship recipient Kristin Hughes).

Emcee Kathrine Nero Honoree Karen Zengel

Lacy Starling receives her award from Dale Silver.

Outstanding Women chair Catherine Salzman

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SNAPSHOTS

Classic cars zoom into Concours d’Elegance More than 200 classic cars and motorcycles were the stars at the 48th annual Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance in Ault Park. The event featured 25 classes of classic, vintage and exotic vehicles and included a tribute to the cars featured in the movies “The Fast and the Furious” and “Cars,” along with Turbo Era cars (1973-1993).

The internationally recognized automotive display was presented by Barchetta Charitable Fund. and sponsored by Porsche of the Village. The theme was “100 Years of Mercedes-Benz.”

The Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance Foundation manages the event with all proceeds benefiting the Arthritis Foundation, with a special focus on juvenile arthritis.

Executive Jet Management hosted a separate Hangar Party at Lunken Airport.

The sold-out event featured more than 750 guests enjoying exotic cars, motorcycles and private jets, and dinner by-the-bite from Eat Well Celebrations and Feasts. The party was sponsored by Torque Motor Suites.  ohioconcours.com

Madison Cox and Brandon Brooks Carrie VanDerzee, Concours d’Elegance Foundation executive director; Rich Frantz, vice-president; Dave Sheehy, chairman; benefactors Kellee Peters and Bryan Peters, and board members Dan Cotton and Benny Rodriguez

Kate Jackson, Peter Jackson, David Millings, Astrid Ortega and Mayra Ortega Robin Ornazian, Greg Ornazian, Dan Bosch and Denise Bosch

Drive-through awards ceremony Peck Solomini and Nick Solomini Tyler Damron, Matt Harless and Lou Velazquez

Logan Schafer, Ann Keeling and Joshua Bickett Erica Johnson

Concours d’Elegance judges check out a car. Jack Hahn

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Local Cincinnati Hagerty Youth Judges. “Partnership for Youth” is a program to engage more young people, ensuring future generations of car enthusiasts.

Photos by G ary Kessler Photography

SNAPSHOTS

Ian Kahl (finishing) was named Youth Honored Hero by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation takes steps for patients More than 420 community leaders and influencers gathered at Voice of America Park in West Chester for The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s Southwest Ohio Take Steps. The event helped fund research and patient support programs, and sought to increase awareness of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, two painful and unpredictable digestive diseases.

The event featured family-friendly activities and a Dedication Ribbon Ceremony (in which patients, caregivers and supporters tie ribbons of varying colors to a central banner).

The foundation honored Ian Kahl as Youth Honored Hero and Dr. Allan Peck of Gastro Health as Medical Honored Hero. Jacki Ruschman shared her experience with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

The foundation exceeded its fundraising goal, bringing in more than $136,000 thanks to fundraising teams and volunteers.  crohnscolitisfoundation.org Jacki Ruschman shared her experience with IBD. Dr. Allan Peck was named Medical Honored Hero.

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SNAPSHOTS

Glitz, Groove & Giving supports Alzheimer’s Association The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Cincinnati Chapter hosted its annual Glitz, Groove & Giving Gala, bringing together more than 400 guests for an evening of celebration, philanthropy and hope.

The event raised $440,000 for care, support services and research for families affected by dementia.

The Studio 54-themed gala featured a bourbon pull, wine game, bourbon raffle, live auction and silent auction.

David Custer received the Courage and Hope Honoree Award for his leadership, advocacy, and commitment to advancing awareness and support for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

The program also featured Mission Moment speakers Connie Langhorst and Thomas Gerwe.

Langhorst spoke about living with early-stage Alzheimer’s and the need to reduce stigma while advancing hope through research and early detection.

Western & Southern Financial Group and Fort Washington Investment Advisors were premier sponsors.  alz.org/cincinnati

David Custer (center) receives the Hope and Courage Award from Lindsay Walker, Alzheimer’s Association Ohio executive director, and Kristi Meyer, board president of Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cincinnati.

Kelsey Fister, Eric Elam, Erika Kaufman, Cindy Elam, Susan Barrett Homan, Vince Homan and April Dold

Gala Committee members Mary Beth Wilfong, Michelle Dunne, Colleen Ireton, Karen Olberding, Michelle Levine, Eric Knapp, Lindsay Walker and Lisa Raterman

Maribeth Rahe Eric Knapp, Robert Copeland, Rob Jenkins, Heric Flores and Theo Nelson

Northern Kentucky University students Bella Brink, Lillie Younger and Kendall Dixon created short videos to educate young adults about Alzheimer’s. Connie Langhorst and Tom Gerwe, Mission Moment speakers, with Philip Johnson David Carter, Robin Carter, Connie Miller-Fender and Donald Fender 

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FotoFocus opens new center The new FotoFocus Center welcomed more than 1,000 guests to its opening weekend celebrations. The weekend included a media preview for FotoFocus Center’s inaugural exhibition “Big Tent,” an opening reception and a series of gallery talks with artists from the exhibition.

The 14,700-square-foot structure will house year-round exhibitions and programming that align with the FotoFocus vision to inspire conversations about the world through the art of photography.

FotoFocus Center is at 228 E. Liberty St. in Over-theRhine. Guests can visit Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.6 p.m., and Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free.  FotoFocus.org

Katherine Siegwarth, executive director, and FotoFocus Center architect Jose Garcia at the “Big Tent” press preview Patrons Melvin Grier and Jens Rosenkrantz in the first-floor gallery

Michael Famighetti, “Big Tent” artist David Benjamin Sherry and Sarah Meister

“Big Tent” artist Tommasso Sacconi, Miguel Quismondo and artist Marco Anelli at the opening reception Katherine Siegwarth, FotoFocus executive director, with “Big Tent” artist Asa Featherstone IV

Patrons Pamela Myricks and Lennell Myricks at “Big Tent” opening festivities

“Big Tent” artist Tina Gutierrez and board member Cynthia Collins Kevin Moore, FotoFocus artistic director and “Big Tent” curator, moderates a discussion.

Kimball Derrick, Bill Baumann, Dick Duval and Julie Fay

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Big Brothers Big Sisters sells out Golf Classic

Tensure team Alton Alexander, Doug Shannon, John Sheldon and Jeremy Coffman

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati celebrated its sold-out 30th annual Golf Classic, raising more than $325,000 to help support local young people.

The event at Kenwood Country Club featured Outback Steakhouse as the title sponsor and AHEAD and Great American Insurance Group as presenting sponsors. Guests took part in the silent auction, raffles, specialty games and exclusive experiences like a Cigar & Bloody Mary Bar. Following golf, the crowd heard from longtime match Big Brother David Martin and Little Brother Gyp Banks, who shared the story of their decade-long friendship.  bigsforkids.org

Event co-chairs Taylor Gorning and Robbie Atkins AHEAD team Brian Cowles, Brandon Horton, BBBS CEO Jessica Esterkamp, Matt Athey and Nick Farrell

BBBS staffers Amanda Emmons Shumate, Kylee Fitzgerald, CEO Jessica Esterkamp, Kate Coyne-Chailland and Jackie Graves Big Brother David Martin and Little Brother Gyp Banks

Ethan McAlpin, Craig Hyson, Nathan Madden and Jordan Sayatovic Intuit team Steven Noung, Sam Noung, Justin Winkle and Koko Thaw

GAIG team Liz Bautista, Kevin Duke, Jason Cohen and Jon Goldman

Chelsea McIntosh, Shae Mills, Clarke Boon and Marshall Naegle from Outback Steakhouse 34

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AMEND team Dick Williams, Jeremy Coffman and board member Paul Delaney

Former BBBS CEO Kathy List and board member Kent Little of Outback Steakhouse

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Dine with Design benefits students, restaurants Design LAB: Learn + Build raised approximately $75,000 at its annual fundraiser, Dine with Design.

More than 300 people gathered at Newport on the Levee, where they viewed Design LAB’s student exhibition before walking to a trio of nearby local restaurants for drinks and menu samplings. The event concluded back at Newport on the Levee’s Bridgeview Park with live music, desserts and sunset views overlooking the river.

The evening benefitted Design LAB’s signature design education program, which matches more than 100 volunteer architects, engineers and construction professionals with classrooms in more than 65 schools, helping more than 2,000 students a year.

The funds raised will enable Design LAB to continue to offer the program to economically disadvantaged students at no cost. The event brings business and increased exposure to Newport restaurants.  architecturecincy.org

Board and staff members round out the evening at Bridgeview Park with live music and river views: (Back row) Kit Houston, Greg Hammond, Chris Grosser and Ahmad Saleh; (middle row) David Wright, Kevin Mire, Chris Hopper, Will Johnson and Charlie Jahnigen; (front row) Ali Hubbard, Jason East, Christen Lubbers, Aubrey Rudy, Krystal Milly Vibilia and Caryn Hawkins

Board member Chris Hopper leads Sam Gillis, Nick Steinert and Ryan Wagner from Pensive Distillery to the next destination. Melissa Lutz, Cindy Taylor and Pamela Shrout

Mitch Gigandet, Justin Marlman, Charlie Jahnigen and others enjoy Bridgeview Park at sunset.

Board member Jason East and Executive Director Christen Lubbers welcome guests.

Maya Middlebrook and other guests enjoy the Design LAB student exhibit during cocktail hour.

Delivering nutrition, connection and protection for seniors www.muchmorethanameal.org

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Best Point hosts 162nd annual meeting, dinner

Interact for Health CEO Kate Schroder, Vito Damiano and Jennifer Damiano Rebecca Albrecht, Barrett Albrecht, Robby Croswell, Ellie Osborn Ouellete, Robbie Davis and Johnny Bultema IV

Best Point Education and Behavioral Health hosted its 162nd annual membership meeting and dinner at the organization’s Heidt Center of Excellence. The event gave members a report on the organization’s status, while also recognizing staff, board members, elected officials, community leaders and trustees who have worked tirelessly over the years to serve Best Point clients.

John Banchy, president and CEO, highlighted the journey of Calea Jane, a former Best Point student who went on to write the children’s book “Artsy Aubrey.” Banchy also provided an update on the agency’s growth and impact.

Hamilton County Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas presented Ohio state Rep. Mike Odioso with the second annual Bridge Builder Award, recognizing his impact by connecting at-risk families to the support, resources and opportunities they need to thrive. The inaugural Community Partner Award went to bi3 Fund. Best Point also recognized staff and volunteers with a variety of awards.  bestpoint.org

Lars Andersson and Tammy Andersson

Pam Sibcy, Carlos Teran, Roberta Teran, Austin Heidt and Dr. Robert Heidt

Nicole Heard and Melvyn Heard Melvyn Heard, John Banchy and Ryan McGraw Calea Jane, John Banchy and Roscita Reid

Karen Bankston and Tommie Lewis

Mark Mercurio and John Bultema III

Tim Kerdolff and Jim Hobson

Jill Miller of bi3 Fund Greg Vollmer

Hamilton County Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas and Ohio state Rep. Mike Odioso

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Barbara Lichtenstein and Dr. Phil Lichtenstein

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Elegant event celebrates opera’s ‘Salome’ Dr. Beatriz Porras and Dr. Alvaro Ryes welcomed guests to their Indian Hill home for a cocktail party celebrating artists and sponsors of Cincinnati Opera’s production of “Salome.” The event hosted world-renowned soprano Kathryn Lewek, who interpreted the title role in June.

The event featured the production’s artists and the sponsors who support the continued excellence of Cincinnati Opera.

One of the evening’s highlights was a performance by Jamey Rowe, a young autistic musician.

Porras’ love of music is connected to her autism advocacy and her nonprofit, Angels’ Castle, a nonprofit organization helping young autistic adults.  cincinnatiopera.org, angelscastle.org

Host Dr. Beatriz Porras with husbandand-wife performers Zach Borichevsky and Kathryn Lewek, both in “Salome.” Lyla Forlani, Christopher Milligan and Thomas Hase, all of Cincinnati Opera Jamey Rowe performs for guests.

“Salome” conductor Robert Spano; Evans Mirageas, Cincinnati Opera artistic director; Dr. Catharina Toltzis; and Dr. Robert Toltzis

The cocktail party at the home of Dr. Beatriz Porras and Dr. Alvaro Ryes

Family Nurturing Center signs beam for new facility Family Nurturing Center recently celebrated a “sign the beam” ceremony at their new facility, under construction in Crestview Hills, Ky. Community leaders, donors, volunteers and supporters gathered to sign a structural beam that will become part of a building dedicated “to hope, healing, and brighter futures for children and families.”

The new facility will expand FNC’s capacity to serve children who have experienced abuse, neglect and trauma, allowing the agency to reach many more families and enhance services.

The building is supported by $2.5 million approved in April by the Kentucky General Assembly. Family Nurturing Center leaders announced they have reached approximately 75% of the organization’s capital campaign fundraising goal.  familynurture.org

Jane Herms, president and CEO of Family Nurturing Center, receives a state check for $2.5 million from Kentucky state Rep. Stephanie Dietz.

Jean Mize, COO of the R.C. Durr Foundation “Bengal Jim” Foster signs the beam. The new facility under construction

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Golf Classic plays through for Stepping Stones Stepping Stones’ 25th annual Golf Classic raised more than $91,500 to benefit year-round programming for children, teens and adults with disabilities.

Golfers at the O’Bannon Creek Golf Club participated in a raffle and five-hole contests, with dinner in the clubhouse. Graham Mercurio, Ted Scherpenberg, Chis LaTulippe and Justin Knappick from RCF Group finished first among the men.

Anne Shanahan, Dana Pease, Kathy Barton and Melissa Murphy were the top-placing women’s team.

The event was presented by CSJ Charitable Fund.

John Borchers Jr. was event chair.

Stepping Stones serves people with disabilities in day and overnight programs in Batavia, Indian Hill, Norwood and Western Hills.  SteppingStonesOhio.org

Allison Picton, Marjorie Smyth, Katie Mezher and Britt Nielsen Event chair John Borchers Jr. and Vickey Conner Beasley

Adam Morton uses the golf air cannon, new to this year’s outing.

Women’s tournament winners: Anne Shanahan, Dana Pease, Melissa Murphy and Kathy Barton

Men’s tournament winners: Justin Knappick, Chris LaTulippe and Graham Mercurio (not pictured: Ted Scherpenberg) Benchmark Wealth Management’s team

Madeira High team shows stock-picking skill A team of students from Madeira High School placed second in the 2026 Junior Achievement National Stock Market Challenge, held as part of JA’s Future Bound National Conference in Boston.

The team, known as Men in Black, represented Junior Achievement of OKI Partners after winning the regional JA Stock Market Challenge earlier this year. Competing against top student teams from across the country, the Madeira students achieved a 72% return on investment in the stock market simulation.

Team members were Liam Garza, Sam Redlinger, Ben Reed and Blake Torggler, all members of their school’s Millionaires’ Club, a financial literacy club founded and led by teacher Jennifer Jordan.  jausa.ja.org/programs/ja-stock-market 38

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Madeira High School’s Men in Black team: Blake Torggler, Liam Garza, teacher Jennifer Jordan, Ben Reed and Sam Redlinger

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Canoes & Conversations explores Mill Creek’s potential

(Back row) Ohio state Rep. Dani Isaacsohn, Dave Schmitt and Gerald Checco; (front row) Michele Gottschlich, Cincinnati City Council member Meeka Owens and Pamela J. Adams

More than 250 residents, community partners, volunteers, performers and guests gathered at the Yellow Bridge in South Cumminsville for the Mill Creek Alliance’s annual Canoes & Conversations event. Attendees spent the morning exploring the Mill Creek by land and water, sharing ideas, building connections and discussing opportunities the creek presents.

One theme emerged again and again: There is more to the Mill Creek than meets the eye.

From its natural beauty to its potential as a community asset, many participants indicated they discovered an unexpected charm and left with a renewed appreciation for the creek and its future.  themillcreekalliance.org

MCA board members Greg Bechtel, Ruby Kinsey Mumphrey and Brendon Leeker

Rufaro Bulathsinghalage and Gretchen Nieberding (rear, with clipboards) lead a streamside habitat assessment. Bennett Kottler leads a nature walk along the Mill Creek Greenway Trail.

Rosie Red inducts members into the Mill Creek Yacht Club.

MCA board member Larry Falkin and Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus

Cyclists travel over Yellow Bridge.

Canoes on Cumminsville Beach on the Mill Creek

Stowe House creates oral history films The Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Walnut Hills premiered its first two oral history short films. Zinnia Stewart, the museum’s community engagement coordinator, interviewed Andrea Porter and Beverly Lamb about their experiences at the house in the 1980s and ’90s.

Porter achieved her GED with tutoring at the house as a teen, and Lamb formerly served as director of the museum. Both interviews can be seen in their entirety on the museum’s YouTube page. The oral history collection project is ongoing.  stowehousecincy.org

Andrea Porter, Zinnia Stewart and Beverly Lamb Movers & Makers

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Talbert House raises funds for Fatherhood Project Talbert House raised more than $440,000 at its annual Fatherhood Celebration at Memorial Hall.

The funds will support the Fatherhood Project, helping fathers build stronger relationships with their children and become more responsible, committed and nurturing parents.

The event, presented by the Hatton Foundation, honored Thane Maynard – executive chairman of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, and father of three – as Community Father of the Year. Jesse James, a Fatherhood Project graduate and father of two, was recognized as Graduate Father of the Year.

The Fatherhood Project helps dads by providing classes, co-parenting and individual coaching, legal services, employment services and support meetings.

Since 2008, the program has served more than 5,000 fathers. The Fatherhood Committee was chaired

by David Hoguet.  talberthouse.org

John Silverman, Fatherhood chair; Josh Arnold, Talbert House CEO; Jesse James, Fatherhood Graduate of the Year; Thane Maynard, Community Father of the Year; and David Hoguet, Fatherhood event chair Lawrence Kyte, Carolyn Pichardo and Ryan Kyte Sam Rossell, Nick Lingenfelter, Steve Michaelis and Roger Wade Jackie Sweeney and Denice Hertlein, Talbert House board chair

Sarah Weiss, Les McNeill, Matthew Randazzo and Gary Lubin

Brian O’Toole, Hannah O’Toole, John Silverman, Olivia Silverman and Bekah Walter

From presenter Hatton Foundation: Steve Scherzinger, Kate Morris, Stacy Cole, Jamie Markle and Tammy Andersson From sponsor Fifth Third Bank: Hammad Siddiqi, Michael Walsh, Sam Hashmi and Christian Florea Thane Maynard, Neil Tilow and Peter Klekamp

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Queen City Charities board: Molly Mormen, The Lady Phaedra, Justin Hucke, Tym House, Matt VanWinkle, Caitlin McBee, Stephanie Meinberg, Dr. Gina Maccarone and Tonya Cook

Queen City Charities turns drag brunch into real change

King with Queen – Alexander Cameron and Molly Wellmann

Every June, Queen City Charities takes over Rhinegeist Brewery for arguably the largest drag brunch in the region.

Hundreds of people pack the floor, performers bring the house down, and every dollar raised goes back into the community.

For this year’s sixth annual Wigs & Waffles, more than 600 attendees, sponsors, volunteers, board members and cast members raised over $142,000, a record. Last year, QCC awarded $80,000 in grants to 14 local LGBTQ+ organizations.

Queen City Charities hosts programming and events throughout the year, all focused on supporting and celebrating Cincinnati’s LGBTQ+ community.  queencitycharities.com

Presenting sponsor Dr. Gina Maccarone

Team MadisonEden: Josh Burton, Katie Garrison and Justin Hucke, QCC founder and president

Rainbow duo Carissa Thompson and David Johnson Nat Jones and Pam Kravetz

Local artist Teah Longland with canvas painted at the event and auctioned live Kate Mel, Jodie Linver and Tara Litmer Photos by K ate Weinbender of K atherine Elyse Media and Helen A dams Photography

Gorgeous wigs abound on these 2026 attendees. The Lady Phaedra, QCC board member and emcee Movers & Makers

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Ken Anderson Alliance draws 250 to dinner event More than 250 people came out to support Ken Anderson Alliance’s Ken & Friends dinner event at Hard Rock Casino. Presented by TQL, the event raised more than $234,000 to empower adults with disabilities to thrive in the community.

Along with emcee Lindsay Stone, Bengals legend Ken Anderson and KAA CEO Patrick Ober honored Thrive participant Daniel Hunt and volunteer Mark Meinerding for embodying the spirit of KAA, where people of all abilities can join together.

A 2026 Bengals panel featured coaches Zac Taylor and Dan Pitcher, plus rookies Brian Parker and Jack Endries, moderated by Bengals announcers Dave Lapham and Dan Hoard.

All proceeds from the event benefit creative arts, work and job readiness, and community integration programs for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.  kenandersonalliance.org

Representing the Cincinnati Bengals are Head Coach Zac Taylor, rookie offensive lineman Brian Parker, rookie tight end Jack Endries and offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher. At center is Bengals legend and the nonprofit’s founder, Ken Anderson. Board member Chris Collier, Katy Collier, Julie Kline and Rick Kline

Skip Markley, board chair Terry Tomlinson and board member Tony Schweier

Emcee Lindsay Stone shares what it means to empower adults with disabilities to thrive in the community.

Dave Lapham and Dan Hoard moderate the Bengals 2026 Outlook conversation.

Thrive volunteer awardee Mark Meinerding (center) with CEO Patrick Ober and Ken Anderson

KAA board members Billy Thomason and Peter Hiltz, Kassey Hiltz and Valerie Thomason

Zac Taylor meets Thrive participant honoree Daniel Hunt. (Far right) The event attracted supporters to Hard Rock Casino. 42

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Swing into Spring offers hope for children

Joe Danneman and jockey Perry Ouzts Mick McLane and Donna Allen

DCCH Center for Children and Families raised more than $400,000 during the 20th anniversary of its annual Swing into Spring fundraiser, supporting programs that help keep children safe, support their healing and assist families in need.

The milestone event at Turfway Park brought together supporters from across Northern Kentucky to celebrate two decades of community investment in DCCH’s mission and those it serves. The event introduced the Gift of Hope, inspired by a former resident’s poem, symbolizing resilience and compassion. The Pajk family shared their story of growing from a family of three to six. Their journey from fostering three siblings to reaching adoption day reflects perseverance, love and the difference the DCCH community makes.

Presenting sponsor was St. Elizabeth Healthcare.

DCCH offers onsite residential treatment as well as foster care and adoption opportunities for children who have been removed from their homes by the state of Kentucky.  dcchcenter.org

The Grateful Dads provided live music. The Swing into Spring committee

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SNAPSHOTS Bernard Schiefer, Kim Starbuck and Thom Mariner

Mix & Mingle under the ‘Big Tent’ at FotoFocus Center

Paraag Maddiwar and Elizabeth Mariner

Movers & Makers hosted the very first event at the FotoFocus Center following its opening in late May. More than 150 people came to mix and mingle, and to experience the new headquarters and its opening exhibit, “Big Tent,” on display through Aug. 22. This was M&M’s largest happy hour crowd to date.

FotoFocus is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting lens-based art. The new Over-the-Rhine building serves as the organization’s base between and during its biennial celebrations of photography and film. The 2026 Biennial, themed “The Long View,” will take place in October at the new center and at scores of regional galleries, museums, colleges and universities. Mail subscribers to M&M’s print magazine will receive a FotoFocus map with their October issue.

Movers & Makers’ August Mix & Mingle is being hosted by Ruckus, a new arts center in East Walnut Hills. RSVP via the QR code on Page 4.

Mindy Hammer and Christie Brown

Daniel Pfahl, Greg Newberry and Jay Kalagayan

Toni Buchanan and Brad Duban

Melissa English and Paul Gaitan

Paige von Hoffmann and David Smith

Helen Adams and Amanda Cawdrey

Sally Donovan, Kevin Donovan, Viki Jensen and Merrie Stillpass Kat Steiner, Chris Seelbach and Nyketa Gaffney

Theresa Diersen Heile and Jeanne Young

Rudy Bublitz and Gregg Martini

FotoFocus Executive Director Katherine Ryckman Siegwarth and Joi Sears 44

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Tina Gutierrez, Mark Scott and Jackie Baumgartner

Jacob Drabik and Greg Newberry

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Voices of Giving Awards honor philanthropists Sixteen local philanthropists received Voices of Giving Awards for gifts supporting causes close to their hearts. Each honoree was nominated by their nonprofit recipient, driven to improve lives and communities in Greater Cincinnati.

This was the 28th anniversary for the awards, a program of the Greater Cincinnati Planned Giving Council highlighting those paving the way for generosity and foresight when it comes to supporting charitable organizations. More than 600 individuals have been honored over the decades.

Planned Giving Council is a professional association for people whose work includes developing, marketing and administering charitable planned gifts for nonprofit institutions.  gcpgc.org/voices-of-giving

Eric Greenberg, Michelle Greenberg, Gary Greenberg, Benjamin Greenberg and Julie Greenberg

Tana Weingartner, Kevin Hackman, Sherri Mancini and Sue Ellen Stuebing Lisa Roberts-Rosser, Tanya Cornejo, Rachel Kirley and Pamela McKie Lisa Hacker, Felicia Zakem and Danielle Minson

Kurt Topham and Candy Hart

Allison Kaufman, Roger Grein and Tyler Rocquemore

Sarah Byrd and Garrett Feldkamp

Sporting clays event benefits Beechwood Home residents Enthusiasts gathered at the Sycamore Sporting Clays Club in Miamiville to compete and support The Beechwood Home. Participants enjoyed a morning of shooting, lunch prepared by the club and awards for shooting skills.

All proceeds benefited programs at The Beechwood Home, a lifelong home for 80 residents with an average age of 62. They have multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) or another neurological condition.  beechwoodhome.com

Winning team at the Beechwood Sporting Clays event: Ben Gavin (also overall male winner), Jake Marsac, Rich Schultz and John Manness. Other top scorers (not pictured): Jason Forrest (age 30 and under winner) and Casie Tire (overall female winner).

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Nonprofits harvest $250K from annual wine festival Three months after celebrating its 35th anniversary festival, the Cincinnati International Wine Festival gathered nonprofit partners, sponsors and community leaders for its annual Beneficiary Check Presentation, sponsored by Brixey & Meyer, at Cincinnati Public Radio in Evanston.

The festival distributed nearly $250,000 to 33 nonprofit organizations serving the arts, education, health and human services sectors.

(Full list on the Movers & Makers website.) These organizations reach more than a million people each year.

Since 1991, the festival has generated nearly $9 million in charitable donations, underscoring its commitment to supporting the region’s nonprofit community. CIWF will begin accepting applications for its 2027 beneficiaries in November.  winefestival.com Photos by Nicholas Viltrakis Julie Wiedenheft and Meggan Thompson of Dress for Success Cincinnati accept funding from Sarah Gagnon, CIWF executive director.

Sarah Gagnon, CIWF executive director, presents a beneficiary check to Freestore Foodbank leaders Kurt Reiber, Lissa Urriquia Gapultos and Kreg Keesee. Wine Festival board members and supporters Jayne Menke, Marc Watson and Chuck Hong

Kim McDermott and Michelle Otten Guenther of Queen City Book Bank receive their beneficiary check.

Awards honor high school theaters and actors

Amy Burgess, CAST executive director; Joe Rivers and Evan DiTullio, production team winners, and Jason Burgess, CAST artistic director

The first Queen City Theatre Awards were presented as the culminating event to Commonwealth Artists Student Theatre’s Queen City Theatre Collaborative program recognizing excellence in high school musical theater.

Fourteen area high schools participated in workshops, master classes with Broadway touring artists, and professional judging of each school’s musical. The Tony-style awards program featured Best Musical nominee performances, performance and technical awards, and performances from Best Leading Male and Female nominees.

The event was held in the Procter & Gamble Hall at The Aronoff Center with support from the Cincinnati Arts Association and Broadway in Cincinnati. The Queen City Theatre Collaborative supports CAST’s mission to transform high school theater communities in Greater Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky to inspire personal growth and creativity.  caststages.org Photos by Kennedy Dudley

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Emcees Megan Mitchell of WLWT and Evan Millward Movers & Makers

Zander Brewer of Lakota West High School was the winner of Best Leading Actor in a Male Role.

Gabriella Miranda of Winton Woods High School won Best Leading Actor in a Female Role.

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Springer gala supports students’ journeys Springer School and Center’s annual gala brought together more than 500 guests for an evening of celebration. The theme, “supporting all superhero students as they embrace their superpowers,” captured Springer’s mission: to empower students with learning disabilities to lead successful lives.

Held at Music Hall and spearheaded by event chair Wendy Bonomo, the celebration raised more than $380,000 for financial aid and outreach. Alumni parent Ryan Ward emceed a program with a live auction featuring trips to Tuscany and Red River Gorge, VIP passes to Bengals training camp, and a private wine-tasting.

Adam Isaacs, Springer class of 2001, shared his story of growing up with dyslexia and reflected on Springer’s lasting impact.  springer-ld.org

Brett Marcoux, Dan Arthur, Julie Marcoux and Shanda Arthur Allie Sollisch, Zach Sollisch, Wendy Bonomo, Liz Hibbard and Guy Lennon

Diane Katsanis and Mari Huelskamp

Kathy Carnes, Cathy VonLehman, Jen Berling, Jenni Ward and Michelle Christensen

Don Cullum, Melissa Cullum, Michelle Markus and Mike Markus

Purcell Marian President Ted Whapham, honoree Abasi Key and Johnetta Johnson, dean of students

Alums show up in ‘Grand’ style for Purcell Marian Purcell Marian High School alumni and friends gathered on campus in East Walnut Hills for the 2026 Grand Event, presented by the school’s graduating class of 1976.

Eveslage Gymnasium at the Fath Athletic Complex was transformed into an elegant, mood-lit ballroom. The program included presentation of the Praestans Awards, the highest honor the school bestows upon servant leaders and alumni. Those recipients were Abasi Key, Andy Farfsing, Brother Tom Pieper and Victoria Reynolds.

Through sponsorships, auctions, and a live paddle raise, attendees – in-person and online – raised more than $330,000, a record for the event. Proceeds provide unrestricted support for programming, athletics, student activities and the overall student experience.  purcellmarian.org

Honoree Victoria Reynolds and Bethany Doverspike

Ted Whapham, honoree Andy Farfsin and Bob Herring, director of Cavalier Scholars Program

Ted Whapham, honoree Brother Tom Pieper and Bethany Doverspike, chief advancement officer

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Little Brothers gala marks 29 years of connection

Elizabeth Bangel-Stehlin, board president and LBFE elderly friend Vivian J. LBFE Cincinnati founder Yogi Wess and Ja’Lah Willingham, executive director

Elderly friends gather for an evening of friendship and connection.

Photos by Jennifer Prine/JennPrine Photography

Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly celebrated 29 years of service, bringing together community members, volunteers, donors and elderly friends. The gala raised more than $66,000 to relieve loneliness and isolation among older adults.

LBFE has served older adults throughout Greater Cincinnati, focusing on those aging alone.

Through volunteer-driven friendship, social engagement and community connections, LBFE helps older adults remain seen and connected.

The organization relies on local foundations, corporate partners, individual donors and volunteers to provide year-round programming, holiday celebrations, friendly visits, telephone reassurance, outings and emergency support.

LBFE’s volunteer visits and outreach efforts often identify unmet needs among older adults. Through partnerships with organizations such as Council on Aging, Pro Seniors and others, LBFE helps connect older adults to critical services and support.  littlebrotherscincinnati.org

An LBFE elderly friend joins community supporters to mark 29 years of service to older adults.

Lion of Judah shows pride in progress

Danielle V. Minson, Sherri Samson and David Harris Karen Goodman and Jennifer Zelkind

More than 100 women gathered for the annual Lion of Judah thank you event, celebrating accomplishments of the previous year.

The women came together at Music Hall to hear from Sarah Hurwitz, author of “As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Shame, Blame and Try to Erase Us,” in a conversation led by Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch, CEO of Women of Reform Judaism.

Guests who have endowed a Lion of Judah gift were invited to attend a pre-reception with the author.  jewishcincinnati.org

April Davidow and Gloria Lipson

Julie Theobald, Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch, Rini Levy and Beth Miles

Patti Schneider and Abby Schwartz Amy McFarland, Jessica Yankie and Melanie Arnold 48

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HER Cincinnati honors Scholar House graduates HER Cincinnati families, friends, board members, volunteers, staff and others celebrated over 21 women at the first Cincinnati Scholar House Graduation.

Cincinnati Scholar House is the education branch of HER’s services, providing affordable housing for single parents and their children while the parents pursue college degrees.

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval declared Cincinnati Scholar House Day. Monica J. Posey, president of Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, spoke of the importance of resilience and fulfilling one’s potential. Volunteers were honored for their dedication. Each graduate received a commendation from the Ohio House of Representatives.

The event concluded with the children of the graduates uniting with their mothers and highlighting the importance of Cincinnati Scholar House’s mission: breaking cycles of poverty, two generations at a time.  hercincinnati.org

Rainie Moody, managing director of educational services, and Viann Barnett, managing director of recovery services

Beth Schwartz, president and CEO of HER Cincinnati, and Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval with the mayoral proclamation

The Cincinnati Scholar House Monica J. Posey gives the keynote address.

A CSH graduate receives a cord from Felicia Sullivan, director of family support services, and Rainie Moody, managing director of educational services.

Habitat for Humanity begins OTR project

Cincinnati Vice Mayor JanMichele Lemon Kearney with City Council members Ryan James, Scotty Johnson and Evan Nolan

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for eight homes in Over-the-Rhine.

The development in the Brewery District marks a strategic shift for the organization as it scales to meet the region’s housing affordability crisis.

The $3 million project is the first to be built under the lead of an external general contractor, Kaiker Construction. By using larger developments, prioritizing density and partnering with experts, Habitat is increasing its capacity to build more homes at a faster pace. This will allow more local families to find safe, stable and affordable homeownership sooner, according to the nonprofit.

The celebration featured remarks from Habitat CEO Joe Hansbauer, a future homebuyer, and representatives of the City of Cincinnati.  habitatcincinnati.org

Digging in for the groundbreaking: Pastor James Strayhorn, Evan Nolan, Kai Lewars, Ken Webb, Scotty Johnson, Ryan James, Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, Nicole Simon, Philip Denning and Joe Hansbauer

Movers & Makers

AUGUST 2026

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THE LAST WORD | Opinion by Polly Campbell

Philanthropy the MacKenzie Scott way A

job where you get to call nonprofits and tell them you are giving them several million dollars sounds gratifying. But the people at Yield Giving have to deal with the fact that at first no one believes them.

“We got the call in late 2023, and we thought it was fake,” said Sarah Reynolds, communications director of Habitat for Humanity.

The YWCA thought the email was spam, said CEO Rickell Howard Smith. Moira Weir, CEO of United Way, was in the car when she got a call that her organization was getting $25 million, and didn’t believe it until otherwise confirmed.

Yield Giving is the foundation MacKenzie Scott created to give away about $36 billion, her share of Amazon stock upon divorcing Jeff Bezos.

It’s no wonder people are skeptical. Yield’s model is different. No grant applications, no requests for proposals. The money can be used

for anything the organization deems important, even operating expenses.

And there is minimal follow-up once the money is given.

Scott is giving away extraordinary amounts of money very quickly, but, as she wrote in an essay on the Yield website, “Putting large donors at the center of stories on social progress is a distortion of their role.”

Yield does list online the nonprofits they’ve given to, including local organizations that have received a total of about $69 million since 2020: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati, YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, YWCA Greater Cincinnati, Women Helping Women, United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Crossroads Health Center (now NorthStar Behavioral Health), HER Cincinnati, Easterseals Redwood, Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio and Meals on Wheels Southwest OH & Northern KY.

Watch on CET and the PBS app

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Movers & Makers

These are on-the-ground, community-centered, stable organizations with proven track records in areas such as feeding people, education, protecting women from abuse, the environment and basic health care. A lot of research is done to choose them.

“They really knew a lot about my own work advocating for systemlevel change before they called me,” Weir said.

“It was game-changing to get that all at once,” added Reynolds about Habitat for Humanity. “It represented over half our operating budget for a year. It gave us flexibility to move fast, be stronger and bolder. We were able to start a construction training program we’d wanted to do, move into larger land development.”

And it came without the extra labor grantors often demand. “I don’t know if people understand the amount of work it takes to apply for grants, and to do the paperwork of reporting,” Reynolds said. “This money really came with no strings; we send in our annual report, that’s about it.”

YWCA leaders knew exactly what to do with the $3 million they received in 2022. “We had a strategic plan to build a new domestic violence shelter in Hamilton County,” Smith said. “But we didn’t know how it was going to be funded. We also wanted to expand our equity outreach work.“ This money provided room for innovation. YWCA hired an equity director, and The Francie Garber Pepper Center of Healing opened in May 2025. “It’s a trauma-designed shelter for families to live together in one unit,” said Smith. It offers services to help women transition into new lives. “Families can bring their pets, because not wanting to leave pets behind is one reason women don’t leave abusive relationships.” It is now the only domestic abuse women’s shelter in Hamilton County.

The millions United Way received was used for building infrastructure, such as its 211

Polly Campbell resource line, that will help shift poverty rates in the future, Weir said. Echoing Scott’s locally based approach, the dollars went even deeper into communities and neighborhoods, who are involved in how to use it as they see need.

Back in the first Gilded Age, rich men like Andrew Carnegie argued that they had to be left free to make unlimited money. Then they would decide what was good for everyone else, and distribute it. That self-satisfied, patronizing attitude doesn’t fly in this age of jaw-dropping inequity.

Scott realizes no one should get this rich. Or, as she said more tactfully in an essay, “We are attempting to give away a fortune that was enabled by systems in need of change.”

Those systems have been directing money to the top instead of spreading it to everyone. Jeff Bezos is still worth $249 billion. I’d be less polite than Scott about how he got that money. “There’s no question in my mind that anyone’s personal wealth is the product of a collective effort, and of social structures which present opportunities to some people, and obstacles to countless others,” she wrote in an essay.

His kind of wealth makes people egotistical and out of touch. Scott, however, seems to have retained a sense of reality. Her approach is humble; she knows she can’t possibly know how 2,700 organizations around the country should approach positive change, she just knows they’re doing good work and she’s willing to help. 

Polly Campbell covered restaurants and food for the Cincinnati Enquirer from 1996 until 2020.

She writes monthly on a variety of topics, and she welcomes your feedback and column suggestions at editor@moversmakers.org

SPCA Cincinnati and its Board of Trustees invite you to our

OTR Adoption Center Grand Opening Weekend Join us for the Grand Opening of our new OTR Adoption Center

September 17-20 Oktoberfest weekend!

Noon to 6 PM

OTR Adoption Center 1312 Main Street Cincinnati, OH 45202

Facility Tours | Sips & Bites | Animal Adoptions Adoptions available during the Open House.

Meet your new best friend!

Parking is available in the neighborhood or at the Ziegler Park Garage, just a short walk from the adoption center.

spcacincinnati.org