Issuu

November 2025

David & Dianne Rosenberg NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY honors

• Barbara Weyand

• Scripps Howard Fund

• Impact 100

• Zach McGinty

• Jim Yunker and

• Philanthropists of the Year

Photo

Robin Sibcy Sheakley, Pam Sibcy,

Movers &Makers

November 2025

Publisher’s Letter 4

Arts & Culture 6

MoversMakers.org

Q&A with new CSO’s music director, Cristian Măcelaru 6

Cincy Shakes revels in new $1M bequest 7

The A/C List 8

CAM unveils new strategic plan 9

National Philanthropy Day honorees 16

David and Dianne Rosenberg | By David Lyman 16

Barbara Weyand | By Kathy Doane 17

Scripps Howard Fund | By Casey Weldon 18

Impact 100 | By Casey Weldon 20

Zach McGinty | By Nadya Ellerhorst 21

Jim Yunker | By Shauna Steigerwald 22

The Datebook 24

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

Gifts & Grants 28

Names in the News 30

Snapshots

300 gather for Mill Creek Alliance’s 30th 32

Stepping Stones ‘Blooms’ to tune of $350K 34

PWC brings in $400K at Toolbelt Ball 35

Talbert House’s 60th supports new crisis center 36

Justice for Women event highlights challenges 38

Girl Scouts honor local changemakers 39

Children’s Law Center brunch raises $81K 42

CISE sets campaign goal for schools 43

‘Wicked’ fashion show boosts DFS 45

Aviatra awards six women entrepreneurs 46

Giving Voice tops $1M in total donations 47

NKY Chamber celebrates business leaders 48

Valley Interfaith harvests $800K at dinner 49

The Last Word 50

Polly Campbell: Contemporary dance –thrilling with or without men

November 16 • 3PM • Memorial Hall OTR

“...the Yo-Yo Ma of the harp.” Vogue Magazine

• Findlay, Ohio native whose awards and honors include the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant and a place in the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Bowers Program

• Has performed in collaboration with artists such as soprano Kathleen Battle and presents groundbreaking pieces she’s commissioned

• Interprets the masters—Bach, Debussy, Ravel, Bartok—bringing “a fresh face to the familiar music” (Seattle City Arts Magazine)

Inthe early 1990s, Nancy O’Connor worked for Community Press, a family of neighborhood newspapers in Greater Cincinnati. When she learned that a section of the newspaper for which she was responsible – then commonly referred to as the “society pages” – was about to be eliminated, she had the idea to turn those photos from recent philanthropic events into a standalone publication.

She and her husband Mike O’Connor – then an editor for the Cincinnati Post – recognized the value of this public forum to nonprofits, through which they could acknowledge their benefactors. And the O’Connors thought it was possible to sell advertising to support it. Thus, in November 1995, Express Cincinnati was born as a tabloid newsprint publication distributed mostly through their advertisers.

For 13 years, the O’Connors built a successful publication with the support of scores of small retail

and service companies from across the region and the hundreds of nonprofit partners who provided content. We Mariners purchased the magazine in August 2008, just weeks before the stock market crashed and in the throes of a digital revolution. But we are still here!

In November 2015, we rebranded and upgraded as Movers & Makers, which we announced at that year’s National Philanthropy Day Luncheon. It just so happens that this issue marks

a decade both as M&M and as media sponsor of that luncheon. Read about this year’s honorees, starting on Page 16.

This month, as we celebrate two anniversaries – 30 years of existence and 10 as Movers & Makers – serving as the public voice of Greater Cincinnati nonprofits, we honor Nancy and Mike for their vision. And we thank our advertisers, staff, contributors and nonprofit partners for helping us keep the lights on for the past three decades.

Above all, we are grateful to you, Dear Reader, for taking the time to bring M&M into your life each month. Please join us Nov. 12 for our 30th Anniversary Mix & Mingle, this month hosted and sponsored by Greater Cincinnati Foundation. RSVP below.

Thankfully,

Thom & Elizabeth Mariner co-publishers

For their work on this issue, our gratitude to:

• Casey Weldon, digital editor

• Phil Fisher and Ray Cooklis, copy editors

• Shasta Taber, volunteer proofreader

• All the nonprofits that contributed news and photos.

Support comes from:

Elizabeth & Thom Mariner, co-publishers

Digital edition & daily posts MoversMakers.org

Social media

@moversmakerscincinnati Movers & Makers Magazine @moversmakers

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

Publishing schedule

FEBRUARY DEC 30 JAN 28

MARCH JAN 30 FEB 25

APRIL FEB 27 MARCH 25 MAY MARCH 27 APRIL 22

JUNE APRIL 24 MAY 20

Find our full 2026 schedule at:  moversmakers.org/publishing-schedule

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.

Movers & Makers Publishing is an Ohio nonprofit operating under 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsorship.

Cincinnati Foundation 720 E. Pete Rose Way Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Join us to celebrate 30 years of publication and 10 years as Movers & Makers. Light bites & drinks sponsored by GCF and Eat Well Celebrations and Feasts. RSVP required.

Last Mix & Mingle until February!

The December 1995 cover featured the late Joanie Lotts and John Morris Russell.

Arts & Culture

Q&A with CSO’s new music director Măcelaru

Anewchapter has begun for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra – and for the city’s music lovers.

On Oct. 3-4, Romanian-born conductor Cristian Măcelaru, known simply as Cristi to friends and colleagues, made his formal debut as the CSO’s 14th music director. At just 44, he brings youthful vitality and global experience that promise to energize the orchestra and captivate audiences.

Movers & Makers caught up with Măcelaru ahead of these milestone performances to reflect on his journey to Cincinnati and hear what concertgoers can expect under his baton.

Movers & Makers: What excites you about this orchestra? About being a musical leader in this city?

Cristian Măcelaru: I have discovered such a beautiful connection between the orchestra and the community of Cincinnati, one that really opens up possibilities of enrichment and unity. Classical music is an art form based on expressing our emotions in a direct and compelling way, through the means of a language common to all people – music. In Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s mission of relevance to its community I found a shared vision and dream I have myself, to explore the many ways the transformative power of music as a means to connect us can benefit the Greater Cincinnati region. I look forward to being at the heart of it all, now that I am at the helm of the CSO. It is a vibrant city with a rich history and passion for the arts, one which aligns perfectly with my views as well.

M&M: What would you most like Cincinnati audiences to know about you as a person?

CM: My personal philosophy is “the possibility of better” and I like to build everything I do from a foundation of respect and love for one another. In my limited free time, I am a passionate chess player, and nature is my go-to source of inspiration, peace and joy.

M&M: How do you see your relationship with the city and region evolving? How would you like to be known?

CM: I am looking forward to building a trust with our audiences, and hope they will embrace my curiosity and the creative ways I like to express myself. I am deeply rooted in tradition but always

with an eye towards innovation and exploration. My focus is always on building relationships that are mutually beneficial and fruitful. Since music is a common language for all, and a true source of enjoyment, I hope the next few years will be filled with unforgettable moments that celebrate the purest forms of human achievement, also empowering the community to be sensitized by the emotions which are unfiltered in our music.

M&M: Name one next great composer who is still on the horizon tha you would like to showcase.

CM: I have been fortunate to work with many young composers, through the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music where I am celebrating ten years of being music director, and also through many initiatives I have created to inspire very young composers to compose. There are far too many composers to list, and I am also truly passionate about each and every one of them. But as my first concert this season shows, I am a big fan of Anna Clyne’s music and I hope our audiences will embrace her work, as I have already.

M&M: What does success look like in the next five years in Cincinnati? How will you measure it, personally?

CM: Success for me is purely represented in the trust I can build with the Cincinnati community. I want the concept of attending one of our concerts to be synonymous with an experience that is sometimes profound, sometimes lighthearted, but always memorable. The strength we gain from this trust and connection through the music itself is the success I want.

CSO, Pops launch free digital series

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops are launching the sixth season of their “Live from Music Hall” digital concert series, featuring six orchestral performances streamed for free on the orchestra’s YouTube channel.

In addition to the series, the orchestra announced free watch parties at four community centers on Nov. 4, livestreaming a CSO concert conducted by the orchestra’s new music director, Cristian Măcelaru, with famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma as soloist.

The 2025-26 “Live from Music Hall” season:

Nov. 30: Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7

Cristian Măcelaru, conductor. Tessa Lark, violin. Music of Carlos Simon, Lisa Bielawa, Aaron Copland and Antonin Dvorak.

Dec. 14: “Holiday Pops”

John Morris Russell, conductor. Singer-songwriter Cody Fry.

Jan. 17: Martin Luther King Jr. tribute Cristian Măcelaru, conductor. Music by Margaret Bonds, Samuel Barber and Wynton Marsalis.

March 7: Louis Langrée returns Louis Langrée, conductor. 2023 Nina Simone Piano Competition winner Clayton Stephenson, piano. Music of Brahms and Schumann.

March 15: “American Mosaic”

John Morris Russell, conductor, Martin Sheen, actor. Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

March 28: “Classical Roots”

John Morris Russell, conductor. CSO’s annual celebration of Black music.

 cincinnatisymphony.org/ watch-listen/free-livestreams

Cristian Măcelaru

Jinny Browning’s love of Cincy Shakes lives on through $1 million gift

At her Maysville, Kentucky, home, Virginia “Jinny” Browning once warmly welcomed actress Sara Clark – then playing Juliet on the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company mainstage – and her Romeo castmate for a private performance of the iconic “Romeo and Juliet” balcony scene.

For Browning, one of CSC’s most beloved patrons for more than a decade, it was a gift of love returned. That bond has endured even after Browning’s passing earlier this year, when she left CSC a $1 million gift, the largest in the company’s 32-year history.

Browning was 93.

“Our dear friend Jinny was incredibly generous to CSC in so many ways,” said CSC Producing Artistic Director and CEO Brian Isaac Phillips. He first met Browning in 2012 during her first trip to see CSC at the company’s previous theater home on Race Street downtown.

From that night forward, Browning rarely missed a chance to be part of CSC’s work. She became a loyal audience

member and a generous donor, supporting annual operations, contributing to the campaign to build the company’s new home in Over-the-Rhine and offering encouragement to artists and staff.

That dedication now continues through her bequest, which will support all aspects of CSC’s operations – from programming to daily needs – while strengthening its endowment. As Phillips said, the gift will help ensure that the “power of live classical theatre will inspire and connect generations to come.”

Actress Clark, now CSC’s director of development, called Browning’s bequest “as much an act of love as it is of generosity.”

In Browning’s honor, her name appears on the donor wall in the lobby of CSC’s theater alongside a list of other individuals and organizations who’ve supported the company since its founding in 1993. There’s also a seat in the theater bearing a plaque in her memory.

 cincyshakes.com

TICKETS ON SALE

NOV 21

CINCINNATI OPERA

Jinny Browning (center) with her daughter and son-inlaw, Kathryn Hendrickson and Doug Hendrickson

Cultural Exhibits/Tours

American Construction Toy Museum | Norwood. actmuseum.org

Preservation and history of three-dimensional building toys

American Legacy Tours | Over-the-Rhine. 859-951-8560. americanlegacytours.com

Historic tours

American Sign Museum | Camp Washington. 513-541-6366. 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 | Devou Park, Covington. 859-491-4003. bcmuseum.org

Thru 2025. “The Legacy of BehringerCrawford Museum: 75 Years of Art, Culture and Community”

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

Queen City beer history tours

Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame | Brady Music Center, The Banks. cincyblackmusicwalkoffame.org

Daily, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Queen City contributions to Black music

Cincinnati Fire Museum | Downtown. 513-621-5553. cincyfiremuseum.com

Permanent collection. Historic artifacts and equipment

Cincinnati Food Tours | Findlay Market. 513-602-5602. cincinnatifoodtours.com

Queen City food culture

Cincinnati Museum Center | Queensgate. 513-287-7000. cincymuseum.org

Thru April 12. “Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away”

Cincinnati Nature Center | Milford. cincynature.org

Nature trails and ponds amidst old-growth 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 of equipment, tools and artifacts

Cincinnati Zoo | Avondale. 513-281-4700. cincinnatizoo.org

World-class fauna and flora

Findlay Market | Over-the-Rhine. findlaymarket.org

Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market

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

Permanent exhibit. Displays of Glendale’s history

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

Heritage Village Museum | Sharonville. 513-563-9484. heritagevillagecincinnati.org

Nov. 19, 6-7:30 p.m. Period Dinner: Dinner with Dickens

Holocaust & Humanity Center | Cincinnati Museum Center, Queensgate. 513-487-3055. holocaustandhumanity.org

Media, artifacts, art and interactive exhibitions commemorating the Holocaust

Krohn Conservatory | Eden Park. 513-421-4086. cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks

Nov. 1-Jan. 4, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. “Festival of Ferns”

Lloyd Library and Museum | Downtown. 513-721-3707. lloydlibrary.org

Permanent exhibit. George Rieveschl Jr.: History of Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Thru Nov. 21. “American Medicine at a Crossroads, 1820-1910”

Memorial Hall | Over-the-Rhine. 513-977-8838. memorialhallotr.com

Nov. 11, 5:30 p.m. “Taste and Tour”: Col. Todd Mayer, U.S. Army, retired

Milford Historical Society | Promont, Milford. 513-248-0324. milfordhistory.net

Permanent exhibit. Historic art, artifacts and more

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center | The Banks, downtown. 513-333-7500. freedomcenter.org

Thru Dec. 7. “Faith & (in)Justice”

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

This year’s holiday show, “Festival of Ferns,” opens Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park, running through Jan. 4

Newport Aquarium | Newport. newportaquarium.com

Showcase of the world’s most exotic aquatic creatures

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum | Hamilton. 513-868-1234. pyramidhill.org

Nov. 14-Jan. 4. Pyramid Hill Lights holiday show

Fridays, 6 p.m. & Saturdays, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Guided tours of Fortified Hill

RAPTOR Inc. | Milford. raptorinc.org

Nov. 2, 1-4 p.m. Open house: birds of prey sanctuary

Skirball Museum | Hebrew Union College, Clifton. 513-221-1875. csm.huc.edu

Permanent exhibit: “An Eternal People: The Jewish Experience”

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 exhibitions of military and historic aviation

Valley View Nature Preserve | Milford. valleyviewcampus.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 U.S. president and Supreme Court justice

Dance

Cincinnati Ballet | Procter & Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-621-5219. cballet.org

Nov. 7-15. “The Great Gatsby,” North American premiere

College-Conservatory of Music

| Corbett Auditorium, University of Cincinnati. 513-556-4183. ccm.uc.edu

Nov. 20-22. Just Desserts: Selections from “The Nutcracker” and faculty works

DE LA Dance Company | Kennedy Heights. 513-871-0914. deladancecompany.org

Nov. 28-29 & Dec. 11-13. “Nutcracker, Jazzed Up”

Northern Kentucky University | NKU Corbett Theatre, Highland Heights. 859-572-5464. sota.nku.edu

Nov. 23-24. Emerging Choreographers’ Showcase

Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org

Nov. 5, 6 p.m. International Ballet Stars: “Swan Lake”

Fairs/Festivals/Markets

Cincinnati Zoo | Avondale. 513-281-4700. cincinnatizoo.org

Nov. 20-Jan. 4. Festival of Lights

City Flea | Ziegler Park, Pendleton. thecityflea.com

Nov. 1, noon-5 p.m. Fall Vintage Market

Crafty Supermarket | Music Hall Ballroom, Over-the-Rhine. craftysupermarket.com

Nov, 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Winter showcase of handmade creations

Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market | Sharonville Convention Center. cincinnatiholidaymarket.com

Nov. 7-9. More than 200 vendors offering holiday gifts and goodies

Kings Island | Mason. 513-754-5700. visitkingsisland.com

Thru Nov. 1. Halloween Haunt

Thru Nov. 2. Tricks and Treats

Nov. 28-Dec. 31. WinterFest

Madeira Farmers Market | Dawson Road at Miami Avenue, Madeira. madeirafarmersmarket.com

Thursdays, 4-6 p.m. Local growers and purveyors

Northside Farmers Market | Heart of Northside, Northside. northsidefm.org

Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m. Regional food and beverage market

Purple People Bridge | Newport. purplepeoplebridge.com

Nov. 21-Jan. 4. Winter Nights & River Lights

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum | Hamilton-Cleves Road near Hamilton. pyramidhill.org

Nov. 14-Jan. 4. Pyramid Hill Lights: drive-through holiday light display

Westside Market | Westwood Town Hall. westsidemarketcincy.com

Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Holiday market of handcrafted goods

Yuletide Village | Renaissance Park, Waynesville. yuletidevillage.com

Fridays & Saturdays, Nov. 28-Dec. 28. Holiday lights, festive shows and Yuletide market

Film

Cincinnati Museum Center | Queensgate. 513-287-7000. cincymuseum.org/omnimax

Now playing/OMNIMAX. “Call of the Dolphins” • “Ohio: Wild at Heart” • “D-Day: Normandy 1944”

Cincinnati World Cinema | Garfield Theatre, downtown. 859-957-3456. cincyworldcinema.org

Films from around the globe

Cindependent Film Fest | Contemporary Arts Center downtown. 214-843-6781. cindependentfilmfest.org

Nov. 8, 1 p.m. Cindependent Spotlight: “The Iron Giant”

OutReels Cincinnati | Incline Theater, Price Hill. 513-241-6550. outreelscincinnati.org

Nov. 7-9. Independent film festival exploring LGBTQA+ themes

Sorg Opera House | Middletown. sorgoperahouse.org

Nov. 1, 10 a.m. Crafting with the Classics: “The Big Lebowski”

Cincinnati Art Museum unveils strategic plan

The Cincinnati Art Museum has unveiled a four-year strategic plan to deepen community connections, advance sustainability and reimagine hospitality through art.

Approved unanimously by the Board of Trustees, the 2026-29 plan “builds on 145 years of service to the community and places the Cincinnati Art Museum at the heart of civic life,” said Cameron Kitchin, the museum’s director. “Arts and humanities are central to joy, learning and creative innovation.”

Founded in 1881, the Cincinnati Art Museum houses more than 73,000 works spanning 6,000 years of art history, and also presents exhibitions from around the world.

CAM’s first priority – “Deep Community Connections” – underscores its belief that art contributes to wellness, and includes research on how museums can better enhance quality of life. The museum plans to expand programs such as its new Member Yoga series and study how art experiences can improve mental and physical health.

Second, the plan emphasizes organizational well-being and

sustainability. As CAM prepares for its sesquicentennial in 2031, leaders plan to modernize the Eden Park facility with energy-efficient upgrades and enhanced technology. Fundraising efforts will adapt to evolving priorities as younger generations take a greater role in philanthropy.

The museum’s third focus, “Radical Hospitality and Learning,” aims to make every visit more engaging and inclusive. Plans call for refreshed galleries, improved outdoor trails and sculpture spaces, expanded accessibility and new digital tools to connect visitors more deeply with the art.

At its core, the strategic plan aims to attract and engage visitors. Free general admission, made possible by the Rosenthal Family Foundation, ensures that all visitors can experience the museum’s offerings. Support from the ArtsWave Campaign, the Ohio Arts Council, the City of Cincinnati, Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program and its members also allows CAM to expand those opportunities.

 cincinnatiartmuseum.org

Museum Center expands hours

The Cincinnati Museum Center has expanded to a seven-day schedule, opening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and giving visitors year-round access to its galleries, theaters and exhibitions.

The expanded hours at Union Terminal mean more time to explore the Cincinnati History Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science and the Children’s Museum, as well as rotating exhibitions and films in the OMNIMAX Theater.

Museum members continue to receive early entry at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays. On Tuesdays, the Children’s Museum opens exclusively for members

until 10 a.m. Classic OMNIMAX films are continuing on Tuesdays, now at 12:30 p.m.

The expansion coincides with several major attractions. The exhibition “Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.” runs through April 12, bringing more than 500 original artifacts from one of history’s darkest chapters.

The OMNIMAX Theater debuted “Ohio: Wild at Heart,” a cinematic showcase of the state’s parks and waterways on its towering domed screen.

Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains returns Nov. 14.

 cincymuseum.org

ARTS & CULTURE

Woodward Theater | Over-the-Rhine. 513-345-7981. woodwardtheater.com

Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m. “Sing Sing”

Literary/Lectures

Barnes & Noble | Virtual. stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/3408

Nov. 3, 3 p.m. Eva Jurczyk “6:40 to Montreal”

Nov. 4, 3 p.m. Lily King “Heart the Lover”

Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m. John Irving: “Queen Esther”

Books by the Banks | Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library, downtown. booksbythebanks.org

Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Meet local, regional and national authors

Cincinnati Art Museum | Eden Park. 513-721-2787. cincinnatiartmuseum.org

Nov. 15, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. See the Story: Camille Aubray “Girl from the Grand Hotel”

Cincinnati Storytelling Festival | Know Theatre, Over-the-Rhine. cincystoryfest.com

Nov. 13-15. National and international storytellers

Fitton Center | Hamilton. 513-863-8873. fittoncenter.org

Nov. 5, noon. Celebrating Self Speaker Series: Jamilton: A History of Hamilton Pop Music

Giving Voice Foundation | Jewish Family Service, Blue Ash givebutter.com/AIYWR

Nov. 14, 10 a.m. Caring for the Caregiver writing experience

Harriet Beecher Stowe House | Walnut Hills. 513-751-0651. stowehousecincy.org

Nov. 12, 7 p.m. Voices for Truth

Literature Discussion: Poetry of Joy Harjo (virtual)

Joseph-Beth Booksellers | Rookwood Commons, Norwood. 513-396-8960. josephbeth.com

Nov. 6, 7 p.m. Discussion: Jen Butler

“Mom, Rediscovered”

Nov. 10, 7 p.m. Discussion: Sonya Lea “American Bloodlines”

Nov. 11, 7 p.m. Discussion: Lily King

“Heart the Lover”

Nov. 13, 7 p.m. Discussion: Lindsay Straube “Between Two Kings”

Roebling Books & Coffee | Newport. roeblingbooks.com

Nov. 8, 6-8 p.m. Woven Branches

Poetry at Artifact | Urban Artifact, Northside. facebook.com/poetryatsitwells

Nov. 4, 7-8:30 p.m. Poetry Night

Word of Mouth Cincinnati | MOTR Pub, Over-the-Rhine. cincywordofmouth.com | motrpub.com/word-mouth-featured-openpoetry-readings

Nov. 30, 6 p.m. Open poetry

Music

20th Century Theater | Oakley Square. the20thcenturytheater.com

Nov. 2, 5 p.m. Sean of the South

Bach Ensemble at St. Thomas | St. Thomas Episcopal, Terrace Park. 513-831-2052. bachensemble.org

Nov. 23, 5 p.m. Bach Vespers

Bogart’s | Short Vine, Corryville. bogarts.com

Nov. 5, 7 p.m. Ski Mask The Slump God

Nov. 7, 7 p.m. Sixteen Candles

Nov. 9, 7 p.m. Andy Bell

Nov. 11, 7 p.m. Shakey Graves

Nov. 12, 8 p.m. Thomas Dolby

Nov. 13, 7 p.m. Loathe

Nov. 15, 7 p.m. Chase Matthew

Nov. 19, 6 p.m. Silverstein

Nov. 23, 6 p.m. Fit for a King

Nov. 25, 6 p.m. Set It Off

Nov. 29, 7 p.m. Leon Thomas

Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m. Story of the Year

Brady Music Center | The Banks, downtown. bradymusiccenter.com

Nov. 7, 8 p.m. Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers

Nov. 8, 7 p.m. All Time Low

Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m. Trivium

Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m. NEEDTOBREATHE

Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. Trey Anastasio Band

Nov. 22, 8 p.m. Erykah Badu

Nov. 26, 7 p.m. Spiritbox

Caffè Vivace | Walnut Hills. 513-601-9897. caffevivace.com

Most evenings, live jazz

Chamber Music Cincinnati | Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. 513-342-6870. cincychamber.org

Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m. Renaissance Quartet

Christ Church Cathedral | Downtown. 513-621-1817. cincinnaticathedral.com

Nov. 2, 5 p.m. Choral Evensong

The Renaissance Quartet – featuring Cincinnati favorite, violinist Randall Goosby – takes the Memorial Hall stage on Tuesday, Nov. 18 , playing music of Johannes Brahms, Florence Price and quartet cellist Daniel Hass.

Nov. 9, 3 p.m. Anne Laver, organ

Nov. 22, 3 p.m. Queen City Freedom Band: “Existence Is Resistance”

Nov. 30, 4:30 p.m. An Advent Procession with Lessons and Carols

◆ Music Live at Lunch, 12:10 p.m.

Nov. 4. CCM harpsichord and organ studios

Nov. 11. Rebecca Culnan, violin, and Dan Culnan, piano

Nov. 18. Sally Lukasik, accordion

Nov. 25. Clark and Jones Trio

Christ Church Glendale | Glendale. 513-771-1544. christchurchglendale.org

Nov. 2, 4 p.m. Choral Evensong

Nov. 6, 12:05 p.m. CCM vocal duet concert

Cincinnati Boychoir | Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. 513-396-7664. cincinnatiboychoir.org

Nov. 1, 3 p.m. Fall Showcase: “Exploring Within”

Cincinnati Choral Society | Armstrong Chapel, Indian Hill cincinnatichoralsociety.org

Nov. 16, 3 p.m. Fall concert

Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra | 513-280-8181. cincinnatijazz.org

Nov. 9, 2 p.m. Jazz@First Series: “Jazz Alto Sax Legacy: Hodges, Bird and Cannonball” Christopher Andrews, alto saxophone (First Unitarian Church, Avondale)

Nov. 13, 7 p.m. Big Band Series: “The Dude: A Tribute to Quincy Jones” (The Redmoor, Mt. Lookout Square)

Cincinnati Song Initiative | Cincinnati Public Radio, Evanston. cincinnatisonginitiative.org

Nov. 8, 7 p.m. “Norden,” songs of Scandinavia

Cincinnati Symphony & Pops | Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-3300. cincinnatisymphony.org

Nov. 1-2. (Pops) Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” in Concert Live to Film

Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m. (CSO) “Yo-Yo Ma Plays Elgar” Cristian Măcelaru, conductor. YoYo Ma, cello

Nov. 8-9. (CSO) “The Bells & Symphonie Fantastique” Matthias Pintscher, conductor; May Festival Chorus

Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m. (Pops) “Nas: Illmatic” Nas, hip-hop artist

Nov. 15, 10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m. (Lollipops) “Let’s Dance”

Nov. 21-22, 7:30 p.m. (CSO) “Louis Conducts ‘Petrushka’” Louis Langrée, conductor

Nov. 29-30. (CSO) “Dvořák Symphony No. 7” Cristian Măcelaru, conductor. Tessa Lark, violin

College-Conservatory of Music | University of Cincinnati. 513-556-4183. ccm.uc.edu

Nov. 1, 5 p.m. Starling Chamber Orchestra (Werner Recital Hall)

Nov. 2, 7 p.m. Jazz Orchestra: “Give It All You’ve Got” (Corbett Auditorium)

Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m. Composition Series: “View From The Edge” (Cohen Studio Theater)

Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m. Wind Symphony and Youth Wind Ensemble: “Circus Maximus” (Corbett Auditorium)

Cellist

Daniel Hass, violinists

Randall Goosby and Jeremiah Blacklow, and violist Jameel Martin

College-Conservatory

of Music (cont.)

Nov. 8, 2 p.m. Horn Choir (Werner Recital Hall)

Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m. Percussion Ensemble (Cohen Studio Theater)

Nov. 9, 3 p.m. Brass Choir: “Brass Showcase” (Cathedral Basilica, Covington)

Nov. 10, 8:30 p.m. Undergraduate Voice Recital (Emery Hall, Room 3250)

Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. Chamber Music Bash (Cohen Studio Theater)

Nov. 16, 2 & 7:30 p.m. Chamber Music Bash (Cohen Studio Theater)

Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m. Musica Nova: “Grief, Grit & Harmony” (Cohen Studio Theater)

Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m. Jazz Lab Band: “Standards” (Corbett Theater)

Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m. Ariel Quartet: “Wit and Fire” (Werner Recital Hall)

Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m. Wind Ensemble: “Enigma” (Corbett Theater)

Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. Wind Symphony Chamber Winds: “Serenades” (Corbett Theater)

Nov. 23, 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. Chamber Music Bash (Emery Hall, Room 3250)

Nov. 23, 3 p.m. Chamber Choir and Chorale: “I Heard A Voice From Heaven” (St. Catharine of Siena, Westwood)

Nov. 23, 7 p.m. Jazz Orchestra: “Jazz Holiday Extravaganza” (Corbett Theater)

Nov. 25, 7:30 p.m. Concert Orchestra: “Myths and Mortals” (Corbett Auditorium)

DownTowne Listening Room | Mansion Hill Sanctuary, Newport. downtownelisteningroom.com

Nov. 8, 7 p.m. Karly Davidson

Ensemble Con Fuoco | ensembleconfuoco.com

Nov. 1, 7 p.m. La Rocca: “Requiem for the Forgotten” David Castillo Gocher, conductor (St. Gabriel Church, Glendale)

Nov. 2, 7 p.m. La Rocca: “Requiem for the Forgotten” (St. Martin of Tours, Westwood)

Fairfield Community Arts Center | Fairfield. 513-867-5348. fairfield-city.org

Nov. 21, 8 p.m. Sail On: The Sounds of The Beach Boys

Fitton Center | Hamilton. 513-863-8873. fittoncenter.org

Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m. Bryan Wallick

Fluidity | fluiditycccc.org

Nov. 9, 3 p.m. “Rise: Voices of Resilience and Hope” (Location TBA)

Ghost Baby | Over-the-Rhine. ghost-baby.com

Most evenings, live performances

Hard Rock Casino | Downtown. hardrockcasinocincinnati.com

Nov. 7, 8 p.m. Jo Dee Messina

Nov. 22, 8 p.m. Babyface

Nov. 30, 7 p.m. Chris Young

The Härth Room | Downtown. theharthroom.com/music

Wednesdays-Saturdays. Live jazz

Heritage Bank Center | Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com

Nov. 24, 7 p.m. Pentatonix

Nov. 30, 7 p.m. Stevie Nicks

Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church | Hyde Park. 513-871-1345. hydeparkchurch.org

Nov. 2, 4 p.m. Organ Concert Series: Richard Elliott

The Jazz Spoon | Forest Park. thejazzspoon.com

Fridays & Saturdays. Live jazz

Kentucky Symphony Orchestra |

Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, downtown. 859-431-6216. kyso.org

Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m. Beethoven “Missa Solemnis” James R. Cassidy, conductor

Linton Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions | 513-381-6868. peanutbutterandjam.org

◆ Heroic Harmonies:

Nov. 1, 10:30 a.m. (Heritage Presbyterian Church, Mason)

Nov. 8, 10:30 a.m. (Westwood First Presbyterian Church)

Nov. 12, 11 a.m. (Northside Branch Library)

Nov. 15, 10:30 a.m. (Lakeside Presbyterian Church)

Nov. 22, 10:30 a.m. (Kennedy Heights Arts Center- Lindner Annex)

Ludlow Garage | Clifton. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com

Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. Lee Rocker

Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m. Tito Puente Jr.

Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m. Eric Hutchinson & Jon McLaughlin

Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m. Shaun Cassidy

Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m. Kashmir

Nov. 19, 8 p.m. Kabaka Pyramid & The Bebble Rockers

Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m. Lalah Hathaway

Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m. Marion Meadows

Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m. Trippin Billies

Madison Theater | Covington. 859-491-2444. madisontheater.com

Nov. 1, 7 p.m. PEROXWHY?GEN

Nov. 1, 10 p.m. JIMS

Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m. HR of Bad Brains

Nov. 7, 8 p.m. Signs of Life • Haley Mae Campbell

Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m. DONEFOR

Nov. 11, 8 p.m. Wishy

Nov. 13, 7 p.m. Saving Vice

Nov. 13, 8 p.m. Bryan Martin

Nov. 15, 8 p.m. Rhett Miller & Bob Schneider • Welshly Arms

Nov. 16, 7 p.m. Many Eyes

Nov. 18, 8 p.m. Little Image

Nov. 20, 8 p.m. Kitchen Dwellers • Braxton Keith

Nov. 21, 8 p.m. Signs of Life

Nov. 22, 8 p.m. Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

Nov. 28, 7 p.m. ENMY

Matinée Musicale | Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. matineemusicalecincinnati.org

Nov. 16, 3 p.m. Bridget Kibbey, harp

MegaCorp Pavilion at Ovation | Newport. promowestlive.com

Nov. 7, 7 p.m. Wish You Were Here

Nov. 12, 7 p.m. Mars Volta

Nov. 18, 7 p.m. Sevendust

Memorial Hall | Over-the-Rhine. 513-977-8838. memorialhallotr.com

Nov. 2, 7 p.m. Mamma Mania! (ABBA Tribute)

Nov. 3, 7 p.m. Queen City Cabaret “Autumn Leaves”

Nov. 4, 8 p.m. “Both Sides Now: The Music & Lives of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen”

Nov. 8, 8 p.m. Blues & Boogie Piano Summit

Nov. 10, 7 p.m. Four Strangers Quartet

Nov. 12, 8 p.m. Rachael & Vilray

Nov. 15, 8 p.m. Steep Canyon Rangers

Nov. 17, 7 p.m. Sophia Troyer Quartet

Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. Birdtalker and Cecilia Castleman

Nov. 22, 8 p.m. Eagles Project

Nov. 24, 7 p.m. Far-Out Favorites

Nov. 25, 8 p.m. Mario

MUSE, Cincinnati’s Women’s Choir |

Christ Church Cathedral, downtown. 513-221-1118. musechoir.org

Nov. 15, 7 p.m. “Joy & Resilience: Uplifting Black, Queer Voices”

Nov. 16, 3 p.m. Encore of previous

Northern Kentucky Community

Chorus | Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Lakeside Park. nkychorus.org

Nov. 8, 3 p.m. “Hallelujah 45!”

Northern Kentucky University | Greaves Concert Hall, Highland Heights. 859-572-5464. music.nku.edu

Nov. 3, 7 p.m. String Area Recital

Nov. 4, 7 p.m. Jazz Combos (Southgate House Revival, Newport)

Nov. 6, 7 p.m. SuperSax

Nov. 8, 3 p.m. Chamber Choir

Nov. 8, 7 p.m. Percussion Ensemble

Nov. 9, 7 p.m. Jazz Showcase (Southgate House Revival, Newport)

Nov. 11, 7 p.m. Piano Area Recital

Nov. 16, 3:30 p.m. Guest Artist Recital: Ron Aufmann, clarinet, and James Bunte, saxophone

Nov. 16, 7 p.m. Brass Area Recital

Nov. 17, 7 p.m. Burdette Studio Recital

Nov. 18, 7 p.m. Vocal Jazz

Nov. 20, 7 p.m. Philharmonic Orchestra

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL

Sublime music in worship and concert

Sunday, November 2 | 5:00 pm Fauré’s Requiem

Sunday, November 9 | 3:00 pm Organ Recital

Saturday, November 15 | 7:00 pm

Sunday, November 16 | 3:00 pm Cincinnati Women’s Choir MUSE

Saturday, November 22 | 3:00 pm Queen City Freedom Band

Sunday, November 30 | 5:00 pm Advent Lesson and Carols

Learn more: cincinnaticathedral.com

Nov. 25, 7 p.m. Woodwind Area Recital

Nov. 25, 7 p.m. Jazz Combos (Southgate House Revival, Newport)

Queen City Balladeers | Leo Coffeehouse,

Zion United Church of Christ, Norwood. queencityballadeers.org

Nov. 2, 6:40 p.m. Austin Harsh of Ramblewood, Chad Wonsik and Maurice Mattel

Nov. 9, 6:40 p.m. Dale Farmer & Susan Pepper, Dave Sanders and Chanterelle Mandolin Ensemble

Nov. 16, 6 p.m. Open mic

Nov. 23, 6:40 p.m. Liz Hogg and Cincinnati friends

Nov. 30, 6:40 p.m. Bluegrass Buddies, Stan Boric

Queen City Cabaret | queencitycabaretcincy.com

Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m. “Autumn Leaves” (Oxford Community Arts Center)

Nov. 3, 7 p.m. “Autumn Leaves” (Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine)

Queen City Concert Band | Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. 513-561-1799. queencityconcertband.com

Nov. 9, 2 p.m. Veteran’s Day Concert

Radio Artifact | Urban Artifact, Northside. radioartifact.com

Sundays, 4 p.m. Open jam

Thursdays, 7 p.m. Open jazz

River’s Edge Brass Band | Armstrong Chapel, Indian Hill. riversedgebrass.com

Nov. 9, 9:40 a.m. Sunday service music

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church | Montgomery. st-barnabas.org

Nov. 2, 3 p.m. Mambo Combo

St. Rose Church | Riverside, East End. 513-871-1162. strosecincinnati.org

Nov. 1, 6:30 p.m. Fauré: Requiem

Superstar of the banjo Béla Fleck and his Flecktones bring their eclectic show to the Taft Theatre, Saturday, Nov. 29

Schwartz’s Point | Five Points, Over-the-Rhine. thepointclub.weebly.com

Thursdays-Sundays. Live jazz

Sorg Opera House | Middletown. sorgoperahouse.org

Nov. 15, 8 p.m. A Celtic Christmas with On the Lash

Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org

Nov. 1, 8 p.m. Steve Hackett

Nov. 4, 8 p.m. Josh Ritter and The Royal City Band

Nov. 6, 8 p.m. Blue October

Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m. Brian Culbertson

Nov. 11, 8 p.m. The Stray Cats

Nov. 16, 2 p.m. Black Violin

Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. Strangelove - The Depeche Mode Experience

Nov. 29, 8 p.m. Béla Fleck & The Flecktones

Trinity Episcopal Church | Covington. 859-431-1786. trinitycovington.org

Nov. 2, 5 p.m. Evensong Series: choirs of Trinity Church and Church of the Good Shepherd, Lexington

Nov. 19, 12:15 p.m. Midday Musical Menu: The Clark & Jones Trio

Viva Voices | Calvary Baptist Church, Covington. vivavoices.net

Nov. 22, 5 p.m. “Celebrate Giving”

Woodward Theater | Over-the-Rhine. 513-345-7981. woodwardtheater.com

Nov. 21, 8 p.m. Flicker//Fade

Nov. 29, 8 p.m. Spherical Agenda

World House Choir | House of Joy, Clifton. worldhousechoir.org

Nov. 8, 4 p.m. Steve Milloy: “Rebel with a Cause: Sincerely Yours, Pauli Murray,” world premiere

Opera

Cincinnati Opera | 513-241-2742. cincinnatiopera.org

Nov. 8, 2 p.m. Opera Fusion: New Works: “Sleepers Awake,” music by Gregory Spears; co-creator/stage director Jenny Koons (Wilks Studio, Music Hall)

Nov. 9, 2 p.m. Discover Cincinnati Opera (Clifton Cultural Arts Center, Clifton)

College-Conservatory of Music | Corbett Theater, University of Cincinnati. 513-556-4183. ccm.uc.edu

Nov. 13-15. Massenet: “Cendrillon”

Dayton Opera | Schuster Center, Dayton, Ohio. daytonperformingarts.org

Nov. 1-2. Bizet “Carmen”

Theater

American Legacy Theatre | 513-443-5429. americanlegacytheatre.org

Nov. 8-9, 2 p.m. “Clos(in)g” Act I staged reading (Nov. 8, Artsville; Nov. 9, Contemporary Arts Center)

The Angelico Project | St. Monica St. George - Newman Center, Clifton Heights. angelicoproject.org

Nov. 17, 7 p.m. Catholic Theater Group

Nov. 5, 7-9 p.m. Improv Night

Beechmont Players | Anderson Center, Anderson Twp. 513-233-2468. beechmontplayers.org

Oct. 31-Nov. 8. “A Steady Rain”

Bogart’s | Short Vine, Corryville. bogarts.com

Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m. Roy Wood Jr., comedian

Nov. 8, 6:45 p.m. Chicks in the Office

Nov. 14, 8 p.m. Pete Correale, comedian

Nov. 20, 8 p.m. Rene Vaca, comedian

Nov. 22, 7 p.m. Sheng Wang, comedian

Brady Music Center | The Banks, downtown. bradymusiccenter.com

Nov. 13, 7 p.m. Aziz Ansari, comedian

The Carnegie | Covington. 859-491-2030. thecarnegie.com

Thru Nov. 2. “The Rocky Horror Show”

Cincinnati Landmark Productions | Covedale Center, Price Hill. 513-241-6550. cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com

Thru Nov. 2. “Hello, Dolly!”

Cincinnati Music Theatre | JarsonKaplan Theater, Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-621-2787. cincinnatimusictheatre.org

Nov. 14-22. “A Christmas Story: The Musical”

Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative | Fifth Third Bank Theater, Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-621-ARTS. cincyplaywrights.org

Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m. “Thanks For Calling” by Dave Doster • “Stillwater Depot,” “Center Street,” “Sgt. Skinner Goes for Coffee” three 10-minute plays by Clint Bramkamp

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-2273. cincyshakes.com

Thru Nov. 1. “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors”

Nov. 14-Dec. 6. “Love’s Labour’s Lost”

The Dinner Detective | Embassy Suites Rivercenter, Covington. thedinnerdetective.com/cincinnati

Saturdays, 6 p.m. Murder Mystery Dinner Show

Fairfield Footlighters | Fairfield. 513-867-5348. fairfieldfootlighters.org

Nov. 14-16. “Shakespeare in Love”

Falcon Theatre | Newport. 513-479-6783. falcontheater.net

Nov. 7-22. “Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons”

Fitton Center | Hamilton. 513-863-8873. fittoncenter.org

Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m. “Stuart Little”

Footlighters | Stained Glass Theatre, Newport. 859-291-7464. footlighters.org

Nov. 6-23. “The Addams Family”

The Funny Bone | Liberty Twp. liberty.funnybone.com

Weekly comedy shows

The Ghostlight Stage Company | theghostlightstageco.com

Nov. 10, 7 p.m. “Shining a Light” Lecture Series: Michael Thompson “Creating Art from a Personal Story” (Playhouse in the Park and virtual)

Go Bananas Comedy Club | Montgomery. gobananascomedy.com

Weekly comedy shows

Hard Rock Casino | Downtown. hardrockcasinocincinnati.com

Nov. 1, 6 & 9 p.m. Ranch Hands Cowboylesque

Nov. 21, 8 p.m. The Second City

Nov. 23, 7 p.m. Mike Tyson

Heritage Bank Center | Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com

Nov. 29, 8 p.m. 85 South Spin the Block Comedy Tour

Know Theatre | Over-the-Rhine. 513-300-5669. knowtheatre.com

Nov. 28-Dec. 21. “‘Die Hard’ is a Christmas Movie”

La Comedia Dinner Theatre | Springboro. 800-677-9505. lacomedia.com

Nov. 1-Dec. 28. “Scrooge: The Musical”

Lamplight Theater | Madeira. lamplighttheater.org

Nov. 7-16. “A Christmas Carol” live radio play

ARTS & CULTURE | The List

Lebanon Theatre Company | Lebanon. 513-932-8300. ltcplays.com

Nov. 14-23. “Plaid Tidings”

Loveland Stage Company | Loveland. 513-443-4572. lovelandstagecompany.org

Nov. 7-23. “Something Rotten”

Madison Theater | Covington. 859-491-2444. madisontheater.com

Nov. 8, 8 p.m. Sean Fogelson: “That 1 Mailman”

Nov. 14, 8 p.m. Chelcie Lynn, comedian

Mariemont Players | Mariemont. 513684-1236. mariemontplayers.com

Nov. 6-23. “I’ll Be Back Before Midnight”

Mason Community Players | Mason Community Playhouse, Mason. 513-398-7804. masonplayers.org

Oct. 31-Nov. 8. “The Haunting of Hill House”

MegaCorp Pavilion at Ovation | Newport. promowestlive.com

Nov. 8, 7 p.m. “UpDating” comedy show

Memorial Hall | Over-the-Rhine. 513-977-8838. memorialhallotr.com

Nov. 8, noon. Playhouse in the Park: “Zombie Thoughts”

Nov. 20, 7 p.m. “Dracula (Annotated)”

Merit Theatre Company | Anderson Center, Anderson Twp. 859-795-1860. merittheatre.org

Nov. 20-22. “It’s A Wonderful Life”

Mount St. Joseph University | Delhi. 513-244-4387. msj.edu

Nov. 6-15. “Blithe Spirit”

Northern Kentucky University | NKU Corbett Theatre, Highland Heights. 859-572-5464. theatre.nku.edu

Thru Nov. 2. “At The Wedding” (Stauss Theatre)

Nov. 21-Dec. 7. “A Christmas Carol”

Playhouse in the Park | Mt. Adams. 513-421-3888. cincyplay.com

Thru Nov. 23. “The Heart Sellers” (Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre)

Nov. 21-Dec. 28. “A Christmas Carol” (Rouse Theatre)

School for Creative & Performing Arts | Over-the-Rhine. 513-363-8100. scpa.cps-k12.org

Nov. 14-16. “Seussical the Musical”

Sunset Players |

Arts Center at Dunham, Price Hill. 513-588-4988. sunsetplayers.org

Thru Nov. 1. “Bus Stop”

Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org

Nov. 7, 7 p.m. Fortune Feimster

Nov. 14, 7 p.m. Ninja Kidz

Nov. 15, 2 p.m. Sesame Street Live!

Nov. 26, 7 p.m. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” live on stage

Woodward Theater | Over-the-Rhine. 513-345-7981. woodwardtheater.com

Nov. 6, 8 p.m. Beyond The Blinds

Live Podcast Tour

Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m. Streaming Things

Xavier University | Gallagher Theater. 513-745-3939. xavier.edu/theatre-program

Nov. 14-22. “The Crucible”

Visual Art

21c Museum Hotel | Downtown. 513-578-6600. 21cmuseumhotels.com/cincinnati

Thru August . “Fragile Figures: Beings and Time”

Art Academy of Cincinnati | Over-theRhine. 513-562-6262. artacademy.edu

Nov. 14-Dec. 12. “Story Art”

Reception: Nov. 14, 5-8 p.m.

Art on Vine | Rhinegeist Brewery, Over-the-Rhine. artonvinecincy.com

Nov. 16, noon-6 p.m. Indoor Holiday Market

Nov. 23, noon-6 p.m. Indoor Holiday Market

ARTclectic Gallery | Silverton. 513-822-5200. artclecticgallery.com

Nov. 1-Dec. 31. “Small Art for Big Smiles” Reception: Nov. 6, 5-8 p.m.

ArtsConnect | Springfield Twp.. theartsconnect.us

Nov. 7, 7-10 p.m. ArtLocal Art Show

Nov. 8, 10a.m.-2 p.m. ArtLocal Art Show

ArtWorks | Walnut Hills. 513-333-0388. artworkscincinnati.org

Thru Dec. 4. Josie Love Roebuck: “Threads of our Lives”

Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows | RSVP Event Center, Loveland. 440-227-8794. avantgardeshows.com

Nov. 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fall show

Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center | Covington. 859-431-0020. bakerhunt.org

Thru Feb. 20. DBL Art Show

The Barn | Mariemont. 513-272-3700. thebarninmariemont.org

Thru Nov. 2. “The Art We Make”

Nov. 13-25. “Fundamental: Paintings by Ruthe Wyman”

The Carnegie | Covington. 859-491-2030. thecarnegie.com

Thru March 7. “All Four Seasons in Equal Measure”

Cincinnati Art Galleries | Downtown. 513-381-2128. cincyart.com

Thru Nov. 26. Keith Klein: “Whisper”

Cincinnati Art Museum | Eden Park. 513-721-2787. cincinnatiartmuseum.org

Thru Jan. 4. “Recall. Reframe. Respond. The Art of Paul Scott”

Thru Jan. 11. “Influence(d): Female Innovators in Contemporary Japanese Design”

Thru Jan. 18. “Rediscovered Treasures”

Thru Feb. 22. Modern and Contemporary Craft

Thru April 5. Tamary Kudita: “African Victorian and Birds of Paradise”

Nov. 21-March 1. “What, Me Worry? The Art and Humor of MAD Magazine”

Cincinnati Art Museum takes a welcome, wacky turn, opening “What, Me Worry? The Art and Humor of MAD Magazine” just in time for the holidays.

Nov. 21-March 1.

Cincinnati Nature Center | Milford. cincynature.org

Nov. 22-Dec. 7. “Walk in the Woods”

Clifton Cultural Arts Center | Clifton. 513-497-2860. cliftonculturalarts.org

Nov. 14-Dec. 12. “The Golden Ticket” Juried Art Exhibition. Reception: Nov. 14, 6-8 p.m.

Contemporary Arts Center | Downtown. 513-345-8400. contemporaryartscenter.org

Thru Nov. 16. “Soul of a Garden”

Thru Dec. 30. Kahlil Robert Irving: “Ground Water from screen Falls [(Collaged media) + Midwest] Street”

Thru Jan. 25. Sheida Soleimani: “What a Revolutionary Must Know” • Lillian Schwartz: “Pictures from a Gallery”

DAAP Galleries | University of Cincinnati. 513-556-2839. daap.uc.edu

Thru Nov. 10. “Collection Art: Reflections on Works at the University of Cincinnati” (Meyer Gallery)

Thru Dec. 7. “Wright in Ohio: Photographs by Thomas R. Schiff” (Reed Gallery)

Evendale Cultural Arts Center | Evendale. 513-563-1350. evendaleohio.org

Thru Dec. 31. Evendale Juried Photo Exhibit

Nov. 7-16. ECAC Oil Painters Art Exhibit

on Martin, “Pay toll FiF ty Feet,” 1980.

Fitton Center | Hamilton. 513-863-8873. fittoncenter.org

Thru Jan. 9. “Rock & Root”

Gallery 506 | Elsmere. 513-919-5415. gallery-506.com

Thru Nov. 29. Frank Herrmann: “Perspectives”

Glendale Heritage Preservation | Village Square, Glendale. 513-771-8722. glendaleheritage.org

Permanent exhibition: “Women of Glendale”

Greenacres Arts Center | Indian Hill. 513-898-3256. green-acres.org

Nov. 7-9. Greenacres Artist Weekend

Kennedy Heights Arts Center | Kennedy Heights. 513-631-4278. kennedyarts.org

Thru Dec. 11. Local Talent 2025

Nov. 1-Dec. 20. “Unleashed: New Works by Kennedy Collective Members”

Reception: Nov. 1, 6-8 p.m.

Manifest Gallery | East Walnut Hills. 513-861-3638. manifestgallery.org

Nov. 7-Dec. 5. “Lost Arts” • “Furniture”

• “Tools”

Middletown Arts Center | Middletown. 513-424-2417. middletownartscenter.com

Thru Dec. 11. Area Art Exhibition

Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights. 859-572-5148. nku.edu/gallery

Nov. 20-Dec. 5. BFA Senior Exhibitions.

Reception: Nov. 20, 5-7 p.m.

Off Ludlow Gallery | Clifton. 513-201-7153. facebook.com,

Thru Nov. 12. The Art of Puppetry.

Reception: Nov. 12, 6-8 p.m.

Pendleton Art Center | Pendleton. 513-421-4339. pendletonartcenter.com

Nov. 28, 5-9 p.m. Open studios

Pendleton Art Center - Middletown | Middletown. 513-465-5038. pendletonartcenter.com

Nov. 7, 5-9 p.m. Open studios

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum | Hamilton. 513-868-1234. pyramidhill.org

Thru Nov. 7. “Freedom Summer: Artists of the Ohio Innocence Project and University of Cincinnati Law”

Thru Nov. 10. “A Main Street Story: Robert McCloskey in Hamilton, OH”

Queen City Clay | Norwood. queencityclay.com

Nov. 7-Dec. 31. Annual resident art show

Skirball Museum | Hebrew Union College, Clifton. csm.huc.edu

Thru Feb. 9. “The Collars of RBG: Photographs of Elinor Carucci”

Lunch and Learn: Nov. 6, noon. Guest curator Abby Schwartz

Solway Gallery | West End. 513-621-0069. solwaygallery.com

Thru Jan. 15. Yoko Ono: “Colours of the Globe,” exhibition of multiples and ephemera from 1966-2014 • Gregory Thorp: “Bliss,” recent photographs

Studio Kroner | Downtown. studiokroner.com

Thru Nov. 29. “The Art of John Agnew” Artist Talk: Nov. 8, 1-2 p.m.

Reception: Nov. 29, 1-4 p.m.

Studio San Giuseppe Art Gallery | Mount St. Joseph University, Delhi. msj.edu

Nov. 1-Dec. 3. “Selections 2025” Reception: Nov. 2, 2-4 p.m.

Summit Hotel | Madisonville. 513-527-9900. thesummithotel.com

Thru Feb. 28. “Outer Space / Inner Worlds”

Taft Museum of Art | Lytle Park, downtown. 513-241-0343. taftmuseum.org

Thru Nov. 2. “A New Look at the Longworths”

Thru Jan. 11. “Indigo and the Art of Quiltmaking”

Nov. 15-March 22. “Teatime: Chinese Enamels from the Taft Collection”

Tiger Lily Press | Art Academy of Cincinnati, Over-the-Rhine. 859-760-6070. tigerlilypress.org

Nov. 8, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Local Ink 2025

Visionaries & Voices | Northside. 513-861-4333. visionariesandvoices.com

Thru Nov. 14. “Fiber Fantasy”

Warren County Historical Museum | Lebanon. wchsmuseum.org

Thru Dec. 5. Thomas Corwin: “A Profile in Courage”

Wash Park Art | Over-the-Rhine. 513-291-3626. washparkart.com

Thru Nov. 8. “Remains To Be Seen | Art Withstands Uncertainty”

Weston Art Gallery | Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-977-4165.

cincinnatiarts.org/weston-art-gallery

Thru Nov. 2. Jenny Holzer: “Inflammatory Essays” • Emily Hanako Momohara: “Grounded”

Nov. 21-Jan. 11. Carmel Buckley and Mark Harris: “Sparrow Come Back Home”

• Summerfair Select 2025.

Reception: Nov. 21, 6-8 p.m.

Xavier University Art Gallery | A.B. Cohen Center. xavier.edu/art-department

Thru Nov. 7. Cedric Michael Cox: “Charismata” 

Shop eight floors of open studios in historic Pendleton, blocks from OTR bars, restaurants & entertainment venues.

Philanthropists of the Year: Dianne and David Rosenberg

By David Lyman

“That term – ‘philanthropist’ – makes me uncomfortable,” said David Rosenberg. “It’s a little intimidating.”

Like it or not, Rosenberg and his wife, Dianne, were recently named Philanthropists of the Year by the Cincinnati chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. They were nominated by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Pops, where Dianne recently stepped down after three years as board chair.

“It’s very humbling to be recognized like this,” Dianne said.

Neither one was raised in a home where music or the arts played a major role. David’s parents operated a retail store in downtown Lexington, while Dianne’s primary exposure to music was in classes at Pleasant Ridge School.

“I did not play an instrument,” Dianne said. “And I didn’t have any classical training. But I was always curious and wanted to learn about things.”

She pauses a moment. Notoriously private, she is pondering whether she should share a particular detail about her upbringing.

She had an aunt, Joy Manthey. “She was a teacher at North Avondale School. She was my father’s younger sister. He called her his ‘kid sister.’ When I was 7 or 8, she took me to Music Hall.”

It was a first for Dianne, who was overwhelmed by the glamor of the building, the crowds and the remarkable sounds emanating from the stage.

“I don’t remember what the music was,” she said. “But it had a huge impact on me. I remember being so excited that I kept kicking the back of the seat of the woman in front of us.” The woman, it seems, was greatly displeased and complained to Aunt Joy. “But can

you blame me for being excited?

Imagine being in Music Hall as a 7-year-old. I never thought there could be a place like that.”

As much as they are being recognized for their support of the CSO, it is not music that drove them into a life of philanthropy. “I’d rather be recognized for being engaged in the community,” David said.

Involvement that grew

That word, “community,” comes up time and again as they speak. They both talk of how that sense of community was ingrained in them growing up, of the importance of helping and connecting with those around them.

“Getting involved was a gradual thing for me,” Dianne said. “First, I got involved in organizations I felt were making great impact on the people they served. I didn’t have any money at that time. But I had time. And I cared.”

In time, those volunteer involvements grew deeper and, in many cases, led to board leadership positions, including the Cincinnati Parks Foundation, the Mayerson Jewish Community Center and the Isaac M. Wise Temple, where Dianne would become board president. So profound was the impact of her work that in 2015, she was named Volunteer of the Year by the Cincinnati chapter of the AFP.

David arrived at his philanthropic ways along a very different path.

“My family had a very small mom-and-pop business where we sold jewelry and leather goods,” he said. “I grew up behind the counter of that business. In fact, when I was in the seventh grade, I started keeping the books. It was quite an education for someone who wanted a career in finance.”

The store – Joe Rosenberg Jewelers – stayed open until 7 p.m. on Saturday nights. At a time when most retail businesses closed by 5 p.m., it was an unusual decision.

“We stayed open late because of the tobacco market,” David said. “The farmers would come into town and do business. My parents taught me not to judge people by their appearance. Even if someone came in smelling like tobacco, they could be very affluent. It was a good lesson. We live in such stratified and economically segregated communities these days. You’ve got to try to see past that.”

Rather than stay in the family business, he went to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

“It was intimidating,” recalled David. “I was going to school with people who grew up on Park Avenue in New York City and attended some of the finest prep schools in America, places like Exeter and Deerfield Academy. I thought those were places that only existed in F. Scott Fitzgerald novels.”

A ‘special responsibility’

In time, he would return to Lexington to attend the University of Kentucky’s Law School – now named the J. David Rosenberg College of Law. Soon after, he arrived in Cincinnati. “I’m in the

same firm that I joined on April 1, 1974,” he said proudly, referring to Keating, Muething & Klekamp.

“You know, I’ve been very lucky in my life. My father emigrated from Lithuania in 1904. He had witnessed pogroms. He came through Ellis Island. Had my father’s parents not made the incredibly bold decision to come to America, had he been living in Poland in 1937-1938, he almost certainly would have died in a concentration camp. Instead, I get to live the American dream.”

To Rosenberg, this is more than a family origin story. It became a blueprint for a life of service, of showing gratitude for the country that provided such a generous and bountiful home to his family.

“As a result of all of that, I have enjoyed some financial success,” David said. “I do believe that it has given me a special responsibility to give back to the communities that are so important to me.”

Certainly he did that with a significant contribution to the UK’s law school. But how about the CSO and Music Hall?

“I didn’t have much of a musical education,” he said. “It’s Dianne who has tried to teach me culture. Now I thoroughly enjoy classical music as well as other aspects.”

He was deeply involved with the renovation of Music Hall and

Continued on Page 23

Photo by WenDell g ibbs Jr., eleven27 Photogra Phy

Volunteer of the Year: Barbara Weyand

By Kathy Doane

National

Philanthropy

Day Volunteer of the Year Barbara Weyand has an extraordinary track record of what many describe as “transformative leadership.” Whether serving on a board of trustees, chairing a committee, leading a special project or capital campaign, recruiting other volunteers or merely doing what needs to be done to fulfill an ambitious goal, she has stepped forward time and time again to embrace the task.

The list of organizations Weyand has served is long, including Cincinnati Art Museum, Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Ballet, CET, Cincinnati Country Day School, Cancer Family Care and many others.

“Barbara has shown us that when one person gives their time with purpose and passion, it can change everything.”

– Playhouse in the Park

When Weyand arrived in Cincinnati nearly 30 years ago, she quickly discovered she needed something to do. She had retired early from a very successful career with Jordan Marsh and Filene’s department stores, closed her own gift shop in Boston and her young son was in school.

“I had worked all these years, and I loved that feeling of accomplishment,” she said. Then she met well-known arts patron and advocate Melody Sawyer Richardson, a Cincinnati Ballet board trustee at the time. She recruited Weyand, who stepped into what would be her first volunteer role – one that was a perfect match for her talent and experience.

Weyand partnered with seasoned volunteer Blanche Maier and spent about a year going through boxes and boxes of merchandise the ballet had attempted to sell.

“We got rid of an amazing

amount of stuff by giving it away or discounting items,” Weyand said. She began stocking items she knew ballet patrons would buy, such as the soldier nutcrackers from the annual “Nutcracker” performances.

“Selling merchandise was all about earning income to offset an existing expense it took to run the ballet,” she said.

And that’s how the savvy businesswoman began to build a reputation as the go-to person if an organization needed to raise money. Many did in the years that followed. And quite a few had Weyand on speed dial.

“The list of organizations benefitting from Barbara’s time, talent and treasure was and continues to be amazing.”

– CET

Weyand’s knack for thinking creatively about maximizing donations was always on display. As a guiding force behind CET’s former live auction fundraisers, she had a knack for getting items many would be eager to bid on. Example: Dinners at Over-the-Rhine restaurants with a front-row seat to the city’s ultimate light show, BLINK.

Creativity was always paired with kindness, according to many who volunteered alongside Weyand. Sometimes that showed itself in small but meaningful ways, such as hundreds of handwritten thank-you notes she wrote to organizations’ longtime members.

“Barbara sponsored docent-led field trips, complete with lunch and art making activities for Cincinnati Public high school students.”

– Cincinnati Art Museum

The Cincinnati Art Museum has been a centerpiece of Weyand’s volunteerism for the nearly three decades she has called the city home. Not surprising when Weyand reveals that as a young woman, she

saw a life for herself as an artist.

“I went to Italy and studied painting for seven months my junior year in college and realized I would never be good enough to support myself.” Then, another door opened that changed everything.

“I got very lucky when Jordan Marsh put me in their executive training program.” That led to many trips abroad over the years, buying for both Jordan Marsh and Filene’s, learning how money could be made and how it could be saved, an important skill that would come in handy.

For years, the Cincinnati Antiques Festival produced a big, glossy catalog of items for their annual event benefitting Cincinnati Children’s. “I realized how much they were spending and thought it

Continued on Page 23

Photo by WenDell g ibbs Jr., eleven27 Photogra Phy

Foundation of the Year: Scripps Howard Fund

By Casey Weldon

AtLincoln Heights Elementary, the excitement is hard to miss. Students dash between cases stacked with colorful books, eyes lighting up as they select titles to carry home at their free school book fair.

For many, these books will become the first volumes in a personal library – 10 books each year, enough to generate a love of reading and boost school testing scores.

This moment is made possible by the Scripps Howard Fund’s “If You Give a Child a Book …” campaign, a signature program of the Cincinnati-based foundation, which champions journalism education, childhood literacy and vital local initiatives.

The fund, created by The E.W. Scripps Company, invested nearly $10 million nationwide last year, including $1 million in Greater Cincinnati. That local impact has earned the organization Cincinnati Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Foundation of the Year award.

“This award is a reflection of the Scripps Howard Fund’s vision to uplift communities,” said President and CEO Meredith Delaney, who took the helm in 2024. “By championing book access and essential local programs focused on childhood literacy, the fund helps ensure underserved children in our community have the support they need to learn to read.”

Path shaped by literacy, philanthropy

Delaney’s career in philanthropy began at the University of Cincinnati Foundation, primarily with UC Blue Ash and UC Clermont, where she raised scholarship funds and worked closely with first-generation and returning students –many of whom had paused their education.

While these open-access campuses provide valuable community resources, they also show that many students who enroll are vastly academically underprepared, Delaney said. She recalled seeing students test at multiple grade levels below where they should have been.

“Somehow the system failed them,” Delaney said. That literacy gap shaped her understanding of the need for early intervention and ultimately drew her to the Scripps Howard Fund. She joined the fund in 2017 as director of development, later became director of philanthropic strategies and was promoted to lead the organization last year.

Adam

Symson, president and CEO, The E.W. Scripps Company; Meredith Delaney, president and CEO, Scripps Howard Fund; Jeff Brogan, vice president and general manager, WCPO

“It gave me chills,” she said of the job description. “I thought, ‘This is my opportunity to help on the front end.’ My goal became ensuring kids graduate with the foundational literacy skills needed to succeed at places like UC Blue Ash or UC Clermont.”

Partnerships enhance impact

That focus defines the fund’s approach to local giving. About $500,000 a year supports nonprofits working in literacy, tutoring, mentoring and afterschool education.

Beyond the Greater Cincinnati grants, the fund’s “If You Give a Child a Book …” effort invests hundreds of thousands of dollars in its Greater Cincinnati Title I schools, giving students the ability to select their own books to build home libraries. Research shows that children in homes with 100 books, for instance, have a 90% chance of completing ninth grade, compared to 30% in bookless homes.

This year, the fund is projected to invest more than $1.8 million in Title I book fairs nationwide, pushing it closer to a milestone of distributing its 2 millionth book overall. At Lincoln Heights, Principal Dawn Bailey said students are reading more independently.

“They’re making the connection between learning to read in class and enjoying books on their own,” she said of students in the school just north of downtown Cincinnati. The program also eases the financial burden that traditional book fairs often place on parents.

“I know our students look forward to the book fairs and get very excited when picking books,” Bailey added.

The fund also champions collaboration. It was an early supporter of the Queen City Book Bank, helping the nonprofit secure its West End warehouse and expand book access throughout the region. To date, it has partnered with QCBB on everything from supporting a summer reading program to physically distributing books to students through its curation program.

Book Bank CEO Michelle Otten Guenther

referred to Delaney and her team as a “true partner in every sense of the word.”

“From the very beginning, they have championed our mission and share our belief that a strong literacy foundation is the key to lifelong opportunity,” Otten Guenther said.

It starts with a single book

At a time when nonprofit funding is increasingly uncertain, Delaney says the fund plays a critical role in filling gaps.

“Reliable funding streams that nonprofits used to count on have either become vulnerable or disappeared. And a gap in funding always equals a gap in services,” she said. “That’s why philanthropy and generosity are more critical than ever.”

That urgency led to a major change in 2022, when the Scripps Howard Foundation, a private foundation, formed the Scripps Howard Fund as a public charity to allow residents to offer support to programs like the book campaign.

“We’re unique because we’re tied to the Scripps and Howard families, the E.W. Scripps Company and to Cincinnati itself,” Delaney said. “We’re better when we’re working together – with other nonprofits, schools and communities. Winning this award highlights the power of that connection.”

The fund now operates in more than 40 Scripps markets across the country. Still, Cincinnati remains its anchor. Nearly 9% of all annual giving – more than $5 million in the last decade – has supported local initiatives.

For Delaney, the mission couldn’t be more personal. She calls her role her “dream job.” The moments that matter most, she says, are standing with a child picking out a book at a fair or hearing a young journalist talk about their newsroom experience.

“Those moments fill my bucket,” she said. “Sure, there are board meetings and what feels like endless calls, but every night when my head hits the pillow, I go to bed with a full heart. I have the best job in the world.” 

Photo by WenDell g ibbs Jr., eleven27 Photogra Phy

YOUR CENTER FOR INSPIRATION

The SPCA Cincinnati’s 24th Annual Fur Ball Gala, Presented by IAMSTM, will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Sharonville Convention Center. Well-known to be a themed event, next year’s concept is dedicated to America’s 250th Birthday: Patriotic Paws Picnic. We’re going red, white, and MEOW—honoring the values that unite us: kindness, compassion, and the courage to care. It will be a spectacular evening to educate and celebrate as we take a moment to recognize SPCA Cincinnati’s accomplishments of the past year, while encouraging guests to make an impact in animal welfare through our mission!

Attendees will enjoy complimentary valet, an open bar with our signature “Wet Your Whiskers” hard root beer float, a plated dinner, entertainment by Mason School of Rock, popular town festival games, the Whiskey Wall, the Woof Down Wall, the Red, White & Booze Wall, a trip raffle, live and silent auctions, rescue stories, and adoptable pets. Attire is patriotic, as guests are asked to dress in red, white, and blue cocktail or business casual wear. We will conclude this magnificent evening with Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks show!

To learn more about our gala and to purchase tickets, visit spcacincinnati.org/events. No need to attend to donate, enter the raﬄe, or place a bid in the online Silent Auction!

The SPCA Cincinnati’ is grateful to Lisa Jones, SVP, Senior Director Process Optimization at one of Cincinnati’s largest ﬁnancial institutions, as the 2026 Fur Ball Chair. For her commitment to our cause, we recognize Joelle Ragland, SPCA Cincinnati's Board Chair. Many thanks to Platinum Sponsors Swiﬀer and Upstream 360

The SPCA Cincinnati is a 501(c)(3) nonproﬁt that is not nationally funded! Fur Ball is its largest fundraiser, which helps care for thousands of animals in need each year. In the past ﬁve years, the SPCA Cincinnati has sheltered more than 16,000 homeless and injured animals. Thanks to all the Fur Ball 2026 Sponsors and Donors for making the Fur Ball possible.

The Fur Ball Gala carries a purposeful message that highlights the respected history of the SPCA Cincinnati as a humane organization while connecting us to the current topics within our world. We focus on supporting the vital work in animal welfare that prioritizes the respect of all animals. Patriotic Paws Picnic is not a political event.

Contact Liz Tufts to reserve your date. 513-771-7744 | ltufts@cityofsharonville.com 11355 Chester Road, Cincinnati, OH 45246 www.sharonvilleconventioncenter.com

Lisa Jones pictured with her 3 beloved pets. Photo credit: Taylor Lasley Photography

Innovation in Fundraising: Impact 100

Cincinnati

By Casey Weldon

For Janet Collins, philanthropy isn’t just about writing checks; it’s about connecting – to organizations, to communities, to people.

That philosophy drives her work as president of Impact 100 Cincinnati, a women’s giving circle that pools contributions to fund $100,000 grants for nonprofits across Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Eastern Indiana. This year, the group received the 2025 Innovation in Fundraising award from the Cincinnati chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

“Strength in numbers creates transformational change,” said Collins, an Impact 100 member since 2016. “Very few of us could give $100,000 individually. But if I give $1,000 and everyone else gives $1,000, we can have a bigger impact than any one of us could alone.”

Impact 100 was born in Cincinnati in 2001, when local philanthropist Wendy H. Steele rallied a handful of women to pool their resources for bigger impact. That small circle has since sparked a movement, growing into more than 75 chapters worldwide.

Locally, the Cincinnati chapter has grown to about 420 members who have awarded more than $7.7 million to 64 nonprofits. Every dollar has gone directly to projects, whether supporting workforce development and housing initiatives or arts programs, food pantries and other community needs.

Developing bold givers

But the approach is about more than writing checks. Impact 100 is embracing what’s known as “trust-based philanthropy,” partnering with nonprofits to provide flexibility while ensuring accountability. Rather than dictating terms, it sees grantees as the true experts.

Members also dive headfirst into the process, reviewing applications, joining site visits and choosing finalists. That hands-on role gives them a real stake in the outcome and lets them see themselves as philanthropists in action.

Clare O’Brien, board co-chair of Philanos, a national network of giving circles, said that kind of empowerment can change perceptions.

“Impact 100 has enabled women to develop the skills, knowledge and experience to become bolder, more confident givers,” she said. “They contribute all of their five T’s – time, talent, treasure, testimony and ties –creating ripple effects beyond the check.”

The giving circle model is catching on across the country. Collins highlighted that there are now 4,000 giving circles in the United States, up from 1,500 just five years ago. Participation has more than doubled in that time, climbing from 160,000 to roughly 370,000 individual donors.

Most of those donors are women, which Collins noted is especially significant as women are projected to control two-thirds of U.S. wealth over the next decade.

“Women are driving this movement,” said Collins, “and the collaborative process makes this movement unique.”

That movement is also becoming more inclusive. Impact 100 Cincinnati recently expanded membership options, allowing people to join at different levels – $500, $1,000 or $1,500 – with each member having an equal voice.

“We want everyone in the room to be heard, and no one but you knows what your giving level is,” Collins said. “It’s important that we hear from young people, women of color, nonprofit leaders, people from various backgrounds, because it’s a perspective others of us may not have.”

That mindset is a major part of why Laura S. Menge has remained a member for more than a decade. Menge, associate director of donor stewardship at Greater Cincinnati Foundation, said Impact 100 feels different from the models she observed in “larger coastal cities” and places where being a philanthropist often meant “seeing your name etched on a building – large and singular,” Menge said.

“To be part of a philanthropic community that is accessible, engaging, educating and teamfocused – that puts you in good company with so many compassionate women who care deeply about our region – has really excited me.”

Inspiring young philanthropists

To encourage even more women to get involved, the Cincinnati chapter created the Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Young Philanthropist Scholarship Program. The initiative allows women under 40 to step into giving gradually, starting with as little as $150 in the first year while a scholarship covers the balance of a full membership. Over several years, participants grow into full contributors while taking part in the grant-making process.

Tiarra Owens of the National 4-H Council said that kind of pathway makes philanthropy sustainable. She praised the “spirit of inclusivity” that gives young members an opportunity to gain experience, build networks and develop “a lifelong commitment to giving back.”

That spirit was on full display this September, when Impact 100 gathered at Music Hall for its annual awards celebration. Before a soldout crowd, the group awarded $420,000 to six nonprofits. Beyond its standard four $100,000 grants, the chapter gave two $10,000 runnerup prizes awards for the second year in a row. Funded projects this year included legal services, accessible playgrounds, addiction recovery support and summer enrichment programs.

For Collins, the event was proof of how far Impact 100 has come – and how much opportunity lies ahead. She expects to add at least one more $100,000 grant per year in the near future.

“As we continue to evolve, we want to spend even more time listening to our members and to the nonprofit community about what’s working, what’s not and how we can be a better partner,” she said.

The door, she added, remains wide open.

“You don’t have to be invited or know someone to join,” Collins said. “Anyone can participate so long as they have a desire to give back.” 

Janet Collins, Impact 100 president; members Clare O’Brien and Laura Menge; marketing chair Sherry Holcomb; and Young Philanthropist co-chair Tiarra Owens

Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy: Zach McGinty

By Nadya Ellerhorst

Thingshave been a little full-circle in the life of Zach McGinty.

As a teenager, McGinty participated in Magnified Giving, an educational organization whose multitiered mission includes the goal to “educate, inspire and engage students in philanthropy.” Through Magnified Giving, McGinty, then a student at Lebanon High School, learned more about the nonprofit world, took part in a service project and completed a capstone, where he and his peers were tasked with choosing an organization to allocate funds from Magnified Giving donors.

Now, the 25-year-old is this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy award, less than a decade after discovering a path in the philanthropic sphere.

But philanthropy is also something McGinty acknowledges as running in the family.

“Both my parents have been very involved with nonprofits my entire life,” McGinty explained. “And then I also would credit my brother, who started out his career with nonprofits as well, so that was kind of a good guide.”

Following his experiences with Magnified Giving, McGinty spent a summer as program logistics coordinator for Camp Joy while in college. The organization’s varied programming follows the mission of “helping people grow and succeed through life-long experience based learning.”

Creating positive experiences

After McGinty graduated from Ohio University with a major in outdoor recreation management and a minor in business administration, his first job was with Flying Horse Farms as a year-round program coordinator. The medical specialty camp is designed for children with serious illnesses. During

his time there, McGinty found a niche in facilitating the best experience possible for individuals from all walks of life.

“We relied on hundreds of volunteers and seasonal staff every year,” McGinty said. “So working with them and finding out, well, why are you working here? Why are you volunteering here? And also the campers – why are you here? What do you wanna get out of this?

“And then morphing everything, all the programming to, first of all, achieve what the campers need and want out of it, and two, the staff and volunteers are there for a reason, as well – to serve the campers and maybe a personal reason as well. So just providing the support, enabling all those things to happen was kind of where I thrived and what I loved to do there.”

Connecting community

Today, McGinty is the development outreach coordinator for Ronald McDonald House Charities Dayton. As with his roles at camp, McGinty continues to facilitate connections that ensure the best – even life-changing – experiences for everyone involved.

“ I get to connect the community with our mission,” McGinty said. “So, whether it’s school groups, whether it’s businesses or community organizations, I work with them and bring them in to learn about our mission, learn about what they are passionate about, how they may want to support in building that bridge, building that connection.”

McGinty also works on the fundraising side of operations. The “Kids and Clays” fundraiser he helped plan in June of this year, which involved clay shooting instead of the more ubiquitous golf outing, raised over $25,000.

And another full-circle moment for McGinty? Accepting a donation from his alma mater of Lebanon

High School via Magnified Giving to Ronald McDonald House Charities Dayton.

Kelly Collison, Magnified Giving’s CEO, nominated McGinty for this year’s award, and first met him through his participation in the program.

“He just stood out to me,” Collison said. “He’s a fabulous young man, and he has been raised in a very philanthropic family. But he understands more than an average young person his age because he’s actually now working in the field. It’s more than just volunteering for him. He wanted to be in the philanthropic space and support a nonprofit with his talents.”

For younger folks interested in getting a start in philanthropy as a career, alongside taking advantage of volunteer opportunities,

Continued on Page 23

Photo by WenDell g ibbs Jr., eleven27 Photogra Phy

Lifetime Achievement in Fundraising: Jim Yunker

By Shauna Steigerwald

Yunker’s office offers a window into his lifetime of achievement in philanthropy. There’s a framed menu from a luncheon celebrating a $72 million campaign for Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. Charming animal photos that were featured in a campaign brochure for Capital Humane Society in Lincoln, Nebraska, fill a collage frame. A vase recognizing his time as chair of the Giving USA Foundation decorates the window ledge.

“Every organization that has invited us to help them has been rewarding,” he said, noting that, in his consulting career, “the highlight was having the breadth and depth.”

Yunker has spent that career “Helping Others Make A Difference.” He’s so committed to that mission that his company, The Yunker Group (founded in 1995 as Smith Beers Yunker & Company), trademarked the phrase.

Now his help to others is being recognized by the Cincinnati chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals with the Lifetime Achievement in Fundraising award.

His “helping” mindset can be traced to his childhood. Yunker grew up on a farm in Howe, a small town in northeast Indiana. The youngest of four children born to his doctor father and nurse mother, he milked cows before school and participated in 4-H.

Although he never heard the word ‘philanthropy,’ his parents personified it with their generosity and volunteerism.

“They were good role models,” he said.

Exiting a comfort zone

At Ball State, he majored in journalism and public relations as an undergrad, becoming editor of the daily paper his senior year. As a graduate assistant, he edited the alumni magazine. It was serendipitous that alumni and development shared an office: That experience – complete with phone-a-thons – gave him “the itch” for development and fundraising.

“It was helping people make a difference,” he said, echoing his firm’s mission. “It was fun; it was exciting; it was goal-oriented, striving to meet typically ambitious friendraising and fundraising goals. I’m basically an introvert in an extrovert occupation, so it made me reach outside of my comfort zone to help others.”

In 1983, he entered fundraising and search consulting in Chicago, relocating to Cincinnati in 1993. Two years later, he co-founded his own firm and consulted on executive searches, fundraising and fundraising management, volunteer coaching and strategic planning.

Along the way, he accomplished what he considers one of his biggest achievements – marrying his wife, Dawn Simpson Yunker, in 1986. Much like his parents, the Yunkers volunteered in their kids’ schools (Andrew is now 36; Alison is 34) and their Anderson Township community. Yunker did pro bono work on school and safety levies and fundraised for the schools. For his efforts, he was named Citizen of the Year by the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce and was given the Forest Hills School District’s Friend of Children award.

Beyond Anderson, Yunker’s volunteerism includes being a founding member of Social Venture Partners-Cincinnati; 31 years with Rotary Clubs; and serving as board chair of ProSeniors and the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, among others.

Nationally, he’s a founding director of the Association of Philanthropic Counsel; past chair of the Giving USA Foundation, publisher of Giving USA; and past board leader of The Giving Institute.

Melissa Brown, principal of Melissa S. Brown & Associates in Vancouver, Washington, emphasizes the extent of Yunker’s impact.

“Jim holds an Ed.D. from Indiana University, and his dissertation was one of the very first specifically about corporate support of higher education, and among the first about philanthropy of any kind,” she said. “He took Giving USA in new directions and guided the emergence of philanthropy as a field of study.”

He’s been recognized with the Spirit of Philanthropy Award from the IU Center for Philanthropy (now The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy) and by Sigma Chi Fraternity as a Significant Sig.

A new giving role: ‘Opa’

These days, one of Yunker’s most cherished roles is that of “Opa” (“grandfather” in German). “Everyone told us it would be fun being grandparents; they just didn’t tell us how much fun,” he said. That’s why you won’t find him in his office on a Friday: It’s his “Opa day.”

Another change based on his stage of life: The Yunker Group now focuses only on searches, which they’ve done for as varied of organizations as the Cincinnati Art Museum, TriHealth and NewPath Child & Family Solutions (formerly St. Joseph Orphanage). “The searches are more project-oriented and shorter in duration” compared with the multiyear campaigns he’d take on in the past.

He may have scaled back, but he’s not stepping down. “I don’t plan to ever retire,” he said. “My wife will tell you this is as much my hobby as my profession.”

In reflecting on his career legacy, he talks about his fundraising philosophy – raising friends first and then sharing a good story.

“People want to give,” he said. “But you’ve gotta ask. I don’t know how many coaching sessions I’ve been in where people say ‘I can’t ask my friends.’ Would you tell them about a good movie, a good restaurant, a good wine? Well, then why wouldn’t you tell them about a good cause?

“Maybe that is my legacy: Trying to grow the belief that fundraising is a noble profession,” he said.

“Jim has worked on countless fundraising campaigns throughout the region, ensuring organizations reach their dreams and make the Greater Cincinnati community a better place to work, live and play,” said Danielle GentryBarth, president and co-founder, of MASON Consulting Group.

“With each campaign, Jim has done more than meet a single fundraising goal … He brings you into his fold, and suddenly, there’s a new-found confidence that, together, anything is possible.” 

Photo by WenDell g ibbs Jr eleven27 Photogra Phy

Dianne and David Rosenberg (continued)

continues to serve on the board of the Music Hall Revitalization Company. In addition, the Rosenbergs underwrote the recording of Cincinnati Opera’s world premiere production of “Blind Injustice,” sponsored a chair in the CSO’s violin section and underwrote the orchestra’s commissioning of Christopher Rouse’s Symphony No. 6, which premiered in October 2019, a month after the composer’s death.

In October 2024, to honor Dianne’s tenure as board chair, the couple gave the CSO $10 million to establish the Dianne and J. David Rosenberg Innovation Fund, intended to allow the CSO “to experiment, take risks and expand the boundaries of what’s possible in orchestral music.”

“We’re living in a very chaotic time,’ Dianne said. “It’s hard to forecast the future. But we love Cincinnati and the CSO, and we think that remaining innovative is the most critical role for an orchestra at this time. We wanted to make sure there were resources to help make that happen. I think we have achieved that.” 

Barbara Weyand (continued)

was a huge waste of money,” Weyand said. So, in typical Barbara style, she contacted a local printer, who gave her a tutorial on layout and design, then created the entire catalog herself for several years, saving the organization around $12,000 each time.

Perhaps nothing Weyand has done in recent years has had more community impact than her involvement in the fundraising and reimagining of the new Playhouse in the Park, as well as playing a key role in its Center Stage initiative to benefit mainstage productions and educational programming.

Zach McGinty (continued)

McGinty emphasized the value of being both mindful and open-minded when charting one’s educational and professional path.

“It’s not super common where you can major in nonprofit management, so find something to study that can relate to that,” McGinty said. “And the nonprofit world is a broad industry. So keep your mind open. And your first job, you might not be working for the exact place you want to be, but use that as a stepping stone, and appreciate each one of those stepping stones, as well.”

Collison also stressed the need for continued recognition of youths who excel in the philanthropic sphere.

“ I think the award from AFP for the young philanthropist is important for the older philanthropists to recognize that young people matter,” Collison said. “Their thoughts, and their service, and their time, and their talent is treasure, and it matters, and they need to be embraced.” 

Association of Fundraising Professionals

Cincinnati presents its annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, honoring Dianne and David Rosenberg, Barbara Weyand, Scripps Howard Fund, Impact 100, Zach McGinty and Jim Yunker.

Thursday, Nov. 20 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Music Hall Ballroom

Although Weyand insists it’s time to step back from leadership activities, she’s not quite ready to retire. She is playing a supporting role in funding a makeover of the Art Museum’s European galleries showcasing the 19th and 20th centuries.

So what’s ahead for Weyand?

“I want to be more involved in helping the homeless and children,” she said, citing Lighthouse and Bethany House as organizations that have asked for her help in the past.

“I know that’s what I should be doing next,” she said. “It’s time to pivot.” 

THANK YOU!

To our sponsors, our board, our nonproﬁt partners, and the over 420 compassionate women who power Impact 100, we say “Thank you.”

You have helped us spark change in the Cincinnati region with $100,000 grants and helped us earn Innovator of the Year from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

Be a part of this movement and Join Today! www.impact100.org

Movers & Makers is media sponsor.

24 The Datebook

NOV. 1, SATURDAY

APNET, Annual Symposium Gala | 4:30 p.m. UC Lindner College of Business. Emcee: Jason Dunn Sr. Keynotes, panel discussions, fashion show, performances, networking and dinner. Tickets: $30-$250.  myapnet.org

Cancer Family Care, Annual Wine Tasting & Auction | 5:30-10 p.m. Manor House, Mason. Wine and bourbon tastings, three-course dinner, silent auction and live auction. Honorary chair: Jayne Menke. Tickets: $175.

 cancerfamilycare.org/news-events

CASA for Clermont Kids, Heroes of Hope | 6-10 p.m. Norlyn Manor, Batavia. Dinner buffet, drink ticket, DJ, entertainment, live and silent auctions and cash bar. Tickets: $75; table of 8: $550.

 casaclermontkids.org/fallgala

Kindervelt of Cincinnati Children’s, Kindervelt Krafts | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Seton High School, Price Hill. Gifts, decorations and baked goods.  kindervelt.org

Lord’s Gym Ministries, Annual Pickleball Open Play | 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Pickle Lodge, West Chester. Round-robin tournament. Registration: $20.

 lordsgymministries.org/events

NOV. 2, SUNDAY

Clay Alliance, Empty Bowls Fundraiser | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Arnold’s Bar and Grill, downtown. Meal includes handmade bowl, soup, bread and dessert; live jazz music and contests. Tickets: $35.  clayallianceemptybowls.square.site

The Leah Institute, Spirit of Deborah and David Awards Gala| 2-5:30 p.m. Cintas Center. Keynote: Daniel Golovenko. Honoring community leaders. Tickets: $65; $75 at door.

 theleahinstitute@gmail.com

Planned Parenthood, Girls Night Out | 5-9 p.m. Mellotone Beer Project, Over-the-Rhine. Cash bar, VIP experience; hosted by Ilene Ross, Jennifer

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

Kramer-Wine, Pam Kravetz and Molly Wellmann; music by Natalie Jones of Q102. Tickets starting at $28.52.

 eventbrite.com,

NOV. 5, WEDNESDAY

NKY Chamber, Women’s Initiative Regional Summit | 8 a.m. Northern Kentucky University Student Union. Emcee: Jordyne Carmack. Program, breakout sessions, lunch and happy hour. Tickets: $200.

 nkychamber.com/womensinitiative

NOV. 6, THURSDAY

Serenelli Project, Annual Gala | 6:30-11 p.m. Memorial Hall, Over-theRhine. Hors d’oeuvres, drinks, desserts, comedian Shayn Smith, premiere of new mission video and drawing for prizes. Tickets: $50.

 serenelliproject.org/s-events

NOV. 7, FRIDAY

Cincinnati Museum Center, Layers of Exploration | 7 p.m. Union Terminal. Light bites, cocktails, live music and exhibit access. Tickets: $250.

 cincymuseum.org/layers

Kindervelt, Denim & Diamonds

| 6-10 p.m. Mojave East, Newtown. Music by Artie Dean Harris and the Bourbontown Band, Southern-inspired cuisine, open bar, bourbon pull and silent auction. Chairs: Debbie Porter and Suzanne Nemeth. Tickets: $130.

 kindervelt.org/kv-events

Serenity Recovery Network, Thanks 4 Giving Bash | 6:30 p.m. American Sign Museum, Camp Washington. Dinner, presentation, silent auction and raffles. Tickets: $95; table of 8: $750.

 serenityrecoverynetwork.org

NOV. 8, SATURDAY

Clark Montessori Foundation, Clark After Dark | 7-10 p.m. Clark Montessori School, Hyde Park. Complimentary light bites and desserts, hosted bar, silent auction, tours of the school, and mingling with parents, alumni and current and former staff. Tickets: $35.

 clarkmontessorifoundation.org

Jayne Menke serves as honorary chair for Cancer Family Care’s annual Wine Tasting & Auction, Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Manor House in Mason.

McDonald House CEO Jennifer Loeb and former Cincinnati Bengal David Fulcher address the Bravesgiving Gala, Saturday, Nov. 15, presented by the Brave Like Me Foundation at the Sharonville Convention Center.

Award-winning Chef David Jackman of Over-the-Rhine’s Wildweed directs the cuisine portion of Cuisine Art Cocktails at the Contemporary Arts Center, Saturday, Nov. 22

Ronald

Disabled American Veterans, DAV 5K | The Banks, downtown. In-person and virtual options to run, walk, roll or ride.

 support.dav.org/DAV5K

Matthew Mangine Jr. Foundation, “One Shot” Birthday Bash| 6 p.m. Anderson Pavilion, Smale Park. Dinner stations, drinks, music, raffles and silent auction. Tickets: $125.  e.givesmart.com/events/Hjt

NOV. 12, WEDNESDAY

Companions on a Journey, Morning of Hope Breakfast | 8-9:30 a.m. Savannah Center, West Chester. Breakfast, testimonials and stories. Tickets: $30.

 givebutter.com/morningofhope25

NOV. 13, THURSDAY

Women Walking West, Annual Rise Gala | 6-9 p.m. Manor House, Mason. Emcee: Liz Bonis of Local 12. Ten-year anniversary celebration with dinner, cocktails, presentation and silent auction. Tickets: $75.

 womenwalkingwest.org

NOV. 14, FRIDAY

African American Chamber of Commerce, Annual Gala | 6:30 p.m. Manor House, Mason. Cocktail hour, dinner, formal program and presentations. Tickets: $160.  aaccgala.com

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, Night for a Cure | 6 p.m. First Financial Club, TQL Stadium. Honoring top volunteers and healthcare providers with VIP reception, silent auction, raffle, dinner and program. Tickets: $250.  crohnscolitisfoundation.org

NOV. 15, SATURDAY

Aubrey Rose Foundation, Let’s Dance for the Heart of It! | 5:30-11:30 p.m. Mercantile Immersive, downtown. Cocktail hour, silent and live auctions, dinner and live music. Tickets: $250; table of 12: $3,000. Black-tie optional.

 aubreyrose.org/events/dance

Brave Like Me Foundation, Bravesgiving Gala | 5:30 p.m. Sharonville Convention Center. Cocktails, dinner, live and silent auctions raffles. Speakers: David Fulcher, former Cincinnati Bengal, and Jennifer Loeb, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Cincinnati. Tickets: $150.

 bravelikemefoundation.org

CABVI, Dining in the Dark | 6-11 p.m. Hard Rock Casino. “Star Wars”themed event, dinner, games, silent auction, raffles and costume contest. Tickets: $175.

 cincyblind.org

Flying Cloud Academy, A Roaring ’20s Ball | 8-11 p.m. Wyoming Fine Arts Center. Celebrating 100th anniversary of “The Great Gatsby.” Music by Matt Tolentino Band. Tickets: $25.  vintagedance.net

People Working Cooperatively, Prepare Affair | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. People Working Cooperatively, Bond Hill. Use home-repair skills to provide important home maintenance services to seniors and people with disabilities living on low or fixed incomes.

 pwchomerepairs.org/prepare-affair

NOV. 20, THURSDAY

Association of Fundraising Professionals, National Philanthropy Day Luncheon | 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom, Over-the-Rhine. Honoring individuals and organizations with greatest influence in local philanthropy.

 afpcincinnati.org

European American Chamber of Commerce, Beaujolais & More 2025 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. Renaissance Hotel, downtown. End-of-year gathering. Tickets: $150.

 business.eacc-cincy.com NOV. 21, FRI

NOV. 21, FRIDAY

Cincinnati Art Club, Crazy 8s Art Panel Extravaganza | 6-9 p.m. Cincinnati Art Club, Mt. Adams. Celebrating completed building renovation with 125 masterful works of art for sale. Hors d’oeuvres, drinks and raffle. Free.  cincinnatiartclub.org

Talbert House, Make Camp Possible | 7-10 p.m. Ivy Hills Country Club, Newtown. Dinner by-the-bite, drinks and valet parking. Tickets: $100.  talberthouse.org

NOV. 22, SATURDAY

Caledonian Society of Cincinnati, St. Andrew’s Day Ball | 5 p.m. Hilton Netherland Plaza Hotel. Cocktail hour, dinner, music and dance. Formal attire required. Tickets: $120.  caledoniansociety.org/events

Contemporary Arts Center, Cuisine Art Cocktails | 7-11 p.m. Contemporary Arts Center, downtown. Light bites, interactive art experiences, performances, architectural tours and exclusive access to galleries. Tickets: $200; increase to $225 on Nov. 9.  contemporaryartscenter.org

NOV. 24, MONDAY

St. Elizabeth Foundation, Holiday Style Show and Luncheon | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. MegaCorp Pavilion, Newport. Lunch, vendor showcase, silent auction, and wine and bourbon pull. Tickets: $75; table: $700.  stefoundation@stelizabeth.com

NOV. 27, THURSDAY

Western & Southern, Thanksgiving Day Race | 7-9 a.m. TQL Stadium. 10K, 5K and kids race options. Benefits various charities.

 thanksgivingdayrace.com

DEC. 7, SUNDAY

Cincinnati Preservation, Annual Meeting and Member Appreciation Reception | 2-4 p.m. Mercantile Library, downtown. Meeting and reception.  cincinnatipreservation.org

Matthew 25: Ministries, Family Holiday Bash | 2-5 p.m. Matthew 25: Ministries Event Center, Blue Ash. Crafts, games, characters and photos with Santa.

 m25m.org/event/holidaybash

DEC. 9, TUESDAY

Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati, Event | 11 a.m. Ivy Hills Country Club. Luncheon and raffles.  assistanceleaguecincinnati.org

DEC. 10, WEDNESDAY

Adventure Crew, Sustainable Fashion Show | 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Barn, Mariemont. Hosted by Roads, Rivers and Trails, showcasing sustainable outdoor apparel. Tickets: $60.

 adventurecrew.org/events

JAN. 23, 2026, FRIDAY

University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Moveable Feast | 6-11 p.m. CCM Village. Cocktail hour, performances, dinner by-the-bite and after-party. Tickets: $100; increase to $150 after Nov. 26.  foundation.uc.edu

FEB. 16, MONDAY

Mardi Gras for Homeless Children | 5:30-10 p.m. Northern Kentucky Convention Center. Food, drinks, live music, marching band parade, silent auction, live auctions and celebrity guests. Proceeds benefit Brighton Center, Welcome House Inc. and Bethany House. Tickets: $100.

 mardigrasnky.org

Child safety activist Elizabeth Smart speaks for the Junior League ’s Women Doing a World of Good event, Saturday, March 7 at Memorial Hall.

FEB. 19, THURSDAY

Queen City Book Bank, Gala for Literacy | Hard Rock Casino. Save the date.

 queencitybookbank.org

FEB. 21, SATURDAY

American Heart Association, Greater Cincinnati Heart Ball | 6:30 p.m.-midnight. Duke Energy Convention Center. Annual black-tie gala with silent and live auctions, dinner and dancing. Tickets: $1,000.

 ahacincinnati.ejoinme.org

FEB. 21, SATURDAY

Human Rights Campaign, Annual Dinner | 5 p.m. Hard Rock Casino. Cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, awards and after-party.

 cincinnati.hrc.org

FEB. 26, THURSDAY

Cincinnati Regional Chamber, Annual Dinner | Save the date.  cincinnatichamber.com

FEB. 28, SATURDAY

Lord’s Gym Ministries, Annual Fowling Tournament | Save the date.

 lordsgymministries.org

MARCH 7, SATURDAY

Junior League of Cincinnati, Women Doing a World of Good | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Memorial Hall, Overthe-Rhine. Keynote: Elizabeth Smart. Luncheon, VIP reception, book signing, community resource fair and raffle prizes.

 cincinnati.jl.org

Ohio Valley Voices, Gala | Westin Hotel, downtown. Entertainment, food, drinks, games and prizes.  ohiovalleyvoices.org/support

MARCH 11, WEDNESDAY

NKY Chamber, Workforce Best Practices Symposium | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Kenton County Public Library, Erlanger. Roundtable discussions centered on theme, “Future-Ready Workplaces: Building Talent, Data and Culture.” Tickets: $70.

 business.nkychamber.com

MARCH 15, SUNDAY

American Heart Association, Cincinnati Heart MiniMarathon | Downtown, corner of Fifth & Lawrence streets. 15K mini-marathon, half marathon, plus other walks to raise funds for heart research.  www2.heart.org 

More Datebook at MoversMakers.org

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Alum creates $100K endowment for Miami University’s natural areas

A $100,000 endowment from an alumna has established the Anne E. Davenport Natural Areas Support Fund at Miami University.

The fund will support the management of the university’s nearly 1,000 acres of protected greenbelt lands, as well as 23 miles of trails, with a focus on maintaining the woods, gardens and trails surrounding the Marcum Center.

It will help improve accessibility and preserve habitats in areas such as the Timothy Marcum Memorial Center and Trail, located behind the Marcum Hotel and Conference Center.

Davenport earned degrees from Miami in 1978 and 1983, later serving in instructional and administrative roles before continuing her career in higher education finance.

 miamioh.edu

Matinée Musicale awards 21 grants to local music-centric organizations

Matinée Musicale Cincinnati has awarded $54,500 in grants to 21 organizations across Greater Cincinnati to strengthen music education and expand community access to the arts.

The 2025 grants will support programs from youth orchestras and vocal scholarships to neighborhood concert series and school-based music instruction. A full list of recipients is available on the Movers & Makers website.

The nonprofit group awards annual grants through the Matinée Musicale Endowment Fund, made possible by a bequest from the Louise Dieterle Nippert Estate. Eligible recipients must be 501(c)(3) organizations in Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky or Southeast Indiana.

Applications for 2026 grants are due by May 15.

 matineemusicalecincinnati.org

UC Engineering receives $1M gift honoring longtime professor

The University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science has received a $1 million gift from the family of the late Phillip C. Quo and his wife, Consuelo Y. Quo. The donation establishes the Dr. Phillip C. and Mrs. Consuelo Y. Quo Endowed Professorship in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, where Dr. Quo taught for more than 35 years before retiring in 2000.

Funded by the Quos’ four children and six grandchildren, the gift celebrates the couple’s legacy. Three generations of the Quo family joined UC leadership and former colleagues on campus this past spring to celebrate the endowment.

“For our father, UC was the pinnacle of his professional career,” the Quo children said in a statement. “We also want to honor our mother with this gift. She is the quiet force behind everything for our family, our short-order cook, our driver, our organizer. It was her dedication that enabled our father and our family to thrive.”

 ceas.uc.edu

Haile Foundation grant to help prep Price Hill kids for preschool

Santa Maria Community Services has received a $100,000 grant from the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation to support its Promoting Our Preschoolers (POP) program in Greater Price Hill.

The funding will help prepare young children for kindergarten through home visits, literacyfocused activities and summer reading camps to help children develop key skills.

Santa Maria Community Services noted that the funding will help serve about 120 children.

 santamaria-cincy.org

New educational playground opens in NKY thanks to PNC grant

Learning Grove has begun the first phase of its nature-based LearningScape at the Altamont Early Learning Center in West Covington. The interactive space features stone paths, climbing logs, wooden bridges, sensory tables and rolling hills, supported by a $125,000 grant from the PNC Foundation. The LearningScape encourages young children and their families to explore, play and engage with nature while building school readiness skills.

The project is part of the 20th anniversary celebration for PNC Grow Up Great, the foundation’s early childhood education program to help give children a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

 learning-grove.org

Covington secures major grant to restore historic Duveneck House

The City of Covington has secured $300,000 from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Save America’s Treasures program to restore the Frank Duveneck House and Studio on Greenup Street. The Northern Kentucky Area Development District will match the grant, bringing the total investment to $600,000.

The 19th-century property, once home and studio to acclaimed painter and sculptor Frank Duveneck, has long been recognized as one of Covington’s most significant cultural sites. Following an eight-year legal battle to stabilize and protect the structure, the grant marks a turning point toward full restoration.

The city will consult with the state’s historic preservation office before seeking architectural and construction partners. Officials say the project will ensure the Duveneck House remains a community asset and a lasting tribute to one of Covington’s most influential artists.

 covingtonky.gov

A federal grant will help Covington preserve the historic home and studio of acclaimed artist Frank Duveneck.

Timothy Marcum Memorial Center and Trail is one of the greenspaces that will receive financial support from the new Anne E. Davenport Natural Areas Support Fund at Miami University.

The Quo family visited the UC campus to celebrate a new endowed professorship in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. Pictured: Stacey Quo, Marcia Quo Schmidt, Consuelo Quo, Geoff Quo and Brian Quo.

bi3 invests $1M to expand maternal mental health support

bi3 awarded $1 million in multi-year grants to strengthen maternal mental health for new and expectant mothers. The funding includes two $500,000 grants over three years to Mental Health America of Ohio and the Great Miami Valley YMCA Booker T. Washington Community Center.

Mental Health America will expand its POEM program in Cincinnati, offering peer support, care navigation and support groups to at least 600 mothers.

The YMCA center will launch a Maternal Wellness Center in Butler County, providing care to Black and Hispanic women from pregnancy through three years postpartum.

Both initiatives aim to increase maternal wellbeing, improve access to care and promote awareness of maternal mental health.

 bi3.org

Impact 100 awards $420K in grants to 6 local nonprofits

Impact 100 Cincinnati has awarded $420,000 in grants to six local nonprofits, funding community projects in legal services,

supportive housing, accessible playgrounds and summer enrichment programs.

Immigrant and Refugee Law Center, Serenity Recovery Network, Ohio Valley Voices and Whole Again each received $100,000, while INTERalliance of Greater Cincinnati and Project Yoga won $10,000 each as runners-up. The winners were celebrated at a sold-out event at Music Hall.

 More: moversmakers.org

$5M donation to advance brain health research at UC

The Local Initiative for Excellence Foundation has made a $5 million gift to the University of Cincinnati’s Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Disease Research to help prevent and treat brain disorders. The donation honors the legacy of L.I.F.E. Foundation founder George Wile and his wife, Elizabeth Wile, longtime UC supporters and advocates for brain health.

The investment creates three new funds: one to provide seed grants for neuroscience research, another to launch a study on brain health and dementia prevention, and a third to establish a one-year fellowship program in neurodegenerative disease research.

 life-brainhealth.org

Xavier launches ‘bold’ $500M fundraising campaign

Xavier University has launched a $500 million fundraising campaign and a new scholarship program aimed at making its education more affordable amid nationwide enrollment challenges.

The “For One. For All. Forever.” campaign would nearly double Xavier’s previous record of $257 million, set in 2021, with priorities including capital projects, endowment growth, unrestricted funds and athletics.

As higher education institutions face nationwide enrollment pressures, Xavier is taking “bold steps now,” said Doug Ruschman, associate vice president for marketing and communications, to “secure its future” by investing in academics. That includes 13 new undergraduate programs, three graduate degrees this fall, and advancing the proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The university also introduced the Musketeer Forever Scholars program, guaranteeing admission and at least a $30,000 scholarship for Ohio students with a 3.5 GPA or higher, reinforcing Xavier’s commitment to accessible, high-quality education.

 xavier.edu 

Julie Kirkpatrick , president and CEO of meetNKY, has received the NKY Community Award from the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce for her leadership in driving the region’s tourism growth. The award honors individuals and organizations making a positive impact in Northern Kentucky. Under Kirkpatrick’s direction, meetNKY launched initiatives such as The B-Line, the region’s gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, helping make Northern Kentucky the state’s second-largest tourism economy.

DePaul Cristo Rey High School honored Sister Marcel DeJonckheere with its 2025 Founders Leadership Award during the school’s annual Founders Day Mass. The award recognizes individuals whose leadership reflects the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul and the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati through service, charity and dedication to the school’s mission. A member of the Sisters of Charity for 65 years, DeJonckheere was among the school’s first volunteers. She devoted more than a decade to supporting the Corporate Work Study Program and later the Admissions Office, where she helped welcome and guide countless students and families.

Santa Maria Community Services Inc. has appointed Kristen Mallory, director of programs at Children International, to its board of directors. Mallory brings experience in fundraising, education, healthcare, community relations and strategic planning. She holds a master’s degree in public health from Ohio State University.

After nearly two decades as director of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Thane Maynard will transition to executive chair of the board, where he will lead the largest fundraising campaign in the zoo’s history.

Taking over as executive director is Dave Jenike , the Zoo’s chief operating officer, effective Jan. 1, 2026. Jenike began his career there as an intern and has served in multiple roles, including director of education, before becoming COO in 2007.

Tori Roberts, area assistant vice president at Gallagher, is the new chair of Northern Kentucky Young Professionals. She succeeds Hank Heidrich, investment executive and vice president at Fifth Third Securities. As chair for 2025-26, Roberts will focus on strengthening NKYP’s impact by promoting the NKYP Event Pass, increasing event participation and leading the group’s Community Impact Partnership initiative.



IPM Food Pantry welcomed five new trustees whose “experience, leadership and passion will strengthen our mission of feeding families and connecting neighbors to life-enhancing resources.” The new members: Austin Clements, fire chief of the Union Township Fire Department in Southwest Ohio; Anne Jaroszewicz , a community leader active with Christ Church Cathedral, Cincinnati Opera and Saturday Hoops; Jeff Pond , with professional expertise in food service and retail and volunteer experience at the Anderson Farm Market; Tricia Mullins, chief operations and impact officer at NewPath Child & Family Solutions; and Jason Reuss, group sales manager at TQL.

Queen City Book Bank has appointed three new members to its board of directors: Molly Bernosky, director of the Springer Diagnostic Center; Adam Centner, partner at KMK Law, specializing in estate planning and nonprofit administration; and Kate Ward , senior vice president and chief business officer at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber. Each new board member has a “unique background and a shared passion for QCBB’s mission of

expanding book access and literacy support in the Greater Cincinnati region,” the nonprofit said.

Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired has named Jennifer DuBois its new CEO, effective Nov. 3. DuBois has 20 years of nonprofit experience, most recently as CFO and vice president at the Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired. She’ll lead Clovernook, the world’s largest producer of Braille printing, while overseeing programs for visually impaired youth and advocating for the blind and visually impaired community. Her focus will include budgeting, program development, stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and improving print and distribution operations.

The Wyoming Fine Arts Center has named acclaimed pianist Brianna Matzke as its new executive director. She offers a mix of artistic vision and administrative experience, including directing a pair of internationally recognized arts organizations: concertnova, a Cincinnati chamber ensemble, and the International Foundation for Contemporary Music, home to the Cortona Sessions for New Music, a summer festival in the Netherlands. Matzke joins the center as it launches its “30 for 30: Investing in the Next 30 Years” campaign to strengthen its programs and facilities.

University of Cincinnati Foundation has appointed five new trustees: Scott DeVenny, 1992 graduate, partner in charge of Grant Thornton’s Cincinnati office; Brian Driscoll, 1992, president of Aveera Medical; Tim Fogarty, former CEO of West Chester Holdings Inc.; Susan Opas, 1971, retired registered nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner; and Christie Wolf, 1991, longtime supporter of UC Athletics and creator of the Gregory C. Wolf Memorial Fund.

Julie Kirkpatrick Sister Marcel DeJonckheere Kristen Mallory Thane Maynard Tori Roberts Austin Clements Dave Jenike

Anne Jaroszewicz Jeff Pond Tricia Mullins

Jason Ruess Molly Bernosky Adam Centner Kate Ward Jennifer DuBois

Brianna Matzke Scott DeVenny

Brian Driscoll Tim Fogarty Susan Opas Christie Wolf

Danyetta Najoli, executive director of Motherless Daughters Ministry, has won the 2026 OneSource Center Emerging Leader Award from OneSource Center for Nonprofit Excellence. The award recognizes minority nonprofit leaders, who remain underrepresented at the executive level, and includes a full scholarship to the nine-month EXCEL leadership program through the Nonprofit Leadership Institute and a year of professional executive coaching.

Valerie Krueckeberg has stepped into the role of chief operating officer at The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center. She joins the Cincinnati Museu m Center-based organization after nearly a decade at Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, where she most recently served as director of finance.

Longtime 4C for Children staffer Kim Ginn has been promoted to chief program officer. Ginn has spent 21 years at the nonprofit supporting families and early childhood educators, leading new initiatives, expanding services, securing funding and guiding innovative programming. In her new role, Ginn oversees all programs and services, focus on strategic development, strengthen community partnerships, and enhance the quality and reach of 4C for Children’s services across Southwest Ohio and the Miami Valley.

The Cincinnati Art Museum has elected its 2025-26 board officers and welcomed several new trustees. Bruce Petrie Jr., of Bricker Graydon (retired), will serve as chair; Andrew Quinn, Bardes Corp., as president; Eric Kearney, Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce and former Ohio state senator, as vice president; Cheryl Rose , Constellation Wealth Advisors, as treasurer; and Jake Ragland (not pictured), Salt Creek Capital,

as secretary. Their terms run through Aug. 31, 2026. The Mount Adams museum also added four new trustees – Shakila Ahmad , Ivy Bayer, Ryan Hays and Kristi Nelson – who will serve three-year terms from 2025-28. Ahmad leads Empowering Spaces, a Cincinnati organization connecting businesses with Muslim communities; Bayer publishes Cincinnati Magazine and Indianapolis Monthly; Hays is executive VP and chief innovation and strategy officer at the University of Cincinnati; Nelson is provost emeritus and professor emeritus of art history at UC. Also, Natalie Leonard , president of the museum’s young professional board, CAM Catalysts, will serve as a trustee from 2025-27.

Cincinnati Opera has announced its board officers for the 2025-26 fiscal year, along with eight new trustees and seven new board associates (none pictured). Re-elected officers include Ronald T. Bates, managing director at 1919 Investment Counsel, as president; Melanie M. Chavez , partner at Chavez Properties, as chair; Robert Bitter, partner at Deloitte, as treasurer and executive vice president; and Charles E. Baverman III, partner at Dinsmore & Shohl, as secretary. New trustees are Amy Bixel, senior vice president and managing director at Fifth Third Bank; Josh Blatt , president of John Henry Homes; Michael T. Dean, partner at Dinsmore & Shohl; Michelle Goret , vice president of corporate affairs at Cintas; Brandon R. Jones, audit partner at Deloitte; David Paredes, director of marketing at Standard Textile; Buffie Rixey, community volunteer; and Heather Z. Vecellio, director of brand, design and production at HiNOTE. Joining as new board associates are Alicia DeVore , Caressa Layne Miles, Cara Nicolas, Maddie Shanahan, Carlin Twedt , Lou Velazquez and Tobias P. Wright 

Roberts Academy Wellness Center named for Darlene Kamine

Roberts Academy in Price Hill has named its wellness center in honor of Darlene Kamine, a longtime advocate for Cincinnati students and families. The Darlene Kamine Wellness Center, supported by the Cincinnati Health Department, removes barriers to health care.

A former juvenile court magistrate, attorney and nonprofit leader, Kamine founded ProKids, a guardian ad litem program for abused and neglected children. In 2009, Kamine started the Community Learning Center Institute, connecting many of CPS’s more than 35,000 students with health services, family support and civic engagement.

 cps-k12.org

Urban League selects 15 for African American leadership program

The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio has chosen 15 professionals for its African American Leadership Development Program, which has prepared senior-level African American leaders for community and organizational impact.

Class 32 features leaders from business, healthcare, nonprofit and government sectors. Names of the cohort members are available on the Movers & Makers website.

Participants will engage in 10 sessions tackling community challenges, exploring their leadership strengths and expanding professional networks. The program also offers a deep dive into Cincinnati’s cultural history, power structures, government, advocacy and economics, all through the lens of Black experience.

Applications for Class 33 will open in spring 2026.

 ulgso.org/aaldp

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society rebrands as Blood Cancer United

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has rebranded as Blood Cancer United, becoming the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to blood cancer patients. The organization supports people affected by more than 100 types of blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative neoplasms. It has invested more than $1.8 billion in research and provides resources, support and advocacy.

The Ohio River Valley Region debuted the new brand at Light the Night in Cincinnati.

 bloodcancerunited.org

Eric Kearney

Danyetta Najoli Valerie Krueckeberg

Bruce Petrie Jr. Andrew Quinn Kim Ginn

Kristi Nelson Natalie Leonard Shakila Ahmad Ivy Bayer Ryan Hays

Cheryl Rose

Snapshots

300 mark 30th for Mill Creek Alliance

Mill Creek Alliance celebrated its 30th anniversary with more than 300 guests at MadTree Parks + Rec, raising over $189,000 to support the organization’s mission. Funds will strengthen MCA’s education programs, stream restoration projects, independent water quality monitoring with volunteer citizen scientists, and recreational opportunities that connect the community to the creek.

The evening honored leaders who have been instrumental in Mill Creek’s story: Evendale Mayor Richard Finan, Lincoln Heights Mayor Ruby Kinsey-Mumphrey, Brewster Rhoads and Bruce “The Commodore” Koehler. Guests enjoyed a lively silent auction, paddle raise and videos produced by Emmy Award winner Dave Ashbrock.

 themillcreekalliance.org

Brewster Rhoads and Ruby Kinsey-Mumphrey

Executive Director Dave Schmitt with honorees Bruce Koehler, Richard Finan, Ruby KinseyMumphrey and Brewster Rhoads

Dave MacMannis, Katie MacMannis, Harley Archer and Kristen Woods

Becky Hildebrandt, Mary Vonderbrink, Peg Ashbrock and Dave Ashbrock

(Back row) Missy Gottschlich, Michele Gottschlich and Mark Gottschlich; (front row) Mary Ann Gottschlich, Chase Sreenan and Megan Gottschlich

John Stillpass and Merrie Stillpass

Richard Cogen and Sarah Meadows

Leslie Schehl and Micah Schehl

Jeff Agricola, Dan Ferguson, Laura Hughes, Todd Snapp and Andrew Broderick

Frances Kern Mennone, Elizabeth Horton and Kelly Baker

Share the joy this holiday season by donating NEW toys, warm clothing, and essential items for our children and their families in need. Your generosity can make a lasting difference, bringing smiles and brightness to their holiday season.

How can I participate in HUGS?

Sponsor: clothing and essentials for a child(ren).

Contribute: families can buy what they need most.

Purchase: In-store guide.

Volunteer:

CINCINNATI GARYTHELION, HUGSHonorary Chair

For more information, interested in volunteering or donating? Visit www.bestpoint.org/hugs/ or scan the QR code. FC

‘Bloom’ gathers more than $350K for Stepping Stones

Stepping Stones hosted its 21st annual The Great Bloom fundraiser at Element Eatery. The event raised more than $350,000 to benefit year-round programming for children, teens and adults with disabilities.

Event chair Jenny Arena hosted the Gatsby-themed evening with casino-style games, music, activities, a silent auction, a program emceed by KISS 107’s JonJon and dinner by Element Eatery’s collection of restaurants.

Roto-Rooter was the event’s presenting sponsor. Gatsby sponsors included the Rendigs Foundation, the Hatton Foundation, Mendy Ringer and Dr. Andrew Ringer. Fitzgerald sponsors include The Bob & Jeanne Coughlin Foundation, The Pettengill Family, Eleanor Haussler and Steve Haussler, Terri Seurkamp Hogan, Towne Properties, Susie Bortz and Neil Bortz.

Stepping Stones serves hundreds of individuals with disabilities in day and overnight programs that increase independence and promote inclusion.

 steppingstonesohio.org

Brent Wise, Ali Webster, Chris Webster and Lindsey Wise

Norwood art show shows off beauty, diversity

At the fourth annual Norwood International Art Show, hosted by Norwood Together, 25 artists showed their work, including painting, photography, ceramics, kaleidoscopes and repurposed vintage televisions. Artists from six countries outside the United States participated.

The event was part of Welcoming Week in America, celebrating immigrants and internationals who add color and flavor to our communities.

The show also featured activities for kids, including pottery with Queen City Clay, felting with Artitudes and linoleum printing with Abe Underhill, as well as tie-dying and face-painting. The music lineup included: Woodshed Band, the Queen City Balladeers, the W. Monty’s, Shiny Old Soul, the Yard Cars and the Cable Guys.

 norwoodtogether.org

Prize winners were:

• Two-dimensional: Zach Gutzeit , first; Bhaskar Kathrojo, second; and Cindy Berry Sullivan, third

• Three-dimensional: Steve Kosztala , first; Sarah Allen, second; and Macey Fleming , third

• Best in Show: Raquel Sotelo

• Visitors’ Choice: Macey Fleming

Lynn Carson, Lindsey Schmidt and Lesley Hern

Karen Wiehe, Drew Horter, Gwen Horter and Mark Wiehe

Event chair Jenny Arena greets the crowd at Bloom.

Hunter Freeman, Drew Everhart and Kenny Arena

Ashly Denison and David Denison speak to the crowd about their family’s experience at Stepping Stones.

First-place two-dimensional winner Zach Gutzeit and Mary C. Miller

Mary C. Miller with first-place threedimensional winner

Steve Kosztala

Painted guitar by Best in Show

Raquel Sotelo

ToolBelt Ball builds home mobility improvements

People Working Cooperatively raised more than $400,000 at its annual ToolBelt Ball, presented by SugarCreek, at the Manor House in Mason.

For more than 25 years, the gala has supported PWC’s Modifications for Mobility program, which provides essential home updates for older adults and people with disabilities living on limited incomes across the Tristate.

Hosted by WCPO’s Adrian Whitsett, the evening featured a cocktail reception, auctions and raffles, the fan-favorite Booze Pull, live entertainment and a gourmet three-course dinner. The funds from those activities will help make accessibility renovations that allow local residents to remain safely in their homes.

 pwchomerepairs.org

For more details on Bloom & a complete list of sponsors visit: CincyBloom.org

Tionna Sanders

Auctioneer Susan Johnson

Cameron

Emcee

Adrian Whitsett

Talbert House 60th supports crisis center

Talbert House raised over $479,000 to support the Hamilton County Crisis Center at its 60th Anniversary Celebration at The Palomar in Walnut Hills. The event brought together community leaders, supporters, friends and staff to honor six decades of empowering children, adults and families.

All proceeds will support the Crisis Center, a 47,000-square-foot facility for addiction and mental health crisis intervention, stabilization services and treatment. The center also will include a primary care clinic and pharmacy to meet the overall healthcare needs of those served.

 talberthouse.org

Sponsors Tom Berghausen and Pat Sheppard

From sponsor Model Group: Teresa O’Farrell, Maurie Hanauer, Jennifer Walke and David Daugherty

Ohio state Sen. Steve Wilson, Jim Benedict of sponsor Government Strategies Group and state Rep. Mike Odioso

Sam Hashmi and Hamad Siddiqi of sponsor Fifth Third Bank with Ami Kulkarni of The Palomar

Josh Arnold, Talbert House president, and Leslie McNeill, Talbert House Foundation board member and sponsor 

Board member John Silverman and (far right) Nancy Silverman, sponsors

Jeanette Altenau and board member Marla Silliman, both of sponsor Trihealth, flank Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge.

Denice Hertlein, board chair, and board member Chris Ramos of sponsor PNC Bank

Committee member Brian Sabers, board member Candace Sabers and Chase Mosijowsky of sponsor UC Health

From event sponsor 3CDC: Merrisha Dickerson, Larry Jones, Sarah Russell, Ashley Wilson, Gladys Pope and Jujuan David

Board member Emily Peterson of sponsor Aon, John Cioffi and Stacy Cole, foundation vice chair, of sponsor KMK Law

LBFE’s golf outing breaks records

Golfers, friends and supporters of Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly gathered at Glenview Golf Course for the 28th annual Tom Wess Memorial Golf Outing. The day of sunshine, camaraderie and giving raised a record-breaking $30,609 – funds that will help older adults in Greater Cincinnati feel less alone.

The winning foursome was Keith Porter, Kyle Porter, Chip Schneider and Mark Powell.

The day was also about fun new traditions, such as the “Tee and Toast” putting game sponsored by Seasons in Kenwood. Participants lifted spirits – figuratively and literally – with a mix of skill, good cheer and generosity.

Every dollar raised helps LBFE provide companionship visits, social activities and support services for seniors throughout Cincinnati.

 littlebrotherscincinnati.org

Williams Foundation Foundation

LBFE volunteers: (Back row) Aria, Dawn Carlson, Sarah Litteral, Harrison Grisez, Cassandra Ellis, Jeannette Wiedeman, Zaire Sims, Anthony Kabiyesi, Christina Wegford, Kathy Eby, Grace Beham, Ja’Lah Willingham and Elizabeth Bangel-Stehlin; (front row) Jayne and Joy

Golfers play the “Tee and Toast” putting game sponsored by Seasons in Kenwood.

Jeff Creek, Al Vonderheide, Joe Callahan and Dan Klusty

John Loechle, Mark Wissel, Jim Savage and Jack Henn



LBFE golf committee members: Mark Browning, Rick Yauss, Christina Wegford, Executive Director Ja’Lah Willingham, Grace Beham, Dawn Carlson and Elizabeth Bangel-Stehlin

Golfers chip in $80K for Dragonfly Foundation

The Dragonfly Foundation hosted its 15th annual Golf Classic at a new venue, Wetherington Golf & Country Club in West Chester, where 132 players teed off in support of pediatric cancer patients, siblings and caregivers.

The event raised more than $80,000 to fuel Dragonfly’s mission of providing strength, courage and joy during and after treatment journeys.

Even with a touch of rain, the day was filled with camaraderie, competition and heart. The first-place winning team represented presenting sponsor Titan Siding and Roofing – Randy Wolf, Jeff Parnell, Mark Goins and Charles Page.

 dragonfly.org

Justice for Women event highlights challenges

The Ohio Justice & Policy Center hosted its annual Justice for Women event, bringing together community leaders, advocates and supporters to celebrate progress and highlight challenges in justice reform.

The evening at Anderson Pavilion included the presentation of the David Singleton Zealous Advocate Award to Kalpana Kotagal, commissioner with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, honoring her commitment to equity and systemic change. Justice Yvette McGee Brown, the first African American woman to serve on the Ohio Supreme Court, spoke about perseverance, courage and collective action in advancing justice for women and families.

A panel on human trafficking in Ohio discussed solutions and support for survivors. Panelists included: May Simek, director of the Human Trafficking Law Clinic at Case Western Reserve University School of Law; Shannon Thompson, probation officer with Hamilton County CHANGE Court; and Amy Cornelius, executive director of Sidewalk Soldiers.

 ohiojpc.org

From the winning team, representing Titan Siding and Roofing: Jeff Parnell, Charles Page and Randy Wolf

From Team Pella: Nick Blessing and Nathan Madden

Team Bricker Graydon: Robert Brown, Jim Whelan, Bill Funk and Tom Myrick

Beau Nimer, Terry Lewey, BJ Nimer and Robert Mahaffey

Golf committee chair Barbara Meehan and Herb Mueller

Poet Stephanie Miku performed at the event.

Peter Djuric, Karen Smith, Jean Sepate, Bob Pohowsky and Lynn Groh

Panelists Shannon Thompson, Maya Simek and Amy Cornelius

Former Ohio Justice Yvette McGee Brown gives the keynote.

 Gabe Davis and award recipient Kalpana Kotagal

Board member Nina Lewis

Girl Scouts honor changemakers

The Girl Scouts Celebration of Changemakers event brought together community leaders, Girl Scout supporters and changemakers from across the region.

Proceeds from the breakfast event at the Kenwood Country Club benefit outreach programs that bring the Girl Scout experience to girls in under-resourced communities, ensuring every girl has the chance to grow in courage, confidence and character.

The 2025 Changemaker Award recognizes those who exemplify the Girl Scout Promise and are driving change. Honorees included Denise Driehaus, Hamilton County Commission president; Ann Hartman, philanthropist and advocate for the arts, Girl Scouts and United Way; Amy Vann, founder of Give Like a Mother; and Carole Williams, first lady and ambassador of Mount St. Joseph University.

The U.S. Bank Security Briefing Center Operations Team was honored as Corporate Changemaker and Magnified Giving was recognized as Nonprofit Changemaker. Local 12’s Liz Bonis was emcee.

 gswo.org



Aerospace: Kate Schweikert, Ashley Rentz, Sharon Crall and Susan Ebacher

Star Consulting Group’s

Jim Erceg and Shea Care

CEO Manny Addo

Girl Scouts board Chair Cassie Barlow and Betsy LaMacchia Girl Scouts’ Arrianne Stirrat and Magnified Giving’s Alison Kaufman

Changemakers Kelly Collison, Amy Vann, Denise Driehaus, Carole Williams, Charles Banks, Ann Hartmann and Roger Grein

Carole Williams, Charles Banks of U.S. Bank and Kelly Collison of Magnified Giving

2024 Changemaker Lisa Nolan and OneSource Center CEO Christie Brown

From GE

Local 12’s Liz Bonis leads a program.

Award Girl Scout Kayleigh Derbis

www.helenadamsphotography.com helen@helenadamsphotography.com

Movers & Makers mingle at Roebling Event Center

Approximately 75 friends and fans of Movers & Makers made their way down to the north bank of the Ohio for the September Mix & Mingle, hosted by the Roebling Event Center. Thanks to Chuck Beatty and his crew for gracious hosting, excellent noshing and for buying the first round of drinks! Join us Nov. 12 at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation for our November gathering, celebrating the 30th anniversary of M&M. Scan QR code to RSVP by Nov. 7.

Maria Dehne and Brian Hiles

Paul Kroner and Suzanne Buzek

Tarry Shebesta and Starr Shebesta of ARTclectic Gallery and Bridget Faler of A Child’s Hope

Scott Breloff, Jessica Fitzpatrick of Green Umbrella and Jeanne Young of Gate of Heaven Cemetery

Paul Gaitan, Krista Putnam and Gregg Martini

Mike Koch, Peggy Coggins and Amy Schoettmer

Kate Malo, Best Buddies

Iris Libby and Mark Scott

Ali Crowdus, Christina Fox, Chris Mason and Rachel DesRochers, Incubator Kitchen Collective Caroline Bohannon and Ainsley MacDougal, Better Business Bureau

SENIOR CLASS of ’26 NOW BOOKING!

More Grants Starts Here.

Funder Research + Qualification Grant Strategy + Planning Grant Writing + Submission Grant Program Management

Over $370 million in grant funding secured. Let’s Win More Grants Together.

Brunch sustains Children’s Law Center

Children’s Law Center, along with nearly 200 attendees, celebrated the future at the Boots, Bourbon & Biscuits Brunch, raising more than $81,000 to support CLC’s services to young people in Kentucky and Ohio.

The event featured a keynote speech from Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Michelle Keller and a heartwarming story from Maggie Gough, mother of a recent CLC client. Boots, Bourbon & Biscuits also included a biscuit bar, silent auction, line dancing, a Best Boots Contest and a warm welcome to the fall season.

Children’s Law Center, based in Covington, protects the rights of children and youth through direct legal assistance, policy reform, community education, information and referral.

 childrenslawky.org

Cyclists join Easterseals Redwood’s Honor Ride to support veterans

More than 150 bicycling enthusiasts, veterans and family members showed up to Easterseals Redwood’s fifth annual Honor Ride at Miami Whitewater Forest to support local veterans.

Easterseals Redwood is a nonprofit that works to empower children and adults with disabilities, military veterans and people facing disadvantages to live full and meaningful lives.

The family-friendly, inclusive bike ride celebrated the service and sacrifices of the brave men and women who have served or now serve in our Armed Forces. More than $200,000 has been raised to help connect veterans with life-changing resources and employment each year through Easterseals Redwood’s Military and Veteran Services.

 eastersealsredwood.org

CLC staff and volunteers: (Back row) Kennady Rabe, Nick Caprino, Erica Helmle, Candace Miller-Janidlo, Dana Ollier, Jada Wakefield, Pam Ollier, Sasha Naiman, Krissy Hall, Melissa Morandi, Alex Harsacky, Alicia Miller, Ashley Booher and Nicole Murone; (front row) Sydney Pepper and Brandie Ellery

Maggie Gough, parent of recent CLC client

Sasha Naiman, CLC executive director

Kia McKnight, Alex Hauger and CLC board member Alex Harsacky

Stacy Bruner, Marisa Cunningham, keynote speaker Justice Michelle Keller and CLC board President Olivia Keller

Pam Green, Adrian Whitsett, Brad Wenstrup, Dave Corlett and Nate Davis

Katherine “Kat” Baker and Pam Green

Brad Wenstrup takes off with a backpack full of honor ribbons.

Brad Wenstrup, a veteran and former member of Congress, during the opening ceremony

Paige McKee competed in the Best Boots Contest.

CISE sets fundraising goal for schools

Catholic Inner-city Schools Education kicked off its Securing Their Future Capital Campaign at the Taft Museum of Art. Nearly 80 supporters gathered for an evening of inspiration, connection and commitment to valuesbased Catholic education in Cincinnati’s inner-city communities.

Phil McHugh, CISE president and executive director, unveiled the $35 million capital campaign to strengthen school safety, invest in outstanding educators, expand high school scholarships and create new pathways for career and technical education.

Guests heard from Katie Puthoff, principal of Holy Family School, who shared the impact of CISE support on her students and staff. Zach Schumaker, high school advocate at La Salle High School, reflected on guiding CISE students through the pivotal transition from grade school to high school. La Salle High School seniors Lofell and Keon spoke about how CISE scholarships and support have opened doors for their futures.

 CISEKids.org

Matt Stautberg, Phil McHugh, Beth Stautberg, Peter Stautberg, Tim Stautberg, Katherine Stautberg, Chris Stautberg and Jennifer McGhee

Larry Kyte, Harry Fath, Linda Fath and Joe Brinkmeyer

Carol Stevie and Sister Rita Sturwold, past CISE executive directors

David Williams, John Barrett, Phil McHugh and Harry Santen

La Salle seniors Keon and Lofell with Zach Schumaker

Kelly Schiess, Nathaniel

Lampley Jr., Paula Davis

Lampley and Diane

Tarvardian

Peggy Torbeck, Christopher Rueve, Ted Torbeck and Charlie Baverman

Ride Cincinnati draws 1,100 to fight cancer

More than 1,100 cyclists joined Ride Cincinnati on routes ranging from 30 to 60 miles or on the new 4-mile, closed-loop course, to raise money for local cancer research, education and care.

Kiss107’s JonJon brought his signature energy and support to the start and finish lines, with help from the University of Cincinnati cheer team and UC’s Bearcat mascot. Local band Green Light Morning performed at the Kroger Fan Zone along the 4-mile course.

Riders were welcomed back to Sawyer Point for an after-party with food from local vendors, drinks, photo ops, a banner to share their “Why I Ride” story and more. Riders also enjoyed music from local mainstays Naked Karate Girls.

Riders continued to raise money after the race, with a fundraising total to be announced later in the fall.

 ridecincinnati.org

Love Grows Here event a bounty for Beech Acres

Beech Acres Parenting Center, with 176 years of service to the children and families of Greater Cincinnati, joined with guests at the second annual Love Grows Here breakfast, raising $170,000 to provide adults with the skills and resources to help children thrive.

About 300 guests gathered at Madtree Brewing in Oakley to learn about the Beech Acres success story. Beech Acres delivers behavioral and emotional wellness services in schools. It has a team focused on foster care, kinship care and adoption. The nonprofit also provides parent coaching and other types of support.

Laura Mitchell, Beech Acres’ president and CEO, announced that her organization has helped 98,000 people in the last three years.

 beechacres.org /love-grows-here

JonJon of Kiss107 and 4-mile riders

Gregg Harris, Allison Gordon and Jen Harris

Dr. William Barrett

John Barrett

Naked Karate Girls performed at the after-party.

Ride Cincinnati participants raised money for cancer research.

Sara Cooperrider and Laura Mitchell

Myron Hughes and Joe Allen

Vincent DeRisi, J.R. Foster, Laurence Jones, Erik Smith, Andrew Brower and Leon Hampton

Eric Kearney and Bill Seitz

Mark Gumm, Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney and Latisha Eversmann

Doug Adams and John Webster

Dress for Success hosts ‘Wicked’ good fashion show

Dress for Success Cincinnati hosted a night of fun, fashion and empowerment at its annual Fashion Show. The first event in the new Mercantile Immersive venue, the “Wicked”-themed show helped advance DFSC’s mission to empower women to achieve economic independence – as well as immerse guests in an evening of fashion for a cause.

As part of the event, DFSC also held its inaugural Top Model competition, where each Top Model committed to raising $5,000 for Dress for Success Cincinnati and the women it serves. Every dollar raised helps provide women with professional attire, career coaching, mentoring and a network of support. Over $300,000 has been raised in support of the Fashion Show so far, with donations continuing into November.

 dfscincy.org

CETconnect.org/theartshow

Model Sarah Snyder on the runway in Me by Lee

Top Model competitor Michelle Jones on the runway in Donna Salyers Fabulous-Furs

Top Model competitor Alek Lucke on the runway in Donna Salyers Fabulous-Furs

DFSC board Chair Xaviera Edwards introducing a client segment

DFSC Team: (Back row) Meggan Thompson, Ajiaga Eldridge, Tracey Zwick, Kate Black and Kiera Holeman; (front row) Julie Wiedenheft, Courtney Shannon and Gwen Kelly

Top Model 2025 awardees: Holly Baxter Bridgers (Envy of the Night as first to exceed goal); Ali Strohm (2025 Top Model winner); and Tracy Vroom (Wickedly Wonderful runner-up)

Ali Strohm is crowned by Gwen Kelly of DFSC, with runner-up Tracy Vroom behind them.



Top Model competitor Michael Betz, CEO of The Proper Group; Julie Wiedenheft, vice president of development, DFSC; Stevi Gable Carr, founder and CEO of WISe Wellness Guild and 2025 Fashion Show chair; and Meggan Thompson, president and CEO of DFSC

Dress for Success Cincinnati CEO Meggan Thompson celebrating the 2025 Mary Ivers Award Winner, LaToya Bagley

Photos by k rystalyn o’b ryan Photogra Phy

Aviatra celebrates women entrepreneurs

Aviatra Accelerators, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs, held its annual Flight Night at the 20th Century Theater in Oakley. The event celebrated seasoned women entrepreneurs and business owners as well as emerging entrepreneurs. As part of the festivities, Aviatra announced its Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award winners in six categories:

• Woman Entrepreneur: Shannan Boyer, Scooter Media

• Woman Tech Entrepreneur: Katie Trauth Taylor, Narratize

• Woman Health Entrepreneur: Dr. Sarah Crawford , Anchor Wellness

• Young Woman Entrepreneur: Noelle Scheper, Motiv

• Philanthropic Woman Entrepreneur: Rachel DesRochers, The Gratitude Collective

• Veteran Woman Entrepreneur: Amy Holston, Holston’s Baking Company

Flight Night also featured a pitch competition highlighting young businesses from Aviatra’s Momentum Accelerator, a 12-week program:

• A $1,000 cash prize went to Kris Richter of Paint Playground for the best pitch.

• Sue Thorwarth of Solutions With Sue and Tammy Waldron of Towanda Wellbeing tied for Audience Fan Favorite.

EquaSion holds first Volunteer Summit

EquaSion held its first-ever Volunteer Summit at the YMCA Music Resource Center, dedicating the day to reflection, collaboration and a shared vision. Volunteers, consultants and board members – past and present – gathered to explore the organization’s future. The day opened with a structured dialogue and wrapped up with a visioning session on future programming. Founded on interfaith dialogue, EquaSion is a nonpartisan civic organization that develops educational and community service initiatives.

equasion.org

Photos by JenniFer b laCkburn

Jasmine Hughes of Aviatra Accelerators; Woman Entrepreneur of the Year winners

Noelle Scheper, Katie Trauth Taylor, Amy Holston, Rachel DesRochers, Shannan Boyer and Dr. Sarah Crawford with emcee Jenell Walton of Cincinnati Public Radio and Jill Morenz, Aviatra president and CEO

Pitch Prize winners: Sue Thorwarth, Kris Richter and Tammy Waldron

Jill Morenz, pitch competition winner

Kris Richter, Terrin Williams of prize sponsor Interlink Cloud Advisors and Jasmine Hughes

Momentum Accelerator graduates: (Back row) Star Staubach, Katy Crossen, Tiffany Hawthorne, Samantha Harrison, Annie Brown, Sandra Hazners, Kris Richter, Renika Smiley, Sue Thorwarth, Tammy Waldron, Sami Nowlin, Jessica Kirschner and Jill Morenz; (front row) Jasmine Huges, Michelle England and Mary Tighe

EquaSion’s executive director, Deidre Hazelbaker, welcomes attendees.

Giving Voice tops $1M in total donations since 2016

The Giving Voice Foundation’s ninth annual Cincy Brews for Brains fundraiser raised $33,175 for programs for local older adults with Alzheimer’s and dementia and their caregivers. That total puts the foundation, which supports people dealing with memory loss, at over $1 million in total donations since its fundraising began in 2016.

More than 175 people attended the event to generate funds for the foundation’s clinical support services and social engagement programs. With support growing, the foundation plans to invest in more supportive programming and build a stronger network of caregiver support programs.

Presenting sponsors for Brews for Brains, which took place at Braxton Brewery in Covington, were The Christ Hospital Health & Aging Center and Episcopal Retirement Services Center for Memory Support and Inclusion.

 givingvoicefdn.org

Schenkel, Andrew Schenkel, Ryan Schenkel, Michael Schenkel and Brian Schenkel 

www.CETconnect.org

SATURDAY 6:30PM CET SUNDAY 8:30PM CET ARTS

Join Barbara Kellar as she showcases artists and cultural leaders from the Greater Cincinnati community.

Zachary

Sylvia Dwertman shows off a caricature.

Katheryn Hunsberger, Angela Onyekanne and Tiffany Lalock

Jamie Weaver and Amy Weaver

Brit Collier and Brendan Gausvik

Sean Kling, Dr. Christian Gausvik, Krista Powers, Sarah Rhodes, Gen Lucas, Gerald Behm, Kate Race, Greg Kling and Kim Kling

Kristin Cooley, Shannon Braun, Cody Gausvik, Dr. Christian Gausvik, Krista Powers and Carlee Atkins Emmy Award Winner Regional - Interview/Discussion Program

Aleah Hordges and Dawn Troutman

NKY Chamber honors business leaders

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce welcomed nearly 1,000 top leaders, businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators at its 2025 Annual Dinner, presented by Fifth Third Bank, at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center.

Kyle Inskeep of Local 12 was emcee. Awards recognized business leaders and community champions who have helped define the region’s future. Honorees were:

• The Walter R. Dunlevy/Frontiersman Award, sponsored by NKU and NKU Foundation: Gary Moore, Boone County judge/executive

• The Walter L. Pieschel (MVP) Award, sponsored by Heritage Bank: Caroline Weltzer, CEO, Viox & Viox

• The Northern Kentucky Unity Award, sponsored by PNC Bank: ArtsWave

• ImageMaker Award, sponsored by St. Elizabeth Healthcare: Hotel Covington

• Devou Cup, presented by Greater Cincinnati Foundation: Jeanne Schroer, president and CEO, The Catalytic Fund

• Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III Northern Kentucky Economic Development Award, presented by BE NKY Growth Partnership: Tom Banta , retired chief real estate officer, Corporex

• The Horizon Award, presented by Horizon Community Funds: Shane Noem and Tara Johnson-Noem  nkychamber.com

Local 12’s Kyle Inskeep was emcee.

Warren Weber (right) presents the Unity Award to Alecia Kintner and Rachael Parker of ArtsWave.

Nancy Grayson (right) presents the Horizon Award to Shane Noem and Tara Johnson-Noem (with their daughter, Cora).

Lee Crume (right) presents the Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III NKY Economic Development Award to Tom Banta.

John Domaschko presents the Devou Cup to Jeanne Schroer.

Jason Payne, NKY Chamber board chair, addresses the room.

NKU President Cady Short-Thompson presents the Walter R. Dunlevy Frontiersman Award to Judge-executive Gary Moore.

NKU President Cady Short-Thompson and Brent Cooper, president and CEO of the Northern Kentucky Chamber

Davis Robinson (right) presents the ImageMaker Award to Justin Ham on behalf of Hotel Covington.

David Wallace (right) presents the Walter L. Pieschel Award to Caroline Weltzer.

Amy Bixel of Fifth Third Private Bank speaks to the crowd at NKY Chamber’s Annual Dinner.

Angels’ Castle garners support for young adults with autism

Angels’ Castle raised $68,000 at a recent event, thanks to a $20,000 matching grant from an anonymous donor. The event took place at the Indian Hill residence of Dr. Beatriz H. Porras, Angels’ Castle founder and board president, and Dr. Alvaro Ryes, board secretary.

Angels’ Castle was established in 2019 to help young adults with autism transition from high school into adulthood. The inspiration for the nonprofit was Marco Ryes, now 21, who has autism.

Angels’ Castle is scheduled to open a 50,000-square-foot campus in Springfield Township in late 2026 and will offer day, summer and residential programs for up to 82 participants.

 AngelsCastle.org

Drs. Louis Ryes and Alvaro Ryes (front row) with volunteers from the UK College of Medicine: (Back row) Justin Ruksenas, David Szczykutowicz, Ahmet Ozer, Lydia Klumb, Katelyn Donley-Weldon, Audrey Graves and Fernanda Leventis; (middle row)

Sam Kastner, Sarah Tan, Miranda Massmann, Megan Caudy, Ellery McElfresh and Mariam Elgomos

Valley Interfaith harvests more than $800K at Planting Seeds dinner

Valley Interfaith Community Resource Center raised over $800,000 in cash, pledges and in-kind support at its third annual Planting Seeds Awards Dinner. Proceeds will strengthen essential services for families across Hamilton County and the Mill Creek Valley communities. The evening at the Madison Event Center was co-chaired by Ray Attiyah and Kelly Attiyah, John E. Pepper Jr., Rhonda Sheakley and Larry Sheakley, and Dr. Dean Kereiakes and Anne Kereiakes. The event drew more than 330 philanthropists, community and business leaders, and public officials, reflecting Valley Interfaith’s broad coalition of support.

Pam Tebow, mother of former football star Tim Tebow, delivered the keynote address, weaving messages of hope with personal stories from individuals served by Valley Interfaith. Attendees also heard how Valley Interfaith’s programs provide food, clothing and critical assistance that help families. Proceeds will support Valley Interfaith’s year-round services and partnerships that connect families to immediate relief and longer-term solutions.

 vicrc.org

Dr. Beatriz Porras and Jamie Rogers

Alissa Sammarco, Diana Lara, Lourdes Ribera, Dr. Beatriz Porras and Litsa Spanos

Marco Ryes and Dr. Alvaro Ryes

April Rocky, Richard Lamn, Hengameh Nassef, Matthew Lee, Claire Lee, Anna Maria Jardini and Brandon Craig

Pam Tebow, featured speaker

CEO John Keuffer and Joseph Mayernik

Contemporary dance – thrilling with or without men

LastDecember, my husband and I went for the first time to the Mutual Dance Theatre’s annual Up-Close show. For this yearly program, the local company presents contemporary dance in their rehearsal space, with chairs around the perimeter of the dance floor. The audience is on the same level as the dancers.

It was, in a word, thrilling.

It’s a more visceral experience than watching dance on stage, a powerful combination of artistry, strength and training. I could see, almost feel, the effort that the eight-member troupe put into making it look effortless.

And at some point into the show, I found myself thinking “Why aren’t there any men in this?”

Then I caught myself thinking that.

I have spent many hours of my life watching men perform – all

those rock bands and guitar shredders, jazz combos, classical conductors, bluegrass virtuosi.

It’s far more common now that there’s a woman on stage. But there often aren’t. To see only women, and knowing that the director and creators are also women, that’s still rare.

Of course I’d miss out if I was exclusive about it. But I do love representation of my gender. I want to give my attention to the women who’ve often had to travel a difficult road for it. And I want to see them in charge.

And here I was, getting exactly what I wanted, women doing something with such beautiful intensity. I was embarrassed I had thought anything was missing. I think I just wasn’t used to it.

A few months later, I talked to Jeanne Mam-Luft, the artistic and executive director of Mutual

Dance Theatre, about my reaction that day.

She loves working with a tight group of talented women. “We bind with each other, we connect in special ways,” she said. “And we all do everything, we do the lifts. Women lift women, women could lift men. We don’t have genderspecific roles or costumes. And we all feel very safe.”

But the group isn’t all-women on purpose. “I would love to have men,” she said. With their upper-body strength in particular, they can do things women can’t, especially upside-down work. They can train to jump higher. And they can just be men, for dances that are perhaps about relationships or family dynamics.

But men in dance are few and far between. The boys who survive the harassment and discomfort, and more power to them, make it into an elite group. Then they’re in greater demand than their female peers. And those few men are more likely to make it to the top.

A nonprofit called the Dance Data Project finds that women are underrepresented in ballet leadership positions. Of the 155 artistic director positions in the top 150 ballet companies, 63 are women, 92 are men. Meanwhile, according to Data USA, 74% of dancers and choreographers in the profession in general are women, and 26% are men.

In contemporary dance, fewer men are likely to choose to dance with a small company like Mutual, where the dancers are part-time and make less money than in ballet.

It’s supply and demand. But it leaves Mam-Luft wondering if her all-women company is at a disadvantage when it comes to competitions and funding. “We have such great dancers. But I wonder if people think we’re not good enough to have men.” Which is ironic and upside down, since modern dance has always been

Polly Campbell

women-led, from Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham onward.

I’d love to see contemporary dance get more funding. Ballet is undeniably beautiful. But I like the more natural gestures of contemporary dance, the uncontained movement, the variety of body types, the way it has things to say through choreography. The Cincinnati Ballet does some shows that are a mix of contemporary and ballet traditions, such as New Works, which just closed.

Contemporary dance is a little harder to “get” than a traditional ballet. It’s ephemeral, without a familiar story arc to follow. There are less likely to be the big pas de deux or solos with technically stunning displays, or the thrill of big movement done in unison. I like to just watch it without judgment, without trying too hard, just let my mind go free and see what happens. “Some people are cool with going on this journey,” said Mam-Luft. “Others aren’t.” But, she said, it can be powerful and transformative. “Dance can make you feel alive, make life a little more worth living.”

Mutual Dance Theatre and Arts Centers is the result of a 2021 merger of MamLuft&Co and Contemporary Dance Theater. The company presents several national companies each year as well as their own performances. Their next Up Close (which sells out) in their practice space in Hartwell is coming up Dec. 4-6 and 12-13.

mutualdance.org

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

ARONOFF CENTER’S ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Celebrate 30 years of outstanding performing and visual arts and support our mission in the years to come by participating in the Aronoff Center’s 30th Anniversary rare bourbon raffle!