Readers’ Choice Awards
2019 ARTS & CULTURE | FUNDRAISING | EVENT SERVICES
Involved. Informed. Inspired.
Movers&Makers www.MoversMakers.org
April 1, 2020 Nonprofit events are a major undertaking for any organization. They provide a focus for creativity and teamwork, all with the goal of furthering the mission of each organization, whether through directly raising money or presenting an artistic product for public consumption. But they require hours and hours of planning and execution, often without adequate appreciation for those behind the scenes. We began our Movers & Makers Awards last year as a way of publicly recognizing those nonprofits who produce inspiring events, inviting our readers to vote for their favorites online. Yes, this IS a popularity contest. Every cause is “worthy” in some way. There is no judging here. No nominations or criteria to meet. And no arbitrary claims of “best of.” It’s all about inspiring passion. The most well attended or highest grossing events in a category were not always the winners. The events and organizations who came out on top did so not only because they put on a great event, but because they motivated attendees to “get out the vote” – furthering the cause they are passionate about by telling the city “We care about THIS!” We hope you will take some time and make note of both the winners and runners up. Imagine and appreciate the person-hours, the dedication and the talent required to create a successful event. We salute the winners, and everyone who works to plan, promote, participate in and help pay for the thousands of events that appear in Movers & Makers each year. These events are often the lifeblood for nonprofits of all varieties. Most of these organizations will suffer financially during this public health crisis. We urge you to continue to support, to the best of your ability, those causes or organizations closest to your hearts. Join us in sharing this special digital edition of M&M with your family, friends and colleagues. There are Download and Share buttons on each page spread. Now that we are restricted to online-only, during the time of the coronavirus, each of you has suddenly become a valuable component within our distribution network. Follow us on social media. Join our email list at www.moversmakers.org/subscribe. Congratulations to all! Be safe and healthy, Thom & Elizabeth Mariner, co-publishers tmariner@moversmakers.org, emariner@moversmakers.org (From top) Some selfies plus family and friends from 2019: Nature Center gala, Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Museum Center, Krohn Conservatory, Pride Weekend, Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Opera Pride Night, SVDP Retrofittings, Cincinnati Opera Ball
Arts & Culture Favorites
TwinSpirePhotography
VISUAL ART EXHIBIT / MUSEUM
‘No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man’ – Cincinnati Art Museum This exhibit attracted visitors from around the world in record numbers. It was the most highly attended exhibition in the Cincinnati Art Museum’s history, surpassing 2018’s “Terracotta Army: Legacy of the First Emperor of China” and 1982’s “Tower of London” exhibition.
RUNNER UP: “From Winslow Homer to
Georgia O’Keefe: American Paintings from the Phillips Collection” –Taft Museum of Art
Renwick G allery, Photo by Ron Blunt
ARTS &CULTURE FESTIVAL
Summerfair This juried, three-day arts and crafts festival at Coney Island draws creatives from across the county. Proceeds fund Summerfair’s mission of giving back to the arts community in Greater Cincinnati. Beneficiaries include high school and college student artists, working artists and arts organizations.
RUNNER UP: City Flea
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Arts & Culture Favorites VISUAL ART / GALLERY
Kennedy Heights Arts Center Through its two exhibition spaces, KHAC strives to stimulate dialogue and create social change through art. The galleries feature solo artists, group shows and curated exhibitions that speak to social issues and themes. The goal is to start conversations and build community.
TIED WITH: Wash Park Art
Photo credit: Tom Kinsel
CULTURAL EXHIBIT
‘Butterflies of Ecuador’ – Krohn Conservatory
This Spring 2019 exhibit was a huge success with more than 93,000 attendees. Guests enjoyed cultural displays, educational events and a diverse display of butterflies, all in free flight.
RUNNER UP: “Destination Moon” – Cincinnati Museum Center
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Arts & Culture Favorites
VISUAL ART / GALLERY
Wash Park Art Wash Park Art believes gallery-going should be a three-way conversation among art, viewer and the curated context; a conversation best had in person. In a world full of virtual experiences, WPA’s primary mission is to provide personal encounters with outstanding art.
TIED WITH: Kennedy Heights Arts Center
1215 ELM STREET OVER-THE-RHINE washparkart.com The gallery of art and thought Our mission is to provide PERSONAL ART ENCOUNTERS in a historic space that brings together a COMMUNITY OF CURIOUS MINDS While our encounters cannot be personal during this time of the novel coronavirus, our community will remain CREATIVE AND STRONG. We look forward to being together again when we re-open
September 25th
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Arts & Culture Favorites LARGE ENSEMBLE CONCERT / INSTRUMENTAL
Summermusik: ‘ESPAÑA’
– Eckart Preu, conductor; Pepe Romero, guitar One of the true legends of classical guitar, Pepe Romero, enjoyed several standing ovations at this sold-out concert during Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra’s Summermusik festival. From strings to flamenco guitar (and dancing!), guests were treated to an evening of music that was joyful and quintessentially Spanish.
RUNNER UP: “Wonderful Music of Oz”
Photo credit: Phil Groshong
– Cincinnati Pops, John Morris Russell, conductor
CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT / INSTRUMENTAL
Summermusik: ‘Woodwindstock’ – Curated by Roger Klug and Chris Philpotts The Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra celebrated the 50th anniversary of Woodstock to a packed house at The Redmoor. The evening included songs from Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Sly and the Family Stone and more. Guest artist Julian Bliss, clarinetist, joined in for a “groovy” finale.
RUNNER UP: Jazz pianist Brad Mehldau – Xavier Music Series Photo credit: Mackenzie Frank
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Arts & Culture Favorites LARGE ENSEMBLE CONCERT / VOCAL
Vivaldi and Fauré,
– VAE & CCO, Eckart Preu, conductor The Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra and the Vocal Arts Ensemble joined forces to present a sold-out concert at Christ Church Cathedral. The evening featured Vialdi’s Gloria and Fauré’s Requiem plus a new take on a work by VaughanWilliams’ featuring saxophonist James Bunte.
RUNNER UP: “A Very Merry Christmas”
– St. Rose Church, Trevor Kroeger, conductor
Photo credit: Mikki Schaffner
CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT / VOCAL
Cécile McLorin Salvant – Xavier Music Series
Cécile McLorin Salvant is an American jazz vocalist and winner of awards from the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, DownBeat Magazine, and the Grammys. The concert also featured the Aaron Diehl Trio.
RUNNER UP: Voces8 – St. Peter in Chains Cathedral
Photo credit: Mark Fitton
JAZZ VENUE
Caffè Vivace Caffè Vivace is a coffee house by day and a jazz lounge by night, providing a space for Cincinnatians to gather, work, socialize and herald the art of jazz.
RUNNER UP: Dee Felice Cafe
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Arts & Culture Favorites DANCE
‘The Wizard of Oz’ – Cincinnati Ballet
The Queen City transformed into Emerald City with the regional premiere of Septime Webre’s “The Wizard of Oz,” complete with a virtual tornado, flying monkeys and exceptional dance.
RUNNER UP: “Firebird / Rite of Spring” – Cincinnati Ballet, Director’s Cut
Photos by: Hiromi Platt, courtesy Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Cincinnati Ballet
LITERARY / LECTURE EVENT OR SERIES
TEDx Cincinnati TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks. Independently run TEDx events help share ideas in local communities among people from every discipline and culture seeking a deeper understanding of the world.
Runner-up: Books by the Banks
Photo credit: Nicholas Viltrakis
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Arts & Culture Favorites
CINCINNATI OPERA
OPERA
‘Porgy and Bess’ – Cincinnati Opera
Cincinnati Opera concluded its 2019 Summer Festival with a critically acclaimed production of The Gershwins’ “Porgy and Bess” at Music Hall. Starring in the title roles were bass Morris Robinson and soprano Talise Trevigne.
RUNNER UP: “Blind Injustice” – Cincinnati Opera
THANK YOU Cincinnati Opera salutes the entire team at UC Health and all of our region’s healthcare workers. Thank you for the care you provide to our community. Proud Partners of
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Arts & Culture Favorites THEATER / TOURING PRODUCTION
‘Hamilton’
– Broadway in Cincinnati The story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, “Hamilton” has taken the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theater.
RUNNER UP: “Come From Away” – Broadway in Cincinnati
All photos: HAMILTON National Tour, Joan Marcus
FAVORITE FILM PRESENTER OR SERIES
Cincinnati World Cinema Based in its new home – The Garfield Theatre, downtown’s only art house cinema – CWC provides the community with outstanding motion pictures not normally available in the area – ones that explore the human condition and celebrate cultural diversity.
RUNNER UP: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
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Arts & Culture Favorites
Voted Favorite Locally Produced Theater Production!
THEATER / LOCAL PRODUCTION
‘Who is Amos Otis?’
– By Greg Newberry (self-produced) When an assassin stands trial, he confounds the courtroom with a defense that puts the country on trial and leaves everyone wondering, “Who is Amos Otis?” This provocative new play confronts today’s political climate head-on.
RUNNER UP: “2 Pianos, 4 Hands” – Playhouse in the Park
Our tiny, independent production of Who is Amos Otis? proudly finished second to New York Broadway Series Hamilton at the Aronoff as Favorite Theater Production. That means we were voted #1 among all local productions! Thank you for supporting independent theater and voting for us! By the way, we’re also in the running for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama — so more good news may be on the way!
Memorial Hall World Premiere Written, Produced & Directed by Greg Newberry
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Fundraising Favorites
Photos by Bergette Photography
ARTS & CULTURE
Secret ArtWorks, Under the Stars This event supports ArtWorks’ programming through the sale of original 5”x7” works from artists in Greater Cincinnati and beyond. The “secret” is the identity of each artist, which is hidden until the work is selected by an attendee at the event.
RUNNER UP: Cincinnati Museum Center: Layers of Wonder
EDUCATION
Crayons to Computers, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Attendees are challenged to test their knowledge against an all-star team of area 5th graders. C2C exists to level the playing field in the classroom by providing students in need the tools to succeed.
RUNNER UP: School for Creative &
Performing Arts: Future of the Arts gala
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ALSO VOTED ‘MOST CREATIVE’ FUNDRAISER!
An Evening of
WELLNESS Through
MUSIC
Global Music & Wellness, Yamaha Music & Wellness Institute, and Christ Church Cathedral present David Bowie’s legendary pianist, Mike Garson, nationally renowned violinist Drew Tretick, and Barry Bittman, MD, pioneer in mind-body wellness.
DATE: Saturday, May 30 TIME: 6:30 PM hors d’oeuvres &
silent auction 8:00 PM concert presentation
PLACE: Christ Church Cathedral 318 East Fourth Street Cincinnati, OH 45202
Proceeds from this event will fund active music making for children, at-risk youth, older adults, refugees, and individuals recovering from mental illness in Greater Cincinnati.
Tickets available at Eventbrite or at bit.ly/wellnessthroughmusic Presented by
Fundraising Favorites HEALTHCARE / MEDICAL RESEARCH
Alzheimer’s Association, Art of Making Memories Inspired by the agency’s Memories in the Making art program, this event is designed for individuals in the early to middle stages of Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Guests enjoy an elegant evening of dinner, auctions and entertainment.
RUNNER UP: CABVI: Dining in the Dark
SOCIAL JUSTICE
YWCA Career Women of Achievement Luncheon The region’s largest luncheon honors eight career women and celebrates their collective career experiences, vision and leadership skills. This event also serves as YWCA’s largest annual fundraiser supporting work in empowerment and economic advancement, safety, and racial justice and inclusion.
RUNNER UP: Pride Weekend
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Fundraising Favorites MOST FUN! FUNDRAISER
Talbert House Ambassadors, Home for the Holidays More than 200 young professionals celebrated the holidays while enjoying dancing, games, classic holiday films, socializing and taking pictures in a mirror photo booth. The event benefited Talbert House’s efforts to provide affordable housing in the community.
RUNNER UP: Crayons to Computers:
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
ANIMAL WELFARE
Cincinnati Zoo, Zoofari A sellout crowd of more than 2,800 guests was treated to dishes from more than 70 of the finest restaurants in the city, 30 up-close animal encounters, live music and dancing. The 2019 event was a record-breaker, with more than $1 million raised for Zoo initiatives.
RUNNER UP: Cincinnati Nature Center:
Back to Nature – For All Seasons Gala
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Fundraising Favorites SOCIAL SERVICES
St. Vincent de Paul, RetroFittings SVDP’s fundraising event and fashion show utilizes clothing found in SVDP thrift stores. University of Cincinnati DAAP students transform the items into runway fashion. The event also features an on-site boutique, a raffle and auctions.
RUNNER UP: Talbert House Home for the Holidays
Photo credit: Angie Lipscomb Photography
SPORTS / OUTDOOR FUNDRAISER
Alzheimer’s Association, Walk to End Alzheimer’s The Cincinnati Walk raises more than $1 million each year to help fund the care and cure of Alzheimer’s. It is ranked the 8th largest Walk in the country.
RUNNER UP: CABVI Yes You Can 5K Run/Walk
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Fundraising Favorites FAVORITE SPONSOR
Protective Life Insurance for St. Vincent de Paul “We proudly support St. Vincent de Paul to build a more just world through service to neighbors in need. Why? We are Protective – our mission is in our name. Together, we lead with a servant’s heart to do what’s right.”
RUNNER UP: Fifth Third Bank
FAVORITE CHAIR / CO-CHAIRS
Stacy Cole & Scot Feldmeyer for Make Camp Possible, Talbert House Camp Possible is a therapeutic summer program for children. Supporters since 2013, Scot and Stacy joined forces to make the 2019 event one of Talbert House’s most successful, raising more than $100,000.
RUNNER UP: Lisa Connelly & Anne Texter, Children’s Theatre Monster Bash
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BEING PART OF A COMMUNITY MEANS HELPING THOSE IN NEED. We salute the leadership of St. Vincent de Paul and their efforts to protect and provide for those who need it most. For more than a century, Protective Life has been proud to support those who are making a difference.
protective.com
CD.0000.07.15
Protect Tomorrow. Embrace Today. â„¢
Event Services Favorites EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER
Angie Lipscomb Photography Angie is recognized for her 2019 photos at the School for Creative and Performing Arts Securing the Future Gala and St. Vincent de Paul’s Retrofittings, among others. She specializes in visual storytelling by “connecting human emotion to time and place.”
RUNNER UP: Joe Armstrong, Talbert House
EMCEE
Jim Day, Warm98 “Working with SVDP as the RetroFittings emcee has been a thrill for me. I have learned how SVDP is more than a thrift store, they help people re-write their stories. They help people find the pride they once had and they do it with love and compassion.”
RUNNER UP: Bob Herzog, Local 12
Photo credit: Angie Lipscomb Photography
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Movers & Makers Awards 2019
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AISING ND R U F
CO NS UL NG TI
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Event Services Favorites
AUCTIONEER
Susan’s Auction Service,
Cincinnati’s and the Tri-State’s Premiere Fundraising Auctioneer and Consultant
Susan Johnson, CAI, BAS
Susan’s Auction Service is focused on transforming event fundraising, live or virtual, by activating the audience, elevating the donor experience and maximizing ROI, day-of and year-round.
Raise your event to the next level with record breaking results!
Susan Johnson, BAS 513-403-6734 susansauctions.com
THANK YOU for voting for me. RUNNER UP: Doug Sorrell
Be safe & be well! Contact me about virtual giving/fundraising options for your organization. Movers & Makers Awards 2019
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Event Services Favorites EVENT FLORIST
Robin Wood Flowers As a local, woman-owned business, Robin Wood Flowers provides unique, custom floral arrangements year round for personal and corporate gifting, weddings and events, specializing in event design and coordination.
RUNNER UP: Eden Florist
CATERER
Funky’s Catering For over 30 years, Funky’s has been delivering cuisine, service and execution to Cincinnati’s weddings, corporate events, social gatherings and nonprofits. The company was founded in 2004 by Michael “Funky” Forgus, who brought 30+ years of restaurant and fine dining experience to the special event industry.
RUNNER UP: Jeff Thomas
VALET SERVICE
Sharp’s Valet Parking Service Sharp’s Valet has provided parking services across the region for more than 50 years: valet, traffic direction, shuttle service and lot security, to both commercial establishments and private customers.
RUNNER UP: Prestige Valet
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Event Services Favorites
EVENT VENUE
Memorial Hall OTR Memorial Hall OTR features programming that appeals to a wide variety of age groups and interests: family theater, spoken word, concerts and more. In addition to regular programming, Memorial Hall partners with local artists, arts organizations and nonprofit agenices to host a variety of special events.
RUNNER UP: Music Hall Ballroom
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Event Services Favorites EVENT PLANNER / COMMERCIAL
EVENT PLANNER / STAFF
Joe Rigotti: Accent on Cincinnati
Jenna Toon, Talbert House
AOC is a full-service event design and meeting management production company, creating events for corporate, nonprofit and social clients throughout the United States. Through cuttingedge visual solutions and forward thinking, AOC infuses events with energy, fun, and a classic, yet modern look.
Photo credit: Steve Z iegelmeyer for Heart Ball and (above) Zoofari
EVENT RENTAL
All Occasions Celebrating more than 40 years of rental and event innovation, All Occasions built its reputation on “outstanding customer service, knowledgeable staff, and an impressive array of products.” From corporate events to casual gatherings to the wedding of your dreams, All Occasions stands ready stand ready to make your next event “remarkable.”
RUNNER UP: The Alleen Company
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Movers & Makers Awards 2019
Long enamored with attending and planning events, Jenna has been an events coordinator for eight years and has been with Talbert House for four. Her goal is to execute events that are successful, but also fun and creative.
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Good Company. For Businesses & Nonprofits. Align your brand with our Movers & Makers. Contact Thom Mariner: 513-543-0890 or tmariner@moversmakers.org
