Sophisticated Society, Presented by THE BMW Store

While we wait for life to get back to normal and social events to resume, Sophisticated Living is highlighting a recap of event photos from annual events from 2020. We want to reminisce and celebrate the parties, people, and most importantly, the philanthropies that made these gatherings so great.

As always, find out about all of the great philanthropies in the tri-state by visiting slmag.net/Cincinnati to access our Western & Southern Financial Group Sophisticated Giving Charity Register.

CCM MOVEABLE FEAST 2020

Over 600 arts patrons attended Moveable Feast, CCM’s annual benefit event, on Jan. 17, 2020. Hosted by CCMpower– a dedicated volunteer group comprised of CCM’s friends and alumni – Moveable Feast showcased CCM students and faculty members in an evening of world-class live entertainment. Attendees roamed CCM Village, socializing and enjoying dinner-by-the-bite while creating their own menu of artistic experiences from CCM’s nationally ranked and internationally renowned programs. The funds raised by the event enable CCMpower to fuel the future of the arts by awarding student scholarships and grants.

CINCINNATI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA GALA 2020

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra celebrated its 125th anniversary with the sold-out Timeless Gala, hosted by co-chairs Lars and Susan Anderson and presented by Fifth Third Private Bank. Beforehand, the Orchestra performed a concert in Music Hall featuring renowned soprano Renée Fleming and pianist Behzod Abduraimov, conducted by CSO Music Director Louis Langrée. Fleming performed courtesy of the Harold C. Schott Foundation/Francie and Tom Hiltz, Trustees. Many CSO musicians joined the party, courtesy of Randolph L. Wadsworth Jr. CSO president Jonathan Martin thanked guests for their support and shared a declaration by the Ohio House of Representatives recognizing the milestone anniversary. Board chair Rob McDonald announced Langrée’s contract extension through 2023-24.

MS Dinner of Champions

MS Dinner of ChampionsThe MS Dinner of Champions was held on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the Jack Casino Cincinnati Event Center. This annual National Multiple Sclerosis Society event pays tribute to the network of generous corporations, organizations and volunteer leaders who are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people living with MS. This year, Amanda Glenski was honored with the Joel Kahn MS Award of Courage and over $100,000 was raised to support valuable MS-specific programs and services for people living with multiple sclerosis.

SCPA GALA 2020

More than 500 guests celebrated “The Future of the Arts” at Music Hall with cocktails, dinner, dazzling visual art, and performances by School for the Creative & Performing Arts students performing together with members of the Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Cincinnati May Festival. Also featured were costumes collaboratively created by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park staff and students. Kay Geiger, PNC Bank regional president, was honorary event chair, and John Morris Russell, conductor of the Cincinnati Pops, was emcee. The $100,000 raised will provide artistic and academic resources needed by the students to maintain SCPA’s 100 percent graduation rate and exceptional arts program.

LINDNER CENTER OF HOPE’S: TOUCHDOWN FOR HOPE 2020

Lindner Center of HOPE’s eleventh annual Touchdown for HOPE Super Bowl event at the Great American Ballpark raised $195,000 for patient assistance. Approximately 250 people attended the event. This year Jim Breech, former Bengals star kicker, and his wife, Denise, were honorary hosts. Proceeds from Touchdown for HOPE sponsorships and ticket sales will be used to fund a mental health services financial assistance program at Lindner Center of HOPE, benefitting our community’s first responders.

STEPPING STONES OPEN YOUR HEART GALA 2020

Stepping Stones’ 12th annual Valentine-themed dinner, Open Your Heart, raised a record-setting $105,000 in net proceeds for programs for children and adults with disabilities. At the February fundraiser, 245 guests enjoyed a three-course dinner at Eddie Merlot’s restaurant in Montgomery. Presenting sponsor was Convalescent Hospital for Children and was chairs by Patti Zesch.

THE DRAGONFLY GALA 2020

The Dragonfly Foundation’s 10th Anniversary Grand Gala, held in February at Music Hall, raised nearly $300,000. The money raised at the Grand Gala will help pediatric cancer patients and their families by providing support programs through their cancer journey. 20 families were honored as a part of the 10-year anniversary Grand Gala, which was attended by more than 500 guests. The Gala included a cocktail hour, live music performances, a silent auction, photo booth, penguin encounter, caricature artist and more. For more information on how you can help The Dragonfly Foundation go to dragonfly.org.

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION HEART BALL 2020

The 27th annual Greater Cincinnati Heart Ball was held on February 22 and raised over $1,500,000 for the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association. This stellar evening presented by co-sponsors, TriHealth and St. Elizabeth Healthcare, was themed It Takes a City and focused on the American Heart Association’s community work to fight hypertension in our region. The event drew over 1000 guests and 350 After Party attendees. The Heart Ball was chaired by Jeff Hock, CEO of HBH Holdings, Inc. Marci Campbell chaired the auction and Ryan Campbell and Katie Hock spearheaded the Young Professional After Party. Technology entrepreneur, Lawrence Griffith, CEO of Digital Factory, Inc., was honored at the Heart Ball with the Heart of the City Award.

RED AND BLACK BLAST 2020

Over 300 guests attended the University of Cincinnati’s Advancement & Transition Services’ 3rd annual Red & Black Blast on February 28 at UC’s Fifth Third Bank Arena. Guests reveled as they enjoyed a gourmet dinner, bid on art created by ATS’ participants, took their chances at the wine pull, winning vacation and bourbon packages, and danced the night away. Highlights of the event included Christi Carnahan, Professor and ATS Director’s awards presentation to Terri Hogan, Contemporary Cabinetry East CEO and Daniel Cummins, UC Assistant Dean of Students. Ms. Hogan received the Champion for Inclusion Award, while Mr. Cummins was awarded the Chuck Altenau Outstanding Service Award. Heartfelt and emotional presentations by ATS students drove home the fundraising event’s success by raising $ 130,000.

LLS 2020 STUDENTS OF THE YEAR GRAND FINALE 2020

The Leukemia and Lymphoma society held their 2020 Students of the Year Grand Finale and the Great Wolf Lodge on February 28th. These amazing students raised an incredible $361,744 in just 7 short weeks! Team ALL for A-Town 3.0 was named this year’s Students of the Year winner raising $111,795! Carlie Mays (Anderson), Maya Tilley (Anderson) & Lucy Yungblut (Turpin) joined forces from rival schools to take down the ultimate opponent: Cancer. Students of the Year is a unique competition for students who are enthusiastic about volunteerism, philanthropy, community outreach. These high school students compete for scholarships in a 7 week leadership and philanthropy program while raising money for life-saving cancer cures.

OHIO VALLEY VOICES GALA 2020

Ohio Valley Voices (OVV) hosted the 13th Annual Gala on February 29, 2020 at Paul Brown Stadium with Dave Lapham as the emcee. Over 400 people were in attendance which made it the most financially successful gala in school history. All proceeds benefit the children of Ohio Valley Voices. OVV believes all children can succeed when given the proper tools and want to thank all who came to support their mission.