Sophisticated Society, Presented by The BMW Store

While the fall season is normally bustling with non-profit events, we are delighted to do our part in raising awareness on what is upcoming and how our readers can support during these uncertain times. We reached out to all of our non-profit partners from this year’s Western & Southern Financial Group Sophisticated Giving Charity Registry and asked what they have upcoming. You will see within the next few pages that they are still being active, and trying to raise awareness with re-modified events. We know the Sophisticated Living reader continues to support the non-profit community, and we will continue to update you on future events and the continued good that our community is able to do. As always, the Western & Southern Financial Group Sophisticated Giving Charity Registry is available online for your charitable use. We hope you find some inspiration with these upcoming events and continue to support your non-profit community during these strange times.

Bethany House Ales to Zinfandels 2020

We hosted our 17th Annual Ales to Zinfandels event in September to great success all online! Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we quickly pivoted from a live event to a three-night virtual event online. On the first evening, trivia night was hosted by Jennifer Ketchmark of WCPO. The second evening’s event included a cocktail hour hosted by WKRC’s Kyle Inskeep, with a mixology demonstration from certified mixologist Tyler McCowan, a craft beer discussion by Brian Yavorsky of FigLeaf Brewing, and a lesson from wine expert, Jeffrey Schiller.

The main event on Friday evening was a gourmet cooking demonstration by Chef Brandon Fortener of The Kroger Co., hosted by WLWT’s Jatara McGee. Our virtual silent auction and raffle continued through the last night of the event. Through the generosity of dedicated Ales to Zinfandels sponsors, donors, and participants, we will be able to provide continued emergency shelter and housing programs for local families experiencing homelessness. If you missed out on any night, relive the fun on Youtube. Watch every night of Ales to Zinfandels by clicking here.

Special thank you to the Ales to Zinfandels committee: Rana Schiff (chair), Maggie Carrino, Lucy Crane, Carolyn Fast, Joanne Girty, Amy Greene, Jennifer Homer, Mary Huttlinger, Megan McCuen, Chris Michel, Tina Norman, Deanna Powell, Jackie Schaiper, Peggy Scherzinger, Challis Wood, and Gage Woolley. Thank you to our amazing sponsors: Gold – Heidt Family Foundation, Silver – Erik and Bethany Baar, Megan and Mike McCuen, PNC Bank, Bronze – Laurie and Kim Baird, Kroger Health, First Financial Bank, Ultimate Rehab, Huttlinger McCollum Family, PBS CET, Patron – Gail Myers, Shattles Communications, Barnes Dennig, Brand it For Good.

Gromada Foundation offers UC Grant for Continuing Research

Brandon’s Foundation is very pleased to announce that the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center (UCCC) Grants Committee recently awarded the 2020 Brandon C. Gromada Head and Neck Cancer Research Pilot Grant of $25,000 to Vinita Takiar, MD, PhD for her research proposal, “Theranostic gold nanoclusters: Next generation radiosensititzers for improved head and neck treatment.” This annual grant for an innovative head and neck cancer research project is funded by Brandon’s Foundation and the proposal process administered by UCCC with the grant awarded to a researcher at UCCC.

The decision to create the collaboration with UCCC a few years ago was based on several factors: 1.Brandon received excellent care at the UC Health Barrett Cancer Center (now part of UCCC) during his illness; 2. Each year since 2014 (the first year Brandon’s Foundation awarded grants) at least one UCCC research project submission was a top scorer via blind peer review and awarded Foundation funding. 3. Our Board of Directors continues to have a voice in research project selection. 4. The majority of support and donations to the Foundation come from the area served by UCCC. 5. This grant has the potential to help draw even more experts in head and neck cancer to UCCC and this area. The 2020 awardee, Dr. Takiar, is to join our October 22nd board meeting (all participating via Zoom) to describe her research project and its potential outcomes for treatment. (Information about Dr. Takiar: https://med.uc.edu/depart/radiation-oncology/directory/ faculty. UCCC hasn’t yet announced the awardee in a publication.)

As with many organizations, Brandon’s Foundation is facing fundraising challenges during this strange pandemic year (and possibly well into a second year). Possible alternatives to our annual in-person Mardi Gras MASKerade will be an important topic of discussion during our upcoming board meeting.

CABVI Braille Ale Launch

CABVI (Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired) recently partnered with West Side Brewing to introduce the one of a kind, limited edition Braille Ale as one of the first beer cans that has actual raised braille on it! CABVI and West Side Brewing celebrated its launch on August 27th as supporters and beer lovers came out to try this specially brewed Raspberry Gose.

Q102’s Natalie Jones and Tim Timmerman broadcasted live from the event. All of the proceeds provide support for CABVI’s services to help people of all ages adapt to severe vision loss. CABVI would like to thank all who supported the Braille Ale launch.

About CABVI Founded in 1911, CABVI provides counseling, rehabilitation, information and employment services to people of all ages who have severe vision loss in the Greater Cincinnati region. Through all of its programs and services, it strives to help more than 6,000 people annually to lead full and independent lives. CABVI receives client referrals for services from local eye doctors, hospitals, schools, and other social service agencies in the Greater Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky area. CABVI has two Cincinnati locations: we house our vision rehabilitation services at CABVI on Gilbert Avenue near Eden Park and we provide employment for people with vision loss at the Hornbeck Social Enterprise Center on Kenner Street in the West End.

DePaul Cristo Rey Golf Classic

A love of golf and a passion for supporting students brought over 100 golfers to the Western Hills Country Club to play in the ninth annual DePaul Cristo Rey Golf Classic on September 28. Thanks to Golf Chair Dick Haglage, generous sponsors and eager golfers, the event was a sellout and raised over $60,000 to support the DPCR Tuition Assistance Fund. This event is an important source of support because every student attending DePaul Cristo Rey receives financial aid.Fast Park & Relax was the Presenting Sponsor; the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati and Terra Firma Associates were the Gold Sponsors.

DePaul Cristo Rey is a Catholic, college-preparatory high school with a mission to educate young people who have the potential but limited financial means to go to college. This is accomplished through a dynamic academic program partnered with an innovative Corporate Work Study Program, not available at any other local high school. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, DPCR is one of 37 high schools in the nationwide Cristo Rey Network® which serves 13,000 young people.

BLOOM for Stepping Stones

Stepping Stones hosted its annual Bloom Gala virtually on September 12, 2020. The first event of its kind for the organization, Stepping Stones netted more than $242,000 to benefit year-round programming for children, teens and adults with disabilities.

Allie Martin from WCPO’s Cincy Lifestyle hosted this year’s virtual event: Bloom, Boots and Bourbon. The event featured a szpecial appearance by Chef Cristian Pietoso of Via Vite as well as a featured drink courtesy of Comfort Station & Sundry and Vice. Attendees raised money for the organization by participating in a silent auction with over 50 packages and by purchasing gardening kits for program participants. Several Stepping Stones supporters hosted “Mini Blooms” where they watched the virtual event from home with friends and family.

“Stepping Stones is an organization that perseveres in times of hardship,” said Elizabeth Rogers (Indian Hill), Bloom host. “After the pandemic started, the Stepping Stones development team worked to transition Bloom into a virtual event and I was impressed with how smoothly the event went. We will continue our support, and hope to see everyone back in person next year.”

The event’s presenting sponsor was Huntington Bank. Diamond sponsors were Susie & Neil Bortz, the Chemed Foundation and the Pettengill Family. Gold sponsors were Beth & Doug Brendamour of Brendamour Warehousing.

Stepping Stones is a United Way partner agency serving more than 1,100 people with disabilities in day and overnight programs that increase independence and promote inclusion. Founded in 1963, the agency provides educational, recreational and social programs at locations in Batavia, Indian Hill, Norwood and Western Hills. For more information, visit www.SteppingStonesOhio.org.

JDRF Bourbon and BowTie Bash

On Saturday, October 17, JDRF Southern & Central Ohio hosted its 7th annual JDRF Bourbon & BowTie Bash event with a different approach. This event typically is massive in size and scale, selling out at around 2,000 tickets for a night of fun at the Duke Energy Convention Center. The event this year was held as an “at home” concept in order to be safe and responsible considering the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our team struggled with how to conduct the event this year, or if it was even possible,” said JDRF Executive Director Melissa Newman, “we tried a few different things, including the possibility of a very small socially-distanced in-person event, but quickly realized that doing just about anything in person wasn’t feasible. From there, we committed to the “at home” concept and the challenge then was to make it as awesome as possible for ticket purchasers.”

The event sold out weeks in advance with 450 tickets purchased with a concept that allowed ticket purchasers to host their own small gatherings at their homes with their immediate family and friends. In total, JDRF raised $200,000 and set a new net fundraising record for the chapter. Tickets included a four-course meal from Jeff Thomas Catering; a specially curated Bourbon basket, including seven bourbon tastings as well as wine, beer and seltzer courtesy of Heidelberg; swag from bourbon partners; and a $50 tax-deductible contribution to JDRF. Digital programming content included guided bourbon tastings, cocktail demos, and more. Local 12’s Bob Herzog served as the event’s virtual emcee.

Event proceeds will go directly to support the JDRF mission to cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes, or T1D, which is an autoimmune disease that can impact anyone at any age and at any time, and has no association with diet or lifestyle factors.

La Soupe Community Kitchen Program

Since 2014, La Soupe has been leading the way in feeding those who are in need of food in the Greater Cincinnati community with their mission of RESCUE. TRANSFORM. SHARE. Quite simply, they rescue perishable foods from grocers, distributors, farmers, and restaurants; their chefs and volunteers transform it into healthy soupes and casseroles; and this food is then shared with the food insecure and other supporters. La Soupe rescues over 20,000 pounds of perishables weekly, and since 2014 has donated over a million servings of food created in their kitchen.

It quickly became apparent to La Soupe after the 2020 pandemic began that there was a marked increase in the number of people needing food, and that the restaurant industry was stressed because of the restrictions being implemented. So in April 2020, they launched their Community Kitchen Program (CK). This program enables La Soupe to provide healthy food to more people, and to pay local restaurants to prepare these nutritious and delicious meals. This needed revenue for the restaurants has helped keep many of them afloat.

Since the CK program began, La Soupe has sent over 75,000 lbs. of rescued proteins and produce to its Community Kitchen partners, and prepared and delivered over 115,000 meals/460,000 servings to over 60 sites.

There are now 16 participating restaurant partners in the Community Kitchen Program and they include: Bouquet, Dinner to Doorbells, Taste of Belgium, Wicked Good Pub & Grill, Magnificent Morsels Catering, Sweet & Meats BBQ, Mazunte Catering, Angie Tee’s Kitchen LLC, Fausto, Sleepy Bee Cafe, eatwell celebrations and feasts, Out of Thyme, Mita’s, Boomtown, French Crust, and Taste the World. La Soupe and their Community Kitchen Program continue to be a win-win for Greater Cincinnati. La Soupe is the locally based food rescue nonprofit located in the Walnut Hills neighborhood at 915 E. McMillan.

LADD Forever Home

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it challenges many of us have never faced before. It has certainly challenged the team at LADD, a Cincinnati nonprofit empowering adults with developmental disabilities, to rethink how it safely delivers support in an age of social distancing and virtual connection. Thankfully, LADD has been thinking along these lines for some time. Through its Forever, Home initiative, the organization is utilizing integrated housing and technology supports to improve the quality of life for adults with developmental disabilities and address the growing demand for resources in Ohio.

Earlier this year, LADD completed its first cluster of remodeled houses in Blue Ash with Daniel, Brian, Kenny and Neil moving into to their Forever, Home on Zig Zag Road. Two other homes in the area were completed in 2018 and 2019. With three to four people living in each home, all within a few minutes of each other, residents receive support services while building independence and community in their neighborhoods.

A key component of the Forever, Home initiative is its Smart Living Pilot, a first of its kind in the nation pilot combining smart home technology and wearables to further independence while keeping people safe. As part of the pilot, the Heidt Smart Living Home – LADD’s fourth Forever, Home – in Anderson Township was completed at the end of September, with Drew, Jim, Matt and Dan moving in soon after. The residents are the first to participate in the pilot, pioneering a model that will be scaled for thousands of others.

While we all wait to see what a post-COVID world looks like, the future of community living for adults with developmental disabilities is here.

Ohio Valley Voices Fashion Show

Ohio Valley Voices supporters showed their LOVVE by attending the Ohio Valley Voices 5th Annual LOVVE Amplified Fashion Show at the David A. Millett Design Center and Showroom earlier this month.

Participants enjoyed an evening of fun, fashion, and refreshments featuring student designs from the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning. Ohio Valley Voices students, parents, teachers, and professionals modeled fashions from two local boutiques, Idlewild Woman and Castle House. Esther Price Fine Chocolates was the presenting sponsor. This year’s OVV Fashion Show had unique challenges. “In light of what we are experiencing with Covid-19, we were not sure if we could host the fashion show,” says organizer Anne Neuville, OVV Development Coordinator. “With a little creativity and the generosity of the Millett family, we were able to host a live event that was one of the best shows we have had to date.” Over $90,000 was raised to benefit the tuition assistance program to help families who could not afford to send their children to Ohio Valley Voices.

“The Millett family has a little-known tie to the deaf and hard of hearing community,” Neuville adds. “Millett cousins attended St. Rita’s School for the Deaf and learned how to sign before improved outcomes from cochlear implants were known. Having the family involved in providing a new space to host the event was the answer to our prayers. Their generosity enables us to be seen and heard beyond Cincinnati.”

OVV Executive Director Maria Sentelik believes the event was an unforgettable experiences for all involved. “A global health crisis forced us to think outside-of-the-box and design a best in class event, and at the same time keep everyone involved safe. The fashion show was a well-executed event that was unique and fun for all,”she states. “I deeply appreciate how everyone came together to show their LOVVE and maintain a fundraising event that is important to all of us.”

The 5th Annual LOVVE Amplified Fashion Show can be seen on the OVV website at www.ohiovalleyvoices.org.

Rotary Club of Cincinnati Fall Update

Funding for SUN Will Light Ugandan Schools The Rotary Club of Cincinnati is spotlighting the global side of its mission in November with a push to raise more than $20,000 to help bring solar energy for light, refrigeration and water wells to rural villages in Uganda.

Rotary members and the public are invited to donate any amount to SUN (Solarize Uganda Now) to invest in this life-changing effort. In the past six years, SUN installed solar power in 27 schools, two clinics and three solar-powered wells, serving more than 38,000 people. The effort has special ties to Cincinnati and the Rotary. SUN founder, Nathan Thomas, is an engineering graduate of the University of Cincinnati and worked with Rotary members to develop the SUN project, which is part of Thomas’s All We Are non-profit agency.

“The goal is to complete 50 installations by the end of 2022,” said Rotarian, Deborah Schultz of Hyde Park, who is an All We Are advisor and is leading the funding effort here. Donors can write a check to The Rotary Foundation of Cincinnati, 441 Vine St., Suite 2112, Cincinnati, OH, 45202. Be sure to designate “SUN.” For info: www.allweare.org or contact Schultz at transborders1@gmail.com.

Rotarians Meet needs for Local Schools/Children Rotary’s mission is to provide selfless service in the community and the world. Hands-on Rotary service projects this fall include launching weekly distributions of fresh fruit to the 165 students at St. Joseph School in Cincinnati’s West End, doing landscaping, teacher appreciation gifts at Norwood and Roselawn Condon Schools, supplying PPE filled backpacks for all 500 students at Roselawn Condon School, giving blood to meet growing needs at Hoxworth Blood Center and working the CET Auction. Rotarians will hold a fall clean up at Camp Allyn in Batavia, which serves children and adults with disabilities. For info on Rotary Club of Cincinnati: www. cincinnatirotary.org or call 513-421-1080.

Matthew 25: Ministries Fall Update

Matthew 25: Ministries is an international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization that rescues and reuses excess corporate products and redistributes them to people in need throughout the US and worldwide. In response to the pandemic, Matthew 25 has distributed over 5.5 million pounds of COVID aid to more than 1,300 unique organizations nationwide including hospitals, fire and police departments, nursing homes, schools, healthcare facilities and more. The organization has also responded to multiple floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires and an explosion, shipping millions of pounds of disaster aid including personal care kits, household and cleaning products, first aid and safety kits and supplies and additional items such as baby supplies, paper products, laundry pods, blankets and tarps domestically and around the world. As of October 15, 2020, Matthew 25 has shipped approximately 14.5 million pounds of cumulative aid and helped over 18 million people. Matthew 25 has provided millions of pounds of aid to partners in Greater Cincinnati in 2020 for COVID-19 support, disaster relief and humanitarian aid. The aid provided offers life-changing and often life-saving assistance to people in need here in the

US and worldwide. Interested donors can support Matthew 25: Ministries in the way that works best for them (visit https://m25m.org/donate for details).

• Donate Finances: Fund disaster relief and humanitarian aid programs in Greater Cincinnati, throughout the US or around the world.

• Donate Products: Corporations, groups, and individuals can donate new and gently used items.

• Donate Time: Volunteer for a hands on experience that encourages active participation and provides a sense of deep satisfaction and accomplishment when finished.

Matthew 25 has extended their facility volunteer hours as of October 1 to Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm. Small groups in addition to individuals and families are welcome. Matthew 25 has made multiple updates to their facility and their volunteer process to ensure they provide a safe environment for everyone at their building. Interested volunteers should visit Matthew 25’s volunteer page https://m25m.org/help/volunteering/ for more details regarding hours and guidelines.

The SPCA Cincinnati – The Great Catsby

The SPCA Cincinnati has been a pillar of the Greater Cincinnati community for more than 145 years, ever evolving since 1873. The annual Fur Ball gala is the organization’s largest fundraiser and most highly anticipated community event. It has extraordinary grand appeal: the upscale ambiance, the who’s who guest list, the fine amenities, the precious adoptable pets…just to name a few reasons! The Fur Ball gala has undoubtedly been this region’s biggest night in animal welfare over the last decade.

While impossible to meet in person this year, the SPCA Cincinnati could not foresee forfeiting this important evening benefitting the nearly 12,000 animals we serve. Therefore, the 18th Annual SPCA Cincinnati Fur Ball Gala – The Great Catsby, Presented by IAMS™, went virtual! Fur Ball 2020 was a 7-day extravaganza during the last week of August. The virtual experience allowed the SPCA to engage with a larger audience while continuing its tradition of excitement, entertainment, and collective effort to raise funds for homeless pets. “Although the SPCA’s Fur Ball gala may have looked different, we actually saw our community come together in a unique way for the first time,” said Jake White, SPCA Cincinnati’s President and CEO. “We accomplished our goals in animal welfare, from the safety AND comfort of our homes!”

We are proud to report that our community raised $310,000 to rescue and save more animals! The SPCA Cincinnati believes that the way we treat animals, in our society, is a reflection of how we treat each other as human beings. Our mission is to not only to save lives, but to strengthen the human-animal bond. We will continue these efforts into next year as we look ahead to Fur Ball 2021 – Disco In “Fur” No, Saturday, August 28th. Thank you, Cincinnati, for your compassion and support!

Zoofari

On September 25, 2020, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden hosted its first-ever virtual event. Vir-tual Zoofari, co-hosted by Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard and Local 12 personality Bob Her-zog, featured animals, celebrities, and truly unique silent auction items.

Zoofari has been a tradition in the tri-state for almost 40 years and is the Zoo’s most crucial annual fundraiser. The Zoo could not afford to cancel the event, especially after being closed for three months earlier this year, so organizers and chairs, Michelle and Peter Barrett, got creative and put together a virtual celebration that exceeded hopes and expectations! Cincinnati’s premier party for a purpose usually brings 2,000 philanthropic guests to the Zoo for a themed evening of fun, food, and frivolity. Delivering the event virtually, free of charge, allowing an unlimited number of people to attend! More than 26,000 viewed Virtual Zoofari and contributed to the $650,000+ that was raised.

“Big thanks to all of our event sponsors, especially presenting sponsor Western & Southern Financial Group/Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc., for adapting and supporting a different kind of Zoofari,” said Maynard. “We hope to be able to welcome guests back to the Zoo for Zoofari 2021 and are thrilled that Michelle and Peter Barrett are returning to chair the event.”

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Annual Light The Night Walk

In the midst of a pandemic, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society held its 2020 Light The Night event, virtually, on October 8. This year’s event saw teams gathering in much smaller groups in neighborhoods and local parks or gathered around computer screens, experiencing Light The Night in new, meaningful ways. Even though participants were not able to gather together at Yeatman’s Cove, they still raised over $700K for LLS’s mission— to find cures for blood cancers and ensure that patients have access to lifesaving treatments.

Friends, family and co-workers form fundraising walk teams and gather together to celebrate, honor or remember those touched by cancer. Typically, culminating in an inspirational and memorable evening walk, participants carry illuminated lanterns to take steps to end cancer – white for survivors, red for supporters and gold in memory of loved ones lost to cancer.

The Tri-State Chapter’s Virtual Light The Night, sponsored by First Financial Bank and other local and national companies, allowed participants to experience many of the features of a live event, but from the comfort and safety of their computer. Survivors and cancer patients were able to enter the Circle of Survivors to share their story on a white lantern. Those who lost a loved one to cancer were able to enter the Remembrance Pavilion, write a message and share a picture of their loved one. And, there were many other activities for participants to share messages of hope, take selfies with virtual lanterns and even enjoy a virtual firework display on their phone. To learn more or donate please visit: https://www.lightthenight.org/ohio