14th Annual Bloom Gala Raises Support for Stepping Stones

Date posted: September 12, 2018

Bloom Gala co-chairs Ceci and Roger David with Kerry and John MongelluzzoThe 14th annual Bloom gala was held Saturday, September 8 at Greenacres Arts Center in Indian Hill. More than 400 guests raised support for Stepping Stones’ programs serving people with disabilities and enjoyed a joyous evening of live-entertainment, a Signature Photo Booth and menu of tapas and desserts by more than 25 Cincinnati restaurants and caterers.

During the event, WCPO’s Tanya O’Rourke emceed a live program and welcomed special guest Matt Thomas onto the stage. Matt’s son Dez attends Saturday Kids Club and Summer Day Camp. To appreciate the benefit our programs have had on his family, Thomas kicked-off a live Campership drive that invited attendees to make a donation that will provide financial support to families in need. The Campership drive successfully raised more than $40,000 on-site, largely thanks to The Rendigs Foundation pledging a matching gift of up to $10,000.

Following the program, dance band Stays in Vegas took to the stage to play a lively set of contemporary and classic hits. Guests danced the night away and Stepping Stones’ board member Matt Hamburger even took a turn at the mic when he sang Neil Diamond’s famous hit Sweet Caroline.

Throughout the evening, guests bid on a wide selection of silent auction items that included getaways, sports packages, spa treatments and fine wine. Guests also purchased tickets to win a Raffle Tree filled with restaurant gift cards from across Cincinnati, equalling a total value of over $2,300. At the end of the night, co-chair Roger David drew the name Mark Magner as the big raffle tree winner – who in turn generously donated all of the gift cards back to Stepping Stones.

Stepping Stones extends heartfelt appreciation to all of the night’s attendees, auction supporters, culinary partners, our dedicated planning committee and sponsors. Major sponsors include presenting sponsor Huntington and platinum sponsors Susie & Neil Bortz, Chemed Foundation, the Pettengill Family and Rendigs Foundation.

Our Dedicated Bloom 2018 Planning Committee:
Ceci and Roger David, Co-chairs
Ellen Grossi, Host & Hostess Chair
Stephanie DalleMolle
Susan Eltringham
Carolyn Harmann
Terri Hogan


Enjoy pictures from the 2018 Bloom gala, below. Photos credited to Barb Hogan Photography:



print
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Comments are closed.