bloom – A Night to Remember!
Stepping Stones is a place where everyone can Bloom, especially people with disabilities.
The 14th annual Bloom gala was held Saturday, September 8 at Greenacres Arts Center in Indian Hill. The event netted over $244,000 to Stepping Stones’ programs serving people with disabilities. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed live-entertainment and dined on a menu of tapas and desserts by 26 Cincinnati restaurants and caterers.
Midway through the night, WCPO’s Tanya O’Rourke emceed a live program and welcomed special guest Matt Thomas onto the stage. Matt’s son Desmond 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.
Ceci and Roger David, Co-Chairs
Ellen Grossi, Host & Hostess Chair
Stephanie DalleMolle
Susan Eltringham
Carolyn Harmann
Terri Hogan
Enjoy Photos by Barb Hogan of the 14th annual Bloom Gala:
Bloom co-chairs Roger and Ceci David with Kerry Mongelluzzo and board president John Mongelluzzo.
The evening began with guests mingling and dining to light music by Bob Crawford.
Kristin and Mark Magner were big winners of the night - winning a Raffle Tree of restaurant gift cards from across Cincinnati valued at more than $2,300.When accepting their prize, they generously donated all of the gift cards back to Stepping Stones.
Committee member Stephanie DalleMolle and board member Leo DalleMolle.
Host & Hostess committee members Calvin and Lesley Johnston.
Host & Hostess committee members Kitsa and Robert Rhoad
The night's silent auction included several fine wine packages, including this wine basket donated by Jean & Bob Coughlin.
Special guest speaker Matt Thomas shared with guests the impact Stepping Stones' programs have had for his family.
Upon arrival, guests were welcomed with flutes of champagne.
All of the beautiful flowers at the event were created by the talented Alicia Mueller.
Our Bloom menu included tapas and desserts from more than 25 Cincinnati restaurants and caterers, including mini bundtinis by Nothing Bundt Cakes.
Taste of Belgium treated guests to savory and sweet Belgian waffles.
