bloom 2017 – A Night to Remember!
Stepping Stones is a place where everyone can Bloom, especially people
with disabilities.
Saturday, September 9th’s Bloom gala, presented by Huntington Bank, was a tremendous success!
It was a joyous occasion at Greenacres Arts Center – celebrating Stepping Stones’ mission and netting more than $275,000 to support programs for children and adults with disabilities. More than 460 guests danced the night away to live-music by Swampthang, dined on tapas and desserts from more than 20 Greater Cincinnati restaurant and bid on a fabulous selection of silent auction items with BidPal.
Mid-way through the night, Bloom co-chairs Terri and Paul Hogan led a short program that was emceed by Mike Brown and featured Jeff Cooper as a special guest. Jeff’s son Taaj has attended Stepping Stones’ programs for many years, including our summer day camps and now the Adult Day program in Norwood. To everyone who knows him, Taaj is an individual whose smile truly lights up the room and Jeff thanked Stepping Stones and the community for providing a place where Taaj can truly bloom. A live campership drive then kicked off, raising more than $40,000 to help even more individuals benefit from Stepping Stones’ programs.
Stepping Stones’ thanks all of the generous Bloom 2017 sponsors, auction donors, culinary partners, guests and the planning committee for making such a successful night possible. Stepping Stones truly is a place where everyone can bloom, especially people with disabilities, and we couldn’t do it without your support!
Unable to Attend?
You can Still Bloom with Us!
We invite you to watch our short Bloom video, featuring just some of the many faces Stepping Stones’ serves each year. There’s still time to make a gift to the to help children and adults with disabilities bloom in programs at Stepping Stones.Help People with Disabilities Bloom!
To make a gift to support children and adults with disabilities as they bloom at Stepping stones, click below:
Terri and Paul Hogan, co-chairs
Michelle and Kevin Jones, host and hostess committee chairs
Angelia Hutchison, decor chair
Our wonderful Bloom co-chairs Paul and Terri Hogan with Kerry Mongelluzzo and board President John Mongelluzzo.
Board member Jeremy Vaughan, Jessica Folke, board member Brian Folke, Louise Vaughan and board president John Mongelluzzo
We are grateful for the support of the Pettengill Family, platinum sponsors of the Bloom.
Passing of the torch! Bloom 2016 co-chairs Kevin and Michelle Jones with Bloom 2017 co-chairs Terri and Paul Hogan.
Stepping Stones Human Resources Director Jason Schweitzer and his wife Dorothy.
Board president John Mongelluzzo and executive director Chris Adams welcome fellow board member Kelly Hitter to Bloom!
The Fischer Family
Swampthang performed a series of classics and modern day favorites through the night!
Participants of Stepping Stones' Adult Day program hand-painted beautiful flower pots and watering cans, donated by Leslie Thornton, for three winning guests to take home.
Our program featured special guest Jeff Cooper, a parent of a Stepping Stones' participant, who kick-started a campership drive that raised more than $40,000.
Stepping Stones' participant Kathleen Sheil with Bloom co-chair, Terri Hogan
Thank you to all of our dedicated volunteers for all of your help preparing for Bloom and helping guests throughout the night!
Jeff Cooper and Bloom emcee Mike Brown celebrate a successful campership drive that raised more than $40,000!
Bloom decor chair Angelia Hutchison, Brandon Hutchison and Bloom Host and Hostess chairs Kevin and Michelle Jones
Bloom co-chairs Paul and Terri Hogan enjoy a well deserved dance break to Swampthang. Thank you for all of your overwhelming support in making Bloom a great success!
Dancing the night away!
Our Bloom menu featured tapas and desserts from more than 20 Greater Cincinnati restaurants and caterers!
Stepping Stones' Board President John Mongelluzzo, Dr. Robert Heidt, Chip Heidt and board member Steve Holter
Stepping Stones' Special Events coordinator Libby Odenbeck, Special Events intern Stephanie Sparer and Director of Development Kelly Crow
Bloomin' Ladies
Longtime supporters Mary and Mike McGraw
Matt, Susan and board member David Eltringham
Open Your Heart 2018 chair Patti Zesch and Gigi Heidt.Mark your calendars, this special Valentine-themed event will be on February 6th at Eddie Merlot's.
Skip Allen, Stepping Stones' Director of Programs Sam Allen, Doug Geis and Director of Finance Melissa Geis
Through the night, guests bid on silent auction items totaling more than $110,000 in value!! Thank you to our team of BidPal volunteers for all of their help.
