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:
Stepping Stones' board member Matt Hemberger joined dance band Stays in Vegas on the stage to perform "Sweet Caroline".
WCPO's Tanya O'Rourke emceed the night's live program.
Stepping Stones' board and Bloom 2018 committee member Terri Hogan hit the dance floor with her son Bayley.
