Open Your Heart to Stepping Stones

Open Your Heart to Stepping Stones!

On Tuesday, February 5, more than 220 guests attended Stepping Stones’ Open Your Heart dinner, presented by SPA, Inc.

The 11th annual event was held at Eddie Merlot’s restaurant in Montgomery and was chaired by Board of Trustee Patti Zesch. Grossing more than $108,000, it was truly a special occasion that will benefit life-strengthening programs for people with disabilities. 

Open Your Heart began with a lively cocktail hour that featured a selection of wine and savory hors d’oeuvres. Guests mingled while browsing a selection of premium raffle packages and works or art made by the talented participants of Adult Day Services. To commemorate the occasion, the adults designed and painted a collection of ceramic travel coffee mugs. The colorful pieces were available for purchase as a memento. 

Following the cocktail hours, guests were seated for an elegant three-course dinner. Executive Director Chris Adams led a brief program thanking sponsors, guests and volunteers for their support. Then, Board of Trustee Jim Shanahan launched a spirited campership drive that raised more than $20,000 to send children and teens to our popular summer day camp this summer. 

Stepping Stones extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of such an amazing night. Special thanks to major sponsors SPA, Inc., Contemporary Cabinetry East, Convalescent Hospital for Cincinnati Children’s and the Hedit Family Foundation. 

Make a Gift to Support Open Your Heart:

Enjoy Photos from 2019’s Open Your Heart, Below:

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Stepping Stones' board member Ali Hussain, Donna Carr, Chelsea Zesch and David Britton.

Stepping Stones' board member Jeff Bieber and his wife, Ashley.

A big thank you to our presenting sponsor SPA, Inc. for all of your support!

Here Emily and Kim McCluskey enjoy a mother-daughter moment. Kim is SPA's Director of Operations.

Charles and Carolyn Williams

Open Your Heart founder, committee member and Cupid Sponsor Mary McGraw with Kathy Haglage

Chris Vollmer, Lizzy Vollmer, Katie Binkley and Maggie Davis

Craig and Debbie Oaks

Stepping Stones' Nursing Coordinator Dorothy Schweitzer and Director of Human Resources Jason Schweitzer

Elizabeth and Thom Mariner of Cincinnati's Movers & Makers

Chair of Stepping Stones' 2019 Bloom gala Ellen Grossi with Rob Zesch

Thank you to Cupid Sponsor Huntington Bank
Francie Gunning and Michelle Jones

Thank You to Sweetheart Sponsor SugarCreek!

Front Row: Jen McNair, Megan Joy and Rhys Hilton
Back Row: Ellen Grossi, Jen Brunette, Julie Richardson, Monica Riney, Kadi Anderson and Allyson Schumacher

Thank you to our Cupid Sponsors Gail and Fred Fischer.

Jenni and Nick Godby, whose son attends Stepping Stones' programs.

Judy Kincaid and Karen Cooper of Cupid Sponsor OneBridge

Stepping Stones' board member Leo DalleMolle, Stephanie DalleMolle, Louise Vaughan and board member Jeremy Vaughan.

Heartfelt thanks to Sweetheart Sponsors Kenwood Skyline and The Chantilas & Drew Families.

Lisa O'Brien, Anne Bortz, Kathy Barton and Tim O'Brien

Steve Hagan, Nikki Ross and Wally Palen

Matt Eltringham, Open Your Heart committee member Gigi Heidt and Stepping Stones' board member David Eltringham.

Stepping Stones' board member Matt Hemberger with Allison Mecca

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