Stepping Stones’ Open Your Heart a Huge Success

Open Your Heart to Stepping Stones!

On Tuesday, February 4th, more than 250 guests attended the 12th annual, presented by Convalescent Hospital for Children, at Eddie Merlot’s fine restaurant in Montgomery. The elegant Valentine-inspired evening was chaired by Patti Zesch and netted more than $104,000 to support Stepping Stones’ programs for children and adults with disabilities.

The night began with a lively cocktail hour. Guests mingled over wine and hors d’oeuvres while perusing raffle prizes and pieces of artwork, made by participants of the Stepping Stones’ Adult Day program. To commemorate Open Your Heart event, participants from the adult day program designed and painted colorful ceramic bistro serving platters. Following the cocktail hour, guests transitioned into the dining room for a seated three-course dinner of surf, turf and Eddie Merlot’s signature red velvet cake for dessert.

During the dinner, Board of Trustees member Jim Shanahan & Executive Director Chris Adams led a brief program thanking sponsors, guests and volunteers for their continued support. Then, Jim Shanahan launched a spirited fundraising donation drive to support Stepping Stones’ life-strengthening programs. As a donation was made, donors created their centerpieces with colorful pink, purple and white balloons to add a slight competitive feel to the donation drive.

Stepping Stones extends heartfelt thanks to our dedicated 12th Anniversary Open Your Heart planning committee, generous sponsors, guests and raffle donors Scott Reising Jewelers, Montgomery Cyclery, The Kenwood Skyline/Drew & Chantilas Family and Perfect Solutions AV for truly making this special night such a great success.

To view photos from the event, view below!

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Stepping Stones Supporter Spotlight

Meet Patti Zesch – 2020 Open Your Heart Chair and Stepping Stones Board of Trustees Member

Mission Enthusiast, Charismatic Leader & Stepping Stone Sustainer

For Patti Zesch, the mission is clear, “I enjoy giving back to my local community to keep myself and my family grounded and productive members of the community.” Patti Zesch, chair of Stepping Stones’ Open Your Heart and current Board of Trustees member, volunteered at Stepping Stones as a teenager. She fell in love as she watched her father, Cromer Mashburn, intently during his time with Rotary Club of Cincinnati, which was heavily involved with the Stepping Stones Allyn Campus.

Her father’s role and philanthropic background strengthened Patti’s passion for giving back. This is Patti’s third year as chair for Stepping Stones’ Open Your Heart dinner including the upcoming February 4 event at Eddie Merlot’s in Montgomery. The purpose of the event is a celebration of Stepping Stones’ mission to build pathways to independence and promote inclusion for people with developmental and physical disabilities.

Patti is inspired by the board and staff at Stepping Stones. “Both groups are genuine and pour their heart into everything they do.” said Patti “Supporting Stepping Stones and other charities creates a positive example for my children.” Patti and her foundation support several local organizations including; Wiz Kids for City Gospel, Boys & Girls Club of Cincinnati and LaSoupe.

Patti’s Children: Left: Joshua Jones with Chelsea Zesch Right: Carlton & Libby Zesch

In addition to her philanthropy, Patti’s biggest accomplishment is her role as a mother. Patti and her family, including her husband, Rob and children Carlton & Chelsea, together support Patti and her enthusiasm to give back. Patti also has two German Shepherds, Mika & Ruger, and an African Parrot, Rosie. Patti loves playing games like Mahjong, learning needlepoint, watching FC Cincinnati, dining for brunch at Forno’s in Hyde Park and supporting her community in any way she can.

Mika, Ruger & Rosie Bird

Stepping Stones is so grateful and lucky to have Patti as a Stepping Stones mission enthusiast. Thank you, Patti, for sharing the mission to help people with disabilities find pathways to independence.

Bringing “Everyone Counts” to Life

Stepping Stones brought to life the theme “Everyone Counts” at Terrace Park Elementary school this week.

The fourth graders raised their hands to ask questions and learn about the challenges and joys of living with a disability. Chris Adams and two friends talked to the kids about the experiences of individuals with a developmental disability and their aspirations and desires for fulfillment in life.

“After the event, I saw the mother of one of the kids in the class,” said Adams. “Her daughter described the program as ‘amazing.’ She loved hearing directly from people talking about their personal experiences.”

News about Waiver funding from Ohio DODD

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities has issued news about waiver funding and other information about how the Ohio State budget will affect people with disabilities. Read more: Pipeline_EXTRA_2-4-2013.