Stepping Stones to Put on 21st Annual Golf Classic

Stepping Stones will host the 2022 Golf Classic on Monday, June 6 at the O’Bannon Creek Golf Club in Loveland. The morning flight will tee off at 8 a.m. and the afternoon flight will tee off at 1 p.m. Stepping Stones and event chair Steve Mennen invite you to enjoy a beautiful day with exciting hole challenges, course tastings, premier raffle prizes and more.

The Golf Classic benefits Stepping Stones’ mission to build pathways to independence and promote inclusion for people with developmental and physical disabilities. Show your support by starting a team or becoming a sponsor; spots are limited! Following the afternoon flight, golfers will relax in the clubhouse where food and drink will be provided and awards will be handed out for top golfers and the day’s winning teams.

“Stepping Stones plays such an integral role in our community,” said event chair Steve Mennen. “Funds raised from the Golf Classic go a long way to support their much-needed programs for people with disabilities.”

Event tickets are $200 for a single and $800 for a foursome. The O’Bannon Creek Golf Club is located at 6842 Oakland Road in Loveland, Ohio. To buy tickets or become a sponsor, contact Sara Schaser at 513-965-5103 or email Sara.Schaser@SteppingStonesOhio.org. Volunteers are needed for the morning flight (7 a.m. – 1 p.m.) and the afternoon flight (1 p.m. – 6 p.m.). Visit bit.ly/GolfClassicVolunteer to sign up. Visit SteppingStonesGolf.org for more event information.

Who: Stepping Stones
What: 21st Annual Golf Classic
When: Monday, June 6, 2022 at 8 a.m.
Where: O’Bannon Creek Golf Club
Why: To raise money for year-round programs benefiting children, teens and adults with disabilities.

Join event chair Steve Mennen at Cappy’s Wine & Spirits on Sunday, June 5 for the Golf Classic Pre-Party. This is the perfect location to relax with friends and family on their covered outdoor patio while supporting a great cause! Cappy’s will donate $1 to Stepping Stones for every pint poured and glass of wine served all day on June 5.

For media enquiries, please contact Adam Hesselbrock at (513) 965-3051 or email Adam.Hesselbrock@SteppingStonesOhio.Org.

Matt Eltringham (Loveland) tees off at the Golf Classic fundraiser benefiting Cincinnati-area individuals with disabilities.

(L to R) 2021 morning winners Nick Binkley (Mount Lookout), Todd Block (Terrace Park), Charlie Rittgers (Columbia-Tusculum) and George Musekamp (Indian Hill).

Stepping Stones Supporter Spotlight

Meet Michelle Jones – Longtime Stepping Stones’ Supporter

Q: How long have you supported Stepping Stones?

A: My love for Stepping Stones blossomed when my three boys, Harrison, Colin and Palmer volunteered as elementary children at summer camp. Now, my boys are 23, 20 and 19 years old. Stepping Stones has been a wonderful part of my life for a long, satisfying time.

Q: Was there a specific moment or event that opened your eyes to the Mission of Stepping Stones?

A: I listened to my children talk about their day at camp and their stories educated me on the life skills they learned at Stepping Stones. They made connections, learned courtesy and how to respect all individuals. They became friends with participants that encouraged my boys to volunteer on the days their new friends would attend. The most inspiring thing for me about Stepping Stones, is that we can help a child or an adult with a disability smile. We get to see them happy with others and help support their abilities!

Q: Do you remember when/where your love for philanthropy began?

A: Service to me began when I was 9 years old volunteering at the St. Rita’s School for Deaf. My family would give back one card at a time at the blackjack table during the annual festival.

Q: What are other charities/organizations you support?

A: I am currently a board member for both Boys Hope Girls Hope and The Karen Wellington Foundation. My husband Kevin and I support organizations that create a positive change to our beautiful City. Some of the other organizations we support include: The Opera, REDI Cincinnati, The Children’s Hospital Medical Center, The Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and 3CDC.

Kevin and I were so humbled last year when we were honored with the Aspire Cincinnati Award created by The Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati. This award recognizes community leaders and philanthropists with a “Passion to Inspire and Aspire” with a commitment to giving back to the local community. What an honor!

Q: What is your biggest accomplishment – personally or professionally?

A: My family is definitely my biggest life accomplishment.

Q: What are some fun facts you would like to share?

A: I have two dogs named Crosley and Bueller. Yes, that’s right, from the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. I am a huge Bearcat fan, love to watch the redlegs and the Bengals. I have a food and travel blog, heymichelle-help.com that helps others learn more about our city’s wonderful treasures. We are so lucky to have so many great restaurants and chefs in our city. Colorado is my favorite state and I love to all outdoor activities. Kevin and I love our city and hope to leave it better than it was when we got here.

We are forever grateful for the support of Michelle Jones and her wonderful family. You have brought may years of joy to the participants who attend Stepping Stones. Thank you for your continued support for Stepping Stones and our local community.

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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