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’ 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!

[Show as slideshow]

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.

Support Stepping Stones at Pizza Hut, April 4th through May 31st

Greater Cincinnati Pizza Hut Supports Stepping Stones programs for people with disabilities.

Greater Cincinnati Pizza Hut locations are raising support for Stepping Stones this spring. Support our programs for children and adults with disabilities by calling or visiting your nearest store.

**A Slice of Independence in Every Box**

Stepping Stones is proud to be the exclusive charity partner of CFL Pizza, LLC and the beneficiary of an eight-week fundraising campaign in their thirty Greater Cincinnati Pizza Hut locations. From April 4 through May 31, Tri-State Pizza Hut restaurants and delivery services will be promoting our innovative programs and inviting customers to add donations onto their bill that will support Stepping Stones.

At Stepping Stones, it is our mission to build pathways to independence for people with disabilities. This spring, Pizza Hut is proudly supporting our programs and delivering a slice of independence in every box!

Make an Impact with Your Pizza Hut Order

April 4 through May 31, Pizza Hut stores around Greater Cincinnati will be collecting $1, $3, $5 and $10 donations to Stepping Stones.

Throughout the eight-week fundraising campaign, please think of Pizza Hut when planning your pizza parties and consider adding a donation to support our programs.

To make a gift to Stepping Stones at Pizza Hut, call or visit your nearest stores. When ordering, add a small donation onto your bill and enjoy delicious pizza while building pathways to independence for more than 1,000 children and adults with disabilities.

How Can You Support Stepping Stones at Cincinnati Pizza Hut Stores?

Locate your nearest Pizza Hut stores from the list below.
Place your order by phone or in the store, requesting to add a small donation to Stepping Stones.
Pizza Hut will conveniently add your gift to Stepping Stones onto your bill.
Pick up or receive your pizza by delivery – and enjoy, knowing you’re making a difference!

Please note, you cannot make a gift to Stepping Stones through online orders. To make a gift, please phone or visit your nearest Pizza Hut to make a contribution to the campaign.

Want FREE Breadsticks?

Every $10 donation to Stepping Stones will receive a FREE order of Pizza Hut’s famous breadsticks.

Support Stepping Stones at Pizza Hut
April 4th through May 31st
Thirty Participating Locations

Add a $1, $3, $5 or $10 donation to your bill to support Stepping Stones’ programs.

Below is a complete list of the thirty Pizza Hut stores in Greater Cincinnati, including locations in Northern Kentucky and Indiana. Call or visit your nearest store to order delicious pizza – and make a gift to Stepping Stones!

OHIO LOCATIONS:

Pizza Hut – Norwood
4432 Montgomery Road
Norwood, Ohio 45212
(513) 351-9444

Pizza Hut – Fairfax/Hyde Park
3972 Red Bank Road
Fairfax, Ohio 45227
(513) 271-0400

Pizza Hut – St. Bernard
4971 Vine St.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45217
(513) 242-2626

Pizza Hut – Blue Ash
9725 Kenwood Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45242
(513) 936-0400

Pizza Hut – Milford
790 N. Main Street
Milford, Ohio 45150
(513)248-0569

Pizza Hut – Cherry Grove
440 Ohio Pike
Cincinnati, Ohio 45255
(513) 725-0111

Pizza Hut – Hamlet
1761 E. Ohio Pike
Amelia, Ohio 45102
(513) 797-7100

Pizza Hut – Finneytown
913 W. Galbraith Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45231
(513) 522-4000

Pizza Hut – Delhi Pike
4964 Delhi Pike Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45238
(513) 922-4000

Pizza Hut – Glenway
6463 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45211
(513) 598-1210

Pizza Hut – Colerain
9632 Colerain Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45251
(513) 385-5220

Pizza Hut – Oxford
135 Lynn Avenue
Oxford, Ohio 45056
(513) 523-2184

Pizza Hut – Hamilton
1242 Main Street
Hamilton, Ohio 45103
(513) 868-3100

Pizza Hut – Harrison
10459 Harrison Avenue
Harrison, Ohio 45030
(513) 367-0255

Pizza Hut – Middletown
4485 Marie Drive
Middletown, Ohio 45044
(513) 423-8900

Pizza Hut – North Verity
2201 N. Verity Parkway
Middletown, Ohio 45042
(513) 424-3278

Pizza Hut – Trenton
835 W. State Street
Trenton, Ohio 45067
(513) 988-9860

Pizza Hut – Fair Oaks
6625 Dixie Highway
Fairfield, Ohio 45014
(513) 860-0100

Pizza Hut – Pleasant Avenue
5245 Pleasant Avenue
Fairfield, Ohio 45014
(513) 829-0500

Pizza Hut – Woodlawn
10591 Springfield Pike
Cincinati, Ohio 45215
(513) 772-2555

Pizza Hut – West Chester
8179 Princeton Glendale Road
West Chester, Ohio 45069
(513) 860-9000

Pizza Hut – Tylersville
7847 Tylersville Road
West Chester, Ohio 45069
(513) 779-3800

Pizza Hut – Xenia
354 W. Main Street
Xenia, Ohio 45385
(937) 372-4449

NORTHERN KENTUCKY LOCATIONS:

Pizza Hut – Erlanger
3149 Dixie Way
Erlanger, Kentucky 41018
(859) 344-0090

Pizza Hut – Florence Mall
7951 Mall Road
Florence, Kentucky 41042
(859) 282-7070

Pizza Hut – Union
8761 US Highway 42
Union, Kentucky 41091
(859) 384-6100

INDIANA LOCATIONS:

Pizza Hut – Batesville
1040 State Route 229
Batesville, Indiana 47006
(812) 933-5800

Pizza Hut – Connersville
524 W. 30th Street
Connersville, Indiana 47331
(765) 825-4149

Pizza Hut – Lawrenceburg
1054 W. Eads Parkway
Lawrenceburg, Indiana 47025
(812) 537-1447

Pizza Hut – Versailles
326 S. Washington Street Suite 21
Versailles, Indiana 47042
(812) 689-0397

Open Your Heart Celebrates 10 Years and Raises More than $100,000

10th Anniversary Open Your Heart Dinner raised more than $100,000 for Stepping Stones programs serving people with disabilities in Greater Cincinnati.

On Tuesday, February 6th, more than 250 guests attended the 10th Anniversary Open Your Heart, presented by SPA, Inc., at Eddie Merlot’s fine restaurant in Montgomery. The elegant Valentine-inspired evening was chaired by Patti Zesch and netted more than $100,000 to support Stepping Stones’ programs for children and adults with disabilities.

The evening also honored Open Your Heart’s founder Mary McGraw for inspiring supporters across Greater Cincinnati to open their hearts to Stepping Stones over the past decade. In 10 years, Open Your Heart has successfully raised more than $600,000 to support our programs and impacted the lives of countless individuals.

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 Adult Day program. To commemorate the 10th anniversary Open Your Heart event, 37 talented adult participants designed and painted colorful ceramic plates. 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, Executive Director Chris Adams led a brief program thanking sponsors, guests and volunteers for their continued support. Then, Board of Trustee Jim Shanahan launched a spirited campership drive that raised funds to send children and teens to Stepping Stones’ popular day camp this summer.

Stepping Stones extends heartfelt thanks to our dedicated 10th Anniversary Open Your Heart planning committee, generous sponsors, guests and raffle donors Scott Reising Jewelers, Montgomery Cyclery and Perfect Solutions AV for truly making this special night such a great success.

Honoring 10 Years of Open Your Heart, Founded by Mary McGraw!

To celebrate our 10-year success, we invite you to watch a short video honoring Open Your Heart’s founder Mary McGraw.

To see photos from the 10th Anniversary Open Your Heart, click here.

Support Stepping Stones at The Bacchanalian Society Fall Gathering

The Bacchanalian Society supports Stepping Stones programs for people with disabilities

Stepping Stones is thrilled to be named the charity beneficiary of the Bacchanalian Society‘s fall gathering on November 3rd at The Phoenix in downtown Cincinnati. Close to 1,000 guests will enjoy a fun night of wine-tasting, accompanied with delicious food and Q102’s JonJon as DJ. 100% of the ticket sales will support Stepping Stones’ year-round programs for people with disabilities.

Join us for a fun and interactive night, celebrating a specified variety of wine. The chosen wine variety for the gathering is Pinot Noir, perfect for the autumn season! Pre-registration tickets are $15. $20 tickets will be available at the door.

To purchase tickets online, click here!

The Bacchanalian Society Fall Gathering for Stepping Stones
Thursday, November 3rd at 7:00 pm
The Phoenix (812 Race Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202)
Tickets: $15 Pre-Registration. $20 at the door
Official after party location: TBA

Wine-Tasting with a Spin!
The Bacchanalian Society offers a unique competitive approach to wine-tasting! Guests attend the event in teams of one to three people, bringing three bottles of the same Pinot Noir per team. For example, if you have three members on your team you will bring three bottles of one Pinot Noir. If you have two or even one member on your team, you will still bring three bottles of the same Pinot Noir.

Remember: 1, 2 or 3 people will bring three bottles of wine – a 4th person, triggers three more bottles.

Two bottles of each team’s wine will be opened for tasting, the third will be bagged and set aside. Throughout the event, attendees will taste and rate each others’ wines to decide on the winning Pinot Noirs. As their prize, the 5 highest-ranking teams will receive equal shares of the unopened Pinot Noir to take home.