Bloom is Back In-Person This Summer!

Susan Robertson, Mendy Ringer, Andy Ringer & Lincoln Jimenz

(L to R) Susan Robertson, Mendy Ringer, Andy Ringer & Lincoln Jimenez (Indian Hill) attend the 2019 Bloom fundraiser.

Written by Mendy Ringer, 2021 Bloom Chair

Come out and support Stepping Stones, one of our most inspiring local organizations!

Stepping Stones’ signature event, Bloom, is back LIVE and completely reimagined! For 2021, it will be a wonderfully NEW experience and a great opportunity to safely celebrate and support the work of Stepping Stones. With this year’s Boots & Bourbon theme and a NEW location, Bloom will be the most interactive and entertaining night of the summer!

What we’ve loved about Bloom in years past will still be the cornerstone. A big, beautiful outdoor tented event? Check. Live music by Catalina Wine Mixer, the hottest band in Cincinnati? Check. Silent auction with head-turning items for bidding? Check. Delicious food and cocktails? Check. The exciting NEW elements will include interactive options like bourbon tastings, signature cocktails, food trucks, mechanical bull riding, axe throwing, giant Jenga, corn hole and more.

If you’ve been waiting to rejoin live events, this is the one to do. It will be outside in a large, open space with fresh air, room to dance and plenty of hand sanitizer! Dust off your favorite boots, bring your friends and join the fun! All proceeds go to the work of Stepping Stones, right here in Cincinnati. What a great opportunity to support our local community!

Tickets are $150 per person and are available for purchase NOW. The Valley View Foundation is located at 790 Garfield Ave. in Milford, Ohio. To order tickets or make a gift to Bloom, visit CincyBloom.org. Volunteers are needed for the event as well. Visit Bit.ly/BloomVolunteers to sign up. For more information, contact Sara Schaser at 513-965-5103 or email Sara.Schaser@SteppingStonesOhio.org.

Who: Stepping Stones
What: Bloom: Boots & Bourbon
When: Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 7 p.m.
Where: Valley View Foundation, 790 Garfield Avenue Milford, Ohio 45150
Why: To raise money for year-round programs benefiting children, teens and adults with disabilities and to have FUN!

(L to R) Matt Hemberger (Covington) and Allison Mecca (Pleasant Ridge) wear their Western attire to support the 2020 Virtual Bloom.

Lisa and Dirk Schneider (Indian Hill) entertain guests at their 2020 Mini Bloom party.

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]

Save the Date: Open Your Heart

Open Your Heart to Stepping Stones!

Mark your 2015 calendar for Tuesday, February 3 for a fine Valentine evening at Eddie Merlot’s restaurant in Montgomery, Ohio. The 7th annual fundraising event benefits Stepping Stones year-round programs for children, teens and adults with disabilities.

Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, an elegant sit-down dinner and you-choose raffle. Past raffle items include: Home Entertainment system from Perfect Solutions AV and a Date Night Downtown, including a stay in the king room at The Cincinnatian Hotel and an all-inclusive dinner for two at The Phoenix.

Location: Eddie Merlot’s Restaurant, 10808 Montgomery Road
Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Time: 6 o’clock Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. 7 o’clock Seated dinner.
*including beer & wine

For further details and sponsorships opportunities, contact Doris Marks-Callis at (513) 559-2443.