Not Your Average Fundraiser

Kate Rippe’s family has been involved with the Boy Scouts of America for almost as long as she can remember. Her brothers and other male family members were Boy Scouts, and her father, Joseph Rippe Sr., was board president for the Dan Beard Council. It seemed destined that Kate would become involved in some way as well. 

Kate is a financial representative for Northwestern Mutual. When she’s not helping her clients obtain financial security, she works with the Professional Leadership Network (PLN), an organization dedicated to providing the next generation of leaders for the Dan Beard Council. Members of the organization benefit from mentoring opportunities from the senior executives and seasoned professionals sitting on the council, while providing mentoring and support for Boy Scouts. 

"It’s a lot of fun, because you get to see top YPs (young professionals) in every field you can imagine sitting around a table planning a kickball tournament," says Kate. "There’s a lot of camaraderie and egging each another on. But we work together to collaborate and give back to our communities." 

Kate explains that her desire to volunteer for nonprofit work stemmed from a childhood spent learning what it meant to give. "My siblings and I were taught that, if you’re not giving back in some way, you’re not successful," Kate says, adding that her father was integral to these teachings. "We believe that, if you’re not trying to help your community, you’re not fully a part of your community. And donating money is great, but it’s important to give your time as well." 

 Members of the Rippe family have volunteered a significant amount of time over the years to both PLN and the Dan Beard Council. Kate is intimately involved with PLN in the planning  the annual dodgeball fundraiser, which was held June 6. All proceeds from the event go directly to Dan Beard Council to help provide underserved youth in Cincinnati the opportunity to attend summer Challenge Camp. 

"The camp really helps our community," says Kate. "It helps instill confidence in the kids and teaches them leadership skills. A lot of the PLN members actually go on to volunteer at the camp too." 

The cost for each child to attend Challenge Camp is around $200, so volunteers and donations for the program are critical. Kate estimates that this year’s tournament brought in close to $100,000, which will help the camp reach more kids than ever before. 

This year’s event, the fifth one, underwent a rebranding effort to better distinguish itself as a charitable event hosted by the PLN. This year’s tournament, and future ones will be held in honor of Kate’s father, who passed away last year. 

"Dad was on the board for Dan Beard Council for many years before he became president, and Boy Scouts

always played a big part in my family," says Kate. "Dad was always a big supporter of the organization." 

She adds that PLN hopes to continue to grow the dodgeball game and increase the money given for Challenge Camp while increasing awareness as well, since the camp will always need volunteers and community involvement.

For more information about the Professional Leadership Network or how to get involved in the annual dodgeball tournament, visit www.plncincy.com.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing arm of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee and its subsidiaries. Kate Rippe is a financial advisor with NM.

For more information about the Professional Leadership

Network or how to get involved in the annual dodgeball tournament, visit www.plncincy.com.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing arm of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee and its subsidiaries. Kate Rippe is a financial advisor with NM. 

Northwestern Mutual Cincinnati is located at 3805 Edwards Road, Cincinnati, OH 45209. You can reach them at 513.366.3600 or visit their website at cincinnati.nm.com.