'Party for a Cause' Another Successful Rockin' Event

The region’s largest "Party for a Cause" was held alongside the annual Labor Day fireworks on the Ohio River September 1.

Rockin’ at Riverfest is the largest annual fundraiser for The Children’s Home. It fuels the 30 programs provided by the organization that served 14,273 children and families just last year. The event consists of a gala, live and silent auction, premiere fireworks viewing and live entertainment.

"The story of The Children’s Home is one of evolution and change to meet the growing needs of our community," said Rod Hinton, chief administrative officer of The Children’s Home. "We have a presence in 176 locations in the Greater Cincinnati region and we’re constantly exploring ways to meet the challenges of mental health, poverty and access to quality health services."

The event has increased in popularity every year, and has consistently sold out sponsorships from community partners and business organizations that support children and families.  This year, more than 600 attended, including over 200 at the Carousel Deck Party, which is geared to accommodate individuals who want to attend the party but cannot purchase whole sponsorships. This feature creates a two-event party, with everyone assured of having an amazing time while supporting the most vulnerable populations in the Greater Cincinnati region.

"Mary and I are so honored to co-chair this annual event that does so much for so many," said co-chair Mike McGraw, speaking to the crowd during the dinner portion of the gala. "It’s been my life experience, and I am sure many of you can relate, that when we lift up others it brings us our own personal joy."

The event raised nearly $577,000.

"Cincinnati is synonymous with generosity and a tradition of neighbors helping one another when there is a cause or a need," said John Banchy, president and CEO of The Children’s Home. "My deepest thanks go out to the selfless leadership of this year’s co-chairs and our 45 sponsors who are changing lives by being involved with Rockin’ at Riverfest."

This year’s event was co-chaired by Dr. Rob and Julia Scripps-Heidt (Rob is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Wellington Orthopedic & Sports Medicine), and Mike and Mary McGraw (Mike is the managing director/senior vice-president of Fifth Third Insurance).

Other attendees included Bill and Sally Fee (Bill is the former GM of WCPO), Greg and Christina Vollmer (Greg is the managing director at First Financial Bank); Steve and Linda Shaknaitis (Steve is the executive vice-president of GE | Honda Aero Engines); John Langenderfer (senior vice-president at Huntington National Bank); Eddie and Libby Tyner (Eddie is the regional president and vice president of sales – Midwest for Gannett | USA Today Network); Cris Collinsworth, former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver and sports broadcaster; Mike and Lauri Prescott (Mike is the president of U.S. Bank – Cincinnati); Brendon and Becky Cull (Brendon is the senior vice president and chief operating officer at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber); Joe Dominiak and his wife, Sandy (Joe is the chief operating officer of Buffalo Wings & Rings and Children’s Home Board of Trustees Chair). Rockin’ at Riverfest was co-hosted by Steve Raleigh and Julie O’Neill from WCPO 9 On Your Side.

The community’s overwhelming support and enthusiasm for this event has allowed The Children’s Home, for the first time, to already announce next year’s co-chairs, who are LOTH CEO J.B. Buse and his wife, Leigh, along with Children’s Home board member and BRG Realty Group CEO Jeff March and his wife, Jeanette.

For more information, visit www.thechildrenshomecinti.org