The fourth annual Rotary Foundation of Cincinnati’s Believe 2 Achieve auction and dinner set another record this year, grossing more than $154,000 for charities that serve children with disabilities.
The June 20 event drew more than 360 guests to the Montgomery Inn Boathouse, where former Bengal Dave Lapham and WLW-T news anchor Brad Johansen welcomed the crowd.
Believe 2 Achieve proceeds benefit The Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati, The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati and Stepping Stones’ Camp Allyn site. The event is a co-production of the Rotary Foundation of Cincinnati and the Rotary Club of Cincinnati.
Rotary Executive Director Linda Muth said the event broke last year’s record of $140,000. “The Rotary Club has always been committed to the children with disabilities in the Tri-State and this event helps provide funding for organizations that serve these children and their families.” said Muth.
The Rotary Club of Cincinnati was founded in 1910 as a philanthropic service and networking organization. The Foundation is its philanthropic arm. The club owns Camp Allyn in Batavia, where Stepping Stones provides programming for children, teens and adults with disabilities, including day and overnight summer camps, overnight respites and year-round adult day programming.
“Many of the children served by the organizations we’re supporting through this event are clients of Stepping Stones at Camp Allyn,” Muth said.
Co-chairs of the evening were Rich Dineen of Montgomery and Mike LeVally of Finneytown. Believe 2 Achieve guests dined on Montgomery Inn ribs and chicken, purchased camperships for children and entered into lively bidding for everything from trips and sports packages to live trees and artwork. The most sought prize of the evening turned out to be a dinner in your home by chef Jean Robert, won by a bidding team of Deb Caley of Hyde Park, Fred Fischer of Indian Hill, Carl Kappes of Wyoming and Susan Wilkinson of Anderson Township.
Lapham and Johansen were joined on stage by Teddy Kremer of White Oak, who became a local hero when he drew national acclaim for his on-field enthusiasm, determination and joy as a Cincinnati Reds bat boy. Kremer, who has Down syndrome, talked about the importance of helping young people with disabilities attend summer camp.
Believe to Achieve event sponsors included Accent on Cincinnati, Inc., Prestige AV & Creative Services, Decal Impressions and Montgomery Inn.
Life Skills Sponsors included The Greater Cincinnati Foundation Miriam H. Stern Fund # 2, Richwood Investment Advisors and Ruthman Companies.
Building Skills Sponsors included Busken Bakery, Home City Ice, Reactive Physical Therapy, Mike Albert Direct, Flynn & Co., Zumbiel Packaging, Natorp’s, Peter D. Ragland, David F. Hersche, and Samuel M. Scoggins.
Click here to view all the photos from the event.