Over the past 154 years, The Children’s Home of Cincinnati has evolved to meet the needs of the community in thoughtful and impactful ways. The Children’s Home has developed a culture that is built around a continuum of care that includes providing health counseling in more than 170 local schools, expanded early childhood programming, a comprehensive autism program, a health clinic which features an open access policy for mental health and medical management services, and workforce development opportunities that prepare young people grappling with emotional and behavioral challenges for life after high school.
Rockin’ at Riverfest is the marquee annual fundraiser for the Children’s Home of Cincinnati. The event provides vital financial support for the programs and services offered by The Children’s Home of Cincinnati. The event has become very popular year-over-year, building momentum and support for the incredible mission of the Children’s Home of Cincinnati. This year, the event made the Cincinnati Business Courier Top 25 List of Nonprofit Fundraising Events (#19 for 2017).
Over 500 attended the most recent Rockin’ at Riverfest, which included a dinner and carousel deck party at Anderson Pavilion at Smale Park and Carol Ann’s Carousel. This number marked a 10.5 percent increase in attendance year-over-year. Word-of-mouth about the fun atmosphere, premier Labor Day fireworks seating and opportunity to support a great cause resulted in the sponsorships selling out. To that end, the Children’s Home added the Carousel Deck Party to accommodate additional individuals who want to attend, but weren’t able to purchase sold-out sponsorships.
“Rockin’ at Riverfest isn’t your typical fundraiser. It’s a party with unbelievable networking while also having the ability to do good,” says Mike Prescott, market president, U.S. Bank.
Attendees enjoyed a fun evening while contributing to the mission of the organization. Silent auction items generated over $27,309 representing a 122 percent increase year-over-year. This year, they featured an executive raffle, where bidders could purchase raffle tickets to spend time with a local leader. Event sponsors gave between $2,500 – $50,000 for a table and attendees.
“We are so fortunate to live in a generous and giving community. Cincinnati has become synonymous for generosity, with people from all walks of life answering the call to make a difference that serves the most vulnerable among us. It is in the spirit of this tradition that we are profoundly grateful for the support of the community,” says Shawn Maus, PR, communications and marketing manager.
Notable attendees included Dr. Rob and Julie Heidt, Bill and Sally Fee (Bill is the former GM of WCPO), Enquirer media’s Eddie and Libby Tyner, Dr. Elizabeth Cottingham (leading Cincinnati child and adolescent psychiatrist in private practice), Mike Prescott (U.S. Bank), Sharon and Graham Mitchell, Graydon Law, 1919 Investment Council and the Jeff Ruby Foundation. The event was co-hosted by Steve Raleigh and Tanya O’Rourke from WCPO 9 On Your Side.
Donor Spotlight
Dr. Rob Heidt is a leader in the Cincinnati community and The Children’s Home of Cincinnati. Joining the board in 2015, Dr. Heidt has quickly emerged as an outstanding partner and leader in efforts to broaden the agency’s programs and services and raise support through our annual Rockin’ at Riverfest event, along with a number of agency capital initiatives. In the last three years, Dr. Heidt and his family have been instrumental in raising more than two million dollars for The Children’s Home, including being a presenting sponsor for the most successful fundraiser in the history of the 154-year old organization. Dr. Heidt’s involvement far exceeds fundraising, as he is active in connecting The Children’s Home to members of the medical community while also offering his expertise and insight to the development of a number of services and programs at The Children’s Home. “I feel so fortunate to have Dr. and Mrs. Heidt as partners and friends. Our success during the last three years is, in part, because of their generosity and leadership”, said vice president of advancement, Roderick Hinton.
Save the Date for Sunday, September 1, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Contact Rod Hinton, VP of advancement, for sponsorship opportunities at 513.527.7265 or rhinton@thechildrenshomecinti.org