The Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel is excited to once again host the Karen Wellington Foundation’s (KWF) biggest fundraiser, “Forever in Bloom,” on April 5. The annual event ensures “FUN NOW” is continually etched on the calendars of women battling breast cancer.
“We are extremely honored to welcome back the Karen Wellington Foundation gala for the third consecutive year!” says Jordan Adams, Director of Catering at Renaissance Cincinnati. “Annually exceeding 700 guests, it is our largest attended event to date. What makes the planning process so special is that many committee members have a direct personal connection to the cause, and to the Wellington family.”
Karen Wellington lived – and lived fully – with advanced breast cancer from her diagnosis at age 30 until she was 40. Karen set a courageous example, overcoming obstacles with tenacity, faith, kindness, laughter and above all, FUN! Her dream was to send one family living with breast cancer on a fun-filled vacation each year.
Since 2007, Karen’s foundation has made it possible for hundreds of women fighting breast cancer to enjoy special vacations, spa days and other gifts of fun to lighten the emotional load attached to the seemingly endless string of doctor appointments, surgeries and chemotherapy/radiation treatments.
“Prior to 2017 – the Foundation’s 10th anniversary – our annual Karen’s Gift ‘Forever in Bloom’ BASH moved around to different venues each year,” says Lisa Farrell, KWF Vice Chair and Chief Giving Officer. “But we wanted to make our 10th anniversary even more special than previous years.”
According to Farrell, Adams – who works with the Foundation’s “Forever in Bloom” event planning from start to finish – was able to incorporate all their ideas for the annual benefit into the “biggest and best BASH ever,” selling out at 800 guests.
“In 2018, after looking around at other venues in town, we realized we would not be able to top the previous year, so we broke tradition and hosted our annual event at The Renaissance again,” Farrell explains. “With 2019 as our third year for holding our largest fundraiser at The Renaissance, I believe we have found a home!”
The Renaissance, Farrell adds, is multi-level, allowing space for private lounge areas, a live band, dance floor, high-top cocktail tables, plenty of seating, a large projection screen and a separate area for auction items and photos.
“Our event has now turned into a weekend of fun because many of our guests choose to spend the night in one of the hotel’s luxurious rooms,” says Farrell.
Adams says The Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel team is proud to be associated with such an inspirational community organization.
“The women involved in the Foundation pour all their time, effort and love into making every gala an unforgettable experience for guests, donors and recipients,” she says.
The Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel is located at 36 E. Fourth St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. For more information, call Jordan Adams, Director of Catering, 513.455.6461, or visit www.marriott.com/CVGBR.