Event Pics: Take Me Out to the Ballgame: Cincinnati Children’s Celestial Ball

On Saturday, April 9, 1,400 friends, supporters of Cincinnati Children’s and special guests from the Reds came together at the Duke Energy Convention Center for the 12^th annual Celestial Ball, benefiting the hospital and research center.

This year, Cincinnati Children’s celebrated another hometown treasure, the Cincinnati Reds – and how they are working together to help kids in our community reach their full potential.  

“We feel like we’re partners with Cincinnati Children’s,” says Reds president and CEO, Bob Castellini. From teaming up at the Reds Urban Youth Academy to game day activities for children with chronic illnesses and player visits to the medical center to help patients enjoy America’s favorite pastime, the Reds and Cincinnati Children’s are teaming up to bring our community the joy of happier, healthier kids. “There’s a lot of common ground that exists between the Reds and Cincinnati Children’s. Like the Urban Youth Academy – which Cincinnati Children’s has been part of from the ground floor,” says legendary Reds announcer Marty Brenneman.  “It’s a marriage made in heaven.”

Following the dinner program, a team of more than 30 patient Champions led guests in a 7^th inning stretch sing-a-long of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” to kick-off the 5^th annual After Party. There, guests enjoyed turn of the century carnival games, late-night bites, live music, dancing and more.

Proceeds from the gala, more than $1 million will benefit Cincinnati Children’s initiatives in the community aimed at improving health outcomes for under-served kids– one of the pillars of the medical center’s $250 million Change the Outcome Campaign.

“Cincinnati Children’s is making an indelible impact on helping kids in Cincinnati become healthier. But we don’t do it alone,” says Cincinnati Children’s president and CEO, Michael Fisher. “We are always thrilled to work with our friends at the Reds – friends who share our vision to help make Cincinnati’s kids among the healthiest in the nation. We’re going to keep swinging for the fences until we make it a reality!”