Hearts for Hope’s 20th anniversary nets most money in gala’s history!
Residential Program Director, Katrina Allen, embraces Shay, who will graduate from the program this spring, after five years with BHGH of Cincinnati.
More than 450 people followed their hearts to the Boys Hope Girls Hope (BHGH) of Cincinnati fundraiser on Saturday, February 11 for the sold-out event.
Hearts for Hope netted more than $150,000. This is the most money raised in the gala’s 20 years, with the largest crowd.
“Hearts for Hope celebrates and honors our scholars, volunteers and staff and shares that with the community,” said Executive Director, Sara Schindler.
The celebration ran from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at the downtown Hilton Netherland Plaza.
Boys Hope Girls Hope (BHGH) of Cincinnati scholars created artwork, with the help of volunteers, that was auctioned at Hearts for Hope.
Corporate donors included iSqFt, PNC Bank and Kao USA. The Kroger Company was the title sponsor.
Residential Program Director, Katrina Allen, hosted the hour-long program.
President of The Kroger Company’s Cincinnati and Dayton marketing area, Sukanya Madlinger, received the Heart of Gold award for her 14 years of service to BHGH of Cincinnati. The Heart of Gold award is the organization’s most prestigious honor for volunteers.
Guests, scholars and staff dance at Hearts for Hope.
High school seniors Shay, Sam and Brandon recounted their years of BHGH memories and future goals onstage. To Schindler, this personified the organization’s mission, “Listening to the scholars speak is a shinning example of how the work we do impacts them,” said Schindler.
Shay will major in criminal justice at the University of Dayton, this fall. Sam and Brandon plan to major in engineering.
“I’ll miss being able to come home and ask for help with homework and other questions,” said Shay, who’s been in the program since age 13.
2012 Hearts for Hope recipient, Sukanya Madlinger, dances with 5th grade-scholar, Zaire.
Cocktails and appetizers were served during the silent and grand silent auctions, when the event began. Auction items included a seven-course meal and wine tasting at Boca in Oakley and a private viewing and explanation of Claude Monet’s artwork at the Cincinnati Art Museum, led by the museum’s curator of European painting, Benedict Leca.
“A lot of the items were really unique – many of them couldn’t be bought at stores,” said Event Coordinator, Beth Lauber.
For Shay, her last Hearts for Hope was meaningful, and fun.
“I appreciated the donors and everyone’s support,” said Shay. “And the dancing – I think that was my favorite part of the night.”
The 12-piece ensemble, Soul Pocket Band, played from about 9 p.m. to midnight.
BHGH of Cinicnnati’s next fundraiser is the Annual PRO-AM Golf Outing on Monday, August 6, accompanied by the Annual Golf Dinner on Sunday, August 5.