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Agency executive directors, from left, Chris Adams of
Terrace Park, Stepping Stones; Charmaine Kessinger of Mariemont, The Autism
Society; and Jim Hudson of Oakley, The Down Syndrome Association
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Stepping
Stones, Inc., with headquarters in Indian Hill, was one of three beneficiaries
of the Cincinnati Rotary’s sixth annual Believe to Achieve event in June.
The
evening at Montgomery Inn Boathouse, included a buffet dinner, wine, auctions
and a balloon-festooned welcome to summer.
A
generous 350-plus guests raised more than $130,000 to support programs at The
Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati, Stepping Stones/Camp Allyn and The Down
Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati.
Presenting
sponsor was US Bank. Gold sponsors were The Greater Cincinnati
Foundation-Miriam H. Stern Fund No. 2 and Torch Wealth Management LLC. Silver
sponsors were Flynn & Company, Home City Ice, Messer, Mike Albert Fleet
Solutions and Warsaw Federal.
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More
than 350 packed the event tent.
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“The funds from this event make camp possible for so many children with disabilities,” said Chris Adams of Terrace Park, who is executive director of Stepping Stones, Inc. His agency runs the summer camp program at the Rotary’s Camp Allyn in Clermont County – a partnership spanning more than 40 years.
“Camp
gives children with disabilities a chance to experience new things, build
independence and confidence, and develop long-lasting friendships,” he said.
Kathleen
Sheil, who has Down syndrome, welcomed the crowd and shared the importance of
the programs the evening supported. Sheil, of North Avondale, is on the board
of The Down Syndrome Association, helps plan community events for individuals
with disabilities and attends Stepping Stones adult programs, which she calls
her second family. “My journey started with Stepping Stones summer camp,” she
said, introducing the evening’s campership donation drive. “Now is the time to
help others have the opportunities I have had.”
MCs
were former Bengal Dave Lapham of Landen Lake and WKRC news anchor Brad
Johansen of Mason, with special guest Teddy Kremer of White Oak, whose
enthusiastic stint as a Cincinnati Reds batboy gained national attention.
Kremer, who has Down syndrome, now works part time for the Reds and is an
advocate for people with disabilities.
Kremer’s
joyful interaction with Lapham and Johansen has become a staple of the Believe
2 Achieve program. This year he was surprised with standing ovation as the
Rotary made Kremer an honorary Rotarian. Rotary Foundation President Elect Fred
Fischer fastened the Rotary pin on Kremer’s collar as the crowd cheered.
“There
are only a few honorary members in the history of the club,” Fischer said.
“This recognizes his devoted and unselfish service above self to this club and
this community.”
Fischer
and follow Rotarian Don Keller of West Harrison, IN., co chaired the event and
honored presenting sponsor U.S. Bank with a special award recognizing its
continuing support. U.S. Bank announced it will be presenting sponsor again in
2018.
The
Rotary Club of Cincinnati was founded in 1910 as a service and networking
organization with a mission to provide selfless service in the community and the
world. The Rotary Foundation is its
philanthropic arm.
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Presenting an award to U.S. Bank, from left, co-chair Don Keller of West Harrison, IN., U.S. Bank
representative Ali Hussain of Mason, event co-chair Fred Fischer of Indian Hill
and U.S. Bank representative Steven
Mullinger of Blue Ash.
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Teddy Kremer, left, of White Oak, gets his Rotary pin from
Fred Fischer of Indian Hill.
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Janice and Al Koncius of Indian Hill.
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From left, Don and Julie
Keller of West Harrison, IN, and Gail and Fred Fischer of Indian Hill, Don
Keller and Fred Fischer co-chaired the event.
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For
information on The Rotary Club of Cincinnati
see www.cincinnatirotary.org
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