Nonprofit Organization
Loveland’s Hannah Laman Wins National Award
Way to go Hannah Laman! The Loveland 12 year old was selected from more than 32,000 nominees across the country as one of 10 national Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program winners! For the award, Hannah receives a $10,000 scholarship for higher education; and Kohl’s is donating $1,000 to the nonprofit 
of her choice. (I bet that nonprofit is Adopt A Book!)
Hannah and her twin brother, Alex, (with help from their parents) founded Adopt a Book that collects and distributes new and gently used children’s book to those who can’t afford them. To date, Adopt a Book has donated 60,000 books to more than 50 organizations, schools and hospitals that serve children in need.
“The most rewarding part of sharing books with others is that other kids have the opportunity to read and own a book of their own,” Hannah told Amazing Kids! Magazine.
Link to a past post about Adopt A Book. #CINspiration
Beech Acres Parenting Center Collecting Backpacks For Kids
Beech Acres Parenting Center needs our help in ensuring children of parents in Cincinnati who are working to overcome financial challenges, will have the necessary supplies they need to begin their school year on the right track.
Last year more than 180 children served by the nonprofit agency received backpacks filled with school needs. They want to increase that number for the 2015 school year, for students of all grade levels.
They are aski
ng for donations of backpacks filled with items including pocket folders, notebooks, paper, scissors, glue sticks and crayons.
To help, please fill out the form at this link, and then drop your donation off to one of these Beech Acres locations during business hours:
Administration Building: 6881 Beechmont Ave in Anderson
Glenmore Location at 3325 Glenmore Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45211
Lebanon Location at 767 Columbus Avenue Suite 2, Lebanon, Ohio 45036
For more information, you can call them at 513-233-4729 or visit www.beechacres.org.
Celebrate The New Kennedy Heights Cultural Campus!
There is exciting news ahead for the racially and economically diverse Kennedy Heights neighborhood. After nearly six years of planning and construction, it is about time for the official ribbon cutting and grand opening of the all new Kennedy Heights Cultural Campus. Not only is it going to be an incredible asset to its surrounding community, but also to our region. The Campus will be a place where people of all ages can come for arts performances, classes, studios, and even an art gallery. And children will have an opportunity for education in the award winning Kennedy Heights Montessori.
I’m helping them to promote the festivities – August 28 and 29 – and can hardly wait. These organizers sure do know how to throw an incredible time!
On Friday morning, August 28, at 10:00 am, friends and supporters will help celebrate with an official ribbon cutting followed by refreshments and a tour of first look at inside the building. Then, on Saturday, beginning at 11:00 am will be the Raise the Heights Art Parade followed by a family festival.
Have A Creative Side? Be Part Of The Parade!
The Raise the Heights Art Parade promises to be filled with vibrant colors and sounds and will travel from Ridge Road, up Montgomery Rd to the Campus site (at the corner of Kennedy Ave and Montgomery Rd). Ten of the region’s very talented artists received small grants to create incredible entrees depicting their own very personal interpretation of the Campus’ meaning to our community.
Just some of what you will see…Pam Kravetz is designing and building five incredible replicas of hot air balloons that will include in their baskets, children dressed to resemble various performing arts; and each one to be pulled by dancers and actors masked with body paint. Jesse Mooney-Bulluck is creating a visually striking 16 ft tall totem pole puppet with engaging moving parts to celebrate diversity.
from a past Kennedy Heights art parade
You can be in the parade too!
We are inviting visual artists, dancers, musicians, street performers, civic groups, schools, organizations and neighbors to participate. With the theme of art, we are asking that groups and individuals either create a portable sculpture, moveable artwork, decorate a car, wear costumes or puppets, hold creative flags/banners/signs, or perform their way down the road.
There is NO fee to participate.
DATE: Saturday, August 29, 2015
TIME: 11:00AM
ROUTE: Montgomery Rd. from Ridge Ave. to Kennedy Ave.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: August 14
Please click here to download an Entry Form.
Raise the Heights Festival
Following the parade, there will be a free festival on the grounds of the Kennedy Heights Cultural Campus, 6620 Montgomery Rd., from 12-5pm with live music, performances, interactive art installations, food trucks, activities for kids, and more. Grammy nominated children’s entertainer Zak Morgan will perform at about 3:30 pm.
Funding is provided in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation.
About the Kennedy Heights Cultural Campus
The Raise the Heights event will mark one of Greater Cincinnati’s most dramatic revitalizations as the once derelict building (on the corner of Kennedy Ave and Montgomery Rd) which once housed a Kroger will open its doors as a destination for exploring and experiencing creative expression. Among its occupants will be the Kennedy Heights Arts Center’s Carl, Robert, Richard, and Dorothy Lindner Annex and the Kennedy Heights Montessori Center. The building was purchased with a $675,000 grant from the City of Cincinnati.
The Kennedy Heights Arts Center new second location will quadruple its size and double the number of people served. The Annex will include a 3,000 sq ft 
multi-purpose event center for theatre, dance and music classes and performances; a state-of-the-art Scripps Howard Media Center that will offer arts education programs for all ages in video, photography, animation, website design and graphic design; and ten individual artist studios. The Ohio Valley Woodturners Guild will be among the groups offering workshops for people of all ages. A gallery in the lobby will be a venue for resident artist exhibits.
A $250,000 leadership gift from Robert D. and Betty Lindner paved the way for Kennedy Heights Arts Center’s Satellite Expansion $700,000 project. Other major contributors include: Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Scripps Howard Foundation, George and Margaret McLane Foundation, The Kroger Co., John A. Schroth Charitable Trust/PNC Bank Trustee, Louise Taft Semple Foundation, Thomas Emery Memorial, Ruth and Robert Conway Foundation and gift from many individual donors. Website: www.kennedyarts.org
The Kennedy Heights Montessori Center is an award-winning, not-for-profit parent cooperative school that has been educating neighborhood children, ages 2 to 6, for fifty years. Its presence strengthens the community by providing high quality superior educational opportunities to a racially and economically 
diverse student body of toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarten children. Its sliding scale tuition means families who otherwise would not be able to afford it are assured their children are well prepared. KHMC is a United Way Agency providing half-day and full day programs.
The Center opened its first school in Kennedy Heights in 1965 and with the completion of the new Campus, will be returning to this neighborhood. Its new 12,000 sq ft location will include 4 large classrooms, an extended day care area, a muscle room with indoor play equipment and two outdoor playgrounds. It will be introducing a toddler program for 2 year olds which will be taught by a highly qualified Montessori teacher. Openings are available for both programs. Website: kennedyheightsmontessori.org
Voices Of Giving Awards Honor Greater Cincinnati Philanthropists
In our region, we are fortunate to have so very many diverse causes that are each enriching neighborhoods and lives in unique ways. Their important work would not be possible without a team of dedicated staff, volunteers, and donors.
For the past five years, it has been such a privilege to work with the Greater Cincinnati Planned Giving Council committee helping to spread awareness of very generous people who are helping to ensure our community’s valuable nonprofit organizations can be sustainable in the future. They recently honored 27 philanthropists including Jim Huizenga, as a professional advisor, with Voices of Giving Awards. (You’ll be seeing more information in local news print over the next few months.) All philanthropists honored have made a bequest or planned gift to their favorite charity.
Mike and Marilyn Kremzar are examples of our humanitarian leaders who have committed years to empowering people who have been down on their luck
Mike Van Oflen, Tony Lavatori, Tonya Lavatori, Mike Kremzar, Marilyn Kremzar, Kurt Reiber and Mindy Hammer photo credit: Paula Norton
through the Freestore Foodbank. Since joining its Board in 1984, Mike helped create the hugely successful Cincinnati COOKS!, a culinary job training program that not only provides nutritious afterschool meals to children at risk of hunger but also has seen more than 1,200 adult graduates move on to gainful employment. The Kremzars named the Freestore Foodbank as a beneficiary of their IRA.
There are so many wonderful stories like theirs of why charitable giving is such an important part of their lives. Please click the link to read more about all of the honorees. 2015 Voices of Giving Honoree backgrounds
Other honorees include:
Deacon David A. Klingshirn on behalf of The Athenaeum of Ohio;
Alan and Dianne Thomas on behalf of the Brighton Center;
Marjorie and Roger Santor (posthumously) on behalf of CET – Greater Cincinnati Television Educational Foundation;
Robert Buechner on behalf of The Children’s Home of Cincinnati;
John H. White, Jr. on behalf of Cincinnati Museum Center;
Albert W. Vontz III on behalf of Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park;
Barb and Mort Nicholson on behalf of Cincinnati Public Radio;
Norita Aplin and Stanley Ragle on behalf of Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra;
Jack Kirby on behalf of Episcopal Retirement Homes;
Mike and Marilyn Kremzar on behalf of Freestore Foodbank;
John Isidor and Sandy Kaltman on behalf of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati;
Burke Neville on behalf of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation;
Peggy Kite on behalf of Life Enriching Communities Foundation – Twin Lakes;
Dr. George Rieveschl, Jr. (posthumously) on behalf of the Lloyd Library and Museum;
Mona Morrow on behalf of The Salvation Army;
Emily Pan on behalf of Saint Joseph Home;
Mary Kay Pastura Hauser on behalf of St. Ursula Academy;
The Calonge Family on behalf of the United Way of Greater Cincinnati.
Note: one of the honorees did not want to be recognized in Event promotion.
Jim Huizenga, senior program officer at The Greater Cincinnati Foundation,
honored as a professional advisor, was nominated by Saint Joseph Home
Platinum Presenting Sponsors of the 17th annual Voices of Giving Awards are The John A. Schroth Family Charitable Trust, PNC Bank Trustee, and The Salvation Army. Silver Sponsors include Graydon, Head and Ritchey LLP, the Johnson Charitable Gift Fund, Life Enriching Communities, Smith Beers Yunker & Company, Inc., and Xavier University. The Event was hosted by CET and emceed by Local 12’s John Lomax.
“Our Voices of Giving honorees represent the true spirit of philanthropy and their gifts are enhancing the quality of life for our community, now and in the future,” said Sue Ellen Stuebing, vice president of the board of The Greater Cincinnati Planned Giving Council. “We thank them not only for their generosity but also for allowing us to recognize them. By doing so, they are inspiring others in our community to demonstrate that everyone can make a lasting impact by leaving a legacy.
Voices of Giving honorees
photo credit: Paula Norton
The 2015 event was co-chaired by Telly McGaha and Molly Talbot. Committee members included Lori Asmus, Carol Derkson, Bruce Favret, Misty Griesinger, Doug Heeston, Anna Hehman, Bill Hitch, Mary Alice Koch, Michelle Mancini, Tracy Monroe, Carol Serrone, Carol Stevie, Sue Ellen Stuebing and Dan Virzi.
The Greater Cincinnati Planned Giving Council is a professional association for people whose work includes developing, marketing, and administering charitable planned gifts for non-profit institutions and a variety of other legal and financial settings.
CINspirational People: Caleigh Willis
CINspirational People is a new feature of Good Things Going Around profiling diverse people of Greater Cincinnati, what inspires them, and what is inspiring about them. You can read more profiles by clicking on the link at the top of the blog. Do you know someone to suggest? Please reach out. Thanks!
Today we are featuring Caleigh Willis, director of marketing for the Anthony Munoz Foundation.
GTGA: What is an accomplishment you achieved that you are proud of?
Caleigh: I don’t think I have had a singular moment in my life that has made me the most proud. As I reflect, I’m proud of the journey I took to get to where I am today. I am a mother, a wife and a member of one of the greatest communities around. I get to come to work and help make our city better; while in the process, work with some amazing people. I couldn’t imagine being in a better place.
GTGA: Tell us about someone who has been a positive influence in your life.
Caleigh: My mom has made such a positive impact on my life. She is the most hardworking person I have ever met, but is also equally the kindest. She has always unselfishly given and helped others. I think that’s where my passion for making a difference comes from. She always taught me to strive to be the best person I can be, in every aspect of my life.
GTGA: What is a motto you live by and why or how has it impact you?
Caleigh: I have two. My first is on my computer screen at work and says “ I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples-Mother Teresa”. I try to remember that every little act of kindness can make a difference in someone’s day, or even life. Where there is an opportunity to make someone smile, you should always do so!
The second is “Live with intent, and not out of habit”. This is my morning mantra. It’s so easy to get caught up in the repetitiveness of life. Sometimes I have to consciously make an effort to get out of my daily routine and try something new, see old friends, or visit a new place in our city. If I don’t, I feel like I’ll look back on life and regret the memories I didn’t make.
GTGA: What is your biggest motivator?
Caleigh: On a personal level it’s definitely my daughter. I find that I push myself to be a better person because I want to be the best role model I can be for her.
In a work atmosphere, it’s the kids that we meet and become part of our little Muñoz Foundation family. We have scholarship winners that have overcome such adversities, but never let that define them. Those kids motivate me to continue to do all that I can at the foundation in order to help more youth like them. I hope one day they all realize that they have made just as big of an impact in my life, as I may have made in theirs.
GTGA: Tell us about an act of kindness you have done, witnessed or been the recipient of and how that made you feel.
Caleigh: This was the last question I ended up answering because it’s truly the most difficult. I’m constantly surrounded by people who give tirelessly to others and think nothing of it. They don’t do it for the recognition or awards. They help our youth and surrounding communities because they care about the betterment of them. Every act of kindness I see from our volunteers, the youth we impact, or just general supporters makes me realize that there is so much positive in the world and every person is capable of adding to that.
GTGA: Tell us about what you do and what are some of the reasons why you enjoy it.
Caleigh: My title at the Anthony Muñoz Foundation is a little deceiving. I get to wear several different hats. I manage our internship program, develop and coordinate several of our Impact Programs including Whiz Kids and our two scholarship opportunities, as well as implement all program marketing plans. I feel truly blessed to be able to come to work for this foundation every day. This job gives me the opportunity to help make a difference in our community, while also pursuing my passion for marketing and communications. I would say that the one singular thing that I enjoy most is meeting the amazing people we have in our community. I’ve been impacted and become a better person by so many people I have met while working here. The foundation has made me realize what an amazing city we live in and I am so proud to call Cincinnati my home.
