WCPO Weatherman Steve Raleigh was the guest emcee for the awards dinner
Chamber Board Member, Brian Garry was the Emcee for the Awards Dinner
Loveland, Ohio – On Thursday evening, November 16 the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance held their annual Awards dinner at the Oasis Conference Center. Chamber Board Member, Brian Garry was the Emcee for the evening and WCPO Weatherman Steve Raleigh was the Guest Emcee.
Kaitlyn Brennan is the site manager of Gigi’s Playhouse Cincinnati, the Emerging Business of the Year. She told attendees about the organization’s free educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome.
A raffle was held and the proceeds were divided between the Chamber’s scholarship fund and Gigi’s Playhouse Cincinnati. Kaitlyn Brennan is the site manager of Gigi’s Playhouse and made a presentation about their delivery of free educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community, through a “replicable playhouse model”.
Emerging Business of the Year: Gigi’s Playhouse Cincinnati
Beautification Award: Loveland PaddleSports (Loveland Canoe and Kayak)
Community Involvement Award: The Works
Business Community Advocate Award: LIFE Food Pantry
Non-Profit of the Year: The Grail
Woman Owned Business of the Year: The 1859
Young Professional of the Year: Katie Taylor
Randy K. Stanifer Health, Wellness & Fitness Business of the Year: Gray Nutrition
Customer Service Award: Hometown Café
Community Responder Award: Loveland Legacy Foundation
Hidden Hero Award: Angels by the Trail
Chamber Choice Award: City of Loveland Public Works
Lift Up Loveland Award: Ralph Dunnigan
WCPO Weatherman Steve Raleigh was the guest emcee for the awards dinnerJimmy Hooper accepted the Customer Service Award given to Hometown CaféTasha Danzilo accepted the Community Involvement Award for The WorksShawn Hartness accepted the Chamber Choice Award on behalf of the City of Loveland Public Works DepartmentRalph Dunnigan received the “Lift Up Loveland Award”Mark and Robyn Bersani were awarded the Beautification Award for Loveland PaddleSports (Loveland Canoe and Kayak)President Martha Hadley accepted the Community Responder Award given to the Loveland Legacy FoundationThe Hidden Hero Award was accepted by founder, Stacey Lund for Angels by the TrailAngelo Veotte-Board President of Gigi’s Playhouse Cincinnati accepted the Emerging Business of the Year awardLinda Bergholz the Executive Director, accepted the Business Community Advocate Award for the LIFE Food PantryKate Harden the owner of The 1859 was recognized as Woman Owned Business of the Year.Katie Taylor, Owner of The Outsourced COO was chosen as the Young Professional of the YearJohn Zielke accepted the Business of the Year honor on behalf of Paxton’s GrillTerri Pucket accepted the Non-Profit of the Year award for The Grail
The silent auction still has a few items remaining. If you would like to bid or buy now, please CLICK. The auction benefits Gigi’s Playhouse and the chamber scholarship fund and is live until Monday, Nov 27.
Loveland, Ohio – Eating Out to Help Out has brought the community of Loveland together once again for Coach Darnell Parker, only this time The Works Pizza helped us all Roll on into Monday!
On Monday, April 19th, The Works Pizza located at 20 Grear Millitzer Place in Historic Downtown Loveland, hosted the 2nd round of “Rolling Mondays,” a fundraiser dedicated to Loveland High School’s (LHS) Women’s Basketball Coach Darnell Parker as he battles his way through Colin and Liver Cancer. The Works Pizza’s Owner Scott Gordon not only donated 10 percent of The Work’s sales for the day to Coach Parker’s Cancer bill fund he also helped organize a “Bartender’s Competition,” in which those involved in organizing Rolling Mondays competed for the most tips, which ultimately were donated to Coach Parker as well!
“Coach Parker’s smile lights up any room he is in,” Scott Gordon said, “He brings so much positive energy to the kids on his team. I am happy to do a small part in helping him know he is appreciated, and we are returning as much joy as he gives.”
The Works Bartender’s Competition held from 6 PM-10 PM ended up being quite a hit as each competitor collected more than anyone could have hoped for! I competed first ending with $113, Jill Dressell, the parent of an LHS basketball player, competed next collecting $154, Brad Early, Assistant Varsity Coach for the LHS Women’s Basketball team, and a parent of a player, was the next competitor earning $212, and Jodi Stanton, the parent of a former LHS Women’s Basketball player, competed last adding $177 to the Coach Parker fund. The winner of the Bartender’s Competition was Brad Early earning a total of $212. Early won a $25 gift card to Tahona which was donated by former player Kate Garry’s dad, Brain Garry.
“I was blown away by the support for Darnell from the Loveland Community,” Brad Early said, “I had so much fun guest bartending and winning the competition! Huge shout out to Ashley, the true bartender, and The Works for hosting this event.”
The Split the Pot also continued on Monday night from 6 PM-8 PM. LHS’s Women’s Basketball players did their absolute best to collect funds from those that attended in honor of Coach Parker. It was announced by Jessica Early, one of Rolling Mondays organizers, that after the 2nd Rolling Monday the Split the Pot is now officially at $800!
After hearing about all of the generous donations from the community as well as seeing all the support surrounding him at both Rolliing Mondays, Coach Darnell Parker voiced that he couldn’t say thank you enough to everyone involved!
“The last two Mondays have been an absolute blast! Although I knew people came out to support me, it didn’t feel like a pity party and I appreciated that. These last two Mondays at Bishop’s Quarter and The Works have felt more like a family reunion than a benefit,” Parker said, “And that is what makes Loveland so special! We take care of and support our own, and I’m proud to be a part of this wonderful community!”
Coach Parker’s finance, Samantha McElfresh, also expressed her gratitude for those supporting Darnell.
“The Rolling Mondays have been better than I could have expected. The amount of love and support the Loveland community has shown is amazing,” McElfresh said, “It has made this journey a little easier knowing we have so much support. I never knew I could like Monday’s as much as I do after Rolling Mondays! I cannot wait to see the turnout at the next one.”
The next and final Rolling Monday will be held at Narrow Path Brewing Company located on the Loveland Bike Trail at 106 Karl Brown Way in Historic Downtown Loveland on Monday, April 26th. 30 percent of the sales throughout the day at Narrow Path Brewing will go towards Coach Parker’s Cancer bills. From 6 PM-8 PM, LHS athletes will be once again running the Split the Pot so be sure to come out to get your entry in as the pot is now over $800!
“I’m am very excited about getting together at Narrow Path,” Coach Parker said, “Narrow Path is another great Loveland establishment and it is going to be a great day on Monday. I would like to invite the entire community to come out and have a great time! I think it’s important that we continue to support our great treasures in Downtown Loveland, and Narrow Path is one of the best!”
If you haven’t had the chance to come out to Downtown Loveland for Rolling Mondays to support Coach Parker now is your chance! Head on down to Narrow Path Brewing Company this Monday, April 26th, and join us as we rally around Coach Parker for the 3rd and final round of Rolling Mondays!
Were you not able to make it to round 2 of Rolling Mondays at The Works Pizza in Historic Downtown Loveland, Ohio? No worries! We captured all the special moments from the night! Check out the photos below!
Loveland, Ohio – The COVID-19 pandemic has effected many across Ohio including those involved in Loveland’s elite kids’ sports programs. A local soccer group by the name of “Loveland Storm FC” has become very familiar with the obstacles COVID-19 has created many of the obstacles coming right before their Spring soccer season.
Due to the pandemic Loveland Storm FC had no choice but to cancel their Spring soccer season. Because of the season cancellation, the local soccer program quickly recognized that their financial outlook was troubling because they had already made investments before COVID-19 made itself known. On top of the prior investments, Loveland Storm FC also felt a strong obligation to return the downpayment parents had already made for the spring season registration. At the same time, the Storm did not want to totally bankrupt the youth soccer program.
In order to help out the Loveland Storm FC soccer program and get the community involved the decision was made to hold a Virtual 5k Walk/Run Fundraiser with donations going towards the soccer program. Although the Loveland Storm absolutely wanted the community involved in the Virtual 5k Walk/Run the soccer program also wanted to be sure that the way they asked the community for help was done in the right way especially with so much economic hardship present due to the pandemic.
Local mother and Loveland community advocate, Libby Westerman, took the time to explain to us and our many readers in the video interview below how the Virtual 5k Walk/Run decisions were made, and how the Loveland Storm FC program’s plan would emphasize the values that they make a top priority. According to the soccer program’s mission statement, the Loveland Storm FC is meant to be a “player-centered, family-friendly, community connected, competitive soccer program that grows players, has fun, and gives back.” The Loveland Storm FC program stands by their mission by asking each team to take on a community service project each season as part of its investment in the community.
After the Virtual 5k Walk/Run was all said and done the Loveland Storm FC program was able to not only refund the money they received for registrations but also give away a doughnut or pizza party to the top teams in the Virtual 5k Walk/Run.
On Friday, August 7th the local soccer program was able to take more of the donations they received from the Virtual 5k Walk/Run and give back to both the Loveland Legacy Foundation and Mile42 Coffee located in Loveland’s Historic Downtown District. The President of the Loveland Youth Soccer Program, Bruce Jones, along with Loveland Storm FC representatives personally presented checks to the Loveland Legacy Foundation and Mile42 Coffee in a special ceremony on Friday, August 7.
The Loveland Legacy Foundation will use their check to support the foundation’s mission which is “the betterment of Loveland, now and in the future.” Mile 42 Coffee plans on using their donation on providing Loveland teachers with free coffee. Loveland teachers will need to present their school I.D to retrieve a 4 dollar credit towards a coffee or specialty drink of their choice.
Katie Butler, the owner of Mile42 Coffee, expressed her gratitude for the donation as well as explained what the coffee shop would be doing with the donated check in the on-camera interview below. You will also witness the check being presented to both Katie and her mother, Jackie Butler!
In the interview below Libby Westerman shares with us how the Virtual 5k Walk/Run came to fruition, why the money was raised by the Loveland Storm FC, and why she wanted herself and her children involved in such a great local sports program!
In the 3rd on-camera interview, we captured on Friday we talked to Steve Max, CeeCee Collins, and Brian Garry, who were representing the Loveland Legacy Foundation, about the donation check and what they would be using the donation for!
For more of Loveland’s latest sports stories stay tuned to the Sports 411 with me, Cassie Mattia!
Loveland, Ohio – With Spring just around the corner, competitive races and obstacle courses will soon be in full swing! Although it may seem that your local 5k’s, 10k’s and tough mudders are, all the same, there is in fact, one race that will be taking place right along the Little Miami Bike Trail that is anything but ordinary! The Amazing Charity Race is not only taking Loveland by storm but has now officially been named the “Best Charitable Race” in Cincinnati, according to Cincy Magazine’s annual Best of the East competition!
For those who are unfamiliar with The Amazing Charity Race, the race itself was created in 2006 with a goal of giving 100 percent of its proceeds to charity! The ACR, which is set for Saturday, June 20th at 8 A.M. beginning at Fifty West Brewing Company, is a day full of fun challenges that venture along the Little Miami Bike Trail! This race is made to challenge contestant’s agility, balance, coordination, strength, intelligence, problem-solving skills, fine motor skills, and most importantly their sense of humor! This year teams of 2 can run, walk and ride through 20 strange, fun, and crazy challenges. But don’t worry you don’t have to be an extreme athlete to participate! All you have to have is the drive to challenge yourself and of course, be willing to push yourself for charity! Teens 13 to 16 can team up with a parent or teens 16 and up can team up with other teens over 16.
Jenny Lytle, Tom Grome and Kevin McMillian standing by ACR’s well thought out slide show and flyers at Cincy Magazine’s Best of the East event!
This year representatives from The Amazing Charity Race Board attended the Best of the East event on January 23rd hosted by Cincy Magazine at the Holiday Inn Suites on Eastgate Blvd. ACR’s committee put on quite a spread for the community at the Best of the East event, which included an excellent slide show and well thought out flyers. Kevin McMillian, Tom Grome, and Jenny Lytle pictured to the left represented ACR with pride at the prestigious event!
Shortly after Cincy Magazine’s annual event, ACR ‘s Board was informed that the ACR was selected by the Cincinnati community to be this year’s Best in the East “Best Charitable Race!” One of the ACR’s loyal board members, Tom Grome, was beyond the moon when he received the news!
“The Best of the East award is so important to the Amazing Charity Race,” Grome explained, “Receiving this award recognizes our effort to provide donations to other local charities and validates our approach to helping other local charities! We strive to make our event a positive experience for the racers and volunteers. Charitable giving has never been so much fun!,” Grome added.
Check out the crowd at Cincy Magazine’s Best of the East event at the Holiday Inn Eastgate!
Thus far The Amazing Charity Race is now in its 15th year and has already given over $700,000 to local charities including more than 50 nonprofit organizations in the following areas: Teen and Youth Programs (e.g., scouting, music, sports), Church Groups, Community Groups (e.g., food pantries, land conservation, theatre, arts) and Health-related Groups (e.g., cancer awareness and research, programs for the disabled).
Doug Portmann, co-founder and race director of the ACR, said the award meant so much to him “because of all the volunteer groups that put time and effort into making it such a great event! The community really appreciates it. If it was not for the almost 500 volunteers each year the event would not run like clockwork year in and year out,” Portmann added.
Kevin McMillian, the ACR’s marketing guru who represented the race at the Best of the East competition couldn’t agree more with Portmann!
“Being at the Best of the East was an amazing experience. Getting to experience other nonprofits and businesses at this event, was a great way to network and make new relationships to further impact the community,” McMillian explained, “As for winning one of the Best of the East awards, it was rewarding to see the impact Amazing Charity Race has on this community and makes us more motivated to put on a fun event and to continue helping charities that need it,” McMillian said.
Marjorie Blair, who is also on the ACR board, could barely contain her excitement when she found out ACR had one a Best of the East award!
“It’s an honor to work with so many different people with the common goal of giving back and seeing the positive impact on our local community. Through the years, putting on the race has become a well-oiled machine,” Blair said, “We are constantly learning and always trying to improve to keep racers, volunteers, & sponsors coming back. The combined effort for the greater good is truly appreciated.”
The Amazing Charity Race Board also includes Dustan Bray, Jenny Lytle, Terrie Puckett, Brian Garry, Scott Thompson, Michelle Ripperger, and ME, Cassie Mattia!
With this big win, ACR will be featured in Cincy Magazine’s Best of the East 2020 issue.
If you would like to join the best charity race in Cincinnati visit the race’s website at https://www.amazingcharityrace.com/ or follow the ACR’s Facebook page @LovelandsAmazingRace.
Loveland Magazine is extremely proud to be one of the many sponsors of the Amazing Charity Race!
Learn more about the Amazing Charity Race, how your group can volunteer, how you can be a corporate sponsor so even more money is raised, or to register for the 2020 race.
Business of the Year: Paxton’s Grill
![[VIDEO] Local Soccer Program Donates Checks to Mile42 Coffee and the Loveland Legacy Foundation](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/sddefault.jpg)
by Cassie Mattia
Katie Butler, the owner of Mile42 Coffee, expressed her gratitude for the donation as well as explained what the coffee shop would be doing with the donated check in the on-camera interview below. You will also witness the check being presented to both Katie and her mother, Jackie Butler!
