Loveland, Ohio – The organizers say “Thank You for Making the 19th Annual Paxton’s Grill Golf Outing a Record-Breaking Success.”
“From each of us here at Paxton’s Grill & CancerFree KIDS, thank you for supporting our annual event. We cannot do it without you. In fact, we broke the $100,000 fundraising mark for this year’s outing – the first time ever.”
The CancerFree KIDS mission is to eradicate cancer as a life-threatening disease in children by funding promising research that might otherwise go unfunded. Our annual golf outing contributes to this worthy cause.
“Thanks to all who came out to golf and volunteer at our weekend dates in the 19th annual Golf Outing last Friday and Saturday at Hickory Woods Golf Course! The weather was perfect and we believe everyone had a great time!”
The winners for the two days included:
Friday Foursome Winners
1st Place: TQL: Gary Carr, Austin Hansford, Matt Herring and Joe Turnser
2nd Place: Michael Brady, Dave Frye, Keith Burkhardt and Dan Edwards
3rd Place: Roderick MacEachen, Quam MacEachen, Hansel Stansel and Jared Wagoner
Longest Drive Women: Mary Jo Phillips
Longest Drive Men: Nicholas Creech
Closes to the Pin: Gary Carr & Bill Phillips (one on hole 6 and one on hole 15)
Longest Putted Hole: Tyler Kuhnash
Saturday Foursome Winners
1st Place: Stan Pitchard, Roberts Mark, Bob Stebbins, and Tim Wachenfeld
2nd Place: Ralph Dunnigan, Curt Gardiner, Mike Hinds and John Fisher
3rd Place: Andrew Jaeger, Ben Jaeger, Erik Lund and Glen Lund
Longest Drive Women: #5: Tish Marquardt
Longest Drive Men: #3: Wes Minton
Closest to the Pin: #6: Brian Duermit
Closest to the Pin: #15: Curt Gradner
Longest Putted Hole: #9: Dan Hare
About Paxton’s Grill
Located in the heart of the Historic Loveland District just outside Cincinnati, Paxton’s Grill is housed in one of the town’s oldest buildings and is adjacent to the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail. Our relaxed atmosphere and friendly service welcomes you back time and time again!
Although Loveland, Ohio was named after the city’s first postmaster and early shopkeeper James Loveland, the area’s first settler was Col. Thomas Paxton. Born in Pennsylvania in 1739, Paxton moved to Kentucky in 1790. After having the opportunity to observe the beauty of the Little Miami River landscape, Paxton traveled north and in 1795 settled in the area now known as Loveland.
During the Revolutionary War, Paxton served as Lt. Colonel of the Second Battalion of the Bedford County
Militia. In 1777, he ate Christmas dinner at Valley Forge with Gen. George Washington and other illustrious military personnel such as the Marquis de Lafayette and Alexander Hamilton.
Paxton is acknowledged for being the first to build a log cabin in the area. He died in 1813 and was buried in the family graveyard on the farm where he built his first cabin.
Thirty-five years later, Col. William Ramsey, a land speculator, laid out the town of Paxton which was partially bordered by the Little Miami Railroad. A few years later, Ramsey laid out the town of Loveland, which adjoined the town of Paxton.
Due to residents’ frequent stops at James Loveland’s general store, the name caught on and in 1863, Paxton officially became Loveland and new boundaries were established.
Paxton’s Grill is housed in one of Loveland’s oldest buildings built about the same time that the town of Paxton became Loveland. In January 2000, a few locals saw the need for a family-friendly establishment and purchased this historic building with the goal of providing good food at reasonable prices in a comfortable setting.
We welcome you to Paxton’s Grill and are proud to pay homage to Thomas Paxton and his early contributions to what is now called the Historic Loveland District.
Thank you for joining us and welcome to Paxton’s Grill!
Adam Ploof, Cassie Mattia, Ava Mattia, and David Miller at the Cure Starts Now Gala on March 9.
Last Friday, Loveland Magazine was invited to The Cure Starts Now Gala, which took place at the Duke Energy Convention Center. Not only did we get to experience the delicious dessert theme with more than 900 wonderful people, meeting many for the first time, including cancer survivors, those who lost a loved one to cancer, and cancer research advocates.
We couldn’t have been more grateful to have been part of such a fantastic celebration and extend our heartfelt thank you to the foundation.
It was announced that the City of Cincinnati has single handedly raised nearly 10 million dollars towards cancer research! Loveland Magazine President and Publisher Cassie Mattia , Managing Editor David Miller, and Cassie’s guests, Adam Ploof, and Ava Mattia attended the event.
We learned that Loveland resident Julia Wolf and the “Wolf Pack” has raised more than $200,000 for medulloblastoma cancer research.
We can’t wait to continue to support the Cure Starts Now and Julia by adopting their mission statement!
The Cure Starts Now’s mission is one that knows no boundaries and stops at no borders. It is an international effort of families, friends, businesses and even strangers, united in the desire to cure cancer, one child at a time. While it all started with one child, today, the inspiration is carried by us all.
We were caught off guard seeing Grant Wolf’s banner so prominently displayed as we entered the Gala. Grant’s sister Julia and the “Wolfpack”has raised more than $200,000 for brain cancer research to honor her twin brother.
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An Interview with Julia Wolf: The Wolf Pack’s “Cure Starts Now”
Julia had been worried about how to have a birthday without her twin brother Grant by her side.
The Once in a Lifetime Gala is celebrating its 16th year on March 9, 2024 at Duke Energy Convention Center Grand Ballroom and has already become one of Cincinnati’s largest and most unique galas, bringing in more than $733,000 in 2023 alone. It is estimated we will sell out again this year with over 800 guests at $150-$250 per ticket. The event hosts exclusive auction items and perks for our special guests. Following the extensive 400 item silent auction, guests are invited to a gourmet sit-down meal. The evening ends with an entertaining live auction of once in a lifetime experiences.
WHO ARE OUR SPONSORS?
Most of our sponsors have been with us from the beginning of
this event with many of them choosing to increase their financial donations each year. Companies who support the gala, and most importantly pediatric cancer research, become vital partners with The Cure Starts Now. They choose to not only support the event, but also become further involved through partnerships later in the year or by serving on our councils to help guide the direction of the charity. Our sponsors are distinctly aware that in addition to their need to support The Cure Starts Now for the charitable reasons, they receive enormous advertising benefits for their company.
WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
Started in 2007 by Cincinnati residents, The Cure Starts Now Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has revolutionized cancer research worldwide with its focus on a “homerun cure” for all cancers, starting first with pediatric brain cancer. In 2023 we reached over $23 million in funding which has allowed us to provide funding of new experimental treatments and research at top pediatric oncology hospitals including over $6 million to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital alone. Today, our fundraising initiatives have taken many forms from the bestselling Graeter’s Ice Cream Flavor of Elena’s Blueberry Pie Ice Cream that sells nationwide, to community partnerships with each of our 40 chapters nationwide. The Cure Starts Now has also been recognized by The Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, People Magazine, Inside Edition and media worldwide for the inspiration it offers to all that fight cancer. Elena’s inspiration has also touched millions worldwide, cited as a top search term on Yahoo.com and as the subject of the New York Time Bestseller “Notes Left Behind”, which benefits the charity.
TCSN IS LEAD BY CANCER PARENTS!
The Cure Starts Now was founded by cancer parents, Brooke and Keith Desserich. Nearly all of our chapters are also run by cancer families
in honor of their children. What does this mean? We are passionate about funding research in the most effective and efficient way possible.
GIVING KIDS A VOICE
The Cure Starts Now is vested in representing all cancer families in our efforts. We love to go above and beyond to make sure we give our children the attention they deserve. Just as we worked tirelessly with Lauren Hill to spread her message out around the world and amplify her efforts, we will continue to do this until a cure is found.
Loveland, Ohio – In a newsletter sent today CancerFree KIDS announced, they have been proud to invest in pediatric cancer research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus for nearly 15 years and are excited to expand the organization’s presence in the Columbus community under the leadership of their newest team member, Melissa Jackson.
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Please help us build our CancerFree KIDS community in Columbus! If you or a friend live in the Columbus area and would like to receive more information about events, volunteer opportunities and research impact in Columbus, please let us know!
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CancerFree KIDS would like to welcome our newest team member, Melissa Jackson, who will serve as our market director in Columbus! CancerFree KIDS has been proud to invest in pediatric cancer research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital for nearly 15 years and we are excited to expand our organization’s presence in the Columbus community under Melissa’s leadership.
Melissa has extensive experience in public health and non-profit management and has served the cancer community directly through numerous state and national non-profits. As the mother of a pediatric cancer survivor herself, she also founded a local non-profit and support group for parents who have children with cancer.
Volunteer on Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving! On Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving on March 27th, 100% of sales in Greater Cincinnati and NKY are donated to CancerFree KIDS! Help us make this day a success by volunteering in your local store!
Save the date for the 19th Annual Paxton’s Grill Golf Outing benefiting CancerFree KIDS on Friday, June 7th, Saturday, June 8th and the Corporate Outing on Monday, July 15th! Sponsor registration is also open! Register your foursome and view sponsorship opportunities here.
CancerFree KIDS aims to find gentler, more effective childhood cancer treatments by funding innovative research projects in the early stages of development. New ideas need money to grow, yet potential breakthrough treatment methods often go nowhere because pediatric cancer research is drastically underfunded.
CancerFree KIDS provides grants to high-risk/high-reward childhood cancer research projects in these crucial early stages, which allows researchers to prove their concept, secure additional funding, find new treatment therapies and eventually end childhood cancer.
The Once in a Lifetime Gala is celebrating its 16th year on March 9, 2024 at Duke Energy Convention Center Grand Ballroom and has already become one of Cincinnati’s largest and most unique galas, bringing in more than $733,000 in 2023 alone. It is estimated we will sell out again this year with over 800 guests at $150-$250 per ticket. The event hosts exclusive auction items and perks for our special guests. Following the extensive 400 item silent auction, guests are invited to a gourmet sit-down meal. The evening ends with an entertaining live auction of once in a lifetime experiences.
WHO ARE OUR SPONSORS?
Most of our sponsors have been with us from the beginning of
this event with many of them choosing to increase their financial donations each year. Companies who support the gala, and most importantly pediatric cancer research, become vital partners with The Cure Starts Now. They choose to not only support the event, but also become further involved through partnerships later in the year or by serving on our councils to help guide the direction of the charity. Our sponsors are distinctly aware that in addition to their need to support The Cure Starts Now for the charitable reasons, they receive enormous advertising benefits for their company.
WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
Started in 2007 by Cincinnati residents, The Cure Starts Now Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has revolutionized cancer research worldwide with its focus on a “homerun cure” for all cancers, starting first with pediatric brain cancer. In 2023 we reached over $23 million in funding which has allowed us to provide funding of new experimental treatments and research at top pediatric oncology hospitals including over $6 million to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital alone. Today, our fundraising initiatives have taken many forms from the bestselling Graeter’s Ice Cream Flavor of Elena’s Blueberry Pie Ice Cream that sells nationwide, to community partnerships with each of our 40 chapters nationwide. The Cure Starts Now has also been recognized by The Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, People Magazine, Inside Edition and media worldwide for the inspiration it offers to all that fight cancer. Elena’s inspiration has also touched millions worldwide, cited as a top search term on Yahoo.com and as the subject of the New York Time Bestseller “Notes Left Behind”, which benefits the charity.
TCSN IS LEAD BY CANCER PARENTS!
The Cure Starts Now was founded by cancer parents, Brooke and Keith Desserich. Nearly all of our chapters are also run by cancer families
in honor of their children. What does this mean? We are passionate about funding research in the most effective and efficient way possible.
GIVING KIDS A VOICE
The Cure Starts Now is vested in representing all cancer families in our efforts. We love to go above and beyond to make sure we give our children the attention they deserve. Just as we worked tirelessly with Lauren Hill to spread her message out around the world and amplify her efforts, we will continue to do this until a cure is found.
“Real blueberries and crunchy pie crust pieces come together in this incredible flavor. Crafted in memory of an inspiring young girl named Elena. It was her tragic battle with pediatric brain cancer that led to the creation of The Cure Starts Now Foundation, a 501c3 Federal Non-Profit. Their worldwide goal is to aid in the discovery of a “Homerun” cure for cancer. Graeter’s is proud to support this worthy cause through proceeds from this flavor. Learn more at The Cure Starts Now Foundation“
The words “the cure starts now” appear at the end of a blog titled “Notes Left Behind: 135 Days with Elena” written by her parents, about Elena’s journey, for her younger sister
Supporters around the nation write in support of Elena and unofficially use The Cure Starts Now as the name of their efforts. Read on…
David Miller is the publisher of Loveland Magazine
Loveland, Ohio – “We now know from The Cure Starts Now that $50,000 could fund an entire research grant in Grant’s honor,” said Grant Wolf’s mom Sara. “Pretty wonderful we are so close to that after two days.”
At Grant’s funeral, his 7-year-old twin sister Julia really wanted to tell Sara an idea that she came up with to celebrate their birthday. “She’s been worried about how to have a birthday without Grant here with her,” said Sara. Grant Wolf passed away on January 22 at the age of after a courageous battle with Medulloblastoma.
That night, she shared she wanted to do two things – give stuffed dogs to kids with cancer, what she and Grant loved to play together, and raise money for brain cancer research. “She set the goal at $240 and we have watched the total grow, and grow and grow,” said Sara
Julia Grant (Provided Photo)
Grant had an amazing team of doctors and nurses at Cincinnati Children’s and in Augusta Georgia, but when a child relapses with Medulloblastoma, treatment options are limited, his mom said. “We don’t want this to be the story for other families in the future.”
Julia told Loveland Magazine, “Grant was really funny. He loved playing dogs and sports. He was the best twin brother.” She says she really wanted to do something about finding a cure for cancer so that no other kid has to go through these tough times.
“Thank you to everyone who donated. Thank you so so much,” said Julia.
Mom added, “We are amazed at the response to her birthday fundraiser but with the love of Grant’s ‘Wolf Pack’ behind us, we shouldn’t really be surprised at all.”
Hi this is Julia,
In one week it is my birthday. In honor of Grant, my 7-year-old twin who passed away from brain cancer we are having a fundraiser to find a cure for cancer and give kids with cancer stuffed dogs.
Grant loved stuffed dogs and sports. He made a great brother and friend. On February 11th it is our 8th birthday. This is my idea of what to do for Grant on our birthday.
My mom and I bought 30 dogs to donate to Carley at Proton so she can give them to other kids with cancer like Grant.
I am asking if you can donate $8 by our 8th birthday to remember Grant and help cure cancer too. The Cure Starts Now wants to cure brain cancer and I do too.
Grant Wolf passed away on January 22, 2021 at the age of 7 after a courageous battle with Medulloblastoma.
He was the beloved son of Michael & Sara (Dowden) Wolf. Loving brother of Matthew and Julia. Cherished grandson of Steve and Joan Wolf and Stephen and Marcy Dowden. Devoted nephew of Doug and Laura Ruschman, Greg and Angie Dowden, and Chris and Lynn Dowden. Adored cousin of Hannah, Emily, Luke, Marshall, Maggie, and Colin.
Grant never met a sport he did not like. He was often found in his driveway or front yard playing baseball or basketball with his brother or on the golf course with his dad. He and his twin sister shared a love of stuffed dogs, and they have quite the collection. His mom has been his constant comfort and companion to countless hospital stays and appointments. He loved building roller coasters, golf courses, and sports fields out of any materials that he could find around the house. Grant’s smile and bravery even in the toughest of times this past 16 months have inspired many to find joy in challenging times and to never give up.
Family and friends visited the family from 5-8 PM on Tuesday, January 26 at St. Columban Catholic Church in Loveland.
Mass of Christian Burial was private at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery. The Mass can be viewed HERE.
A procession to Gate of Heaven from St. Columban traveled through Downtown Loveland to Loveland Madeira Road. Hundreds of friends, including Grant’s teachers, his Principal, and fellow students gathered throughout the town, many at the Loveland Primary and Elementary Campus where Grant went to school.
“This is a picture of my mom and dad before his colonoscopy that revealed the details of my dad’s stage IV colon cancer and the details of its spreading throughout his body. One of the last pictures in which my dad looked like the man I knew for my whole life.”
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland is full of individuals who inspire us in one way or another. Whether it’s through simple acts of kindness, like planting beautiful flowers throughout downtown, or holding events that bring the community together for a good cause, Loveland people are always giving back. Chris Dombroski, a 2016 Loveland High School graduate, has made it his personal mission to not only give back to the Loveland community but give back to an entire community of those fighting cancer.
Dombroski has always had a passion for the city of Loveland as his hometown has provided him with some of the best memories.
“I have lived in Loveland my entire life before moving to Oxford, Ohio to start my educational career at Miami University, and always consider Loveland to be my home. I graduated from Loveland High School in 2016 and I am very proud of where I come from,” Dombroski said, “From the coaches on the field to the teachers in the classroom to the mentors I am lucky enough to have in our great community, I am very proud to be a Loveland Tiger. One of my main motivations as to why I want to be successful is to have the opportunity to give back to the great community I am from and hopefully inspire other members of our community to find their passions and never stop until they are fulfilled. I think what makes Loveland so special is the people in our community. Our community has helped mold me into the man I am today and I have been lucky enough to get to know so many amazing individuals along the way, each who have made a positive impact on my life,” Dombroski added.
Growing up in Loveland, Dombroski was inspired daily by his father, John Dombroski, to “enhance the lives of others through acts of kindness and generosity.” After Dombroski’s father passed in March of 2018 from stage IV colon cancer, he came to the realization that now was his opportunity to create something that not only he could be proud of, but his dad could look down and be proud of as well. That’s when the “Heaven’s Game Foundation” was created.
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded by ESPN and legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano with one goal in mind: to achieve Victory Over Cancer®. Since its formation in 1993, the V Foundation has awarded over $225 million in cancer research grants nationwide and has grown to become one of the premier supporters of cutting-edge cancer research. Due to generous donors, the Foundation has an endowment that covers administrative expenses.
“Following my father’s passing, I realized I had the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others and honor my dad’s memory, while incorporating members of the Loveland community and passionate college students,” Dombroski explained, “This combined with the national impact of our partner foundation, The V Foundation for Cancer Research, I feel like the Heaven’s Game Foundation team has two incredibly unique aspects that differentiate us from other foundations. In short, our foundation utilizes passionate college students to achieve victory over cancer by providing a national impact delivered locally.”
The “Heaven’s Game Foundation,” which is a Cincinnati-based charitable organization, is unique in that the foundation is run entirely by young adults who are dedicated to saving the lives of those battling cancer. Dombroski says that one of his foundation’s main goal is to raise money for cancer research.
“When I created this foundation I based it on the idea of creating a platform for college students to collaborate in the name of impacting the lives of others battling cancer while recognizing that one of the primary difficulties with this positioning is a lack of developed networks for college and overcoming that obstacle through our association and relationship with the V Foundation,” Dombroski said, “To me, this foundation represents hope for the future as it is run entirely by the next generation of world leaders and people who are passionate about living in a world where no one has to feel the pain of losing a loved one to cancer and we are motivated to work until that dream is a reality.”
“This is a picture of my dad and I one of the times I was home visiting him. If I wasn’t in class at Miami or at a required event here at school, I tried my best to be home and supporting my family and dad. This is also one of the last pictures taken with my father. This image represents a middle point in his battle against cancer and it is pretty evident how much of a toll it took on him when you compare how he looks in the other images.”
Since the foundation’s start, it has gained quite a bit of support as well as a dedicated following here in the Loveland community. The “Heaven’s Game Foundation” is run by a team of 11 college students that attend universities in the Midwest and a team of adult advisories from the Loveland Community.
“What is particularly special to me is the fact that some of these college students happen to be fellow Loveland alums, passionate members of our great community, and lifelong friends of mine,” Dombroski said, “Additionally, seeing as we are a student-run organization, I have also established an advisory board of adult members of the Loveland community who serve as advisors for the foundation through providing insight, assistance, and recommendations and opening their networks for the benefit of the foundation. I very much enjoy collaborating with the people and businesses in our community in an effort to keep the foundation within the community.”
Dombroski and the “Heaven’s Game Foundation” has a couple of huge focuses right now, which is their flagship event, The Scramble Against Cancer, which will be held at TPC River’s Bend at 1 p.m. on April 15th, and the establishment of a yearly scholarship for a graduating senior at Loveland High School called the “Heaven’s Game Foundation” Impact Scholarship.
“The Scramble Against Cancer golf outing on April 15th is an opportunity for members of the community to come together for a good cause at the premier golfing venue in Cincinnati. It is an opportunity for community members and businesses to support the ambitions of college students whose mission is to impact others. The profits of the outing will be donated to our partner charity, The V Foundation for Cancer Research, and will be put towards funding cancer research endeavors of National Cancer Institutes,” Dombroski explained, “The golf outing represents something my dad and I enjoyed doing together before his passing and opens the door for a light-hearted and fun day for community members to enjoy each other’s company, play golf at amazing facilities, and support a great cause. It is an opportunity to start establishing our organization as a member of our great community and to honor the life of my father and thank all of the people and businesses who chose to support our team’s ambition.”
Dombroski and his team are truly excited to see what the future holds for the “Heaven’s Game Foundation,” and couldn’t think of a better way to honor Dombroski’s father’s life.
“This is a picture of my dad, brother, and I after the operation that removed the 90% blockage and part of his colon discovered in the colonoscopy. This image marks the start of the decline in my dad’s health until his eventual passing in March 2018. My dad was in the hospital for a couple of days and ultimately confirmed how far along the cancer was and confirmed his sooner-than-expected passing that was on the horizon.”
“I am inspired by my father and the fact that I have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others with a group of like-minded college students who are entirely selfless and not at all interested in the glory, recognition, etc. of this foundation but are inspired by their desire to help others,” Dombroski said.