“We believe that in order to truly cure cancer you have to focus on those cancers that are the biggest bullies.”
Event Details
As the premiere fundraiser for The Cure Starts Now, Once in a Lifetime Gala is one of Cincinnati’s most unique galas. Join over 900 guests as they enjoy a 3-course gourmet meal, open bar, 400 package silent auction, once in a lifetime experience live auction and entertainment. Please join us as we continue our battle against pediatric brain cancer and honor our cancer warriors.
This year’s theme is ‘Game Show’!
100% of the proceeds benefit The Cure Starts Now. The Cure Starts Now is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to finding a “home run” cure for cancer through funding of pediatric brain cancer research. Thanks to events like this, The Cure Starts Now has funded over $35 million in pediatric cancer research and support in conjunction with our DIPG/DMG Collaborative Partners.
Loveland, Ohio– Graeter’s Ice Cream, a 154-year-old, family owned craft ice cream company, has again partnered with The Cure Starts Now in its 16th annual campaign in support of finding the Homerun Cure™ for childhood cancer.
Graeter’s will host its annual Cones for The Cure campaign in efforts to raise money for The Cure Starts Now Foundation and pediatric cancer research, and will offer one of its most iconic seasonal flavors, Elena’s Blueberry Pie. This classic summertime favorite was created by the Graeter’s team in support of The Cure Starts Now and will be available throughout September.
At the center of Graeter’s Cones for The Cure campaign is The Cure Starts Now and its mission to find the “Homerun Cure™” by focusing on pediatric brain cancer. The campaign gives ice cream lovers a unique way to support this increasingly important cause and bring hope to those in need. Since 2009, the family-owned ice cream brand has raised more than $1.9 million for the cause, which included a surprise $10,000 donation made by a customer last year, making it the very first “platinum scoop” donation. Graeter’s is excited to exceed the $2 million marker this year.
From September 5th through September 15th, all Graeter’s Rewards members will be eligible for a free single dip sugar cone of Elena’s Blueberry Pie ice cream through the Graeter’s app, redeemable at any of the Graeter’s scoop shops. All customers will be able to make a donation in stores or online at conesforthecure.org to support the cause. New this year, look for limited edition ice cream pies made with Elena’s Blueberry Pie ice cream as well as special “Bones for the Cure” Bark’n Blueberry dog treats for your furry friends during the Dog’s Night Out event on September 5th. All Scoop Shops will have a limited number of pies and dog treats for purchase, while supplies last! A portion of these proceeds from these items also help support our Cones for the Cure effort.
“Every year we create our signature Elena’s Blueberry Pie ice cream as a limited time offer for this special partnership,” shared Chip Graeter, 4th generation co-owner of Graeter’s. “Since we first partnered with The Cure Starts Now back in 2009, we have released this flavor in efforts to raise funds to find the Homerun Cure™ for pediatric brain cancer. We’re eager to see everyone in our scoop shops enjoy some delicious ice cream and support these children and families.”
“This partnership highlights the value of teamwork and the dollars raised are making an amazing impact,” shared Keith Desserich, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board at The Cure Starts Now. “This year, we’ll reach and exceed $2 million in donations from Graeter’s Ice Cream. Graeter’s has been a fundamental partner and we are so appreciative of their entire organization and the support they put behind Cones For The Cure.”
With the funds raised from the Cones for the Cure campaign, The Cure Starts Now has funded 17 research projects and trials. Since 2011, with the support from Graeter’s, their efforts have resulted in the tripling of expected survival times from 5 months to 18 months. The Cure Starts Now was started in Cincinnati but now has more than 48 locations worldwide and an army of over 900 families united to fight pediatric brain cancer.
About Graeter’s Ice Cream
Graeter’s Ice Cream, celebrating its 154th anniversary, produces craft ice cream using French Pots®, a small batch, artisanal method of production dating back over a century. Graeter’s has won the hearts of ice cream enthusiasts across the country as well as the respect of the nation’s most influential foodies. Tasted among 13 national brands, Graeter’s was voted the #1 Vanilla Ice Cream by MyRecipes.com in 2019. Famous for their signature chocolate chips, the Cincinnati-based company remains family-owned and operated and continues to handcraft ice cream 2 1⁄2 gallons at a time. Today, Graeter’s currently has 56 retail stores and ships over 300,000 pints annually for online mail-order sales and corporate gifting. Graeter’s can also be found in more than 3,000 grocery stores in 46 states. Visitwww.graeters.com for more information.
The Cure Starts Now was started in honor of 6-year-old Cincinnati girl, Elena Desserich, and her battle with DIPG. With 48 chapters worldwide, The Cure Starts Now has quickly gained acclaim as one of the fastest growing cancer research charities and one of the first ones to advocate a homerun strategy for cancer research. Many experts believe that the lessons we learn from fighting pediatric brain cancer may in fact provide us the critical first step in winning the battle against all forms of cancer, both pediatric and adult. Since 2007, The Cure Starts Now has funded over $34 million in DIPG/DMG and Homerun Cure™ cancer research and support at institutions globally.
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.
