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September 14, 2006
Back-to-school time is almost synonymous with cool new outfits for many kids, but returning to school in worn, tattered clothing can embarrass children whose parents can't afford new clothes.
That's why the Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati has participated for about a decade in Operation School Bell, a philanthropic project to provide new uniforms, shoes, socks, underwear, and hygiene kits for public and parochial students in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
Since the establishment of Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati, over $1.1 million dollars has been raised by members through a variety of events and activities. Total revenue has increased from a base of approximately $25,300 in the fiscal year 1997 to over $179,400 in 2006.
Each and every year, the portion of total funding from contributions and fundraising activities by the members has increased. Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati members raise money through a variety of activities including a major fundraiser event, numerous grant applications and a number of member directed and direct-mail activities.
Over the past six years, expenditures have totaled just over $937,700 with the majority of these directed to philanthropic programs. Moreover, the amount applied to programs and programs such as Operation School Bell® and Assault Survivor Kits® has increased steadily from $3,900 in 1997 to over $131,400 during the past fiscal year. Approximately 85% of all expenditures are directed to the philanthropic programs conducted by Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati.
I Wish
The cornerstone of the Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati's annual source of income for Operation School Bell is the "I Wish" direct mail campaign which was developed by Assistance League members. All funds raised are used to provide clothes and shoes to children in over 22 Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area elementary schools. The appealing face of a small boy pulling his backpack and a bright red star are featured on the project’s letterhead and campaign brochures which is only appropriate, since Operation School Bell supplies school uniforms to disadvantaged children.
Autumn Affair, the annual fall event for Assistance League was first held in 1996 as a ladies luncheon attended by 135 guests. The proceeds from the event totalled over $4,000.
The eleventh annual Autumn Affair, A Red Hot Affair, was held on November 11, 2006 at the Cincinnati Reds Baseball Team’s Reds Hall of Fame Museum. The evening started with a champagne reception, a tour of the Reds Baseball Hall of Fame, followed by a concert of the Winton Hills Academy Choir, oral and silent auctions and a buffet. Proceeds from the evening exceeded $52,000.
The 12th annual Autumn Affair is being planned for November 3, 2007 with the theme “An Evening at River Downs.” The event committee, led by members Kathie Doyle and Joanne Neumann, is busy gathering items for a series of silent auctions with categories including, The Food Court; That’s Entertainment; At Your Service; Kids, Kids, Kids; It’s a Guy Thing; and Creative Choices. A jewelry raffle, Baubles, Bline and Bebazzle will feature a collection of estate and donated jewelry items. An oral auction conducted by auctioneer, Jay Karp, will feature donated items and artwork from local artists. Some oral auction highlights include:
Four tickets to the 2008 Indy 500,
Vacation stays at Siesta Key, FL or a Michigan Cottage,
Two tickets to taping of the Emeril Live! tv show at Chelsea Market in New York City
A Private Dinner Party featuring food and wine, prepared and served by Assistance League members.
Hand decorated fountain square rededicated plaque from Rookwood Pottery
Others items are being gathered and will be announced later as they are acquired.
All money raised directly benefits the local community, as Assistance League is a non-profit organization.
This annual luncheon event, showcasing local authors was developed five years ago and is held each spring. Authors entertain guests with personal anecdotes and experiences. Following a late morning meal, authors spend time with guests and autograph their books.
The Sixth Annual Books & Brunch will be held on May 8, 2008 at Kenwood Country Club. Three confirmed guest speakers include illustrator Loren Long, who has a new picture book “Toy Boat” and a new chapter in the series “Barnstormers”, John Fleishman, author of “Black and White Airmen” and Brian Groh, a fiction writer and author of “Summer People”. The book sponsor is The Bookshelf in Madeira.
Authors at last year’s event were: Sharon Draper, Louise Borden, Katrina Kittle, and Paul Daugherty a sportswriter from the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Louise Borden has written numerous books for children including The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margaret and H. A. Rey. Sharon Draper read excerpts from her book Copper Sun , which she also shared at the 2006 National Book Festival in Washington D.C. by invitation of First Lady Laura Bush. Katrina Kittle won the 2006 Great Lakes Book Award for her book The Kindness of Strangers. Paul Daugherty’s book CHAD, I Can’t Be Stopped, tells of the life of local Cincinnati Bengal Chad Johnson. In 2006, the event was held at the Kenwood Country Club raising over $9,000.
In 2006 Assistance League developed and presented an opportunity drawing for two to attend the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. Chances were sold for a 2-day weekend package which included: 2 entrance passes to the Masters Final, 2 nights hotel with complimentary breakfast, 2 day car rental in Augusta, hospitality privileges at the 1018 Club, and parking. The winning ticket was drawn on March 1st. by University of Cincinnati Women’s Golf Team Coach. The winner of the Masters Golf Package was from Hamilton. Second place prize, a certificate for four to golf at the Heritage Club was awarded to a resident of Maineville, and a case of golf balls was awarded to a resident of Cincinnati as the third place prize. Approximately 200 tickets were sold with Assistance League raising over $11,500 to support their many philanthropic programs.
This year’s winning ticket will be drawn on March 6, 2008 at the Assistance League’s headquarters in Bond Hill. A maximum of 500 chances will be sold.
Financing for the varied philanthropic programs of Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati is always a challenge. A committee of members work throughout the year to create events, activities and donor programs to appeal to donors, members and supporter. The generous support of friends, donors, corporations and foundations enables Assistance League to continue to meet its philanthropic program commitments.
Assistance League member volunteers have developed grant writing into a major source of funding. Since 1996, grants awarded to Assistance League have exceeded $430,000, providing funds for philanthropic programs developed to meet the needs of women and children throughout greater Cincinnati.
The Charles H. Dater Foundation has been vital to the success of Operation School Bell and a major source of funding for the program over the years. The most recent grant awarded by this foundation was $60,000 for Operation School Bell for the current 2007 fall distribution.
The Stillson Foundation made a grant of $10,000 for use in Fall, 2007 Operation School Bell.
The Spaulding Foundation awarded a grant totaling $13,284 to be used for Assault Survivor and Domestic Violence Kits programs during the 2007-2008 fiscal year.
If you are interested in helping support this worthwhile organization or you know of grants that are available, please contact us at 513-221-4447, email algc@fuse.net or write to Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati, 4527 Reading Road, Suite B, Cincinnati, OH 45229
