Santa Maria celebrated its 121st year on December 2nd at its annual Birthday Brunch. The fundraiser, featuring a live and silent auction, raised funds for the continuance of its free programs and services, which serve nearly 4,000 individuals annually.
Santa Maria honored Meghan Cummings, Executive Director of The Women’s Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, with the Sister Blandina Segale Award, which pays tribute to the life of Santa Maria’s founder. The agency also presented Erin Childs, Executive Director of ProBono Partnership of Ohio, with the Organization Award, recognizing the organization’s countless hours of free legal services to Santa Maria and other nonprofits.
This year’s live auction featured unique experiences, including a private plane ride and lunch for two, a one-week resort stay in Asheville, North Carolina, Reds Diamond seats, lunch with Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune, A night at the Lyric Opera of Chicago including dinner and two-night stay, lunch with Cincinnati Ballet Artistic Director, Victoria Morgan, and Police Chief for a day. Santa Maria Board Member, Mike Gentry, and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Director of Media Communications, Diana Lara, emceed this year’s event.
Santa Maria would like to thank those who participated in this year’s Birthday Brunch, and those who helped to make the event possible. A special thanks to Santa Maria’s Presenting Sponsor, Nehemiah Manufacturing.
