A record crowd turned out for Zoofari, a celebration of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Zoofari’s mix of high-energy fun, animal encounters (Who knew about pottos?), dinner by the bite, specialty cocktails, silent auctions, celebrities, music and dancing make it the “wildest” party in town and the Zoo’s signature event. The 29th annual Zoofari was chaired by Deanna and Bob Castellini and presented by Great American Insurance Group.

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So what’s a Rockin’ Lobster Party? It’s a benefit for The Children’s Home of Cincinnati. And, as usual, the popular end-of-summer party on the Children’s Home grounds featured whole Maine lobster, filet mignon, open bar, live music and dancing, as well as silent and live auctions. More than 700 people attended this year’s event, chaired by Lindsay Reynolds.

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The Newport Aquarium served as the backdrop for the Fifth Annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction sponsored by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of Southwest Ohio. Proceeds from the event will go to medical research, patient support and legislative advocacy for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Photos: Amy Stephens

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Stepping Stones’ seventh annual Bloom garden party burst through its $100,000 goal, drawing 400 guests and raising more than $135,000 for services for children and adults with disabilities. Special honoree was Fred Fischer, longtime board member, three-time board president and Stepping Stones champion. Susie and Neil Bortz hosted the tented gala at their Indian Hill home. Kit Duval was chair. The evening featured tapas dining from 19 restaurants and caterers, dancing to the sounds of Stays in Vegas, Bloom cocktails, and live and silent auctions. Presenting sponsors were Gail and Fred Fischer, Kay and Kroger Pettengill, and Sugar Creek Packing Co. Bloom is Stepping Stones’ major fund raiser. Stepping Stones serves close to 1,000 children and adults with disabilities at program sites in Indian Hill and Batavia.

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