The first Key Event was held in 1994, predating the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty by five years, according to Karen Gibbs, director of programs and marketing for the foundation.
“The Key Event was started by Patti Alderson and Debbie Boehner, and a committee of volunteers, and initially benefited the Butler County Division of the American Cancer Society,” Gibbs said. “Patti and Debbie will be honored at this year’s Key Event for their vision and dedication to helping the community.”
The Key Event is a core fundraiser for the Community Foundation, she said. Proceeds from it, along with proceeds from the annual Shamrock Shuffle in March, allow the foundation to not only to award grants to organizations serving the West Chester/Liberty community but also to build a Community Grants Endowment Fund for future needs.
Each year the Foundation’s Board of Directors awards $100,000 in grants from the Community Grants Fund to nonprofit organizations serving our community. Past grantees include Reach Out Lakota, Boys & Girls Club of WCL, Big Brother Big Sisters, City Gospel Mission, PAWS Adoption Center, and Cancer Family Care among many others
“As a grassroots community foundation, fundraisers like The Key Event helped build the organization from the ground up,” Gibbs said.
This year’s event will include a cocktail party featuring a basket raffle, silent auction, Wall of Wine & Whiskey, a Roll the Dice game and, in keeping with the “key” theme, a Key Raffle for a chance to open one of five doors to reveal a prize worth $200 or more.
Dinner will be prepared by a team of premier chefs from the Cincinnati area, led by Chef John Zenk of the American Culinary Federation. After dinner, a premier Live Auction will showcase a variety of travel packages, local experiences, jewelry and more.
The event after party – Key Event After Dark – will kick off with fireworks at 9:30 p.m., followed by live music from The Company, late-night snacks from White Castle and Skyline Chili, a cigar bar, vodka popsicles and more, all included with an event ticket. Key Event After Dark-Only tickets are available for $50 a person.
The foundation expects a sell-out crowd of 450, Gibbs said.
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