My firm, Schiff, Kreidler-Shell, was a Bronze sponsor of the 2008 Ronald McDonald House Red Tie Gala at the Hyatt Regency downtown Cincinnati. I had the honor of representing our agency. Melissa and I took some of our best friends, Steve & Cindy, and we spent the evening with some of our agency clients.

Melissa and I agree that it was simply the best charity event we have ever attended. It was all class and tons of fun. Great food, spectacular band, and a bunch of great Cincinnati movers and shakers with charitable hearts. The House does such amazing and meaningful work for children and their families. Some of the people that have benefited from The House spoke to the crowd of over 500 and it really touched our hearts.

The live and silent auctions featured some of the most incredible adventures and items that I’ve ever seen. Some of the highlights for me: A day at the Porsche Driving School; 7 Days in an luxury vacation home in Sanibel Island; private flight to Chicago for a day of shopping on the Magnificent Mile. Someone donated a fur coat that generated over $9,000. The neatest thing is that the live auction began with people “bidding” to simply fund days, weeks, and even months for families in need…and the bidders receive nothing in return. I bid as high as could on the Chicago experience, but dropped out at the second to last bid.

Flickr pictures from the event

If you are looking for a cause, I strongly encourage you to take a look at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati and consider donating your time and money for a strong, trustworthy, and high-impact group.