Emcee Pete Delkus (left) chats with French Harmon, pastor of Fort Mitchell Baptist Church. (Photos by Philip Groshong/The Cincinnati Enquirer)

Beechwood Elementary's Debbie Muth and Beechwood High's Bob Burnett check to see if their keys will unlock the jewelry box.

Co-chairs Todd Slagle and Therese Anne Matthews don some of memorabilia up for auction.

Oldenburg Brewery in Fort Mitchell was site of a benefit for the Roger P. Slagle Memorial Fund. Slagle, principal at Sellman Middle School in Madeira who died unexpectedly in October, was well known for his special way with children. Slagle was extremely involved in Fort Mitchell Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, taught classes and was actively involved with the youth group.

A celebration of Slagle's life, the benefit hosted more than 1,400 guests and included music, raffles and a silent auction. Emcee was Channel 9 weatherman Pete Delkus.

The evening raised more than $130,000. All proceeds will go to Slagle's wife, Heather, their two daughters, Leighann and Rebecca, and a baby boy due in April.

Committee members included Lissa Fleming, Darrell Andress, Lisa and Chris Hilberg, Jeanne and John Gulick, Kathy and George Hurst and Gretchen and Todd Slagle (Roger Slagle's brother).