By Stephanie Creech Hackett

Henry Winkler and volunteer Debbie Macke give lots of love to puppy Henry, a live auction item at the Springer School fund-raiser. (Philip Groshong photos)

Cincinnati's Springer School and Center hosted 450 guests at the Hilton Netherland Plaza, downtown, for "Here's to Henry," a fund-raiser featuring author and Happy Days' "The Fonz," Henry Winkler.

The event began with a patrons reception where 50 guests had the opportunity to meet and chat with Winkler. Guests also had a chance to meet a really live auction item, Henry, the Lab puppy named for the event's guest of honor.

"Here's to Henry," co-chaired by Jen and Ed Arbaugh and Patty and Tim Lufkin, also welcomed Ohio First Lady Hope Taft.

Following the patrons reception, an additional 400 guests joined the evening for silent and live auctions, dinner and a special presentation by Winkler.

Having struggled with learning disabilities early on, he spoke candidly of what it's like for a child to recognize that he learns differently. This topic is a common theme throughout Winkler's children's books. For all that he has done to raise awareness for childhood learning disabilities, Winkler was presented the "Spirit of Springer Award."

The event raised $110,000 for the Springer School and Center, the only organization in Greater Cincinnati whose program is devoted entirely to the education of elementary-aged children with learning disabilities.

Community dinner: The Friars Club

Richard Murgatroyd (left), Kentucky deputy secretary of transportation, greets honoree Rob Braun and his wife, Jennifer Braun

The Friars Club, with presenting sponsor the Franciscan Friars of the Province of St. John the Baptist, hosted its 32nd annual community dinner. Dayna Eubanks was emcee.

At the event chaired by Linda Nurre, the Francis Award was given to Harry Santon for his exemplary leadership in community service, and the Friars Award was given to Rob Braun for his dedication to and support of the Friars Club.

With nearly 200 guests attending, the evening raised $45,000 to support the Friars Clubs mission: to provide quality programs and services that assist lower-income and at-risk youth, their families and communities to develop strength, stability and self-sufficiency.

Night to Remember: Dress for Success

Lillian Jones-co-chair, Mary Ellen Cody-co-chair, Mary Ivers-founder & CEO of dress for success.

Dress for Success (DFS) hosted its Night to Remember March 6 in the ballroom of Music Hall. Event chair Mary Ellen Cody was pleased with the turnout of 400 guests, and everyone was more than happy to bid on auction items and a raffle prize of a year's lease on a BMW Mini Cooper, courtesy of the BMW Store.

Dress for Success founder Mary Ivers thanked the many hosts and hostesses for the evening who designed and decorated their own tables. They included Cody and Sue Rae Fleischer, with a helping hand from floral designer Dennis Buttelwerth; DFS board president Sharie Marek and Cynthia Muhlhauser; David Herriman and Billy Inabnitt.

Corporate table sponsors included CREW of Greater Cincinnati, Federated Department Stores Inc. & Lazarus-Macy's, KPMG, LLC; Melody Sawyer Richardson, Provident Bank and SC Ministry Foundation.

The evening raised $ 110,000 for DFS, which prepares women for the work force by providing them with the skills and wardrobe to successfully interview for and retain gainful employment.