National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Freedom Center capital campaign co-chair John Pepper (left), Essence magazine editorial director Susan Taylor and Freedom Center president Ed Rigaud. Jeff Swinger photo

A crowd of 1,200 gathered at Saks Fifth Avenue, downtown, to share their enthusiasm for the late-summer opening of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

Saks, in conjunction with Essence magazine, presented an evening of good food and previews of the Freedom Center's displays. On hand were Saks Fifth Avenue CEO Brad Martin and Essence editorial director Susan Taylor.

Expressing their gratitude to Freedom Center supporters and donors were its president, Ed Rigaud; director, Spencer Crew; and capital campaign co-chair, John Pepper. They also introduced the Freedom Center's newest spokesperson, singer-actress Vanessa L. Williams.

Visiting Nurse Association 2004 Caring Awards

Family members of Joyce Holmes, who posthumously was presented a Caring Award, include (from left) her husband, Bud Holmes; Stephen Holmes; Christy Kaeser; Lisa Holmes and John Holmes.

The 2004 Caring Awards were presented by the Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Retired Procter & Gamble executive David Walker was recognized for his help in gaining support for VNA in the 1990s when home health care agencies were failing, and the late Joyce Holmes was honored for her leadership and volunteerism. Holmes' award was accepted by her sons, John and Stephen.

Elizabeth Kuresman and Kathy Gottschlich co-chaired this year's event, which attracted 220 guests to the Phoenix's grand ballroom and raised more than $58,000 for VNA.

VNA provides home health care to the indigent, the uninsured and the underinsured.

SPCA Best In Show Benefit

Event chair Moe Rouse (left) with actress and animal lover Loretta Swit, the master of ceremonies.

It was two years in the making, and two weekends in the happening. The SPCA Best In Show benefit treated animal lovers to two opportunities to support its cause.

The benefit kicked off with a dog show at the Ohio National Guard Armory in North Avondale. The show featured such categories as World's Largest Dog, World's Smallest Dog and Best Dressed. Celebrity judges included Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken, Cincinnati Zoo CEO Gregg Hudson and former Cincinnati Mayor Roxanne Qualls.

The next week, a Best In Show gala welcomed 700 guests to the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. The rotunda was filled with brilliantly decorated tables featuring a variety of doggie digs. Guests enjoyed dinner-by-the-bite as they perused the silent auction.

Serving as chairman for the two-part event was Moe Rouse, assisted by top dog Jennifer Gibson.

Former M*A*S*H star Loretta Swit, a well-known advocate for animal rights, served as master of ceremonies. Auctioneer Hannah Buchanan presided over the sale of such items as a signed Wegman print and a "Barkmitvah" brunch from Jeff Thomas Catering. Ticket sales, auctions and the support of sponsors such as Iams, Cinergy, Time Warner Cable and Subaru of Beechmont generated a profit of $125,000 for the SPCA Cincinnati.