New Perceptions Spring Gala

Author Jim Claypool signs a copy of his book on the history of Latonia and Turfway race tracks for Gloria and John Goering.

While the horses may not have been running at Turfway Park late last month, the thrill of thoroughbred horse racing was very much present there when R.C. and Deborah J. Durr, Robert W. and Nancy A. Zapp and Wilbert L. and Helen R. Ziegler hosted New Perceptions Inc.'s (NPI) second annual Spring Gala - "A Salute to Seabiscuit and Human Perseverance."

This year's event raised more than $75,000 to support programs and services offered to children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental retardation.

"You don't throw a whole life away just 'cause it's banged up a little," a fitting line from the movie Seabiscuit, illustrates the spirit of the special needs children and adults of NPI.

The pre-Derby event was a celebration of Kentucky's racing tradition, and featured a menu of Kentucky flavors, such Kentucky burgoo and mint juleps, and a silent auction and "ArtAbilities," art created by the special needs adults of NPI. The 240 guests donning Derby attire also enjoyed a raffle for $1,000 cash or a diamond bracelet donated by Herzog Jewelers.

Sponsors included the Bank of Kentucky, Lincoln Financial Advisors; Reed L. Coen; Karlo's Bistro Italia; Graydon Head & Ritchey, LLP; Budweiser/Chas. Seligman Distributing Co.; Cinergy Foundation; Connective Computing nc.; Paul Hemmer Companies; ISOC.NET; Kustom Group; Promark Company/OI Partners; Stith, Wimsatt & Associates, CPAs; Strauss & Troy, LPA; GBBN Architects; L&N Federal Credit Union; Meridian Bioscience Inc.; Gateway Community and Technical College and Horse Hats.

Zeloso Catalogue Project

Artist and hostess Mary Baskett with Anthony "Tony" Luensman and his work "Overblown Piano."

Artist Mary Baskett opened the gallery in the magnificent Mount Adams home she shares with husband Bill to fellow artist Anthony "Tony" Luensman's Zeloso Catalogue Project. Luensman was the only Cincinnati artist featured in the inaugural exhibition of the Lois and Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art (CAC).

The Zeloso Catalogue Project is an effort to fund a catalog for Luensman's works, including "Overblown Piano," "Toy Pipe Organ," "Singin' and Ringin' Chandelier," "Paavo's Hands," "BicycleHornSpeaker(s)" and "Steel Drums."

A highlight of the evening was installation of the "Overblown" Piano in the living room of the Basketts' home. Also featured at the gathering were Luensman's photographic images and anecdotes from his winter residency at the Taipei Artist Village and the preview of "Ersilla," his first solo international exhibition, commissioned by the Museum of Contemporary Art in Taipei.

Some 80 guests enjoyed the special exhibition and helped raise $5,000 for the Zeloso Catalogue Project.

Humana Relations Committees Dinner

Flanking keynote speaker Andrew Cuomo are Cecil Thomas (left) and Arthur Shriberg.

The Netherland Plaza Hotel was site for Cincinnati Humana Relations Committees' annual awards dinner and benefit. This year's dinner chair was Dr. Arthur Shriberg. Co-chairs included Kathy and Robert L. Bell Jr., Julieta and Anthony Simms, Marian and Donald Spencer and Sally Lloyd and Dr. Andrew Wong. Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis was the evening's honorary chair. Andrew Cuomo, former secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, spoke.

The committee's Merlin Pope Jr. Award, presented to individuals or corporations who embrace and promote diversity, were awarded to Lynwood Battle Jr. and Chad P. Wick. Battle has worked behind the scenes for more than 20 years promoting inclusion and respect for differences. Wick is working to expand the world of education for anyone who wants to learn.

The Etherlie Harper Award, presented to one person in the community who has promoted harmonious, positive inter-group relations and has demonstrated leadership in the activities that promote equality and fairness, was given to Doreen Quinn, whose charitable contributions have assisted the committee, Friends of Women's Studies, Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, Stonewall Cincinnati, Women's Health Advocacy Project, Planned Parenthood and Community Shares.

Through generous sponsorships and attendance by more than 330 guests, the evening raised about $30,000 for CHRC.