The 15 to 20 volunteers, working with the United Way campaign, helped paint dorm rooms at the shelter.

The volunteers took a day off work with their children to do the project Wednesday. This was the second straight year the GE employees have volunteered to help at the 23-year-old shelter.

The shelter serves the needy in Butler, Warren, Hamilton and Clermont counties. It does not accept government funding and is one of the few that welcomes children.

The GE employees brought with them all the supplies and paint needed to do the job and provided lunch for shelter clients that day.

XU says thanks

The Rev. Michael Graham, Xavier University president, calls Michael J. Conaton an example of what Xavier does at its very best.

Conaton, a 1955 Xavier graduate and outgoing chairman of the university board of trustees, received the Xavier University Founder's Day award Thursday. The award was given for his outstanding commitment to the university and his dedicated service to the Cincinnati community.

Graham said Conaton is someone who Xavier grads should strive to emulate.

"It is hard to single out one contribution as Mike's greatest," Graham said. "The transformation of this university from 1972 until now is phenomenal, and Mike has been there every step of the way."

Conaton also serves as an executive in residence in Xavier's Williams College of Business.

He came to Xavier in 1951 on a football scholarship. He recently retired as president and vice chairman of the Midland Co.

Conaton was chairman of the XU board of trustees since 1986. He is being replaced by Joseph A. Pichler, retired chairman and CEO of Kroger Co.

The father of four children, two stepsons and 10 grandchildren, Conaton lives in Mount Lookout with his wife, Nancy.

Music program

A benefit piano program for children in pre-kindergarten through third grade will take place at 6 p.m. Friday at the Schiel PSAE Gymnasium, 2821 Vine St., Corryville.

The program is run by the Music Institute, created to offer music programs to students in urban public schools who might not have the opportunity to take music education in their schools.

The benefit will feature vocalist/pianist Sharon Early-McCullom and pianist Steve Mason.

"Cincinnati youth now have an alternative to after-school cartoons, video games and idleness," said Early-McCullom. "

Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Children 3 and under are free. All ticket proceeds for the benefit concert will assist program participant's tuition fees for the 2004-2005 school year.

For more information, call (513) 281-3924.

Giving back

Eighteen people reached a total of 10 gallons or more in blood and platelet donations Sept 9-21 and were honored by the Hoxworth Blood Center.

Donald C. Wesley, of Delhi Township headed the list of donors, reaching the 40-gallon milestone. Joe K. Smith, of Florence, reached 36 gallons.

Beverly T. Dorenbusch, Loveland, 25; Tom H. Ohren, Amberley Village, 22; and Harold E. Pietz, Forest Park, 19.

Three people reached the 16-gallon level: Mark C. Meckes, West Chester, Gordon A. McNeill, Corinth, Ky., and John C. Flohr, Monfort Heights.

Kenneth L. Hamilton, White Oak, has given 14. At 13 gallons were Robert S. Pollitt, Amelia, and Kenneth A. Heile, Symmes Township.

Steven J. Phelan, Anderson Township, and Dwight N. Lockwood, Mount Lookout, both have dontated 12 gallons. Joan N. Wurtenberger, Crestview Hills, Ky., and Gregory Presnall, Mason, have donated 11 gallons each.

At 10 gallons were Albert G. Campbell, Anderson Township, David J. Lindermann, Fort Wright, and Mainerd R. Sorensen, Green Township.

Kids care

More than 500 students from Springdale Elementary School participated Friday in a Kids Walk to Cure Diabetes.

The walk wrapped up a three-week educational and fund-raising drive to raise awareness about diabetes.

The Kids Walk to Cure Diabetes worked in conjunction with the Taking an Interest in Everyone program.