Events & News

Though enveloped in candlelight and smooth jazz, the energy in the room was absolutely palpable! The Children’s Heart Association of Cincinnati celebrated, and we mean celebrated, our 75^th birthday at the Queen City Club on October 2^nd. A perfect prototype of the cliché “it takes a village”, our guest list included all who join our mission to advance pediatric cardiology – trustees of CHAoC, faculty and staff of the esteemed Heart Institute/Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, patients and their families, devoted donors, as well as administrative and tech support friends.

Aside from the appetizers, desserts and ambiance, special highlights of the evening:

– Janet Davis, Board Member extraordinaire, sharing her personal loss as well as the progress made in the field of pediatric cardiology over 75 years – AMAZING!

– Dr. Tom Kimball, Heart Institute Medical Director, offering a few words on the necessary support CHAoC provides the Heart Institute and introducing his Heart Institute colleagues to all of our guests.

– Zak Katchman, Jodie Walter and Andrew Donnellon relaying their inspiring journey of growing up (all now in their 20’s) with a congenital heart defect.

– Julie Balzano, Trustee, parent of two children born with CHD, and support group leader, touched on the fact that after losing her daughter and then raising her son with CHD, great progress has been made but there is still much work to be done.

CHAoC President Michael Katchman in concluding remarks honored three Trustees of the CHAoC Board who have contributed a combined 106 years of service to CHAoC:

Janet Davis – 45 years

Bonnie Paul – 31 years

Sallie Sumerel – 30 years

Serving as Officers and spearheading fundraisers, each Trustee has given and continues to give of her time, talent and treasures to our cause. Thank you ladies and don’t even think of resigning!

The party could’ve been easily mistaken for a mutual admiration society event, as each guest plays a vital role in the hearts of children.

We’d like to give special thanks to our sponsors: AAA/Bob Sumerel Tires and Jones the Florist. We would also like to thank Trustee Charlene Pfingstag and the musicians from CCM.