Getting Involved

Tickets Now On Sale For The Art Auction at The Co

June 1, 2021 By Dayton Most Metro

The Contemporary Dayton’s 27^th Annual Art Auction, to be held onFriday, June 25, 2021 will be the first ticketed event to take place in the newly restored Rotunda in the historic Dayton Arcade. Guests will be greeted with a complimentary drink, have a designated seating area with a plate of nibbles for the table provided by Bernstein’s Catering, and two cash bars will be available. WDPR’s Shaun Yu will serve as the master of ceremonies, and auctioneer Doug Sorrell will host the always exciting

live auction. Dessert will be served in the The Co’s new galleries, which will also host a dance reception.

featuring the work of Dayton-area and nationally-known artists, delicious food and drink, music and friends, as well as MC Shaun Yu of WDPR and Auctioneer Doug Sorrell. The action-packed evening will be limited to 125 guests who may designate their seating preference to groups of 6, 4, 2, or individually, to ensure each ticket-buyer’s preference for safety and comfort.

General Admission Tickets for the LIVE Event are $75 for members and $90 for non-members for the event which will begin with a receptions at 6:30pm, program & auctions starts at 7:30pm. CLICK HERE to get tickets.

The artists whose work will be up for bid are some of Dayton’s most notable including Zachary Armstrong, Willis “Bing” Davis, Katherine Kadish, Evelyn Mahrt, Mychaelyn Michalec, Richard Malogorski, and Bruce Soifer. Additionally, The Co’s new curator, Michael Goodson, has added an impressive list of work from nationally-renowned artists including Ann Hamilton, Ohio resident and celebrated “sensory” and fabric installation artist; Donald Moffett, New York AIDS-era activist, designer, and celebrated painter; Carrie Moyer, New York artist and Whitney Biennial Alum, best known for her vividly-colored and textured abstract paintings; American photojournalist/photo-anthropologist, Bill Owens, whose 1973 book Suburbia is considered one of the seminal photobooks of the 20^st century and features, in newer editions, a forward essay by filmmaker Sofia Coppola; Detroit-based artist Beverly Fishman who creates powerful abstract paintings that address technology and the pharmaceutical industry; and Brooklyn painter, Fred Tomaselli, who is represented by one of his infamous silkscreens in which he colorfully reimagines the events of Hurricane Katrina on the front page of The New York Times. Each of these works will be accompanied by a monographic book signed by each artist.

Willis Bing Davis, Ancestral Spirit Dance #588, 2018, oil pastel, 40 x 32 in. Image: John Sousa

Simultaneously, The Co will present an Online Auction beginning on June 23 through June 27, 2021 with over 60 works of art that represent a curated selection of the most accomplished and compelling artists in the area, as well as a selection of virtual and in-person art encounters. Virtual art encounter packages include a Guided Watercolor Painting Lesson; Wine Tasting with Argentinian and Tuscan Selections; a Q&A with the elite of Broadway’s theatrical professionals; a Coaching-Vocal-Choreography Session; and a Grandmaster Chess Lesson. In-person packages include Glassblowing with Jim DeLange; a Custom Mural by Mural Machine; and Exclusive Columbus and Cincinnati Art Tour with The Co’s Curator. Viewing and bidding on artwork and experiences is available at no cost, but you must register to bid.

Katherine Kadish, Falling Flowers 16, 2012, wax monotype, 41 x 33 in. Image: John Sousa

Additionally, The Co will offer a Grand Prize Raffle for the chance to win the opportunity to host the first Cocktail Party in The Co’s New Galleries for up to 25 guests and includes select wines, craft beers, light bites, and music. Grand Prize Raffle Tickets are available now at The Co’s downtown location or at thecontemporarydayton.org and are $25 each or 5 for $100.

Over $40,000 Raised With CTW’s Men At Work Campaign

May 21, 2021 By Lisa Grigsby

Clothes That Work today shared the results of their 2021 Men at Work campaign following a special virtual awards celebration on Thursday, May 20, and named Tyler Greenwood, from The Greentree Group, the 2021 Clothes That Work Ambassador of the Year.

This year’s event featured 25 local businessmen and community leaders who campaigned as Role Models for votes to earn the honor of Clothes That Work’s Ambassador of the Year. Each vote purchased was a $5 donation to Clothes That Work, and people were encouraged to vote for their favorites. The men engaged in three weeks of themed competitions, and results were tallied to determine the overall winner.

The 2021 Role Models earned the most votes ever received during the annual Men At Work campaign. The men collectively secured 5,887 votes, and when combined with sponsorships and special event revenue, they raised just over $40,000 to support Clothes That Work’s programs and services. Greenwood took home the title of Ambassador of the Year by securing 2,266 votes and personally raising $11,330 for the organization…a new record from a Men At Work winner.

Mark Brewer

Additional awards were given to the weekly themed competition winners including:

Tyler Greenwood from The Greentree Group received the “First Impressions Award”
Mark Brewer from Retail Resource received the “Workplace Image Award”
Tyler Greenwood from The Greentree Group received the “Casually Cool Award”

“The dedication, enthusiasm and hard work from all of the Role Models helps us make a difference in the lives of our clients,” said Clothes That Work Executive Director Cindy Garner. “We raised over $40,000 making it our most successful campaign ever. Every dollar of the money raised goes directly to the Clothes That Work mission to clothe, educate and empower individuals to prepare them for employment success and help build a stronger Dayton workforce. This campaign inspires our job seekers and shows them that being a Role Model is attainable for them as well.” Men at Work was created seven years ago with a simple goal in mind: to engage men in the mission and vision of Clothes that Work. For years, the organization mostly served women, but today, men make up more than 58 percent of Clothes That Work clients. Collectively, Men at Work has generated over $190,000 to support the organization’s programs and services.

DAI To Host A Virtual Backyard Ball In Place of Art Ball

May 21, 2021 By Lisa Grigsby

The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) has announced a new at-home fundraising event, Backyard Ball, taking place on June 26. Featuring a special selection of appetizers, wines and special surprises in a commemorative Party Pack, this online fundraiser takes the place of the museum’s traditional Art Ball gala. The DAI made the decision not to hold Art Ball in 2021, for the safety of guests and staff, and began planning for Backyard Ball earlier in the spring.

“We are excited to present Backyard Ball, a fresh, new take on Art Ball! We know how much the community treasures Dayton’s oldest gala, and this format allows the museum’s friends and patrons to continue their support. Our Art Ball chairs, Ariel and Brian Walker, along with the members of our Associate Board, have created a fun and festive event to welcome the first days of summer,” said Dayton Art Institute Director & CEO Michael R. Roediger.

As with the traditional Art Ball, Backyard Ball will be themed around a featured artwork from the DAI collection. Event chairs Ariel and Brian Walker have chosen Janet Fish’s Embroidery from Uzbekistan (2008) as the featured artwork for Backyard Ball.

Backyard Ball Party Packs go on sale May 26, at www.daytonartinstitute.org/artball.

Two levels of Party Packs are available, Patron and Grand Patron. Each includes two bottles of wine, a specially designed cocktail-hour party box for two guests and access to an exclusive online party taking place on June 26. Grand Patron packages also include an additional bottle of sparkling wine and a floral centerpiece from The Flower Shoppe.Grand Patron Party Packs are $395 each and Patron Party Packs are $295.

Each Party Pack includes: Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc and Terre d’OroRosé; an appetizer box from Kohler Catering featuring various mini appetizers, charcuterie board and desserts; and access to the online party on June 26. The upgraded Grand Patron level includes a bottle of Mumm sparkling Rosé and a floral centerpiece from The Flower Shoppe, specifically inspired by the Backyard Ball featured artwork, Janet Fish’s Embroidery from Uzbekistan.

Backyard Ball also includes a Grand Draw Raffle, featuring five prize packages of gift cards valued at $1,000 or more. Each gift card was purchased by a DAI Associate Board member or DAI staff member from local Dayton businesses that usually donate gift cards to the Art Ball raffle.

Ariel Walker

“This year, we really wanted to show our support for our beloved Dayton businesses who generously donated to Art Ball in previous years,” said Ariel Walker, Backyard Ball chair. “We know local businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, and we just wanted to show the same generosity they’ve shown this event and the DAI.”

Raffle tickets are $50 each and can be purchased online atwww.daytonartinstitute.org/artball beginning May 26. A Party Pack does not have to be purchased in order to purchase raffle tickets. Raffle winners will be drawn on June 26.

“We hope that our museum friends will host a Backyard Ball of their own and celebrate the DAI as we reach the end of the pandemic. This fundraiser is vital to us coming out of the COVID-19 crisis financially sound and stronger than before,” Roediger said. “The exclusive online party will include music, wine tasting presentations and a special gallery tour of previous Art Ball featured artworks from the DAI’s collection, as well as many other surprises,” Roediger said.

Party Packs are only available for a very limited time and must be purchased in advance via the DAI website. Sales end June 16, with pickup taking place at the museum on Saturday, June 26, from 3 to 5 p.m. This is a pickup-only event; Party Packs cannot be shipped. The DAI will announce additional details about Party Pack pickup in early June. The online party begins at 8 p.m. on June 26.

All proceeds from this new fundraiser help benefit operations at the Dayton Art Institute.

Party Pack and Grand Draw Raffle purchasers must be at least 21 years old and residents of the state of Ohio. Participants who place orders are asserting that they are 21 years old or more and are Ohio residents. Participants must produce a valid photo identification, including proof of Ohio residency and age, when picking up Party Packs. No exceptions will be made.

The Dayton Art Institute collection galleries are open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For more information about planning a visit, go towww.daytonartinstitute.org or call 937-223-4ART (4278).

The Great TRI Horse Race

May 3, 2021 By Lisa Grigsby

The Therapeutic Riding Institute‘s mission is “to enhance the quality of life for children and adults that have a variety of challenges by providing accredited therapeutic equine experiences in a safe, fun and compassionate environment.” The riding therapy program contains six learning components: mounting, warm up, lesson, exercise, games and dismounting. Riders learn basic skills by learning to ride a horse. Students benefit from physical activity, mental stimulation, extended communication opportunities and new peer relationships. The experiences carry over into the students’ every day activities by giving them confidence to try new challenging experiences.

To help further their mission and inspire some friendly competition among local businesses, asking them to “adopt” a horse for The Great TRI Horse Race and fundraise for their keep. You’ve got til May 21st, 2021 at 11:59pm to help these horses cross the finish line.

Here’s the line up for the race with current standings:

Visit one of the participating business, like Warped Wing Barrel Room & Smokery in Springboro and you’ll see this horseshoe on the bar. Scan the QR code to “bet” on their horse Chance and contribute to TRI. Donors who contribute will receive a TRI pint glass koozie.

DAI Announces New At-Home Tasting Event!

March 23, 2021 By Dayton Most Metro

The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) has announced a new at-home tasting event, Pop, Fizz, Clink!, taking place on May 1.

Featuring sparkling wines, beers, hard seltzers and special surprises in a commemorative Party Pack, this online fundraiser takes the place of the popular Bourbon & Bubbles tasting event, which will not be held in 2021 due to the pandemic.

“While we are eager to welcome everyone back to in-person events at the museum, we felt it would be best to take a safe and cautious approach this spring,” said Dayton Art Institute Director & CEO Michael R. Roediger. “Building on the success of last year’s Virtual Oktoberfest fundraiser, our team has created what promises to be a unique and fun at-home event. You won’t want to miss this chance to sample some unique beverages and join us for an exclusive online party.”

Pop, Fizz, Clink! Party Packs are on sale now at www.daytonartinstitute.org/popfizzclink.

They include three bottles of wine, two beer selections and two specialty hard seltzers, plus special treats and access to an exclusive online party taking place on May 1. Upgraded VIP Party Packs are also available and include additional treats and gourmet goodies!

Party Packs are priced at $90 for museum members and $100 for non-members. Each Party Pack includes: Campo Viejo cava, Yulupa sparkling and Chole prosecco; New Belgium Dominga Mimosa Sour and Deschutes Obsidian Stout; Press Seltzer and Vizzy Lemonade; one bag of turtle pecan sea salt gourmet popcorn from the American Classic Snack Company; and access to the online party on May 1.

Upgraded VIP Party Packs are priced at $140 for museum members and $150 for non-members. In addition to the items included in the Party Pack, the VIP upgrade includes: a six-piece chocolate box from Winan’s Chocolates + Coffee; an additional bag of bourbon beer cheese gourmet popcorn from the American Classic Snack Company; and two cupcakes in a jar from Twist Cupcakery, which was recently named best cupcakes in the state by MSN and East This Not That.

“The exclusive online party will include music, beer and wine tasting presentations, and many other surprises,” Roediger said. “And of course, it only makes sense to include a ‘virtual tour’ of POP Art in the museum’s collection, presented by our own Chief Curator and Director of Education, Dr. Jerry Smith. The tour will serve as a great tie-in to our upcoming Special Exhibition, Changing Times: Art of the 1960s, which opens later in May.”

Party Packs are only available for a very limited time and must be purchased in advance via the DAI website. Sales end April 14, with pickup taking place Saturday, May 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a pickup-only event; Party Packs cannot be shipped. The DAI will announce additional details about Party Pack pickup later in April. The online party begins at 7 p.m. on May 1.

Pop, Fizz, Clink! is made possible with sponsorship support from Bonbright Distributors, Dayton International Airport, Enterprise Roofing & Sheet Metal, Heidelberg Distributing and White Allen European Auto Group, with special thanks to American Classic Snack Company, Twist Cupcakery and Winan’s Chocolates + Coffees.

All proceeds from this new fundraiser help benefit operations at the Dayton Art Institute.

“I hope everyone will take the opportunity to sip and savor, while helping support the museum as we begin the difficult process of recovering from financial impact of the pandemic,” Roediger added. “If you’re not a drinker, you can also go to the Pop, Fizz, Clink! page on our website, make an online donation to the event, and you will get access to the May 1^st online party!”

Party Pack purchasers must be at least 21 years old and residents of the state of Ohio. Participants who place orders are asserting that they are 21 years old or more and are Ohio residents. Participants must produce a valid photo identification, including proof of Ohio residency and age, when picking up packages. No exceptions will be made.

The Dayton Art Institute collection galleries are open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For more information about planning a visit, go to www.daytonartinstitute.org or call 937-223-4ART (4278).

The Rubi Girls present “The Show Must Go On” virtually

November 25, 2020 By LIbby Ballengee

The Rubi Girls in the “Show Must Go On 2020” at The Brightside

Every nonprofit has had to pivot their fundraisers to online events, and The Rubi Girls are no exception. The group has awarded millions to a variety of local charities, and they’re determined to keep giving, especially now, when the need is greatest.

The Rubi Girl’s annual Thanksgiving production “The Show Must Go On” will be presented online on Saturday November 28th at 7:30pm and will also be accessible anytime after it starts.

The Rubi Girls were formed over 35 years ago, when a small group of friends started putting on drag shows for their own amusement. They later became a 501c3 dedicated to helping others. They’ve truly shown that giving to others can be outrageously fun and rewarding!

The tickets to the virtual performance and fundraiser are $25, which comes with your own copy of the 2021 Rubi Girls calendar. Calendars can be shipped anywhere in the US or picked up at the Rubi Girls Clubhouse on Friday November 27th from 11-2pm or Saturday November 28th from 11-2pm.

TO BUY TICKETS: https://www.therubigirls.com/shop

Justice on Tap!

October 4, 2020 By Lisa Grigsby

Justice on Tap! a virtual event, will highlight locally produced craft beer and a sampling of wines that guests can enjoy in the comfort of their homes. Join in the event on Thursday, October 8, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Nick Bowman of Warped Wing Brewing Company and Patrick Thimons of The Dayton Beer Company will showcase their craft beer and taprooms. Rob Vonderbrink of Heidelberg Distributing will provide advice on making wine selections. Rob Russell of Russell Total Wealth and Wellness will be our emcee for the evening.

The event will benefit Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc., Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc., and the Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project. The nonprofit organizations provide free legal assistance to individuals facing domestic violence, elder abuse, disability concerns, housing, veterans, special education, unemployment benefits, consumer and immigration issues.

Purchase tickets and be entitled to a sampling of beer and wine that can be picked up in Dayton in advance. General admission: $50. Discounted admission: $25 for students and new attorneys (0-2 years). Take a chance on raffle items, too, for $5 a chance or $10 for three entries.

Make reservations online.

Help Pets in Need Through the Virtual Furry Skurry

September 1, 2020 By Dayton Most Metro

Dust off those capes, grab your pet and go the distance with us! The animals are calling, and they need your help! For the 29^th annual Furry Skurry, we are all staying safe and staying socially distant by taking all the fun and turning it into a month-long, action-packed virtual event.

Join the Humane Society of Greater Dayton as we train together, stay motivated together and build a community with other walking and running pet lovers! The ultimate mission, to raise awareness and much-needed funds to help the homeless animals that need our help right here in the Miami Valley.

REGISTER ONLINE NOW AT WWW.HSDAYTON.ORG/FS

“The Virtual Furry Skurry is an excellent time to safely get out in the fresh air and start moving all while supporting the animals,” said Brian Weltge, President & CEO of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. “The wonderful thing about this year’s all virtual event is that you can join in on the fun no matter where you are in the world.”

Since this year’s event runs for the entire month of September, it looks slightly different than previous years. Instead of doing the typical 5K race, we have a new goal in mind – walking 25,000 miles overall! In just five years, it is estimated that the Humane Society of Greater Dayton has impacted the lives of 25,000 animals here in the Dayton community. As we come together to celebrate those animals who got their second chances, we ask you to help us reach our goal of walking (or running) 25,000 miles overall throughout the month of September in honor of the next 25,000 animals who will need us to be their voice and provide them with the love and care they deserve.

Despite being a virtual event, participants can still feel like part of the Furry Skurry community. We have a Virtual Furry Skurry Group on Facebook where they can engage and interact with other participants. In addition, we will have weekly contests, tips and more to keep people motivated throughout the month. We will also mail each registered person their participant swag, so they don’t miss out on any of the fun goodies that come along with being a part of the event’s festivities.

“This is a great way to come together with your family to help a good cause,” said Weltge. “You can build a team, challenge friends and coworkers or just get out and move with your favorite pet. No matter how you choose to move, the end result will be that you are helping to raise awareness and support the animals in our care and for that you are a superhero in our eyes!”

To participate in this event, visit www.hsdayton.org/FS. Participants can register at any point from now through the end of September.

Where Do the Funds Go?

All proceeds raised from this event help care for the homeless animals at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton receives no government funding and relies solely on the donations of individuals, companies and grants to run nearly all of the programs and services it offers to the community. They are dedicated to building loving relationships between people and pets. Founded 118 years ago, it is a no-kill animal shelter and the oldest, most-established animal welfare agency in the area. It focuses on pet adoptions, eliminating pet overpopulation, providing education and ensuring the humane treatment of animals. For more information about the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, call (937) 268-PETS (7387) or visit www.hsdayton.org.

FREE 10-week Program Will Take Your Business From Idea to Launch

April 6, 2020 By Dayton Most Metro

Launch Dayton will run its upcoming Early Risers Academy cohorts virtually in an effort to support our local business owners and entrepreneurs as our community collectively works to halt the spread of COVID-19.

Our 10-week Early Risers Academy program is completely free. The program is designed to take aspiring entrepreneurs from idea to launch, or to help newer small business owners plan & train to successfully pivot or scale. Entrepreneurs of all genders, colors & creeds are welcome.

The next general cohort will launch April 7 and run through June 9, and a tech cohort will launch April 8 & run through June 10. If there is enough interest, we will launch additional cohorts in April to meet the need.

The program utilizes Kauffman FastTrac curriculum from the Kauffman Foundation, the country’s preeminent entrepreneurship-building organization. Aspiring founders will receive pitch coaching and hands-on mentoring, weekly discussions with successful entrepreneurs and experts, access to Dayton’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, & alumni support after graduating the academy.

The tech cohort will be run by reps from Converge Technologies, an engineering and business advisory firm that helps companies with development and commercialization of novel technologies. This focused cohort will offer additional experts on topics such as prototype development and how to design to appeal to end users and for large-scale manufacturing.

Applicants should be able to commit at least 4-6 hours per week to coursework for the duration of the academy.

Each program will conclude with a pitch event in which one graduate from each cohort will win $1,000 to infuse into their business. Pitch events will be organized by partners of Launch Dayton, a collaborative effort to connect entrepreneurs to peers, resources, and supporters, and to tell the stories of our region’s thriving startup community.

“We are intentionally carving out space for minority founders and business owners to access resources that help build solid foundations and provide hands-on support in order to create successful businesses,” program manager KeAnna Daniels said. “We are committed to reaching non-tech and historically under-represented founders who haven’t always felt seen in Dayton’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Apply here.

Early Risers Academy is supported by Launch Dayton partner organizations Wright State Research Institute and The Entrepreneurs Center with their respective grant funds through the US Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment and Ohio Third Frontier’s Entrepreneurial Services Provider Program.