"Cheers" by Angie

Been noodling on what I could use as a theme for my new blog.
There's nothing new under the sun, and not too much that's interesting to read about.

But it did occur to me that I know lots of folks that I would like to recognize for one thing or another--you've heard of Angie's List--this will be "Cheers by Angie" or some such thing.

 I will start with a cheer for Debbie Oliver and Helen Heekin. I attended a lovely preview party last night in a fabulous Covington penthouse that overlooks what will become the Cincinnati Riverfront Park. Five years ago Debbie and Helen decided to appeal to a group of women to help raise $1,000,000 to get things rolling for the park. While a cool mil sounds like a lot, it is only a drop in the bucket for a project like this.
However, that drop in the bucket campaign has served as a terrific marketing and public relations vehicle. The intial ante of $1000 sounded like a lot at the time, but I am so glad I agreed to be one of the founders.

For five years now, the "Women's Committee," chaired by Debbie and Helen has gathered each spring for a "Hats Off" Luncheon with proceeds going to the Riverfront Park.  We have dined on an asphalt parking lot beside the stadium and several times at Ault Park. This May 26 the luncheon will be held on top of the new garage adjoining the Banks. Attendance has always been several hundred, and I believe the goal for this year will be 500.  Very fun to see all the ladies decked out in colorful spring hats! Some of our more creative citizens have come up with some very lavish or very outlandish toppers!

The dream park is really starting to take shape! Willie Cardin, Park Board Director, was beside himself with joy last night as he described what the park will look like. He was like a little kid in a candy store as he looked out from the terrace of the penthouse, pointing out the 45 acres that will span from the steamboat monument down to Paul Brown Stadium.  He plans to have a concert there that will be free to residents of the city the day after the luncheon. We'll have the tent up--why not just continue the party, he said.

So, thanks to Debbie and Helen I now own a new silk scarf that shows the park design. (This is their latest scheme for raising moolah) The $100 scarves will be offered for sale at the luncheon (and probably for some time to come). Watch for them around the necks of lovely ladies all over town. Not sure I will wear mine, as I'm not too partial to large square scarves around my neck, but I may frame it and put it up in my basement as a memento of a great idea I had the privilege to be a part of.

Debbie and Helen, many thanks from the citizens of the entire tri-state for your vision and tireless work to add such a legacy of beauty to the Queen City!

Anyone have a hat I can borrow if you don't plan to go?

Take a look at the plans at the cincinnatiriverfrontpark website!