Mr. and Mrs. Cincinnati

Today's cheer goes out to long-time friends Marty and Tom Humes. Many of my facebook friends know this dynamic duo---if there was a Mr. and Mrs. Cincinnati award, they would be strong contenders! They have lived in Cincy all their married lives (since the early 70's) and richly contibuted to the quality of life in Greater Cincinnati. 

Tom was a fraternity brother of my husband's in the 70's (Delta Tau Delta). Marty and I became friends through the guys. Match a Mr. Bearcat (yes, Tom actually wore that hot furry costume at all the UC football games and ran around cheering for the 'Cats) with a Purdue Homecoming Queen and you get a couple that loves to plan and host events that bring people together for a good cause. These guys know how to throw a party!!!!

I'm not even going to try to list all the many things they have done--I encourage you to google them for that.  Marty has been very active in the Jr. League, chairing numerous fundraising events, including the Festival of Trees and the Capital Campaign to purchase Columbia Center. Together with many volunteers, we raised $1,500,000 in the 80's to buy the former Columbia Auction House, now used as the Jr. League headquarters, and available for meeting space for non-profits as well as many community events. http://www.jlcincinnati.org/cincinnati/npo.jsp?pg=about3

Other highlights include Tall Stacks and Dress for Success. There have been many, many more, so Marty is highly sought after for her skill in leading event planning. She was President of the Cincinnati Women's Club not long ago and currently serves on the Playhouse and Park Boards.

Likewise, Tom, a very successful businessman as CEO of Great Traditions, has been involved in so much for the good of the community. His loyalty to UC lives on as he is now on the UC Board of Directors, and will soon lead the dedication of the brand new beautiful Delta Tau Delta house on Clifton Avenue. 

They have received many honors in the community;  Marty was a Cincinnati Enquirer Woman of the Year, Tom, UC honoree, and many more. But my goal is not to list all their achievements! You can see those at www.hamiltoncountyohio.gov/hcrpc/partner/.../tom%20humes.pdf  and
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090203/LIFE/90305003/Marty-Roberts-Humes

Rather, I am cheering them for their leadership style. When Marty agrees to chair something, she has no trouble identifying an army of volunteers to help. Why? First and foremost, because she chooses causes that are worthy. Then, she gets on the phone and asks people to come alongside in whatever capacity they can. Those of us who have worked with her know when we get the call we will enjoy helping because it will be fun, creative and successful. She recruits enough people for each event to make the workload manageable. She understands that volunteers need options and flexibility. However, SHE puts in countless hours at all levels. When you volunteer for cleanup, you know Marty will be alongside you pushing the broom.

How many people do you know who have a huge moosehead hanging over their elegant fireplace? Tom and Marty's moose is always decked out with seasonal accessories.  At a recent luncheon  fundraiser for WCET around St. Patrick's Day, the Humes' moose was wearing green and gold necklaces! (I didn't mind at all taking a $100 gift box for the WCET auction because I knew it was for a good cause --the continuation of Sesame Street et.al, for goodness sake,  and that I would enjoy being with all the others who would be there.) Sure enough, I was greeted by lovely WCET staffers, given a tax donation receipt for my gift, and joined numerous others for a lovely lunch at Marty's.

And when I congratulate Tom on whatever award he has just received or achievement he has just accomplished, he always immeditately defers to the scores of others who helped make the thing happen. He is never too preoccupied to look me right in the eye and ask how Ed, our daughters, and I are doing. 

So here's to a fun fundraising couple who are tireless cheerleaders for what is good in our community! Marty and Tom, please keep on partying for Cincinnati! And you know Ed and I will always help!