ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Celebrating a decade of rewards and incentives for deserving kids. Letter from the Board of Directors

Dear Friends, Executive Staff: Sherri Jaffe Friedman In 2016 we celebrated a big milestone - a decade of service! Chief Executive Officer Stephanie M. Knarr As we look back on our first ten years, we are incredibly Program Director thankful to YOU for your support - whether you are a donor, sponsor, venue or recipient. Together, we have made an impact in the lives of deserving kids in our community. 2016 Board of Directors: In our first ten years, we have provided more than 121,500 event Tedd H. Friedman tickets and experiences valued at over 2.7 million to deserving Chairman of the Board kids in Greater . And, we have created unforgettable Debbie Brant rewards and incentives for our 90+ non-profit agencies. These Secretary experiences enhance self-esteem, strengthen relationships, Ray Compagna reward hard work and encourage kids to dream for more. Treasurer In honor of our 10th Anniversary, we are highlighting our Tori Ames special partnerships, volunteers and a sample of the kids we Chip Berry have impacted in our first decade. Jeff Carper We look forward to continuing to create an impact in Greater Dawn Green Cincinnati to fulfill more dreams. To donate, please visit our Sean Lynn website at mostvaluablekids.org/Cincinnati or return the enclosed envelope. Kim Morris Beth Shaw Our heartfelt thanks,

Darrin Smith The MVK Board of Directors

BIG NEWS - WE’VE MOVED!

We have a new home! MVK has moved to 4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite F, in Norwood. Our new space enables us to better utilize volunteers, store food donations and serve as a ticket pick-up and drop-off location. Want to see more? We love visitors!

2 The Ticket to Inspiration for At-Risk Kids

Who We Are Our Mission More than Tickets Most Valuable Kids (MVK) of MVK works to enhance the self- MVK has built a network of Greater Cincinnati was founded in esteem, academic achievement, and community sponsors, business 2005 to provide at-risk kids with social development of at-risk kids leaders, and individuals that allow event tickets to reward and through opportunities to attend us to do more than provide tickets. motivate them to overcome sporting events, cultural arts and Together, we provide at-risk kids significant life challenges. unique experiences. with experiences that have the potential to change their view of their world, their future, and themselves.

121,500 underprivileged kids sent to a live event. That’s enough to fill every seat in U.S. Bank Arena and Paul Brown Stadium, plus more!

90 + 10 + years Greater Cincinnati of growth, community nonprofits collaborate partnerships and with MVK to receive changed lives. experiences that are used as incentives for at-risk kids.

$2.7 million in tickets and donations for deserving kids of low-income households.

3 2016 MVK Recipient Agencies

MVK partners with 90+ nonprofit organizations to provide deserving, at-risk kids with rewarding and motivating opportunities. The following is a sampling of these agencies, which collectively serve more than 100,000 underprivileged kids in Greater Cincinnati:

4 MVK - Making an Impact! Collaboration with our partner agencies is making a difference in the lives of kids. Below are the exciting results of our recent survey*. How does MVK impact the kids you serve?

17% 7 out of 10 Mentoring kids demonstrate improved Programs 32% academic success and a decrease Family Based in negative behavior 13% Programs Educational Setting 78% 38% Learn about Career Opportunities After School through MVK experiences Programs

84% 100% 93% 92% Motivates kids to Exposes kids to Strengthens Adult/ Provides greater work harder new experiences Child Relationships hope for future

“One of our youth attended her first theater “We told the kids if they passed performance, thanks to MVK. She their 3rd grade reading test they fell in love with theater and joined would be rewarded with a trip to drama club at school and even Scene 75 with the Principal. It performed at Memorial Hall during was a great way to motivate the Shakespeare weekend.” them — we had more kids pass - Youth Encouragement than we ever had before!” Services - Soaring Hawks at Ethel Taylor Academy

*Special thanks to Cincinnati Children’s for helping with our Impact Survey.

5 MVK — MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF KIDS

Meet Ronnie: “It All Started with a Reds Game”

Ronnie, 14, is a member of the Sheakley Boys & Girls Club. When Ronnie joined the Club several years ago, his self-esteem was nonexistent due to bullying at school. His grades started to drop and he didn’t want to go to school.

Thanks to Most Valuable Kids, the Sheakley staff was able to provide Ronnie with tickets to his first game. The tickets were used as a way to show him that he matters and is important. Attending that game began his confidence shift. Ronnie started to “feel important, like he was worth something.”

Then Now The staff immediately noticed Ronnie’s confidence build. He began taking on a leadership role at the Club and was rewarded with more MVK experiences: dinner at Sugar n’ Spice, a Xavier game and a Cincinnati Ballet performance.

Who would have thought that something as simple as attending a Cincinnati Reds game could transform a young man in such a way? Ronnie’s leadership and confidence began to soar. So much so, that Ronnie was selected by his peers and Club staff as the Sheakley Club Youth of the Year! This is the most distinguished honor a Club member can receive.

What a difference a game makes! Because of the partnership between the Boys and Girls Club and MVK, Ronnie feels like life is worth living again. He’s an honor student and is a member of the basketball team. He is the official Club youth representative for Sheakley and is a role model for other Club members. Not only does MVK provide opportunities for youth like Ronnie; MVK also serves as a lifeline.

Never underestimate the value of one ticket. It can inspire leadership, confidence and self-worth.

Crystal Allen Sheakley Boys and Girls Club

Meet Mike and Ajene:

“When trying to build a relationship with a mentee there are many ups and downs over time. It is tremendously helpful to have things in common that both mentees and mentors enjoy. For my mentees it was sports. Most Valuable Kids provided many opportunities for us to bond over the past seven years. We have attended Reds and Bengals games, Sugar n’ Spice dinners and more.”

Mike Liu, Mentor, Cincinnati Youth Collaborative and City Gospel Mission

Then Now

6 MVK — MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF KIDS

Meet Darren:

“Darren became involved in Brighton Center YLD club in 6th grade. When he started, Darren was shy, unsure of himself and struggled with his peers. He has received many rewards through MVK including Bengals, Reds, Cyclones and Opera tickets. Over the years, his confidence has grown, he is now more confident and makes healthy and positive choices. He volunteers in the community and is a leader to his peers — we refer to him as a YLD rockstar. MVK has made a HUGE impact on him and is a contributing factor for his motivation to be successful.” –Michelle Bullis, Brighton Center

“MVK has opened my eyes to new experiences, without it 6th Grade 10th Grade I don’t know where I would be” –Darren 10th grade

Meet students at Rockdale Academy:

“Many of our students experience homelessness and are transient. Of those students, the ones rewarded through MVK have better attendance, better grades and test scores. The experiences MVK provides keeps kids coming to school.”

Audrey Holtzman, Rockdale Academy Resource Coordinator

Then Now

7 Celebrating our 10th Anniversary

We celebrated our 10th Anniversary with a sold- out crowd, honoring three people who have helped MVK: Steven Frankel, Jennifer Honorees (left to right): Jackson and John Thornton. Jennifer Jackson: A founding MVK board member, Jennifer was instrumental in helping MVK Guests enjoyed carnival-style raise awareness and funds by chairing our first two fundraising events. games, a performance by “When I first joined the board I was very out of my comfort the Cincinnati Ballet and the zone. I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to contribute. After meeting the kids and seeing the smiles on their faces Withrow University Marching I had proof that we were making kids happy. That made Band, fun with local Mascots asking people to donate much easier.” as well as a delicious dinner provided by Jeff Ruby’s Carlo Steven Frankel: As the owner of Sugar n’ Spice, Steven opens his restaurant and heart to & Johnny, Kaze, Montgomery host hundreds of MVK kids annually with pancake dinners, rubber ducks Inn, Oriental Wok, Palomino and fun! and Funky’s Catering. “These kids don’t have a lot. If I can give them one opportunity where they can have a pleasant evening, hopefully that comes back to them and says if I work hard Thanks to our generous and do well, I can have a better life. We need to help MVK donors and sponsors, we and these kids because it’s the right thing to do.” raised more than $170,000 to continue our efforts to John Thornton: As a former Bengal, MVK board member and current NFL agent, John has motivate and inspire kids. connected players with MVK, provided families with Thanksgiving meals and hosted fundraising events.

Special thanks to our title “MVK is special because they truly want to help people. sponsor, Katz Teller for their They are a small organization with a big purpose. MVK has generous support! a passion to help make Cincinnati a better place.”

8 Celebrating our 10th Anniversary

2

1 3 4

5 6

7

1) Gala Event Emcee Bob Herzog and Mr. Redlegs cheer on guests during cocktail hour. 2) Gala guests learn more about MVK and enjoy a delicious dinner provided by Jeff Ruby’s Carlo & Johnny, Kaze, Montgomery Inn, Oriental Wok, Palomino and Funky’s Catering. 3) Event Co-chairs Beth and Kevin Shaw 4) Event Co-chairs Debbie and Jody Brant 5) Event guests Tom Jackson, Macy Kirkland and Chip Klosterman watch 10th Anniversary Video. 6) MVK Co-founders, Sherri and Tedd Friedman 7) Withrow University High School Marching Band Performance.

Special thanks to our amazing event co-chairs, Beth and Kevin Shaw and Debbie and Jody Brant and our 10th Anniversary Committee: Chrissie Blatt, Ariella Cohen, Suzy Goldberg, Jason Kersey, Rini Levy, Stacey Schimberg and Lori Smith. 9 2016 HIGHLIGHTS: MVK, THE TICKET TO INSPIRATION FOR AT-RISK KIDS!

Subaru Share the Love Program

Thanks to the generous support of Subaru, 200 kids attended Bengals games as a reward for coordinating a community service project. Kids from seven partner agencies implemented projects including volunteering at an animal shelter, assisting the elderly and beautifying a neighborhood park. This program engaged kids living in 4 out of the 10 poorest neighborhoods in Cincinnati: Avondale, Walnut Hills, Millvalle/South Cumminsville and Over-the- Rhine (research provided by the U.S. Census).

“Many of our students will never have an opportunity to attend a Bengals game without MVK. This experience made the students feel special and rewarded their efforts in school and community service. Spending time together outside of school helps us form positive relationships with our students, which can help them stay on the road to success.” - Holmes HIgh School

Sugar n’ Spice

Pancakes, rubber ducks and fun are always in store for our MVK kids who are treated to monthly pancake dinners at Sugar n’ Spice. Hundreds of kids annually are made to feel special thanks to the generosity of Steven Frankel and his amazing staff.

“When we visit Sugar n Spice, the children always talk about the hospitality and generosity of the staff. They always feel welcome and are never made to feel like a “charity case” (phrase used by some of the older kids). This greatly helps their self esteem and sense of worth.” - NorthKey Community Care

10 2016 HIGHLIGHTS: MVK, THE TICKET TO INSPIRATION FOR AT-RISK KIDS!

Michael Johnson

Forty middle school students were treated to a home Bengals game and a private stadium tour thanks to the generosity of Defensive End, Michael Johnson. The kids wrote essays about overcoming obstacles in their lives to receive this special reward. Additionally, the kids were joined by Cincinnati Police officers to learn about safety and positive relationships with law enforcement.

“One of our kids was large for his age. Kids made fun of him and he became withdrawn. MVK gave him tickets to his first live football game. He arrived early and saw several players much bigger than him. After this experience, he improved his grades and tried out for — and made -- the football team.” - NECCO

Ultimate Reds Experience

300 kids and chaperones enjoyed a great day at the ballpark, thanks to the Cincinnati Reds and our MVK donors and sponsors. Kids were treated to tickets, shirts, food vouchers and an on-field parade. “One of our kids played when she was younger and practiced with her mother. She quit after her mother died. After taking her to a Reds game (her first), she decided to get back into the game and joined the team at school. The team has become a source of support for her and a way to reconnect with her deceased mother.” - Talbert House

Ballet Community Dress Rehearsal

Thanks to the generosity of the Cincinnati Ballet, MVK filled the Aronoff Center with more than 500 kids and families for our Fourth Annual Community Night Dress Rehearsal. Kids were treated to meet-and-greets with ballerinas, photos, snacks and a welcoming environment introducing many of our guests to their first ballet performance.

“A Little Sister in our program now wants to be a ballerina after attending the ballet for the first time. She has become very passionate about it.” - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati

11 2016 HIGHLIGHTS

Children’s Theatre Community Dress Rehearsal

Our inaugural Children’s Theatre Community performance in 2016 was a big success. The cast of Snow White and the Dancing Dwarfs entertained 464 kids/chaperones including kids in foster care, after school programs in urban neighborhoods, mentors and their mentees and families who benefit from wraparound services for their children.

“Recently we had a family of nine attend a performance at Cincinnati Children’s Theatre. The family was beyond thrilled to be able to go because they had never attended an event like this due to the expense of purchasing tickets for such a large family. They are still talking about it to the home visitor that meets with them!” - Child Focus

Trip to the North Pole with Delta

Once again, the holiday elves at Delta magically transported more than 100 MVK kids to the North Pole. The kids and families, nominated to attend, were selected based on merit and need during the holiday season. The kids received gifts from Santa, food, live music and memories that will last a lifetime!

“I wanted to share with you what an impact the North Pole Project has on the kids. Today I was shopping and a young lady came running up to me screaming, Hey you’re the lady from the North Pole at the airport, and she hugged me so hard. She couldn’t stop talking about what a great time her daughter had and the wonderful gifts she received. I wanted to share with you, because the events MVK puts together mean so much to so many people. Great job to you and those who support your efforts.” ~ Delta Employee

12 MVK - WE CAN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!

9% Foundation THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS Donations 2016 FINANCIAL DONORS . . .

We would be unable to help kids like 23% Ronnie, Darren, Ajene and the many Corporate 54% Sponsors Personal thousands of underserved kids in our Donations community without your financial support. More than 50 percent of the funds we 14% receive to support our mission come One-time directly from donors like YOU! Foundation Donations

FORE KIDS GOLF OUTING

We were proud to be the 2016 recipient of the Fore Kids Golf Outing. Thanks to the generosity of the Fore Kids sponsors, volunteers and golfers, MVK received a donation of $11,000 to support our mission! Special thanks to Fore Kids co-founders Janelle and Ralph Lee, Stan and Christine Williams.

SUBARU SHARE THE LOVE

We are honored to be the hometown charity for the Share the Love Program at Beechmont Subaru and Subaru of Kings Automall. Thanks to generous Subaru owners (who purchased vehicles during the promotion in November/December), MVK received $34,000 dollars to support our mission. Need a great car and want to help MVK? We are once again the Share the Love partner in 2017!

13 2016 Financial and In-Kind Donors

MVK National Champions Fans Elizabeth McGee Mather Fred and Patti Heldman $10,000 and above ($1,000 and above) NECCO, Inc. Barbara and Guy Hild Preferred Physicians Medical Karen and David Hoguet Austin E. Knowlton Beth and Brad Agin Risk Retention Group Dave and Debbie Horn Foundation Linda and Andy Berger Pure Romance Lara and Ronnen Isakov Beechmont Subaru Bob and Susan Brant Qgenda, Inc. Dhani Jones Brenda and Ira Jaffe Debbie and Jody Brant Elise and Jon Randman Arlene and Bill Katz Fore Kids Charity Golf Alison and Bret Caller Susan and Rick Rauh Tournament Steve and Angie Kissing Cincinnati Reds / Cincinnati Nancy and Gary Romes Katz Teller Reds Community Fund Barbara and Justin Klein Andrea and Michael Marjorie Fisher Foundation Dianne Dunkelman Scheiber Geri and Andy Kolesar Subaru of Kings Fifth Third Bank Michelle and Rick Setzer David Krekeler Automall Evelyn and Marc Fisher Kathy Sorger Jessica and Ed Kuresman Sugar n’ Spice Greater Cincinnati Stifel Nicolaus Andre Lamarre Foundation Vigran Family Foundation Rachel and Matthew MVK All Stars Beth and Louis Guttman Langenderfer Western & Southern Financial ($5,000 and above) Maryanne and Scott Harsh Fund Legacy Financial Advisors Shary and Marc Levitt Jewish Foundation of Eric and Tricia Johnson Janet and Mark Wheeler Cincinnati Ronna S. Lucas Tracy and Steve Wheeler Rini and Ernesto Levy Brightview Health Hope Mendelson Gail and Corey Wolfe Ernest Lockett Jane Friedman and Jennifer MV Commercial Construction Rhonda Logeman & Robert Ringel My Doctor, LLC. Boosters Brian Malthouse Patrick Points and Wijdan Sheryl and Scott Mattis Jeff Ruby Culinary Dara and Andy Abel Entertainment Jreisat Whitney and Nate Maxson Christina and Ramon Karen and Fred Abel Jennifer and Rusty McNair Kirkland Foundation Rodriguez John and Lisa Berman Judith and Robert Meredith Montgomery Inn Lisa and Dirk Schneider Foundation Ali and Dennis Bernstein Thomas and Lauren Meyer Robert C. Scroggins Pain Management John and Annette Sember and Maxim Meyers Associates Sibcy Cline Bloomstrom Barbara and Donald Miller Nancy and John Silverman Beth and Daryle Bobb Reconstructive Bryna and Greg Miller Orthopaedics, Inc. Strategic Franchising Systems Karen and John Brownlee Kim and Barry Morris Viking Partners Inc. Allison and John Thornton Julie and David Buckner Michael Murray Richard Weiland Natalie and Robert Most Valuable Players Carpenter John Nordmeyer and Mary Lynne Mike Zelkind and Jennifer Birck ($2,500 and above) Knight Cassidy Schiller CPAs and Advisors Amy and Steve Oyster

Chip Berry Insurance Kathy and Louis Claybon Friends Wendy and Bob Pelberg Cincinnati Bell Carol Sue and Steve Coden ($500 and above) Stephen and Penny Cincinnati Bengals Helene and Philip Cohen Pomeranz Dan Powers Cincinnati Children’s Tori Ames Janet Compagna Nancylee Preston Delta Airlines Chrissie and Josh Blatt Jamie and Brian Cusick Lisa and Randy Renners Elizabeth and Brian Coley Jon and Gina Blatt Jennifer and Eric Dauer Phyllis and Howard Ringel Fast Park & Relax Adam Brady Anne and Ron DeLyons Rachel and Steven Schild First Financial Bank Andrea and Mark Carrier Amy and Andrew DeWitt Martha and Lee Schimberg Dawn and Andrew Bob Cleary and Liz Lamar Amy Diamond and Eddie Green Ray Compagna and Cindy Wolf Stacey and David Unkenholt Sharon and Binem Schimberg Jennifer and Tom Dizenhuz Jackson Jennifer and Jeffrey Amy and Marc Schneider Ehrhardt Linda and Paul Eckersley Ronna and Ben Schneider John Henry Homes Dan Freese and Dreama Mindy and Jim Ellis Marvin Siegel Chip Klosterman Lach Hayley and Shep Englander Jen and John Stein Midland Atlantic Alicia and Ben Gerlinger Stacey and David Fisher Ellen and Corky Steiner Development Suzy and Bill Goldberg Suzette and Michael Fisher Barbara and Jeffrey Strauss Lori and Darrin Smith B and Abe Gordon Andrea Frieder Alice Temming Jennifer and Mark Heidelberg Distribution Stuhlreyer Company Amy and Jef Friedman Greg Thompson Towne Properties Kenneth Heldman and Felicia Toby and Peter Ganz Jami Vallandingham and David Total Quality Logistics Zakem Julie Ann Glazer Hoskins VonLehman & Company Under the Weather Aly and David Jaffe Rob Goodwin Sharon and Bob Wahlke Wyler Family Michelle and Kevin Jones Allison and Michael Gordon Foundation Ellen and Mark Knue Dennis Grant Sherri and Mark Weiss Extreme Elizabeth Lance Pam and Brad Greenberg Jan and Maury White Fans Lighthouse Youth Services Lizabeth and Erick Grossl David and Sara Wise Sarah and Ryan Lucas Hebrew Union College Kirsten Mack 14 2016 Financial and In-Kind Donors

Ticket Donors Thomas McCallie Prestige AV & Creative Services In-Kind Fan Appreciation (Value $500 and above) Bronston McCord Recreations Outlet (All other In-Kind support) David Meisner Stephen Fish 3CDC AGD Andrew Merritt The House of Smith Anthony Munoz Foundation Amberley Village Police & Fire Michael Johnson Foundation Total Quality Logistics Dept. Brian Adams & Jilda Vargus Midwest Fitness & Educational Ultimate Air Shuttle Andy & Jordan Dalton Foundation Jeff Anderson Camp U.S. Bank Arena Body Alive BB&T Arena Philip Myers WorldWalk Productions Broadway in Cincinnati Broadway in Cincinnati Netherland Rubber Co. Cheesecake Factory Michael Bergman Dempsey Nugent In-Kind Home Runs CincyBite.com John and Lisa Berman Northern Kentucky University ($500 and above) Kimberly Cohen Michael Bevins ProCamps Deluxe Nails Paul Braunsdorf Richard Reis Carlos Dunlap Foundation Fitting Image John Burns Scene 75 Cincinnati Castellini Group Ford Ellington Floral & Event Andrew Butz Robert Sambrookes Chateau Ste Michelle Design Calico Theatre David Shirey Cincinnati Chidren’s Emily Foreman Brian Cantwell Libby Singhoffer Crayons to Computers Garnish Catering Kevin Carroll Eddie Sinkfield E&J Gallo Winery Everything But the House Carlos Dunlap Foundation Stephanie Sisak Four Bridges Country Club Brooke Guigui Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Jeremy Starline Ira and Brenda Jaffe Harja Dauen Salon Cincinnati Arts Association Stone Creek Dining Company Bryna and Greg Miller Heaven Hill Distilleries Cincinnati Ballet Subaru Point Blank Jackie Jones Cincinnati Bengals Sugar n’ Spice Beth and Kevin Shaw Karma Wellness Studio Shaun Thurston William Hill Estate Winery Laser Kraze Cincinnati Museum Center Donald Tobin Janel and Rob Thompson Marty Mandell Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Tricon Silverman Dentistry Queen City Underground Tour Cincinnati Reds UMPS Care Charities Susan and Rick Rauh Cincinnati Reds Community Fund U.S. Bank Arena In-Kind Team Players Neva Rogers Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & ($200 and above) Rooted Juicery Museum Tony Visbal Rory Maxwell Children’s Boutique Cincinnati Rollergirls BEAT Personal Training Andrew Whitworth Joe Santorelli Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Cincinnati Ballet Mollie Wilke Scene 75 Cincinnati Ariella and Andy Cohen Donna Krummen Plastic Surgery Wing Eye Care Slatts Kim and Richard Collum Eat Well Tom Wisman Lori and Darrin Smith Deborah Cowan FUSIAN Valerie Wolford Stella & Dot Dale Crowe Goldfish Swim School Western & Southern Open Taft Ale House Delta Air Lines Gary Green Xavier University Andrea Hatten The Children’s Theatre of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish Cincinnati Conde Echelbarger Helen Adams Photography In-Kind Game Changers The Light Body Studio Harold Edington Imprint Madeira ($1000 and above) Xavier University Encore Technologies Kenwood Country Club Thomas Finn 779 Video Hilton Lexington Suites FC Cincinnati Towne Properties Hilton Netherland *A complete list of Deanna Frazier Chrissie Blatt Creative Kurtzman Plastic Surgery all financial, ticket David Goodwin Cincinnati Arts Association La Bamba Catering Dave Grahl Cincinnati Bengals Mayerson Jewish Community and in-kind donors Center Greater Cincinnati Foundation Cincinnati Reds is proudly displayed Kim and Barry Morris Jerry Hawk Funky’s Catering ProCamps on our website Dave and Debbie Horn Game Day Communications Pure Romance Carol Huiet James Free Jewelers Q102 Huntington National Bank Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment Silver Spring House iSPACE Katz Teller Somi Javaid M.D. & Associates Frank Kerley Kaze Jennifer and Mark Stuhlreyer Kings Island Kendra Scott Mark Szanti Dre Kirkpatrick Kramer Portraits Wake Nation Lens Krebs Haute Chocolate Western & Southern Open Mike Kremer Madisono’s Gelato YMCA of Cincinnati Lawrenceburg Speedway Montgomery Inn MamLuft&Co. Dance Oriental Wok Carlina Mattos Palomino Restaurant & Bar Philip McAtee PetSmart 15 2016 Venue Partners

2016 “National Champion” Sponsors:

16