Cincinnati Hosts Leading Fundraiser Supporting USO Metro D.C.

Miss America and Military Idol Winner among Entertainment for the 2007 USO Riverfest Gala

Each Labor Day, Cincinnati hosts the largest fundraiser supporting the USO of Metropolitan Washington’s (USO-Metro) hospital services at Walter Reed Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital. Held during the Cincinnati Bell/WEBN Fireworks event, which this year is being dedicated to the nation’s troops, the USO Riverfest Gala delivers a very personal tribute to military personnel by honoring those recently injured in the line of duty.

In just three years, attendees and corporate sponsors have helped raise more than $800,000 to support United Service Organizations (USO) Metropolitan Washington programs. This fourth annual event is already surpassing expectations, and organizers expect to exceed the $1 million mark for cumulative funds raised.

“The USO Riverfest Gala has a tradition of providing a fitting tribute and patriotic event to the honored military personnel and event guests,” said USO Honorary Chairperson Dean Kereiakes. “The 2007 event is no different, and we are proud to invite all of Cincinnati to join in celebrating our nation’s heroes at the fourth annual USO Riverfest Gala, Sunday, September 2, at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse.”

USO Riverfest Gala Entertainment and Event Details
This year’s entertainment will feature 2007 Miss America Lauren Nelson, The Capital Sound Ensemble from the 257th Army Band – The Band of the Nation’s Capital – featuring SPC Vicki Golding, winner of the 2006 Military Idol competition, and the American Belles, an Andrews Sisters-reminiscent singing trio.

The Gala begins at 4 p.m. with a cocktail reception that is followed by an all-military salute and honorees dedication, musical entertainment, seated dinner and a superb view of the Cincinnati Riverfest fireworks. Valet parking is included with ticket purchase.

Proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships benefit the USO of Metropolitan Washington. Contact Kathy Bechtold at 513-791-8133 to purchase tickets ($200/per person). Event, ticket and sponsorship information is also available at all Montgomery Inn restaurants.

The USO is a 501(c)(3) charity and receives no government funds and relies on the generosity of the public.

USO Riverfest Gala Military Honorees
Over the previous three years, 12 military heroes have been recognized and honored at the USO Riverfest Gala. Each individual’s tremendous story of bravery and courage is shared, and the event guests have the opportunity to show their appreciation.

Previous Tri-State honorees include White Oak native Lance Corporal Carl J. Schneider, U.S. Marine Corps; Staff Sergeant John Borders, U.S. Army, of London, Ohio; Grosbeck native Corporal Daniel Hamberg, U.S. Marine Corps; Staff Sergeant Paul Brondhaver, U.S. Army, Ohio National Guard; U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Ryan Groves of Ravenna, Ohio; and U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sergeant Joseph Bowser of Georgetown, Kentucky, who received the Bronze Star Medal at the 2005 Gala.

USO Riverfest Gala Welcomes New Honorary Chairpersons

Dr. Dean and Anne Kereiakes Continue Their Dedication to Supporting Troops
Photo by Cheryl Ballinger

Serving as the largest fundraiser for the USO, Cincinnati’s USO Riverfest Gala welcomes Dr. Dean and Anne Kereiakes as honorary chairpersons. Dr. and Mrs. Kereiakes will assist in the planning and execution of the annual Labor Day weekend tradition.

Dr. Dean Kereiakes serves as the Medical Director of The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Center and The Carl and Edyth Lindner Center for Research and Education. Dr. Kereiakes also acts as the Chair of the Executive Committee of The Ohio Heart and Vascular Center and Professor of Clinical Medicine at The Ohio State University.

Anne Kereiakes is active in various Cincinnati civic, cultural and charitable activities, and recently served as chairperson for the 2006 American Heart Association (AHA) Heart Ball. Mrs. Kereiakes serves on the AHA Advisory Board in addition to having active roles in the Indian Hill school system and with the Miami University Parent Council.

“We are honored to have Dr. Dean and Anne Kereiakes serving as the honorary co-chairpersons,” said Elaine Rogers, president of the USO Metro-D.C. “They have long been a supporter of the Cincinnati Riverfest Gala, and both are dedicated to our mission of providing support and hospital services to our troops and their families.”