5th Annual USO Riverfest Gala Announces Honorary Co-Chairpersons

Jack and Karen Cassidy Dedicated to Supporting Troops and Their Families

The USO Riverfest Gala executive committee today announced that key contributors, Jack and Karen Cassidy, will serve as the honorary co-chairpersons for the largest USO of Metropolitan Washington fundraiser outside of Washington, D.C. The Cincinnati fundraiser has raised more than $1 million over the Gala’s four-year history, and the fifth annual USO Riverfest Gala, honoring U.S. military personnel is August 31.

“Since the USO Riverfest Gala’s inception, Karen and Jack have been personally engaged in supporting our mission—even welcoming our military honorees and volunteers into their home,” said Elaine Rogers, president of the USO of Metropolitan Washington.. “I am proud to have them serve in the distinguished co-chairpersons’ position and am grateful for their commitment to fundraise for our programs and hospital services.”

Jack Cassidy, president and CEO of Cincinnati Bell (NYSE: CBB), and his wife, Karen, a registered nurse who spent 12 years in pediatrics, are both active members in the business and philanthropic community. Jack Cassidy serves on a number of boards, including the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, and was recently awarded the NAACP Wright Overstreet Award for Education. Karen Cassidy has been involved in many local and national charitable organizations, including serving as the co-chair for the 2008 Pink Ribbon Luncheon and is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Cincinnati. Moreover, through their work with the USO Riverfest Gala, the Cassidys demonstrate their commitment to personally honor the sacrifices made by U.S military personnel and their families.

“The men and women serving our country are selflessly doing what they view as just their job, and we have had the pleasure of getting to know some of these heroes personally over the years of the USO Riverfest Gala,” said Karen Cassidy.

“We can think of no better way to demonstrate our appreciation than to honor these heroes at the Gala that also funds USO-Metro programs that, for example, allow family members to be by the side of their recovering loved ones,” added Jack Cassidy.