Bodies and Spirits Were Full After First Brunch Fundraiser and Celebration
April 20, 2023
On a glorious, sunny spring morning, Chatfield College’s former Over-the-Rhine campus emanated with the sights, sounds, and scents of a harmonious family celebration. Bouquets of bright yellow daffodils provided a feast for the eyes; mellow, sophisticated jazz music a treat for the ears, and tantalizing barbeque chicken and rib tips tickled taste buds at The Chatfield Edge Celebrate Our Scholars Brunch on Saturday, April 15.
This event marked the first time students, staff, and donors gathered to support The Chatfield Edge and kicked off the nonprofit organization’s first official fundraising campaign.
The Ursuline legacy endures
Sister Patricia Homan, congregational minister for the Ursulines of Brown County and board member for The Chatfield Edge, warmly welcomed guests. She gave prayerful thanks for the continued opportunity to instill Ursuline values into the hearts and minds of students, empowering them to love and serve their communities.
Interim Director, David Hesson, reiterated The Chatfield Edge’s commitment to its Ursuline legacy of support for the whole person.
“To all the students out there and our 13 Chatfield Edge scholars, we don’t just care about your classwork; we care about you. And that you grow as people and community members because we want to build strong communities, and that is why we are all gathered here with you today. We have a community here at Chatfield, and once you are in, you are part of our family.”
Donors’ perspective on The Chatfield Edge
Presenting sponsors of the inaugural brunch included Duke Energy and The Castleberry Family.
Duke Energy’s OH/KY President, Amy Spiller, was first introduced to Chatfield by former college president, John Tafaro. “His commitment to the students was compelling – a commitment that continues today in the current Chatfield leadership and staff. Similarly, Duke Energy believes that by investing in today’s students, we are ensuring a vibrant economy for the future.”
Each student took a few minutes to tell the audience what they hoped to accomplish with the education The Chatfield Edge was helping to provide. Social work and education as vocations came up repeatedly.
“As we listen to what these young people, and other people, are doing to move forward with their lives, it’s a privilege to think that in some way each of us may have made that possible,” said Board Chair Victoria Parlin. “As you can tell from these testimonials, the mission and spirit of the Ursulines are embodied and embedded in the work of The Chatfield Edge.”
Thanks to the generosity of 35 donors and one foundation, we have raised $48,615 toward our spring fundraising goal of $100,000. We need your help to reach our goal by June 30, 2023, so we can make the dream of a brighter future continue for more students this fall. Please considering mentoring, volunteering, and engaging financially with our mission.
If you have questions about supporting The Chatfield Edge, please contact Kelly Watson at 513-875-3344 x 117 or Kelly.Watson@chatfieldedge.org.
Thank you to our many sponsors, patrons, and hosts for making the first Celebrate Our Scholars Brunch fundraiser a success!
Special thanks to:
- Rosemary Schlachter for chairing the event
- Ollie’s Trolley for generously donating brunch; Chef and founder Marvin Smith is a board member of The Chatfield Edge
- MCM CPAs for donating the Mimosa Bar
- Jamie Murrell Trio for their musical talents; Jamie Murrell is a ‘96 Chatfield College graduate
- University of Cincinnati student volunteers Justin Pappachan, Anijah Slaughter, Denis Maksimov, and Sam Davis for helping set up for the event.