JDRF Bourbon & BowTie Bash

On Friday, November 10, over 1,500 people attended the 4^th annual JDRF Bourbon & BowTie Bash at the Duke Energy Convention Center, once again making the event one of the hottest parties in Cincinnati. With 16 food vendors, 7 bourbon and spirits stations, boutiques, and live entertainment, the event was not only successful from a fun factor, but also with regarding to fundraising, bringing in a record-high $208,000 raised for JDRF to fund research to find a cure for type 1 diabetes. "Thanks to our Emerging Leaders Council, or ELC, for again demonstrating teamwork and leadership in making this event such a success," said JDRF Executive Director Melissa Newman.  

Bob Herzog from Local 12 served as the event emcee, and local celebrity bartender Molly Wellmann provided a custom Bourbon cocktail and also led a panel of judges for the Best Bartender competition, which was won by Adammichael Gesell with Igby’s. As for the food vendors, Madisono’s Gelato won the Best Sweet Award, Injoy took the prize for Best Up-and-Comer, and Taste of Belgium won for Best Restaurant overall. In addition to a live auction and Fund a Cure, programming also featured a fashion show, with clothing from Blaine’s Fine Men’s Apparel and The Pink Box. Models included BowTie Barons & Baronesses Caroline Boyce, Todd Carnes, Evan Clinkenbeard, Shelley Cotton, Jordan Hughes and Sean Lee, all of whom are young professionals who led the effort with corporate fundraising for the event. Next year’s event is tentatively slated for Saturday, October 20.