Good Guys:
Spotlighting Those Inspiring Cincinnati
The Flying Pig Finds Its Family Groove
The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati brings families into the heart of Flying Pig Marathon weekend with a high-energy festival at Smale Riverfront Park, featuring live music, interactive activities, and a welcoming space to celebrate together.
A Perfect Fit for the Arts
Cincy Arts Shirt Week brings together ArtsWave, Cincy Shirts, and 20 regional arts organizations for a community-driven campaign that blends custom apparel, a mini golf launch event at The Acres, and direct support for Cincinnati’s creative ecosystem. Shop limited-edition designs and wear your support for the arts across the region.
rom Finish Line to Future Flying Pig Scholarships Gain Ground
The Flying Pig Marathon continues to extend its impact beyond race weekend through its Community Scholars Program, awarding $20,000 scholarships to 24 student-athletes across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Hosted at Cincinnati Music Hall, the annual breakfast recognized runners who demonstrate dedication, leadership, and service. Since 2018, the program has grown into a $1.32 million investment in local students, reinforcing how endurance sport can drive long-term educational opportunity and community impact.
Pig Works Pushes Forward With Purpose
Pig Works is scaling its impact beyond race weekend. With a $12 million campaign, the organization is investing in a Walnut Hills headquarters, expanding youth programs, growing scholarships, and increasing support for hundreds of local charities. The Flying Pig Marathon continues to serve as the engine behind a model where participation fuels philanthropy, inclusion, and long-term community health.
Career built on Timing
Joey Votto’s custom Verdin clock outside Great American Ball Park now stands as a lasting tribute to a Reds career defined by precision, patience, power, and personality. This piece explores the meaning of Votto’s gift, the weight of his numbers, and why his legacy remains fixed in Reds history.
Freezing for a Reason
The Cincinnati Polar Plunge returns to The Banks on Saturday, March 21, bringing icy fun and real impact to downtown. Benefiting Special Olympics Ohio, the event helps fund year-round sports training, competition, health education, and leadership opportunities for athletes across the state.
Midwest Bytes Back at SXSW
Cincinnati arrived at SXSW 2026 with a coordinated presence across film, AI, startups, higher education, and enterprise technology. This op-ed explores how Film Cincinnati, Cintrifuse, UC, CincyAI for Humans, and other regional players are building momentum through alignment, national visibility, and a shared push to grow the city’s creative economy.
A Citywide All Nighter With a Serious Purpose
On March 7, more than 1,000 Cincinnati area high school students will take over Fifth Third Arena for Night for the Fight, an overnight, student-led fundraiser supporting CancerFree KIDS and pediatric cancer research. The event has raised more than $3 million and helped launch research that later earned $13.5 million in follow-on funding, along with publications, patents, and clinical trials.
A Living Story at Cincinnati’s Freedom Center
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center’s Black History Month lineup brings scholarship, film, performance, and hands-on family history preservation together across five February programs. All are included with museum admission, with free entry on Fifth Third Community Day.
Just What the Doctor Ordered
Northern Kentucky’s healthcare safety net is evolving. Faith Community Pharmacy is now Faith Community Health Network, launching a full-service free medical clinic in March 2026. Discover how we are partnering with the University of Kentucky College of Medicine to provide primary care, urgent care, and free medications under one roof—ensuring quality, compassionate health access for all.
Cold Water, Warm Mission
The Polar Plunge at The Banks turns winter into a celebration of courage, community, and inclusion. Hundreds of plungers hit icy water on Freedom Way to support Special Olympics Ohio athletes who train and compete year-round at no cost to their families. The event blends athletic commitment, costumes, teamwork, and philanthropy in a setting that makes January feel big and alive on the riverfront.
Muñoz Makes College More Attainable
The Anthony Muñoz Foundation is transforming college access for Tri-State students through a philanthropic scholarship model that blends direct financial support, student recognition, and long-term social capital. With more than three million dollars awarded to local students since its inception, the Foundation strengthens the regional talent pipeline and supports students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and resilience. Scholarship programs include the Straight A Scholarship, the Scholarship Fund, and the Mount St. Joseph University collaboration, each designed to help students reach college with confidence and momentum.
Resolution Revolution at the YMCA
Kick off the New Year with healthier habits at the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati. New members can join with zero registration fees throughout January, making it easier to turn resolutions into routines. All ten YMCA locations are launching Les Mills group fitness classes including BODYPUMP and BODYBALANCE, offering energetic, instructor-led workouts that build strength, improve mobility, and support overall wellness in a motivating group environment. Learn more about membership options and how to get started at https://myy.org/join.
Touchdown for Change
Rickell Howard Smith, CEO of the YWCA Greater Cincinnati, has been named the 2025 Bengals Inspire Change Changemaker. Discover how her leadership is doubling shelter capacity for domestic violence survivors and driving justice reform in our community.
The Art of the Matter
Cincinnati is betting big on its creative future with a massive $204,700 investment in local culture. ArtsWave has awarded 24 new Inspire Artist Grants to explore themes of Truth and Inspiration. This cycle moves beyond simple funding to act as a business incubator for BIPOC creatives. It supports projects ranging from historical films to mental health documentaries. Discover how these artists are reshaping the region’s narrative and building a more equitable community.
A Season of Grace for Our Neighbors
Everyone knows about the food banks and coat drives, but did you know the most urgent need in Over-the-Rhine right now is a pack of new underwear? With homelessness in Cincinnati rising by 7.5% in 2025, the "hidden" heroes of downtown need specific, dignity-driven help. From sugar for coffee at Our Daily Bread to bed sheets for Tender Mercies, discover the three most impactful ways to hack your holiday giving and truly help our neighbors this winter.
Seed Money for Survival
The most dangerous phrase in pediatric oncology isn't "we need more time"—it's "we need more data." Discover how CancerFree KIDS is bridging the critical "Valley of Death" funding gap with a record-breaking $1.65 million investment. From "night vision" CAR-T cells to metabolic hacking, see how this historic funding is fueling the next generation of cures at Cincinnati Children’s and Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
The Pig Brings Home the Bacon
The 2025 Flying Pig Marathon delivered forty-five point nine million dollars in economic impact for Greater Cincinnati. A new report from the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber highlights how race weekend supported hundreds of local jobs, boosted tourism, and showcased the Queen City as a national running destination. With more than fifty-one thousand participants and sixteen thousand visiting runners, the Pig continues to strengthen the regional economy while celebrating community pride, health, and connection.
Drawing a Line on Student Debt
The Art Academy of Cincinnati is launching a revolutionary financial model, combining a Tuition Promise with a Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) to provide a post-graduation safety net for artists. This unique strategy directly counters the student debt crisis by offering a level of financial security and predictability that is unmatched among top art colleges.
Vet, Set, GO!
Cincinnati takes the lead in honoring America’s heroes at the 2025 DAV 5K at The Banks. Presented by USAA, this run, walk, roll, and ride event brings together the community to celebrate veterans with both in-person and virtual options. Every step supports Disabled American Veterans and their mission to serve those who served.