Cincinnati Honors the Brave at Heart
On June 22, 2025, Cincinnati will host one of its most meaningful and inspiring events of the year—the Upstander Awards Gala, held at the stunning Union Terminal rotunda and presented by the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center. This night isn’t about glitz for its own sake. It’s about recognizing people in our city who meet moments of injustice with action and who shape our community through leadership, empathy, and resolve.
From the historic architecture to a celebrity emcee with purpose, every element of the evening is carefully crafted to elevate real stories of resilience and spark a deeper connection to the legacy of human dignity.
Jesse Eisenberg Brings Heart and Purpose to the Podium
This year’s gala will be hosted by Jesse Eisenberg, the Academy Award–nominated actor, writer, and director best known for The Social Network and more recently, A Real Pain. The film, which earned him the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at Sundance, centers on two cousins who travel to Poland in memory of their Holocaust survivor grandmother. Eisenberg’s creative work explores intergenerational trauma and the enduring weight of memory—core themes of the Holocaust & Humanity Center’s mission. His involvement brings a level of personal authenticity and reflective depth that makes this gala stand out.
Union Terminal: A Setting Steeped in History
The event will unfold inside the breathtaking rotunda of Union Terminal, one of the city’s most architecturally iconic buildings and a National Historic Landmark. Known for its dramatic dome and expansive WPA-era murals, the space adds both beauty and gravity to the night. The terminal, a place historically marked by comings and goings, becomes a symbol of gathering—with the focus on shared responsibility and progress.
The Program: A Multisensory Celebration of Impact
Far more than a typical awards dinner, the Upstander Awards is a dynamic evening designed to engage and inspire from the first welcome to the last dance. Guests will experience:
A three-course meal featuring seasonal and curated options from SSA Catering, including entrees like grilled chicken breast, seared salmon, and a vegetarian primavera.
Live music and dancing, adding celebratory energy to the atmosphere.
Interactive art installations that invite thoughtful participation and reflection.
A moving award presentation honoring Cincinnatians who act on their values and demonstrate uncommon integrity in everyday life.
Whether you’re sitting beside educators, community organizers, healthcare professionals, or teen activists, the night weaves together diverse stories with a shared theme: doing what’s right, not what’s easy.
Details for Attending
Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Union Terminal, 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH
Tickets: $125, which includes valet parking
Attire: Festive formal
Ticket Deadline: June 13, 2025
Tickets are available now through the Holocaust & Humanity Center’s website.
About the Holocaust & Humanity Center
The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center is more than a museum. It’s a mission in motion. Founded by Holocaust survivors and their families, it serves as a hub for education, storytelling, and civic empowerment. Through state-of-the-art exhibits—including the internationally recognized Dimensions in Testimony, where visitors can interact with holographic survivors—the Center bridges history and action.
Their reach spans 30+ states and 25+ countries, touching more than 2.5 million people annually. From student workshops to public programs, they help cultivate what they call the “upstander mindset”—a belief that ordinary people can shape a more just and inclusive society.
A Night That Matters
The 2025 Upstander Awards aren’t just about celebrating character—they’re about amplifying it. In a time when division often dominates the headlines, the people honored here remind us that there are still plenty of stories worth sharing and values worth upholding. Whether you're attending to support a nominee, learn more about Cincinnati’s changemakers, or simply be part of something uplifting, this is a night that will leave an impression far deeper than a plated dinner or polite applause.
To join the experience or support the mission, visit holocaustandhumanity.org.