11TH Annual Patty Brisben Foundation Gala


“The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi

I truly believe in the power of giving back. It has the power to change you, to make you stronger.  It’s not something you do alone, if your cause is great, people will join hands with you. And lucky for me, that is exactly what has happened with the Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s sexual health.  The community, Pure Romance Corporate staff, and Pure Romance Consultants have stepped up in such a BIG way.  I’m still on a high from this year’s 11th Annual Patty Brisben Foundation Gala this month at Green Acres Art Center in Indian Hill, a suburb of Cincinnati – and by far the most beautiful location we’ve ever held the fundraiser. The event helps fund educational programs led by the Foundation and has assisted in raising more than $3.5 million in funding to support sexual health and well-being research projects and educational initiatives.

14570340_1132143063528767_4068456772743639391_nThe theme for this year’s Gala was “Cirque du Santé’” – celebrating the Circle of Health that connects women everywhere to happier, more satisfying lives. I wasn’t the only one tip-toeing on cloud nine that night…unique Cirque aerialists were suspended in mid-air on lyras, and beautiful Cincinnati Ballet Dancers, Tina LaForgia Morse and James Gilmer danced under the stars. It was quite a spectacle I will absolutely never forget! (Special thanks to Jan Rhodes, our event planner who creates absolute magic with every PBF and Pure Romance event she touches.)

I started this Foundation to enhance women’s sexual health and well-being through research, education, and community involvement. With a vision to fund the necessary research to keep our sisters, friends, daughters, and granddaughters happy, healthy, and empowered for years to come. (For more information on our mission, please visiwww.pattybrisbenfoundation.org.) I’m proud to say this event raised $210,000 toward this cause and I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of all of those mentioned at the close of this blog!!

What’s next? For more than ten years, we have been able to make waves in Cincinnati and wake people up when it comes to this cause (although there’s always more work to be done).  Now, I’m ready to take this mission even further…Baltimore and Michigan Consultants, are you listening? These would be my first two choices when it comes to shedding more light on w14725465_10154717083288606_2402894823758888182_nomen’s sexual health and I know I can count on you to make this a reality. The Patty Brisben Foundation provides grants from all over the world, and is supported by a network of physicians and experts from throughout the country…so why would we just work toward this cause here in Cincy?

And speaking of the Pure Romance Consultants, a HUGE THANK YOU to all of those who have been the “soldiers” and feet on the street spreading the importance of this cause. So many traveled miles to attend. It shows me how serious they are and how truly important this mission is to them.

When fighting for an important cause, we are better together than alone. When I first started in this business, I was so grateful for those who stepped up to help, and that is still true today. I’d like to show gratitude here for so many who made this event a success…

A special thanks to our sponsors: Cal Exotics, Classic Erotica, My Joy Collection, Pure Romance, David Millet, PNC, Terracotta, Touchstone, Thompson Hine, and Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati Bell, Evelo/Singer/Sullivan Group, Vorys, and UC Health, BB&T, CAI Insurance, Deloitte, Eye and I, GameDay Communications, Kendra Scott, Mercedes Benz of Cincinnati and West Chester, Mount Union University, Premiere Center for Health and Wellness, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sportsheets, Thatcher Technology Group, Tier 1 Performance Solutions, Titlebaum Sales, UC OBGYN, and Zalla Companies.

Several of our vendors flew in from California – they aren’t just selling product, but paying it forward by working with our physicians to14502931_1132143716862035_7895008794417199301_n develop products that help women with issues pertaining to their sexual health.

My staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly hour after hour to plan this event and ensure it was a success.

The endless support from my family, including my son and CEO of Pure Romance, Chris Cicchinelli, who made an awesome auctioneer with emcee WCPO’s Tanya O’Rourke.

All of the amazing restaurants who have been on board since day one, such as Nada and Montgomery Inn, and those who have joined in the last few years. When people come in town, I’m excited to send them their way.

Finally, who could forget City Council Member, Amy Murray, who proclaimed October 8, 2016, “Patty Brisben Day” in the City of Cincinnati. What a tremendous honor! I’m already excited to begin planning for next year’s event. SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, Oct. 7th, 2017 at Green Acres! We hope to see all of you there!

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One Comment

  1. Christina Hile

    I absolutely adore you and your amazing Foundation! I look forward to attending year after year, raising money and awareness to women’s sexual health issues! October 7th is marked in INK in my calendar, we’ll be there with bells on! Moreover, I’m excited to see the new markets you chose get more involved. Exciting times ahead, that’s for sure! #ProudSoldier #PBF

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