It was an amazing night! From the lively latin music and the colorful parrot that greeted guests at the door to the last auction bid won by the final bidder, it was pure fun and inspiration. Donations marked for Tin Roof Foundation's "Nica Noche" are still arriving, but the unofficial tally, with most major expenses (funded by corporate sponsors) accounted for, is $45,124. More than 275 guests attended and dozens more sent donations as a special message of hope and love to the children of Nicaragua.

Very generous sponsors and donors helped make this first "NIca Noche" a success and an event we're putting on the calendar for next year (more about this at a later date) and years to come.

Tin Roof Foundation deeply appreciates the support of the following organzations and individuals:

Corporate-Level Sponsors
John C. Adams Family
Robert W. Baird Company
Gutter Topper, International

Patrons
The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation
Demarest Enterprises, Inc.
Diane & Jack Douglass Family
Al & Charlene Meyer
Penn Station, Inc.
Mark & Betsy Phillips Family
Daniel G. Rector, Attorney at Law
Don & Linda Teasdale
Helen B. Vogel Fund
Randall & Julie Watson Family

Table sponsors
Dr. & Mrs. Robert Collins
Dudley & Charlene Farrell
Wayne & Janet Harris
Mr. & Mrs. Carl H. Lindner, III
Carl Marinacci
Cathy Rector

Additional contributions:
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden donated the facility (the perfect setting!) and many special effects
Holly Knepfle designed the posters (children of Nicaragua) and the banners
Mary Schneider donated the Tin Roof story DVDs given to each guest
Sodexho donated food preparation, ala Nicaragua, and service
United Graphics donated invitation supplies

Auctions, both silent and live, accounted for a major part of the evening's proceeds. Very special thanks to our volunteer auctioneer, Dan Williams. Fantastic job, Dan! Although hundreds of smaller items total up to a significant amount and for these were are deeply grateful, we would like to mention a few of the auction standouts and their contributors:

Italian Holiday in a private mountain residence, donated by Carl Marinacci
A week in a Marco Island, Florida condo, donated by Dudley and Charlene Farrell
Day-long sailing trips (2) on Charlotte's Bay in Florida, donated by Bob and Kathy Johnson
Diamond ring donated by Barry and Kathy Lisner

Behind the scenes the volunteer committee worked tirelessly before, during, and after the big event to assure its success. Great job, volunteers! Your effort and your sincere caring contributed immeasureably to the success of this event.

"Nica Noche" Chairperson:
Diane Douglass

"Nica Noche" Committee:
Teresa Adams
Charlene Farrell
Rita Gibson
Jenny Gormas
Kathy Lisner
Peggy Wheeler

Al and Charlene Meyer, co-founders of Tin Roof Foundation, were part of the entire planning process and contributed guidance, hours of hard work, and inspiration to ensure the evening would be a success.

The evening's keynote speaker was Wilder Zamora Torrez with a description of his life journey from being an orphan in rural Nicaragua to La Familia Padre Fabretto children's home, to college and a successful career, thanks to Tin Roof Foundation and its individual members.

Although the evening is over, the benefits to the children of Nicaragua are just beginning. Thanks to everyone who helped make this first "Nica Noche" ("Night of the Children") such an amazing success.