Past Events

Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Nationwide Children's Hospital Winter Festival — 2023

Nationwide Children's Hospital's winter-themed event was an memorable, seasonal experience for the hospital community and their loved ones.

Thank you to our partners: Cassandra Swiatek, A&S Party Rental and LiveTech

  • Event: Nationwide Children's Hospital Winter Festival

  • Venue: Nationwide Children's Hospital

  • Attendees: Dozens of people took part

  • Highlights: From the hot chocolate bar to the games, every detail was carefully crafted.

 

Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families Fall Festival — 2023

LW Events collaborated with Nationwide Children’s Hospital for a free Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families Fall Festival. Families and children in the Linden community enjoyed a photo booth, food giveaways and musical performances – all with a focus on healthy resources. This incredible initiative addresses factors that impact health including affordable housing, education and economic development. We’re so proud to be a small part in this critical effort that will build better neighborhoods from the inside out.

Thank you to our partners: 614 Fully Loaded, Dos Hermanos, Wood Fired Pizza, Cassandra Swiatek, EventSource, SuperGames

  • Event: Linden Fall Festival

  • Venue: Near the Linden Fresh Market

  • Attendees: 300 guests

  • Highlights: Community festival with food trucks, a fire engine, bounce houses, candy apples, pumpkin decorating, face painting, haircuts, community agencies offering resources, and musical performances by high school students.

 

YWCA

Groundbreaking — 2023

YWCA Columbus officially broke ground at the Family Center on Oct. 10, 2023, marking the beginning of a renovation project that will update several important physical spaces onsite, including new play spaces, sports courts, sidewalks and more! LW Events ensured that this event aligned with the monumental nature of the groundbreaking, with a tent, decor and flawless programming. 

Thank you to our partners: Lasting Impressions, Columbus Pro DJs, Outreach Promos, Ballooniacs and the incredible YWCA staff

  • Event: Family Center Groundbreaking

  • Venue: YWCA Family Center

  • Attendees included: Stinger from the Columbus Bluejackets, Commissioner Erika Crawley, Councilmember Nick Bankston, a representative from Congresswoman Joyce Beatty’s office, and many other prestigious guests

  • Highlights: Outdoor event experience, celebratory program and groundbreaking.

 

The Buckeye Ranch

Groundbreaking — 2023

We helped break ground on a $35 million expansion project for The Buckeye Ranch. The 48-bed facility will provide important mental health treatment in a residential setting, providing comfortable care for our neighbors who need it most. This is such a monumental moment for Buckeye Ranch because the Grove City campus is the first of its kind in Ohio.

Thank you to our partners: (Cameron Mitchell Premiere Events, Cassandra Swiatek, Outreach Promos, PageTech AV, O’Neil Tents)

  • Event: Mental Health Treatment Center Groundbreaking

  • Venue: The Buckeye Ranch Grove City Location

  • Attendees included: 75 guests

  • Highlights: Uplifting groundbreaking with food, drinks and speeches.

 

YMCA of Central Ohio

GiveHope Event — 2023

There’s no place like home. We partnered with YMCA of Central Ohio for our #GiveHope event, a night to provide our neighbors permanent housing, family resources and other critical necessities. We were touched to hear stories of survival and testaments of strength. We were also thrilled to roll out the red carpet for changemakers who outlined strategies to make a difference.

Thank you to our partners: (Grange Audubon Event Center and Metro Cuisine)

  • Event: Give Hope Event

  • Venue: The Grange Insurance Audubon Center

  • Attendees: 100 guests

  • Highlights: Inspiring evening featuring local news anchor, drinks and food.

 

Yellowstone Forever

Yellowstone Forever Benefit — 2023

Welcome to New York! LW Events took a trip to the Big Apple for an event to benefit Yellowstone Forever, the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. We collaborated for an event aimed at protecting, preserving and enhancing Yellowstone for generations to come. Our national parks are such treasured places and we’re so proud to support them.

Thank you to our partners: (PHD at Dream Downtown, Wyoming Whiskey, DJ Cami Cush, Bacardi, Lawrence Estate Wines, Brendal Wines, Desolas Mezcal, Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire, and Rotari

  • Event: Yellowstone Forever Benefit

  • Venue: Dream Hotel in Manhattan

  • Attendees: 400 guests

  • Highlights: Lavish, beautiful night in New York City with delicious food and drinks.

 

Local Matters

Harvest Ball — 2023

This year, Local Matters celebrated 15 years of service in food access, education and advocacy, which made their annual Harvest Ball all the more special. From raffle packages and interactive impact stations to delicious food and a magical event program, this year’s Harvest Ball was truly one for the books.

Thank you to our partners: High Line Car House, Together & Co. Events, Pagetech Limited, DJ AXCESS, Bake Me Happy and Petals That Inspire

  • Event: Harvest Ball

  • Venue: High Line Car House 

  • Attendees: Over 250 guests

  • Highlights: Music by DJ AXCESS, gluten-free baked goods by Bake Me Happy, interactive impact stations and a flawless event program.

 

YWCA

Activists and Agitators: Learning Our Lesson: Anti-Racism in Education — 2023

LW Events collaborated with our longtime client, YWCA Columbus, on their 6th annual Activists and Agitators event. This educational and empowering event at the Southern Theatre focused on antiracism, education and efforts to ensure history remains accessible to all ages. The event included panelists from Policy Matters Ohio, OPAWL and Equality Ohio to discuss some of the challenges they are facing today, including equitable school funding, book bans and attacks against trans youth.

Thank you to our partners: Mills James, CAPA and Boards by Brooke.

 

Action for Children

The Early Childhood Educator Awards — 2023

Guests had a wonderful time celebrating the dedicated individuals who create quality early learning environments for central Ohio’s youngest learners. From delectable food to stunning decor to a seamless event program, this year’s Early Childhood Educator Awards uplifted and empowered our region’s most remarkable educators. 

Thank you to our partners: Columbus Museum of Art, Milo’s Catering, Cassandra Swiatek, Petals that Inspire, Hunter Marketing

  • Event: Cocktail hour and awards ceremony

  • Venue: Columbus Museum of Art 

  • Attendees: Over 200 guests including Commissioner Erika Crawley and Caleb Michael from NBC4

  • Highlights: Featuring action stations where guests got a closer look into AFC’s programs and an award program.

 

Center for Disability Empowerment

Come Dream With Us: The Future is Accessible — 2023

Attendees came together in support of the Center for Disability Empowerment (CDE) at this interactive event featuring extraordinary keynote speaker Joe Shapiro, who is an award-winning journalist and NPR correspondent assigned to the Investigations Unit. Throughout the night, guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, drinks and interactive stations that told the story of CDE’s mission. 

Thank you to our partners: the Fawcett Center, Blue Skies AV, and Cassandra Swiatek 

  • Event: Come Dream With Us: The Future is Accessible

  • Venue: Fawcett Center 

  • Highlights:  Interactive event experience with a prominent keynote speaker and silent auction

 

Petals That Inspire

BloomFest — 2023

Hosted by our good friends and partners at Petals That Inspire, BloomFest is a celebration of women-run businesses. We had local vendors, delicious food, music and even a build-your-own bouquet bar!

Thank you to our partners: Petals That Inspire, EventSource, Bartha, Josh Buben

  • Event: BloomFest

  • Venue: The Flourish Studio

  • Attendees: Over 200 guests

  • Highlights: Stalls where local, women-run vendors could advertise and sell their products in an experience-driven floral studio.

 

The Buckeye Ranch

Community Day — 2023

For the third year in a row, LW Events partnered with The Buckeye Ranch to help them plan and execute their annual Community Day. This free, family-friendly event was an opportunity to celebrate the children, youth and families that they serve, as well as the Whitehall Community.

  • Event: Community Day

  • Venue: The Buckeye Ranch Crane Building

  • Attendees: Over 700 guests

  • Highlights: Tasty food from McShan’s Burgers & Wings, sweets from Kona Ice, tents from A&S Party Rental, live music by Columbus Pro DJs, fun inflatables from SuperGames and a fire vehicle from the Whitehall Fire Department.

To all of the Buckeye Ranch staff and volunteers who helped bring everything together, thank you for your tireless dedication.

Photography by Cassandra Swiatek.

 

Local Family

Bat Mitzvah — June 2023

We created this magical, three-day bat mitzvah for a wonderful local family. With stunning fresh floral arrangements, delicious catered food and an action-packed agenda, this was a bat mitzvah to remember. 

Thank you to our event partners, including: Alibabka, Pins Mechanical Company, Together & Company, and Up Towne Flowers

  • Event: Three-day bat mitzvah

  • Venue: Pins Mechanical Easton

  • Highlights: Three days of ceremonies and celebrations, complete with great food, beautiful decor and a flawless run of show. 

 

Action for Children 

50th Anniversary Celebration — 2023

We collaborated with Action for Children on an extraordinary 50th Anniversary Celebration and documentary premiere at the Columbus Museum of Art. This event supported AFC's mission to transform the lives of children by supporting, empowering and advocating for the adults who make the biggest impact on children’s lives — their parents, caregivers and teachers.

Thank you to our partners: Columbus Museum of Art, Frankart Films, Milo's Catering, Petals that Inspire and Cassandra Swiatek Photography.

  • Event: 50th Anniversary Celebration

  • Venue: Columbus Museum of Art

  • Attendees: Over 200 guests

  • Highlights: A glamorous and heartwarming evening that brought attendees closer to Action for Children’s mission. 

Photos by Cassandra Swiatek and videography by Frankart Films.

 

St. Vincent Family Services

Returning to Our Roots — 2022 & 2023

Attendees came together for an indoor-outdoor interactive event experience that was designed to showcase the work and mission of St. Vincent Family Services and honor valuable community members for influential contributions to their work. 

Thank you to our partners: Ballooniacs, Creole2Geaux, EventSource, PageTech, and Cassandra Swiatek Photography 

  • Event: Returning to Our Roots

  • Venue: St. Vincent Family Services 

  • Attendees: Over 150 guests

  • Highlights:  Indoor-outdoor interactive event experience.

Photos by Cassandra Swiatek.

 

Mount Carmel Health Systems

Mammo-GLAM! — 2023

This extraordinary Spirit of Women event, hosted by Mount Carmel Health Systems, combined mammograms, shopping, meditation, a fun photo booth and mocktails with enlightening discussions about breast health, heart health and self care. 

Thank you to our partners: Cassandra Swiatek Photography, Creole 2 Geaux, GLAMhouse Beauty Bar, Kendra Scott, Mix 107.9, Thrive Massage & Wellness and Zen Hen.

  • Event: Spirit of Women | Mammo-GLAM!

  • Venue: Mount Carmel New Albany Auditorium

  • Attendees: Over 200 guests

  • Highlights:  Delicious cuisine from Creole 2 Geaux, beauty treatments, massages, mocktails and so much more! 

Photos by Open Image Studios.

 

The Buckeye Ranch

A Positive Note — 2023

The Buckeye Ranch’s sponsors, community and team came together for a “A Positive Note” in support of their mission to restore hope and provide healing for children and families. It was an emotional night filled with love, laughter, joy and tears, reminding attendees why their support of The Buckeye Ranch is so essential. 

Thank you to our partners: Arch City Lights, Cameron Mitchell Premiere Events, Class Acts, Creative Muse, KEMBA Live!, PageTech and PromoWest Productions. 

  • Event: A Positive Note

  • Venue: KEMBA Live!

  • Attendees: Over 400 guests

  • Highlights:  Delicious cuisine from Cameron Mitchell Premiere Events, live music by Arch City Lights, impactful speakers and the amazing Buckeye Ranch Choir.

Photos by Cassandra Swiatek and Jennifer Grimm.

 

Fayette Regional Humane Society

Third Annual Fur Ball

We partnered with Fayette Regional Humane Society (FRHS) on their third annual Fur Ball fundraiser! Attendees enjoyed a live auction and music, along with gourmet hors d’oeuvres and interactive story stations that helped donors connect more closely with FRHS’ mission to promote and protect the welfare of domestic animals and to honor the human-companion animal bond. Thank you to our event partners: The Mahan Building, Tito’s, and local caterers and florists who did a fabulous job.

  • Event: Fur Ball

  • Venue: Mahan Building at the Fayette County Fairgrounds

  • Attendees: 100

  • Highlights:  Live auction, live music and interactive story stations.

 

Charitable Healthcare Network

Free Clinic Awards Reception and Safety-Net Symposium 2023

We partnered with The Charitable Healthcare Network on their 2023 Free Clinic Awards reception and the 2023 Safety-Net Symposium. Presentations included a keynote from Loren Anthes, Head of Policy and Programs at Yuvo Health, on the impact of Medicaid Unwinding on free and charitable providers as well as breakouts on free clinic operations, implementing telehealth and many other topics. Thank you to our event partners: Marriott and Mills James.

  • Event: 2023 Free Clinic Awards and Safety-Net Symposium

  • Venue: Marriott Columbus OSU

  • Attendees: 150

  • Highlights: Conference with keynote speakers, breakout sessions and networking.

Photos by Will Brenner.

 

Huckleberry House

Sleep Out Kick-off and The Sleep Out 2023

We partnered with our friends at Huckleberry House on this extraordinary kick-off event that preceded their 2023 Sleep Out! Attendees enjoyed heavy hors d'oeuvres while they perused impact stations that offered interactive ways to learn more about Huckleberry House’s programming and mission. Thank you to our event partners: Strongwater Food & Spirits, COSI, Lasting Impressions and Huckleberry House.

  • Event: 2023 Kick-off for Sleep Out!

  • Venue: Strongwater Food & Spirits

  • Attendees: 200

  • Highlights: Cocktail hour with interactive impact stations, a photo backdrop, drinks and delicious food.

Photos by John Ebright.

 

Star House

A Galaxy of Hope — 2022

We were proud to partner with Star House to create a magical event full of immersive experiences that brought attendees closer to Star House’s programming and mission. Thank you to our event partners: Together & Company, The Fives, Event Source, Petals that Inspire and Star House.

  • Event: Cocktail hour, client panel discussion and awards ceremony

  • Venue: The Fives Columbus

  • Attendees: 200

  • Highlights: A reception with interactive, immersive experiences that showcased what Star House offers at their drop-in center, with their Star Works programs and at their transitional living neighborhood, Carol Stewart Village.

Photos by Adam Morris.

 

Action for Children

Action for Children Celebration — 2022

Guests had a wonderful time at this fun, interactive celebration where they learned more about Action for Children (AFC) initiatives, honored early childhood educators and gave these everyday heroes the respect, recognition and reward they deserve.

  • Event: Cocktail hour and awards ceremony

  • Venue: Columbus Athenaeum

  • Attendees: 250

  • Highlights: Featuring action stations where guests got a closer look into AFC’s programs. Thank you to our partners, the Columbus Athenaeum, Professional Parking Services and AFC.

Photos by Will Brenner.

 

Mitzvah

Bar Mitzvah Celebration — 2022

LW Events was thrilled to help plan a 2-night mitzvah event that left our client "in awe of the magical and perfect weekend!” Contact LW Events for your next mitzvah or celebration!

 

Mitzvah

B'nai Mitzvah Celebration — 2022

This soccer-themed B'nai Mitzvah at Hannah Park was a dream come true for this local Columbus family! With delicious food, beautiful balloon creations and an engaging atmosphere, this B'nai Mitzvah was an event to remember. We had so much fun working with this family to see their vision come to life!

Thank you to our event partners, Ballooniacs and Cameron Mitchell Premiere Events.

  • Event: B'nai Mitzvah

  • Venue: Hannah Park 

  • Highlights: Catering by Cameron Mitchell Premiere Events and custom decor.

 

The Buckeye Ranch

Community Day — 2022

Families gathered at this fun, free event to raise awareness for The Buckeye Ranch’s mission: restoring hope and providing healing for children, youth and families.

  • Event: Community Day

  • Venue: The Buckeye Ranch Crane Building

  • Attendees: Over 600 guests

  • Highlights: Tasty food from McShan’s Burgers & Wings, face painting and glitter tattoos from Kaman’s Art Shoppes and fun inflatables from SuperGames

 

The Buckeye Ranch

A Positive Note — 2022

Guests braved torrential rains to celebrate the incredible Buckeye Ranch Storytellers as they shared their love for the Ranch.

  • Event: 60th anniversary celebration

  • Venue: Kemba Live

  • Attendees: Over 400 guests

  • Highlights: Music from Mojoflo, beautiful design ideas from Creative muse, great food from Cameron Mitchell Premiere Events and a seamless production thanks to the help of Page Tech

 

YMCA

The YMCA Legacy Event — 2022

The YMCA Legacy Event took on a different feel this year, giving guests the opportunity to interact with staff and learn about the Y’s programs through special interactive “story stations.” Attendees line danced, painted a group canvas and competed in camp games to better understand the Y’s mission.

  • Event: Annual fundraiser

  • Venue: The Wells Barn at Franklin Park Conservatory

  • Highlights: Great food from Creole to Geaux and a fun atmosphere with music by The Deal Breakers

 

Thurber House

The 21st Annual Thurber Prize for American Humor — 2022

LW Events partnered with Thurber House for the third time to plan a night full of laughter, made possible by all of the amazing vendors who helped pull the night together. 

  • Event: Celebration for the winner of the Thurber Prize, author James McBride, for his book, Deacon King Kong

  • Venue: The Lincoln Theatre

  • Highlights: Amazing music, food and hilarious readings by this year’s semifinalists

 

The Buckeye Ranch

Community Day — 2021

LW Events was honored to plan yet another event for the Buckeye Ranch. It was a fun, windy day shared with a fantastic community. 

  • Event: 60-year anniversary celebration

  • Highlights: Amazing photography from Cassandra Swiatek

 

The Buckeye Ranch

Service Board Tour — 2021

On the 60th anniversary of the founding of The Buckeye Ranch, LW Events chauffeured the Service Board to different locations so they could see the impact of their support. 

  • Event: Tour of five different locations 

  • Highlights: A fabulous day of food, storytelling and celebration

 

Star House

Starry Night: A Celebration of Rising Stars — 2019

LW Events was so grateful to be involved with the planning and execution of Star House’s fourth annual fundraiser. Thanks to their generous sponsors, all ticket sales supported Star House’s mission of providing a safe respite and a chance to thrive for youth experiencing homelessness in Central Ohio.

  • Event: Fourth annual gala

  • Venue: The Exchange at Bridge Park in Dublin, OH

  • Attendees: Over 380 guests

  • Highlights: Fantastic emcee, 10TV co-anchor Yolanda Harris 

 

Thurber House

The Thurber Prize for American Humor — 2019

LW Events was honored to be a part of one of the highest recognitions of humor writing in the country for the second year — at a venue a stone’s throw away from the house where James Thurber grew up. Although the prize is serious, the evening was full of joy. 

  • Event: Celebration for the winner of the Thurber Prize, author Simon Rich

  • Venue: The Lincoln Theatre

  • Highlights: Hosting by NPR’s Christopher Purdy and readings from all three Thurber Prize finalists

 

Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth (SAFY)

Agents of Hope Luncheon — 2019

Foster parents, foster youth and sponsors who help make SAFY’s important work possible enjoyed lunch and heard incredible stories of impact from people on all sides of our foster care system. 

  • Event: Inaugural luncheon

  • Attendees: Over 100 guests

  • Venue: Embassy Suites Airport

  • Highlights: An amazing video created by our own Adam Reiss and an inspiring story from keynote speaker, former foster youth, Josh Shipp

 

Alzheimer’s Association

Breakthrough Benefit — 2019

LW Events had the honor of working with the Alzheimer’s Association for the second year in a row on this uplifting event. Attendees heard powerful stories from caregivers and one person with early onset Azheimer’s interwoven with spectacular music. 

  • Event: First annual Breakthrough Benefit

  • Attendees: Over 250 guests

  • Venue: Express Live

  • Highlights: Tremendous performance from local band Arch City Lights, food from Together & Company

  • Impact: Over $130,000 raised to aid in important scientific research and over $25,000 raised with Gifts of Hope

 

Thurber House

The Thurber Prize for American Humor — 2018

Thurber House was happy to be celebrating back in Columbus after many years in New York City, and attendees were treated to an evening of entertainment and laughter. 

  • Event: Celebration for the winner of the Thurber Prize, author Patricia Lockwood

  • Venue: Columbus Athenaeum

  • Attendees: Over 200 guests

  • Highlights: 2014 Thurber Prize winner John Kenney as emcee

 

Local Family

B’nai Mitzvah

Kids had fun playing “camp games” while adults enjoyed a three-course lunch to celebrate this momentous occasion.

  • Event: A fantastic b’nai mitzvah with a summer camp theme

  • Venue: Highline Car House

  • Highlights: A canoe filled with with delicious campfire cupcakes for the kids and roasted marshmallow pot du creme for the adults from Two Caterers