Community support has always held a prominent place in Bartlett’s culture. As we approach the end of 2017, it’s gratifying to reflect on how many opportunities we’ve had to serve our neighbors throughout greater Cincinnati. From individual employees to corporate sponsorships, take a look at some of this year’s highlights of Bartlett community service and philanthropy:

Corporate Olympics

A group of Bartlett employees participated in the 19th annual Corporate Olympics in July. The team found it refreshing to get out of the office for a day, strap on goofy hats, and support the Special Olympics of Hamilton County.

UC’s Student Enterprise Program

Bartlett has partnered with the University of Cincinnati Economics Center’s Student Enterprise Program (StEP). Each quarter, Bartlett employees volunteer at Douglass Elementary School, teaching financial literacy to grade school students through an interactive school store. Students earn money throughout the year and have the opportunity to “spend, save, or donate” their earnings. Volunteers help with simple math as well as teaching invaluable interpersonal and communication skills. The Student Enterprise Program has been a rewarding, fun volunteer opportunity—one we look forward to continuing in 2018.

From an advisory perspective, Bartlett’s Lori Poole and Catherine Miller serve on the Economics Center YP Advisory Board. Catherine also sits on the main UC Economics Center Board as does adviser Woody Uible.

City Gospel Mission

Throughout 2017, Bartlett employees have been raising money to support City Gospel Mission, an organization that helps the homeless and hurting break the cycle of poverty and despair. In addition to corporate sponsorships, our employees wanted to have a more personal impact by directly participating in Bartlett’s giving culture.

In August, a group of us went to the facilities to see how our donations are helping those in need. We ate lunch with the residents of the men’s shelter and learned more about the values and impact of City Gospel Mission.

DePaul Cristo Rey High School

Investment advisor Rick Reynolds and his wife Vicky are co-chairs of a $19.5 million capital campaign for a new building for DePaul Cristo Rey High School and a $4 million campaign for the school’s graduate success program, which supports students after they enroll in college. Not only does the couple host events at the school and meet with prospective donors, they open their home for DePaul Cristo Rey and its students. Learn more about the Reynolds’ contributions.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

A longtime patron of local arts and theatre, Bartlett CEO and President Kelley Downing served as board president for the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, which opened its new Otto M. Budig Theater in the fall. The $17.5 million theater is located across from Washington Park, just steps from Memorial Hall and Music Hall.

Contemporary Arts Center

Bartlett investment adviser Kyle Pohlman has been an active member of the Contemporary Arts Center group called The 50. This new patrons’ circle consists of 50 members between the ages of 25 and 45. Rather than waiting until later in life, this group of donors wants to see the impact of their involvement, donating both their expertise and financial resources. For its first special project, Kyle and other members of The 50 each donated $3,000 to help subsidize free admission to the Contemporary Arts Center for at least three years.

Paying it forward

We’ve only scratched the surface of all the ways our employees gave back to our communities throughout the year. As a new year begins (and it’s a big one for us—125^th anniversary), Bartlett will continue a long tradition of serving and giving.