MIDDLETOWN, OHIO----- Middletown Area Federation of Women’s Club President Barb Brown at the fall General Membership dinner introduced Roger Conner, AIFD Flowers by Roger,as the Honorary Chair for the 94th annual Charity Ball. Roger will be recognized at the Charity Ball that will be held on Saturday, December 6 at the Pendleton Art Center in downtown Middletown. This year’s theme is “Emerald City Ball.”
Roger is a Middletown native son of Doris J. Conner and the late William H. Conner. He is a 1977 honors graduate of Middletown High School. He is currently the owner and founder of Flowers by Roger, Inc. He began his now 40-hear career, at the early age of fifteen in the basement of his parent’s home. Those who know him, know his lists or accompanishments truly exemplifies his contagious enthusiam and passion for life, laughter, family, friends and love of flowers. He has appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America, and was interviewed by David Harman, and appeared on the Joyce Davidson Show, Toronto Canda. His floral designs have appeared and have been featured in House beautiful and Bride’s Magazines. He also was on of ten successful stories published in a book titled, “Young Tycoons”, and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and Star Magazine.
He has served the floral industry with the same contagious passion as his community. He was past President of FTD District 41 for six consecutive years. Roger has been a life long member of the Society of American Florists and the Ohio State Florists Association. He was inducted into the most prestigious of all floral organizations, The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), and currently serves on the AIFD design team across America. In March 2014 Florist Transworld Delivery (FTD) an international membership of florist with more than forty thousand members ranked Flowers by Roger, Inc. as one of the top 250 florists and master designer in the world.
Dedicated to his community, he has served on the board of directors of the Middletown Community Foundation, Middletown Lyric Theater, The United Way, Midfest, Sorg Opera Company, Arts in Middletown, Middletown Symphony, Art Central Foundation, and numerous committees. Roger was the recipient of the American Busines Women’s Boss of the Year award; the Middletown Chamber of Commerce Faith in the Future Award; and was the winner of the guest conductor baton for the Middletown Symphony Orchestra. Roger’s list of community activities continue to grow and most recently has agreed to serve on the Hospice Care board of Middletown.
In his spare time, he enjoys cooking and world travel with his significant partner, Doug Thrush. Roger shared, “who says bluebirds can’t fly over the rainbow and dreams do come true!”
Thisyear’s event is being billed “as not your Grandmother’s Charity Ball”, singles are encouraged to attend and enjoy a fun event. The evening will start at 6 pm with registration and social hour with cash bar, holiday music provided by Dick Watson; and photos by Len Kaltman Photography. The sit down dinner starts at 7 pm, provided by Kirsten Spicer, Two Women in the Kitchen; with Jack Atherton, Middletown resident and local Dayton Fox 45 News anchor, will serve as this year’s emcee. After dinner and the program the evening continues with music provided by The Ohio Valley Big Band for dancing or listening and will focus on big band and swing music; Nancy James will sing attendees favorite songs throughout the evening. In the adjacent room, for those who would enjoy the casino challenge they will find opportunity at Black Jack, Poker, Big 6 and Horse Race that will be staffed by Middletown Knights of Columbus Council #1610 dealers. In the casino area there will also be a raffle that will include a $5 chance several large items to include a 32 HDTV, Hot Air Balloon ride, Tandem Skydiving jump and vacation week trip. The evening will end at 11:30 pm.
Cost is $50 per person or $100 per couple; contributing as a Grand Patron $150, includes dinner and dancing for two and a listing in the program College age students may attend evening festivities at the Junior Patron admission of $25. Checks should be made out to 94th Charity Ball and mailed to: Ms. LaVonne Michael, 820 Jackson Lane, Middletown, OH 45044. Your check will serve as your reservation. This event is black tie optional. Barb Brown, Mike and Gail Clarey, LaVonne Michael and Dan and Frances Sack are colaborating their efforts, talents, skills and past experiences to chair this year’s Charity Ball.
Funds raised from this year’s ball will benefit the Middletown Area Federation of Women’s Clubs Endowment that provide funds for women’s health screenings, tests and initiatives for those women who do not have health coverage or can’t afford necessary treatment. Women’s Health Needs service is offered at the Atrium Medical Center, Premier Health Campus-Middletown and has served over 70 women since it was vested four years ago.
The Middletown Area Federation of Women’s Clubs donations has exceeded $1 million of total funds that have been contributed to various projects since the first dance was held on December 27, 1921 at the Elks Temple that was located on Main Street in 1920. That first dance netted $678.95.
