Local advocates to be celebrated at 4C for Children 50th Anniversary Champions Gala, Presented by PNC Bank
CINCINNATI, Aug. 10, 2022 – 4C for Children will honor its retired CEO, Sallie Westheimer, during the organization’s Champions Gala. The event, which is presented by PNC Bank, takes place Oct. 8 at Music Hall.
The gala will celebrate 4C for Children’s 50th anniversary serving Southwest Ohio and the Miami Valley as a premier resource for high-quality early education and care for the youngest children in our community.
Westheimer will be presented with the Legacy Award in recognition of her decades of service to 4C for Children. Cincinnati Preschool Promise and Montgomery County Preschool Promise will also receive Agency Impact awards. Westheimer served as chief executive officer of 4C for Children for 35 years and previously was a board member in the early 1970s. She retired from the organization in 2015. Her decades of leadership helped transform the organization from a small agency that provided training and services to local childcare programs into the region’s standard-bearer for high-quality early childhood education.
“Sallie Westheimer’s commitment to early childhood education and quality preschool is second to none, and 4C for Children is so pleased to recognize her commitment in this way,” said Vanessa Freytag, president & CEO, 4C for Children. “Sallie is literally the advocate and author of many of the key measures used by child care providers today, both locally and across the country. We are beyond grateful for her leadership and service and are committed to carry on the work that Sallie started in the 1970s.”
Cincinnati Preschool Promise and Montgomery County Preschool Promise are both receiving Agency Impact awards in recognition of each organization’s commitment to expanding access to quality preschool to families who need it most. Cincinnati Preschool Promise was championed by many local leaders and became a reality when Cincinnati’s taxpayers voted to approve a transformational investment in 2016. CPP uses funds to expand the number of quality preschools and for tuition assistance for families who need it most.
MCPP was created in 2007 by advocates in Greater Dayton to equip preschools and families with exceptional support, coaching and education and significantly expanded in 2016 through a tax increase to make critical, affordable, high-quality preschool available for all children.
“Early childhood education is one of the most important ways we can shape the trajectory of our community,” said Warren Weber, PNC regional president for Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. “Both PNC and 4C for Children are committed to helping the most vulnerable, underserved families and children in our region, which is integral in driving economic progress locally and preparing students for success today and well into the future.”
4C for Children is also recognizing a series of champions at the gala who have greatly impacted the work of supporting children, families and providers through the years. The recognitions are in appreciation for the champions’ volunteer service, advocacy and donor commitment.
The 4C for Children Champions Gala will take place at Cincinnati Music Hall at 6 p.m., Oct. 8. The evening includes a cocktail reception, three-course gourmet meal, dancing and after party. Attire is black-tie/masquerade optional.