The 9th Annual Red & Black Blast
Over 450 guests attended the Red and Black Blast on February 25, 2026 benefiting the University of Cincinnati’s IDD Education Center and raised $180,000!
This was the ninth annual event which celebrated the four life-changing IDD Education Center programs: Collaboration for Employment and Education Synergy (CEES), Transition and Access Pathways (TAP), IMPACT Innovation (IMPACT) and the Regional Autism Advisory Council (RAAC).
IDD Education Center director, Christi Carnahan recognized Paul Kitzmiller, President of Impact Autism, with the Champion for Inclusion Award. Paul led the efforts of this bold and visionary organization which helped launch UC’s IMPACT Innovation program in 2015. Together Christi and Paul challenged the audience to: Be brave. Be bold. Take risks to create positive change in our community.
Honorary event Chair, Ted Karras, joined Paul in energizing the crowd during the live auction and together they raised $21,000 in just minutes. Ted created the Scholarship Series Hat in 2024 to fund scholarships for the IDD Education Center program, Transition and Access Pathways (TAP), and guests at the Red & Black Blast purchased 175 Cincy Scholarship Series Hats to support the scholarship fund and other Cincy Hat Foundation initiatives.
Emcee ETrayn kept the evening lively and engaging and full of energy from start to finish. While guests enjoyed dinner, cocktails, silent auction, and heard inspiring stories from IDD Education Center participants, the room came alive when Zayne Harshaw, guitarist for Blue Spectrum, brought everyone to their feet with an unforgettable performance.
Dedicated sponsors for the Red & Black Blast included Impact Autism, RESLV, Karen Collins and Jeff Grady, Diana and David O’Brien, Kristen & Scott Oyler, Procter & Gamble, The Berninger Family, Deloitte, and 35 other local businesses and families. A full list of sponsors can be found below.
Save the date for the 10th Annual Red & Black Blast on March 4, 2027!
2026 Sponsors
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors for your continued support and dedication.
Platinum Sponsors
Impact Austism
Impact Autism is a philanthropic organization dedicated to funding innovative programs that improve education, health, and community opportunities for adults with autism.
RESLV
RESLV blends creative storytelling with smart digital strategy to help brands stand out and grow, making video marketing both powerful and simple while proudly supporting the IDD Center at the CECH School at the University of Cincinnati.
Karen Collins & Jeff Grady
Karen Collins and Jeff Grady are proud new supporters of the IDD Education Center, helping advance opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Diana and David O'Brien
David and Diana O’Brien, founders of Impact Autism, helped bring IMPACT Innovation to life, creating a program where individuals with IDD and complex support needs can learn, work, and belong.
Kristen and Scott Oyler
Kristen and Scott Oyler believe deeply in the IDD Ed Center’s mission and consistently show up through their generosity, advocacy, and encouragement.
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
- Valerie Laser and Robert Herman
- The McPherson Family
Bronze Sponsors
- Cindy and Charles Aardema
- Christopher Atchison
- Beechmont Racquet & Fitness
- The Boat Family
- Cincinnati Prepress and Printing
- Lindsay and Cory Davis
- Shannon and Brian Doyle
- Susan and Jeffrey Harris
- Keepers Turf
- Stephanie and Stephen Kroeger
- Magnified Giving
- Messer Construction Co.
- Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey
- Cindy and Mark Molloy
- Prestige AV & Creative Services
- Romualdo
- The Spence Family
- Cindy and James Tinkham
- University of Cincinnati College of Allied Health Sciences
- University of Cincinnati Department of Public Safety
- University of Cincinnati School of Education
- Winding Lane Interiors