10-15-2026 12:10am

JEFF RUBY FOUNDATION RAISES MORE THAN $1.3M FOR VULNERABLE YOUTH AT THIRD ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC

Beth Callahan Editor

Story courtesy of Game Day Communications

CINCINNATI (October 12, 2026) – On Sept. 28, the Jeff Ruby Foundation hosted its third annual Golf Classic fundraiser, raising more than $1.3M to support vulnerable youth in the communities Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment serves: Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio; Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky; and Nashville, Tennessee.

The Jeff Ruby Foundation, led by Chairman Dillon Ruby and Executive Director Kelly Keene, was established through the philanthropic spirit of the Ruby family and is dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and families, including those impacted by the foster care system. Recognizing that many children face poverty, neglect, and instability, the foundation works to ensure they are met with care, stability, and trusted support.

Through a combination of advocacy, direct backing, and community partnerships, the foundation also champions long-term, systemic change, including support for initiatives that help young people successfully transition into independent, stable lives. Ultimately, the Jeff Ruby Foundation is committed to creating a world where every child is surrounded by dignity, compassion, and opportunity.

"We were so happy to be back with supporters from all of the communities we serve," said Dillon Ruby, Chairman of the Jeff Ruby Foundation. "Every child deserves a safe, stable place to grow up. Thanks to this community's generosity, we can be there for more kids and families when they need it most."

The need for this support has never been greater. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly one in seven children in the United States lived in poverty in 2025. Among the most vulnerable are the nearly 340,000 children in foster care nationwide (National Council for Adoption), just 55% of whom graduate from high school, according to the Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO).

"Poverty and instability remain an unfortunate reality across Cincinnati and all the communities we serve," said Britney Ruby Miller, CEO of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment. "That makes the Jeff Ruby Foundation's mission more vital than ever. We are proud to stand alongside incredible partners in every market who share our vision of providing stability, care, and loving homes for vulnerable youth."

The Jeff Ruby Foundation partners with organizations in each of its key markets to tackle those challenges head-on. In Cincinnati, beneficiaries include Beech Acres Parenting Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Best Point Education & Behavioral Health, Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, Hope’s Closet, Coalition of Care, DCCH Center for Children & Families, NewPath, Bethany House Services, Family Nurturing Center, Cincinnati Public Schools, and Shoes 4 The Shoeless. Additionally, the foundation organizes employee service for the Freestore Foodbank in Cincinnati, Mid-Ohio Food Collective and Alicia’s Closet in Columbus, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee in Nashville, Dare to Care Food Bank and Sunrise Children’s Services in Louisville, and God’s Pantry Food Bank and The Nest in Lexington.

"The extraordinary generosity of this community is something I am always deeply grateful for," said Kelly Keene, Executive Director of the Jeff Ruby Foundation. "With the support of our event sponsors and community partners, we’re building stronger families and helping every child reach their full potential. I’m excited about the work ahead for our organization and thankful for this unwavering support."

The Jeff Ruby Foundation is grateful to the generous sponsors who helped make this year’s event possible. With even more support than last year, sponsors included:

Ruby Sponsors: Connetic Ventures, Constellation Brands and Sazerac Company

Sapphire Sponsors: Active International, Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Central Bank, Encore Technologies, KSM CPAs, Old Commonwealth, Paul Miller Motor Company, Prestige AV & Creative Services, Taft Law Firm, Total Quality Logistics (TQL), Western & Southern Financial Group, and Joe and Lorraine Mayernik

Emerald Sponsors: Chefs’ Warehouse, Consumers Packing Co., Piazza Produce, Purely Meat Co., Rozzi Fireworks, and Sysco

The day began with more than 130 golfers on the course at Coldstream Country Club and continued with an after party that drew over 500 guests. The evening's highlight was a keynote from 2025 Miss Kentucky Ariana Rodriguez, who shared her own story of resilience and spoke about the foundation's mission and the difference a stable, loving home can make. The evening closed with a performance from Lee Greenwood and The Players. This year's record-breaking fundraising will help the Jeff Ruby Foundation carry its mission through 2027 and beyond.