The Cincinnati chapter of the Collective Empowerment Group is gearing up for its annual Ministry and Marketplace Awards gala, a celebration that brings together faith leaders and local entrepreneurs to recognize those making a tangible difference in the community.
Event details and purpose
Scheduled for Friday, Oct. 30, the gala will honor a select group of churches and businesses that have demonstrated a commitment to serving the city’s families and neighborhoods. Organizers say the event highlights how faith‑based values and entrepreneurial spirit can work hand‑in‑hand to create opportunities for growth, strengthen families, and uphold the principles of personal liberty.
Leadership perspective
During a recent interview with WLWT, Dr. Paul Booth Jr., president of the Collective Empowerment Group, explained that the awards program is designed to “celebrate the partnership between the marketplace and the ministry, showing that when churches and businesses collaborate, they can lift up the whole community.” Program director Erica Garrett added that the gala also serves as a networking platform, allowing local business owners to connect with church leaders who share a vision of supporting families and fostering economic vitality.
Who will be recognized
The awards will spotlight a range of participants, from small family‑run enterprises that provide jobs to the area, to churches that run food‑bank programs, after‑school tutoring, and other outreach initiatives. While the full list of honorees has not been released, past recipients have included a downtown bakery that hires local youth and a suburban congregation that operates a community health clinic.
Community impact
By highlighting these partnerships, the Collective Empowerment Group hopes to inspire other organizations to adopt similar models of collaboration. The gala’s proceeds will support future events and programs that encourage faith‑based entrepreneurship, mentorship for young families, and charitable projects that address local needs.
How to attend
Tickets are available through the organization’s website, with a portion of sales earmarked for scholarship funds for students pursuing business studies at local colleges. Attendees can expect a night of inspirational remarks, live music, and a silent auction featuring items donated by participating businesses.
The gala underscores a growing trend in Cincinnati: churches and the private sector joining forces to reinforce the city’s moral and economic foundations. As the event approaches, community members are encouraged to support the cause, whether by purchasing a ticket, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about the positive impact of faith‑driven collaboration.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
