Donor gives 500 Reds tickets to foster children

HAMILTON COUNTY (August 7, 2023) – Teens in foster care will get to see the Reds in person during today's game thanks to a large donation of tickets from a local non-profit. Ticket to Hope gave 500 tickets for the Aug. 7 game to Beyond Your Imagination (BYI), the new Hamilton County Job and Family Services (JFS) program that provides special experiences for teens in foster care.

Executive Director Jim Foliano said he's happy to partner with groups like BYI to help support children in our community.

The donation follows BYI's success with distributing 120 tickets to foster kids and their guests to Taylor Swift concerts last week as well as providing them with friendship bracelets to trade at the shows. The program so far has paid for tickets, camp fees and other events for 245 kids.

"The way that the community has embraced this program is Beyond my Imagination," said Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas who came up with the idea of BYI. "Having access to positive experience can really make the difference in a child's life."

To show gratitude, Commissioners are honoring Ticket to Hope with a proclamation during the August 7, 2023 Commissioners' Staff Meeting at 1:00 p.m. today.

"The people of Hamilton County have stepped up to ensure this vulnerable population has the same opportunities and exposure as other children," said Commission President Alicia Reece. "The generosity and care that goes into this program is what makes Hamilton County such a wonderful place."

"Children in our foster system are often neglected or sidelined. Thank you to the caseworkers, the vendors and the donors who are making sure no child is left out," said Commissioner Denise Driehaus.

JFS is able to provide some of these opportunities thanks to the passage of the Hamilton County Children's Services Levy. Donations the extra support from donors like Ticket to Hope expands the community support even further. Vendors and donors of group tickets to events and experiences can visit www.hckids.org/BYI to learn about being a BYI benefactor.