By Angel Rodgers
Community Relations Coordinator
Community Action Agency
The Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency (CAA) marked 60 years of transformative service on Sept. 21 with a dazzling anniversary gala at Music Hall, honoring its legacy as the nation’s second Community Action Agency, founded by Cincinnati’s first African American Mayor, Theodore M. Berry. More than 400 guests enjoyed a delightful dinner, silent auction, music and dancing.
The room buzzed with CAA supporters, donors, sponsors, award recipients and many political figures who share a commitment to CAA’s mission, vision and values. The agency received proclamations from Vice Mayor Jan-Michelle Kearney, Hamilton County Commissioners Alicia Reece and Denise Driehaus, State Rep. Sedrick Denson and State Sen. Catherine Ingram. Sept. 21, 2024, was officially designated Cincinnati Hamilton County Community Action Agency Day.
CAA extends heartfelt congratulations to the 2024 award recipients: Damon Frost, Mark Curnutte, Chanta Walker, Domonique Davis, and t Courtis Fuller, the emcee and Theodore M. Berry Founder Award winner.
Mark Lawson, CAA President/CEO. Photo provided 
The Sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Cincinnati Queen City Alumnae Chapter. Photo provided 
Pictured from left to right: Pastor Mark Pierce, Glenda Pierce, Angela Wilson and Arianne Figgs-Melody. Photo provided 
Photo provided 
From left to right: Lynnette Jackson, Vivian Kinney, Lois Eddings, and Darlene Sturdivant. Photo provided 
Photo provided 
Photo provided 
Soul Quest Band. Photo provided 
Ladies of CAA (left to right): Angel Rodgers, Donniko Johnson, Sherry Childers and Meredith Strayhorn. Photo provided 
Photo provided 
Kelly McWhorten and Jerrold Dowell. Photo provided 
Photo provided 
CAA 60th Anniversary Keynote Speaker: Courthney Calvin. Photo provided 
Mark Lawson, CAA President/CEO. Photo provided 
Sherry Childers of CAA presenting a Bridge Builder Award to Mark Curnutte. Photo provided 
Dominique Davis, 2024 CAA Bridge Builder Award Recipient. Photo provided
The keynote speaker, Courthney Calvin, told the inspiring story about her son Chase’s journey from Head Start to high school, highlighting the transformative work of CAA.
Fifth Third Bank was the presenting sponsor. The 60th anniversary gala raised more than $20,000 for the newly formed Theodore M. Berry Community Fund. These funds will fuel CAA’s mission to change lives from cradle to career.
The Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency extends a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, guests, staff and volunteers for making this milestone event a true celebration of community and impact.
For more information on how to help or to make an in-kind donation, please visit the CAA website at www.cincy-caa.org.