Root Ball
Root Ball
Fund Your Wild!
Great Parks Forever
2026 Root Ball
calendar_today Friday, Nov. 13, 2026
watch 6 – 9:30 p.m.
pin_drop Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Rd., Glendale, OH 45246
Be a force for nature at Camp Root Ball, a fresh take on our annual fundraiser inspired by the spirit of a summer camp for grown-ups. Great Parks Forever invites you to a completely reimagined evening where our mission—to protect nature and inspire communities to explore, learn and care for the outdoors—comes to life through interactive, story-driven stations in place of a traditional sit-down program. Enjoy substantial dinner-by-the-bite stations, Fifty West Brewing Company craft beers, a silent auction and live musical entertainment as you explore, connect and experience the story of Great Parks in a whole new way. Think sneakers over heels for this immersive evening of movement, discovery and fun!
All event tickets are on sale now!
Event Ticket (Campfire Host): $275 per ticket
Campfire Hosts will receive additional visibility at the event in recognition of their additional level of support, including recognition on our event webpage, event program book and event PowerPoint. Early committed Campfire Hosts received before June 1, 2026 will be included in our digital save the date. Campfire Host reservations received after August 17, 2026 will not be included in the invitation suite or digital invitation but will receive all other benefits.
Event Ticket (Camper): $175 per ticket
Get Tickets
Can’t join us for the event? Consider a donation in lieu of a ticket purchase. Donations in support of the Root Ball can be made through the Bloomerang Fundraising system, or at https://forever.greatparks.org/give by selecting Root Ball from the drop-down.
For table and sponsorship opportunities for Root Ball 2026, contact LeAnne Anklan, Director of Donor Engagement, at [email protected] or by calling 513-728-4517.
Root Ball 2025
But What Shall I Wear??
Think sneakers over heels and come ready to play. Casual is the name of the game. We don’t encourage dresses or skirts due to the active nature of this year’s event. A special prize is in store for the group whose cabin crew shows up in the most fun coordinated camp style—think matching tees, sporty shorts, tall socks, and throwback camp vibes.
Venue Details
Location
Sharonville Convention Center
11355 Chester Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45246
Parking
Sharonville Convention Center has ample onsite and adjacent parking lots.
Event Entrance
Please enter Camp Root Ball through building Entrance A.
Accessibility
Sharonville Convention Center is fully accessible, with step-free entry, accessible restrooms, and convenient accommodations to ensure all guests can comfortably enjoy the evening.
Camp Root Ball FAQs
Yes, simply reach out to the Philanthropy Team via email at [email protected] or via phone at 513-521-7275 and we can help transfer your ticket.
Yes, your gift in support of the Root Ball is tax-deductible. Root Ball tickets are tax deductible for any amount over $125 per guest, so for Campers that amounts to any amount of $125 and for sponsors of groups of 8, any amount over $1,000., Any gift made in lieu of attending is fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Always consult your tax advisor for questions about tax-deductibility.
Absolutely! Donations in support of the Root Ball can be made through the Bloomerang Fundraising system, or at https://forever.greatparks.org/give by selecting Root Ball from the drop-down.
Camp Root Ball is an 18+ event.
Camp Root Ball Hotel Options
Make the most of your Root Ball experience with these nearby hotel options, all within minutes of the Sharonville Convention Center.
Hyatt Place Cincinnati/Sharonville Convention Center
11345 Chester Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45246
LivINN Hotel Cincinnati/Sharonville Convention Center
11385 Chester Rd, Sharonville, OH 45246
Delta Hotels by Marriott Cincinnati Sharonville
11320 Chester Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45246
For table and sponsorship opportunities for Root Ball 2026, contact LeAnne Anklan, Director of Donor Engagement, at [email protected] or by calling 513-728-4517.
2026 Sponsors
Activity Directors Sponsors
Senior Counselors Sponsors
Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Collaborating Sponsors
Hosts & Hostesses
Brian Hiles, Elder High School
Alex HoltLeeson, Bayer Becker
Rachel Kirley and Joe Jaquette
Lauren Mehall, Bayer Becker
Tyler Roe, New York Life
Mark Rosenberger, Bayer Becker
Donors
AKJ Construction Corp.
Personnel Profiles of Cincinnati