Arriving at Devou Park, a spectacular view of the Cincinnati skyline emerges. It’s the perfect backdrop for the return of one of the Cincinnati Children’s most beloved events—Sample, Savor & Support (SSS). This evening of delicious bites and selections of some of the best local beer, wine and bourbon is about so much more than pleasing the palate—it honors the dedicated care providers in our Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (DDBP) and raises critical funds for this important work.

This year’s event celebrated six honorees:

• Krystin Turner, occupational therapist, received the GREAT-itude Award for her tremendous dedication to embodying the mission of DDBP in her everyday work assignments.
• Jennifer Ehrhardt, MD, was the recipient of the Above & Beyond Award for transcending what’s simply written in her job description, demonstrating her commitment to delivering exceptional care to patients.
• Matthew Cooper, librarian in DDBP’s Rubenstein Library, was honored with the Imagination & Courage Award for pushing the boundaries of innovative thinking to advance the division and its services.
• Jennifer Walsh, project manager, won the Positive Attitude Award for setting a terrific example of someone who maintains a positive frame of mind regardless of circumstance.
• Marta Getz, MSW, LISW-S, received the Dr. Jack Rubinstein Award for her unwavering commitment to supporting families, even when facing challenging situations.

Celebrating a Visionary

This year’s event also served as an opportunity to honor an individual who has made significant contributions to the field of developmental disabilities. The DDBP Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Patty Manning-Courtney, MD.

Joining Cincinnati Children’s in 1991, Patty has held several leadership positions, including vice president of medical operations and associate chief of staff for Ambulatory Services, co-division director of DDBP, founding director of the Kelly O’Leary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TKOC) and, most recently, chief of staff.

From the very beginning of her career, Patty has remained focused on elevating the quality of care for children and families navigating a developmental disability. Amy Turner-Iannacci can attest to the dedication and compassion Patty has for her patients.

Amy brought her son Luciano to be seen in DDBP when he was 4 years old and was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The care he received here was life changing. “Dr. Manning was always our soft place to land.”

Twenty years later, Amy now works in DDBP as community engagement coordinator, and Luciano, a graduate of our Project Life and Project SEARCH programs, works as a registered central service technician at our Liberty campus.

“The most important influence and impact, the reason I’ve done what I’ve done, are those of you here who are patients and families,” Patty shared. “You are my forever inspiration for doing this.”

Partnership Matters

Donors who share her vision have been crucial partners in advancing Patty’s work, making Sample, Savor & Support not only an enjoyable evening but also an important annual fundraiser.

In its 15-year history, SSS has raised nearly $750,000—funds that have been critical in the development of innovative programs and providing resources to families like Amy’s and Luciano’s who count on DDBP for care they can’t get anywhere else.

“I was able to start a program for children with autism spectrum disorders because of philanthropy,” Manning shares. “In fact, the Kelly O’Leary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders—an internationally recognized center of excellence—was able to get off the ground because of the generosity of donors. They’re an important part of our care team.”

A Lasting Legacy

While Patty officially retired from Cincinnati Children’s on June 30, 2023, she plans to continue pursuing meaningful ways to serve the community of children and adults with developmental and behavioral conditions.

And as the evening’s festivities began to wrap up, Patty took a moment to speak directly to some of those whom she’s worked arm-in-arm with over the span of her 32-year tenure at Cincinnati Children's.

“This room is filled with those who are really the ones responsible for me being able to do what I’ve accomplished. Working in this division and seeing patients together, it’s been my favorite part of my career, and I can’t tell you what it’s meant to be able to work with so many of you.”