Jeff Weir, Superintendent of the Clermont County Educational Service Center and Vice President of the Clermont DD Empowers Me Board, was the Master of Ceremonies at the event. Audience members enjoyed interactive games with Weir prior to the start of the Lip Sync Battle.
Although the audience was give one free vote, they were also allowed to purchase votes for their favorite act for $1.00 each. Votes were also sold by performers up to two weeks prior to the event. All proceeds from ticket sales, voting, and raffle tickets were given to the Clermont DD Empowers Me Board for the Gift of Time Respite Cooperative. This cooperative assists families of children and adults who have disabilities in hosting two structured days per month at a Clermont DD facility, while family members can take care of other family needs and know their child/adult is being cared for.
Jana Beal of Park National Bank and Monika Royal-Fischer of UC Clermont performed as the Hip Hop Cupcakes. They are both members of the Clermont Chamber’s LEAD Clermont class and raised additional money for Clermont DD by asking their fellow class members to vote on their favorite song choice to perform. The song that won their LEAD class voting competition was “Ice Ice Baby” which they performed at the Lip Sync Battle.
The second act was Got That Rite, made of up three Masons who were representing the Valley of Cincinnati Scottish Rite. Brad Toft, Clermont DD Empowers Me Board Member, and his friends Daniel Bainum and Jack Lennon performed “Man of Constant Sorrow” from the movie “O Brother Where Art Thou.” Beards, hats, and overalls were required for their costume.
Don Bock is the owner of Minuteman Press and usually enjoys golfing, baseball, and all things sports. However, he stepped out of his quiet shell to sell votes for his performance, which was Madonna’s “Like a Virgin.” His costume was complete with wig, wedding veil, and lots of make-up.
“It Takes a Village” was a group effort made up of several local community celebrities. Heather Frye from the Clermont Chamber of Commerce led the group who performed “YMCA” by the Village People. David Limbacher of TQL joined her, along with Amy Brewer of the City of Milford, Heather Krenwinkel of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and Julie Wood, Clermont DD Empowers Me board president. By the end of the song, the entire audience was dancing.
The Awkward Ottkes was a duo made up of CCDD Superintendent Dan Ottke and his wife, Liz. Their performance won the competition with their rendition of “What Does the Fox Say.” When all votes were counted, the Awkward Ottkes were the act that had the most votes.
“It was a great night for everyone, and a fun way to raise money for our Respite Program,” said Lisa Davis, Community Relations Director. “Several people have already told us they are preparing an act for our next battle.”
Sponsors for the evening were Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries and Park National Bank. The event was presented by Paradise Pavilion with food provided by Eastgate Brew and View.
For information on participating in the 2017 Lip Sync Battle, contact Suzanne Diesel, Clermont DD Fundraiser, at 513-732-5028 or sdiesel@clermontdd.org.