The Salvation Army received a record-breaking check from Western & Southern Financial Group’s charitable foundation in the amount of $126,414.58. The check includes $63,207.29 from visitor donations made during the 2023 holiday season at the Crib of the Nativity display at Eden Park’s Krohn Conservatory and an equal match from Western & Southern Financial Fund.
This donation tops the 2022 record donation of $112,566.94, making it the largest in the 30 years donations collected at the nativity display have been matched by Western & Southern’s foundation. The donation is the result of heartfelt generosity from a record 66,600 visitors to the display during the 2023 holiday season.
"We extend our deepest gratitude to Western & Southern for their generous donation to The Salvation Army. Their support has been a beacon of hope throughout the years, enabling us to reach out to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need in our community," said Major Linda Lopez, The Salvation Army’s director of operations for Greater Cincinnati.
"The Crib of the Nativity display is a cherished, time-honored Cincinnati tradition," said John F. Barrett, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Western & Southern Financial Group. "The generosity of Cincinnatians, who give wholeheartedly to help their neighbors, is truly heartwarming. It is our privilege to stand with them in support of The Salvation Army's efforts to assist those in need."
The Crib of the Nativity was started by Western & Southern in 1939, where it was presented at Lytle Park, moved to Union Terminal during World War II, then eventually moved to Eden Park. It quickly became a popular attraction at Christmastime, as visitors of all ages enjoyed the realistic nativity scene with live animals. In 1993, Western & Southern Financial Group’s foundation began matching the monetary gifts made by those visiting the display. Since then, donations and the match have resulted in nearly $905,000 in donations to The Salvation Army.
Gifts like those from Western & Southern provide vital support to the nonprofit community. Donations to The Salvation Army of $50 can provide things like meals for 20 people. To learn more about programs offered locally by The Salvation Army and how you can help, go to salvationarmycincinnati.org.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.
