The Association of Volunteers raises funds for the Children’s Convalescent Hospital, a division of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

The Convalescent Hospital was established to provide medical care for underserved and homeless children. When it became apparent that the hospital needed more funds and man hours than the staff could provide, the hospital’s governing body decided to form an auxiliary.  The auxiliary was called the Association of Volunteers.

Founded in 1964, the Association of Volunteers was tasked with providing a coordinated volunteer force to raise funds for unmet needs for a broad range of programs and equipment that enhance the lives of children with long term health challenges. The AOV continued to raise funds for these needs as the Convalescent hospital became a division of Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center in 1974.

Since its founding the Association has raised over 4 million dollars to provide funding for over 100 different needs, programs, and services, including

• A Family Development Center with a Preschool for Abused Children

• A Limb Deficiency Clinic

• A Comprehensive Epilepsy Program

• A Pediatric Pulmonary Disease Center

• A Pediatric Rheumatology Research Program

• A Pediatric Rehabilitation Project

• Expansion and Renovation of Occupational and Physical Therapy and support of their be.well health and fitness programs

• Support of Project Search and Children’s Hospital Aquatics Therapy Program

What we do

The AOV fundraises by hosting events showcasing design elements in various aspects of life to bring people together increasing awareness of the needs of children with chronic illness.

From 1965-2015 the main fundraising event was the Cincinnati Antiques Festival. Each year the festival grew progressively larger and more exceptional, with new events and innovations initiated by committee members working to ensure the show was of the highest caliber. The festival was a multi-day celebration featuring a variety of events including celebrity guests, high teas, tours, auctions, and raffles as well as vendor exhibits to shop.  The Festival was considered one of the top 3 antiques shows in the country. 

In 2016 the annual event transitioned into Design Cincinnati. This renewed lecture & luncheon event celebrates beautiful living in all aspects of the home, inside and out, including interior design, entertaining and tabletop decor, and even fashion, all with a nod to our history of antiques.

As we look to the future, the Association of Volunteers is dedicated to continuing to provide programs and equipment that enhance the lives of children with long term medical needs.  We thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you at our events.