Red & Black Blast 2025: A night of celebration and impact
Honoring Cincinnati Bengal Ted Karras
The 8th Annual Red & Black Blast, hosted by the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Education Center at the University of Cincinnati, was a resounding success, bringing together supporters, families, and advocates for an evening of celebration and inspiration. Held at TUC Great Hall on UC's Campus, the event raised over $125,000 to support the center’s transformative programs, including; Collaboration for Employment and Education Synergy, Transition and Access Pathways, IMPACT Innovation and newest program, Regional Autism Advisory Council.
Guests enjoyed a night filled with dinner, cocktails, a silent auction, and a moving program highlighting the incredible journeys of individuals served by the IDD Education Center. The evening featured live music by DJ ETrayn and a powerful performance from Label-less, a group from Lachey Arts, whose talent and energy captivated the audience.
Ted Karras and UC Bearcat. Photo/ Teresa Ripley.
A key moment of the event was the recognition of Ted Karras, center for the Cincinnati Bengals and Founder of The Cincy Hat Foundation, who was honored for his dedication to creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The event also celebrated community partners and program participants who have made significant strides toward independence and employment.
The Red & Black Blast was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors, including RESLV, The Berninger Family, Elizabeth and Brian Burress, Deloitte, Susan and Jeffrey Harris, Shireen and Homi Kapadia, The Oyler Family, The Matta Foundation, Alexander and Anna Polenok, Procter & Gamble, UC's College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services and Information Technology, and many other local corporations, families, and individuals. Their contributions played a vital role in the event’s success.
Organizers give special thanks to the incredible IDD Education Center Team for their dedication and hard work in making this year’s Red & Black Blast a success; to Lisa Raterman, owner of LARaterman and Associates, and Kathy DeLaura, managing director of Partners in Change, for their invaluable expertise and support. Their contributions have played a vital role in planning our biggest event of the year.
The center’s commitment to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities was evident throughout the night, as stories of resilience and success resonated with attendees. The record-breaking funds raised will directly impact the growth and sustainability of the IDD Education Center’s initiatives, ensuring continued opportunities for education, vocational training, and community integration.
With another successful Red & Black Blast in the books, the IDD Education Center looks forward to expanding its reach and impact in the coming year. See you in 2026!
For more information or to support the center’s mission, visit IDD Education Center.
Featured image at top: Collage of photos from Red & Black Blast Photo courtesy Teresa Ripley of Positive Change Photography.
Recap graphic from event / Nikki Murray.
The IDD Education Center
UC’s IDD Education Center’s mission is to create meaningful, life-changing experiences for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through innovative research, education and service. Nested in UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services and IT (CECH), the IDD Education Center provides programs for teens and adults to further their education, independence, and life skills. Program participants reach their potential and find their purpose in a community that accepts and supports them to be the best they can be. The IDD Education Center embraces the University’s strategic direction of Next Lives Here, breaking boundaries and providing opportunities for employment, social connections, and life-long learning.
We believe every individual possesses unique power, potential, and purpose.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
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