2026 CEG Gala- A Masquerade

✨ 2026 CEG Ministry & Marketplace Awards & Fundraiser Gala

A Masquerade Evening of Excellence, Impact, and Community Empowerment

Friday, October 30, 2026
Cocktail Reception – 6:00 PM (Atrium)
Program Begins – 7:00 PM
Manor House, Mason, Ohio
Hosted by the Collective Empowerment Group – Cincinnati Chapter

The Collective Empowerment Group (CEG) – Cincinnati Chapter invites you to the most anticipated celebration of the year — an elegant Masquerade Gala where faith, business excellence, and community advancement converge in spectacular fashion. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Paul Booth Jr. and Pastor LaMarque Ward, CEG continues to ignite economic empowerment and expand opportunities for churches and businesses across Cincinnati.

This year’s Gala promises to be bigger, bolder, and more electrifying than ever as we embody our 2026 theme:

Ready. Rooted. Rising!

What Makes This Night Extraordinary

• Hundreds of distinguished guests filling the Manor House with energy, elegance, and expectation.
• Top Businesses and Churches of the Year honored for their excellence and impact.
• A prestigious CEG Hall of Fame induction, celebrating legacy and leadership.
• A dynamic live giving meter, showcasing real‑time generosity as we raise funds for programs that strengthen economic development and expand revenue growth for churches and businesses.
• A vibrant cocktail reception and vendor expo beginning at 6 PM — the perfect blend of networking, celebration, and discovery.
• A high‑energy opening performance by P Ann Everson Price and the Allstar Band, guaranteed to ignite the room and set the tone for an unforgettable evening.
• A major Keynote Speaker Announcement coming soon — and trust us, it will be worth the wait.

Fueling Transformation Across Cincinnati

We extend heartfelt gratitude to our Funding Partners whose commitment powers the mission of CEG:
First Financial Bank, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Union and Guardian Savings Bank, and Warsaw Bank.

Their support helps drive the programs that uplift churches, strengthen businesses, and build a thriving Cincinnati.

This is more than a Gala — it’s a movement.

WHY

The gala serves as the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting:

Economic empowerment initiatives

Homeownership

Youth Entrepreneurs

Small business development

Community revitalization programs

Leadership training and ministry support

WHO

Attendees will include:

Faith leaders

Business owners and entrepreneurs

Civic and community partners

Elected officials

Supporters of economic and community development

The evening is hosted by the Collective Empowerment Group – Cincinnati Chapter.

And the Award goes to...

As you know, the heartbeat of the Collective Empowerment Group is the support and development of businesses and churches. Our Strategic Partner Program, unique to the Metro Cincinnati Chapter, has grown to more than 75 exceptional businesses and 32 incredible churches—and continues expanding every month. Each partner has been carefully vetted, and your commitment to excellence is evident in the impact you make across our city.

During the Gala, we will proudly recognize outstanding businesses and churches whose contributions have strengthened our community. In addition to the Ministry & Marketplace Awards, we will induct one distinguished Strategic Partner into the CEG Hall of Fame—a special honor reserved for extraordinary leadership and service.

✨ Announcing Our 2026 CEG Gala Honorees ✨

We are thrilled to announce the distinguished honorees for the 2026 Collective Empowerment Group Ministry & Marketplace Awards & Fundraiser – A Masquerade Gala. Each honoree represents excellence, leadership, and impact across Greater Cincinnati’s ministry and marketplace communities. We look forward to celebrating their achievements on this unforgettable evening.

🌟 2026 CEG Honorees

• Candace Bates – The Candace Bates State Farm Agency
• Pastor Chris Beard – Peoples Church
• Rev. Dr. Johnathan Brown – Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church
• Pete Coleman – Perfect Exposure
• Kathye Lewis Norman – K.E. and Associates / Let’s Dance Academy
• Crystal Render – Magnificent Morsels
• Rev. Paula Stewart – Gaines UMC
• Ashley Terry – Pure and Simple Fitness
• Candice Tolbert – Superseeds
• Robin Walker – BYOCC Camps and Clubs
• Rev. Dr. Orlando B. Yates Union Baptist Church