NEWS: Brave Like Me Foundation Announces Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker Jon Petz for Bravesgiving Gala
Early bird tickets to experience Jon Petz’s keynote are available through Labor Day
CINCINNATI – September 1, 2026 - Brave Like Me Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families who have children with complex medical conditions (CMCs), today announced that Amazement Artist®, Jon Petz will serve as the keynote speaker at its fourth annual Bravesgiving Gala. Western and Southern Financial is the proud keynote sponsor for the October 24 event at the Sharonville Convention Center in Glendale, Ohio, helping create an evening centered on courage, connection and hope for children with complex medical conditions.
The 2026 theme, The Butterfly Effect will come to life throughout the evening as guests experience stories of courage, connection and the impact one person can have on another. Petz will bring his signature blend of storytelling, humor, audience engagement and real-world perspective to the Bravesgiving stage. Returning for the third year in a row, WLWT Anchor Megan Mitchell will emcee the evening.
“The Butterfly Effect reflects something we believe deeply at Brave Like Me: even the smallest acts of courage can create meaningful change,” said John Otten, CEO, Co-Founder and Board Member, Brave Like Me. “Every ticket purchased, table hosted, sponsorship made and paddle raised has the power to create moments of joy, connection and hope for children facing complex medical conditions. When we come together, those individual acts can spread farther than imagined and make a lasting difference in the lives of children and their families.”
Discounted early bird ticket sales have been extended through Labor Day, September 7th. Community partners and organizations interested in joining Western and Southern Financial in supporting the 2026 Bravesgiving Gala can explore a range of sponsorship opportunities designed to help further Brave Like Me’s mission. Proceeds from the gala will be used to support life-changing programs that help create moments of joy, connection and courage for children and their families
To learn more, reserve your seat or explore sponsorship opportunities before September 24, visit here. For more information about becoming a sponsor, email sponsorship@bravelikemefoundation.org.
