All Fore Good
Through a combination of advocacy, direct backing, and community partnerships, the Jeff Ruby Foundation champions long-term, systemic change, including support for initiatives that help young people successfully transition into independent, stable lives. Ultimately, the Jeff Ruby Foundation is committed to creating a world where every child is surrounded by dignity, compassion, and opportunity.
On Sept. 28, the foundation hosted its third annual Golf Classic fundraiser, raising more than $1.3M to support vulnerable youth in the communities Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment serves: Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio; Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky; and Nashville, Tennessee.
“Poverty and instability remain an unfortunate reality across Cincinnati and all the communities we serve,” said Britney Ruby Miller, CEO of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment. “That makes the Jeff Ruby Foundation's mission more vital than ever. We are proud to stand alongside incredible partners in every market who share our vision of providing stability, care, and loving homes for vulnerable youth.”
The Jeff Ruby Foundation partners with organizations in each of its key markets to tackle those challenges head-on. In Cincinnati, beneficiaries include Beech Acres Parenting Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Best Point Education & Behavioral Health, Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, Hope’s Closet, Coalition of Care, DCCH Center for Children & Families, NewPath, Bethany House Services, Family Nurturing Center, Cincinnati Public Schools, and Shoes 4 The Shoeless. Additionally, the foundation organizes employee service for the Freestore Foodbank in Cincinnati, Mid-Ohio Food Collective and Alicia’s Closet in Columbus, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee in Nashville, Dare to Care Food Bank and Sunrise Children’s Services in Louisville, and God’s Pantry Food Bank and The Nest in Lexington.
Led by Chairman Dillon Ruby and Executive Director Kelly Keene, the foundation was established through the philanthropic spirit of the Ruby family and is dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and families, including those impacted by the foster care system. Recognizing that many children face poverty, neglect, and instability, the foundation works to ensure they are met with care, stability, and trusted support.
“We were so happy to be back with supporters from all of the communities we serve,” said Dillon Ruby. “Every child deserves a safe, stable place to grow up. Thanks to this community's generosity, we can be there for more kids and families when they need it most.”
The need for this support has never been greater. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly one in seven children in the United States lived in poverty in 2025. Among the most vulnerable are the nearly 340,000 children in foster care nationwide (National Council for Adoption), just 55% of whom graduate from high school, according to the Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO).
“The extraordinary generosity of this community is something I am always deeply grateful for,” said Kelly Keene, Executive Director of the Jeff Ruby Foundation. “With the support of our event sponsors and community partners, we’re building stronger families and helping every child reach their full potential. I’m excited about the work ahead for our organization and thankful for this unwavering support.”
The Jeff Ruby Foundation was formed in 2018 to drive systemic changes for those impacted by the foster care system. Jeff Ruby’s passion for the foundation stems from his own experience of a troubled childhood that was turned around by an influential force, giving him the guidance he needed to change his future trajectory. Since its founding, the organization has spent years researching and supporting the greatest needs of the foster care system. The foundation raises money to support partner organizations that can offer support and wraparound care for foster families.
To learn more about the foundation and the organizations it supports, visit JeffRubyFoundation.org.
