Each of us has a holiday tradition we look forward to celebrating every year: sending cards and giving gifts, singing traditional songs and honoring religious faith, or blessing the home with symbolic gifts and décor.
For Scott Farmer and Jeffrey Geoberti, it’s bringing together friends from across the country—and sometimes beyond—and throwing an annual holiday party even larger and grander than the last. It’s called the Holiday Ho Ho Party, and it has become a quintessential holiday treat for Scott and Jeffrey’s ever-expanding network of loved ones and acquaintances alike.
In the 25 years since its inception, the Holiday Ho Ho Party settings have become more iconic, the guest list has grown tremendously, and the spirit of giving back to nonprofits across Cincinnati has taken center stage.
Scott, CEO of Love Your Patient Health Management, says it started out as a simple idea: “Getting our group together to celebrate the holidays before everyone got busy with family gatherings.”
That original group included a tightknit circle of friends. Like many twenty-somethings, they would travel back home for the holidays and jump through scheduling hoops of the holiday season to visit with one another. The first annual gathering took place at Spy Club downtown, one of their favorite spots at the time.
“It turned out to be such a great night that it became an annual tradition,” says Scott.
He adds, "The best memory from that first party was simply getting to spend time with our friends and co-workers. We had such a great evening dancing to one of the best DJs in town and just letting our hair down—no stress, no agenda, just laughter, music, and good company. It was one of those nights that reminded us how special it is to celebrate together."
WELCOME TO THE QUEEN CITY
As life beyond the holidays unfolded, the core group who started it all found their network of loved ones expanding—newfound friends, close colleagues, social connections from trips and vacations throughout the year. The Holiday Ho Ho Party guest list followed suit.
What’s more, Scott and Jeffrey fell in love with the opportunity to invite folks from all over the country to experience Cincinnati—some for the first time.
Says Scott, “Over the years, we’ve hosted the party at several great spots across the city—each one bringing its own unique vibe. Some of the venues have included Beluga, The Ivy, FB’s, Unwind Wine Bar, Mynt Martini, Galla Park at The Banks, and now, Fueled Collective. We’ve always enjoyed changing up the location each year to keep things fresh and give guests a new experience every time.”
He adds, "One of my favorite memories is when first-time guests come to the Holiday Ho Ho, have an amazing time, and end up meeting their life partner. I actually know of two couples who met at the Ho Ho—one has been together for over eight years and another has now been married for seven. The best part is that they still come back and celebrate with us year after year. It’s become a special part of their story—and ours.
THE GIFT OF GIVING BACK
Scott says his and Jeffrey’s fondness for the Queen City has motivated them to give the Holiday Ho Ho Party an extra layer of meaning.
“A few years into hosting the annual party, we realized we could take this gathering of friends and do something meaningful with it. That’s when we started collecting donations at the door to support smaller, Cincinnati-based 501©(3) organizations that could really use the help around the holidays.”
Since then, the Holiday Ho Ho Party has set the stage for philanthropic giving. The event has benefitted such organizations as STOP AIDS, HRC Greater Cincinnati, Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio, New Life Furniture Bank, Karen Wellington Foundation, Lachey Arts—and now, Meals on Wheels of Southwest OH & Northern KY.
“When we learned that Meals on Wheels serves more than 10,000 seniors each year across Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky, it really opened our eyes to the magnitude of their impact. You never know—your neighbor, friend, or even a family member might be one of the people benefiting from their work,” says Scott.
Guests and sponsors of the 2024 Holiday Ho Ho Party supported our mission to serve seniors. This year, our organization has the privilege of being the first nonprofit to be selected two years in a row to benefit from this joyous event.
“Working with Meals on Wheels has been a deeply personal experience for us. Several of our own family members have benefited from the incredible services this organization provides, so supporting their mission truly hits close to home,” says Scott. “It’s so important to us that our guests understand the mission and feel connected to it. Supporting Meals on Wheels isn’t just about giving back—it’s about strengthening the community we all share.”
You can read more about the Meals on Wheels mission to promote seniors’ independence and well-being by providing essential services right here.
JOIN US FOR THE 25TH HOLIDAY HO HO PARTY!
You are invited to join Scott and Jeffrey’s annual celebration of holiday joy, friends and philanthropy.
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WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m.
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WHERE: Fueled Collective at 3825 Edwards Rd., Suite 103, Cincinnati, OH 45209
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HOSTED BY: Scott Farmer & Jeffrey Geoberti, with Holiday Ambassadors David Bronner, Kevin Burton, Thomas & Jasna Dao, Alena O’Donnell, Tyler Jones, Rhonda Riedl, Cathy Sarky and Jamila Watson