Cincinnati community has a blast to support Per Scholas at first ever Toss for Techs fundraiser

More than 120 individuals rolled up their sleeves to play cornhole in support of Per Scholas at the first-ever Toss for Techs event on October 27.

The CityLink Center, Per Scholas Cincinnati’s new home, was transformed into a tailgater’s dream, decked out with nine cornhole courts, delicious BBQ from local rib king Montgomery Inn, a bumping DJ, photo booth, and Per Scholas swag.

The event revolved around a competitive cornhole tournament run by the American Cornhole Organization (ACO) President Frank Geers. The ACO team pumped up the room, organizing 15 teams to go head-to-head to vie for the top spot. Sporting sweatbands and fierce attitudes, the participating teams represented Cincinnati’s tech and business sector as well as Per Scholas employer partners and alumni. The dueling finalists were E.W. Scripps Company and CityLink. With a first place trophy on the line, play was intense with all eyes on the match. In the end, E.W. Scripps took the win and was crowned Toss for Tech’s first place champs.

While tourney players were wildly entertaining, the highlight of the night was when Per Scholas graduate Aaron Mingo took to center court to share his journey through Per Scholas and into a job in IT.

Before Per Scholas, Aaron worked in the restaurant business for almost 12 years. The demanding hours and low pay were negatively affecting his family and his lifestyle, sharing to the crowd, “There’s no compensation for holidays or sick time, so I haven’t taken a vacation in 9 years.” Aaron needed a change; he found Per Scholas and the rest is history. He now works at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati where he receives benefits, 9-5 hours, and paid vacation time. Aaron concluded his speech by sharing, “When people ask me what I do for a living and I get to tell them ‘I work in IT’ — it feels good. I stand a little taller…I can’t express enough the good Per Scholas did for me… Thank you for being here tonight, believing in Per Scholas and for believing in me.” Guests gave Aaron a standing ovation, blown away with his poise and courage to share his story.

It’s safe to say Toss for Techs was a roaring success. Thanks to the support of our sponsors CityLink, CompuCom, Ernst & Young, E.W. Scripps, First Financial Bank, Promark, Qvidian, and TEKsystems as well as the community, Per Scholas raised more than $12,000 last night which will support our work to launch new careers in tech in Greater Cincinnati. Special thanks to the Per Scholas Cincinnati advisory board who supported the event from the beginning.

From everyone at Per Scholas, thank you for helping us make a home in Cincinnati. The support of everyone helps us continue to grow well into the future.