CINCINNATI (Oct. 29, 2024) — As philanthropists who proudly support a number of organizations, Michael and Suzette Fisher never lose sight of how their gifts can have the greatest impact.

"We have always believed in the power of collective giving and the power of collective planning," Michael said.

It explains why, over a span of nearly 40 years, they have worked closely with United Way of Greater Cincinnati (UWGC). Their philanthropic efforts to better the community have included volunteering, advocating, donating and inspiring others. In gratitude, on May 14, 2024, the organization honored the couple with the Tocqueville Award.

UWGC leads by bringing into focus "the bigger picture" of community needs, Suzette said. "From that bird's eye view, it can determine how agencies can collaborate to address problems together. United Way is uniquely positioned to do that."

"Suzette used the word together," Michael said. "We really think that is the way to address the needs and opportunities a community has.

"United Way has people from all walks of life both contributing to it and benefiting from it," he added. "It's thinking about the big systemic issues of our community, thinking about how to bring all the resources — human resources, financial resources, government resources, the business community — together to address problems, starting with (input from) the individuals themselves."

Michael's 1987 introduction to UWGC came by way of his involvement in Cincinnati's Jewish community. When the young professional was asked to serve on United Way's campaign cabinet, he eagerly accepted. In the years since then, he led an auto industry service supplier; served as president and CEO of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce; and was president and CEO of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center until retiring in 2021.

Suzette's association with United Way also began in the late 1980s when, as a graduate student at the University of Cincinnati, she landed an internship in UWGC's marketing department. Like Michael, she has held leadership roles with numerous community and civic organizations.

Said Suzette: "Getting involved with any board or agency, you have to be a self-starter and raise your hand a lot and say, 'I'll give this a try, it's really important.' You learn a lot and you're able to give back a lot."

They have raised their hands many times to support the community, including in 2003 when they became the first husband and wife team to chair the annual United Way campaign.

Taking on that role meant visits to corporate offices, Suzette said, but no less important were their many visits to observe United Way uplifting the community: a teenage mother learning to be a good mom; families with young children taking advantage of early education opportunities; homeless people getting assistance.

"Understanding first-hand the experiences and needs of individuals and families who seek and benefit from United Way services was really impactful," Michael said.

Many needs still exist, of course. Said Michael: "United Way and its board have been increasingly focused on how and where they want to put their emphasis — in areas like economic mobility and educational success and housing security. Putting the focus and energy on a handful of things will make a bigger difference."

The Fishers, who are parents of four adult children, continue to invest in United Way because they believe in creating opportunities for all people to grow and thrive. "We feel at home everywhere in this community," Michael said, "we want everyone to feel at home in this community."