Dr. Cliff Megerian, chief executive officer of University Hospitals with Dr. Lynne Megerian and Jerry and Julie Kelsheimer.

Mike Spangler, Jay Meyer, Greg Drensky, Chad Russell and Larry Scullin represent Jacco & Associates, the presenting sponsor of the 13th Annual Rainbow Jumper Challenge.

Carley and Tim Porter got the surprise of their lives when they learned last year they were expecting twins. The young couple then got the scare of their lives when Lily and Luke were born shortly after Easter, weeks too early, with minimal lung function.
Holding their gurgling daughter and son, the Porters told patrons at the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club how the University Hospitals medical team at Rainbow Babies and Children’s brought them the joy of their lives as well, with their twins now thriving toward toddlerhood.
The Porter family story is one of a multitude of examples attesting to Rainbow’s dedication and expertise on behalf of children and families over the years. These efforts are possible in part by the support raised by the Circle of Friends through the annual Rainbow Jumper Challenge.

Sally and Sandy Cutler of Cru Uncorked.

This year, a dozen equestrian teams competed on the hunt club course, clearing as many jumps as possible to win the most points within the allotted time. Taking introductory laps, each horse and rider pressed the private-chalet crowd for higher bids in the Calcutta-style auction, managed expertly by equestrian emcee Liz Porter and auctioneer Rob Tulecky. The highest bidder for each team pledged the winning price to the evening’s fundraising total.
When twelve runs were done, the final team came in first, as Megan Bash on Arcee de Valmont compiled 2,325 points. In the hour of a waning summer sun, though, the bigger winners were the children under care at Rainbow, as the equestrians garnered $188,000 in top bids. Combined with sponsorships and donations, the 2024 Rainbow Jumper Challenge raised $345,000 “for the babies.” STORY AND PHOTGRAPHS BY PEGGY TURBETT