Children’s Law Center’s beloved fall brunch tradition supports free legal advocacy for children and youth across the region — but the window to grab a seat is closing fast.

It’s a fan-favorite fall tradition, as boots come out of the closet and biscuits come out of the oven for Children’s Law Center’s signature fundraiser: Boots, Bourbon & Biscuits. This year’s brunch is set for Saturday, September 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Receptions Erlanger, 1379 Donaldson Highway—and those who have been planning to attend need to act now. Ticket sales close tomorrow, Wednesday, September 16. Organizers expect another sellout crowd of supporters, community partners, and first-time guests, and you want to be in the room where it happens.

Now in its fifth year, the fall tradition has become known for more than good food, though the Biscuit Bar, silent auction, line-dancing, and Best Boots Contest keep guests coming back. At its core, the event exists to fund something far less flashy but far more urgent: free legal representation for children and youth who have nowhere else to turn.

A Law Firm Unlike Any Other

Children’s Law Center (CLC) is a nonprofit law firm—one of the only organizations of its kind in the region—providing free legal services to youth (ages 0-25) across Kentucky and Ohio. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Covington, CLC has grown to serve communities from Lexington and Louisville to Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus, with a team of attorneys, advocates, and staff working on behalf of kids navigating the legal barriers in child welfare, education, and justice systems.

CLC’s attorneys represent more than 500 children each year in court and administrative proceedings, often serving as the only voice speaking for a child’s own wishes in processes that will shape the rest of their life. Beyond individual case work, the organization pushes for policy reform, trains other professionals who work with youth, and offers community education aimed at building understanding of youths’ unique rights across legal systems.

The need for that work isn’t shrinking. Every year, CLC’s caseload includes children who’ve experienced abuse or neglect, youth facing incarceration, students pushed out of classrooms, and young people aging out of foster care without a safety net. For many of these kids, a CLC attorney is the megaphone that amplifies that child’s desires, needs, and voice—and that makes a difference for these young people.

Why the Brunch Matters

Boots, Bourbon & Biscuits has grown into one of Northern Kentucky’s most anticipated fall fundraisers. Guests gather for a laid-back brunch, a lively program, and a taste of New Riff Distilling’s bourbon, all while raising dollars that go directly toward covering the cost of legal representation CLC provides at no charge to families who couldn’t otherwise afford it.

This year’s speaker, CLC Board Vice President and former client Alex Harsacky, shared this: “As a former client, I give because of the role the Children’s Law Center played in my life. My family is forever grateful, and I want to ensure other kids have access to a superb legal advocate should they ever come up against seemingly-insurmountable odds.”

This year’s event is backed by a growing list of area businesses and organizations, including Gold Sponsors Taft Law, Frost Brown Todd, RKPT, and Dinsmore, alongside dozens of Bronze, Silver, and Better Together Benefactor sponsors from across the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky business and nonprofit communities. LINK NKY continues its role as a media sponsor of the event. 

The Clock Is Ticking

Tickets close Wednesday, September 16—giving prospective guests only a day or two to grab a spot before the brunch sells out. Whether it’s a first visit or a returning tradition, anyone hoping to attend is encouraged to dust off their boots, gather a group, and reserve a table today rather than risk missing out.

Ticket links and sponsorship details are available at childrenslawky.org/boots-bourbon-and-biscuits. Questions can go to Sydney Pepper Ballachino, CLC’s Director of Advancement, at spepper@childrenslawky.org or 859-431-3313 x157.