Richard N. Aft, who has worked on fund-raising campaigns that raised more than $1 billion, has been appointed to the Union Institute and University board of directors.

Aft is former president of the United Way & Community Chest. He received his doctoral degree from Union Institute.

He is vice chairman of the board of the Greater Cincinnati Health Collaborative and a trustee of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Friends of Cincinnati-Conservatory of Music, Coalition for a Drug Free Greater Cincinnati, United Way & Community Chest Foundation and United Way of America Retirement Association.

Aft also is a volunteer for the Cincinnati National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

He holds a master's degree in social service administration from the University of Chicago and a bachelor's degree from Knox College, Galesburg, Ill.

"He is a noted leader in the Greater Cincinnati community and an active champion of service to others," said Union Institute president Roger H. Sublett. "Through his volunteer work and professional commitment to United Way, he has demonstrated a deep passion to make a difference, directed by his vision, values and voice."

A nostalgic heritage tour will be given to elderly residents of the Little Sisters of the Poor-Archbishop Leibold Home for the Aged during a celebration of National Nursing Home Week, May 12-16.

The week-long activities celebrate the life and work of the elderly and those who work with them. Events will include cultural activities, food and special guests including the Germania Society Polka Dancers. For more information, call Mandy Thomas, activities director, at 281-8001.

Employees of Spring Grove and Oak Hill cemeteries will hand out fresh carnations to all visitors beginning at 10 a.m. on Mother's Day as area residents remember their departed mothers and grandmothers.

"Mother's Day is one of the most celebrated days of the year, and it holds deep meaning for so many families," said Andrew Conroy III, president of Spring Grove Cemetery.

For more information, call Monika Jorg at 853-6819.

While dancing to the sounds of the Blue Chip Jazz Band last month, more than 150 people raised $13,000 for the Clermont Philharmonic Orchestra.

Proceeds from the annual fund-raiser cover costs of the CPO and Community Chorus concerts. Money also supports a $500 scholarship for a Clermont County resident at University of Cincinnati Clermont College.

Allen Howard's "Some Good News'' column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362, at ahoward@enquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.