What makes Bounce’s Perfect Pairings fundraiser such an event to remember is its unique offerings each year. No two events are the same, and every time there is something that keeps things fresh while generating excitement for the next year. Last year, we transformed The Generator into an exclusive speakeasy from the prohibition era, and the year prior provided an educational multi-course meal centered on high-quality tequila. This year, the team looked south to the sunny Florida Keys for inspiration.
2026’s Perfect Pairings: Keys in the Keys was held earlier in June at The Workz on the Riverfront. Bounce partnered with the Workz as our first event on location for its focus on fun. The space combines a full bar and restaurant, arcade, and live music venue all wrapped up into one package in the heart of lively Downtown Cuyahoga Falls. We worked with the Workz team to create a game, food, and drink package that let guests relax, have fun, and feel those island vibes of the Keys.
For the night’s entertainment and the other “Keys” in “Keys in the Keys,” we partnered with The Cleveland Keys Dueling Pianos. This talented group of musicians is well known in the area for providing exciting and interactive musical experiences to events. They exclusively perform paid requests from the audience, and can even engage in “bidding wars” to fast-track song requests ahead of the rest through larger donations.
When the Workz opened its doors on the evening of June 11, guests decked out in Hawaiian shirts, sundresses, and other summer arrived for the festivities. Tropical cocktails were being served at the bar and the arcade was buzzing with lights and sound. Bounce Board members, regional leaders, and longtime Bounce partners sipped margueritas as they caught up with each other about their summer plans.
The evening shifted to the back of the space to the stage area, where The Cleveland Keys had finished setting up for the main event. Bounce CEO & President Jessica Sublett kicked things off with an introduction and the announcement that music and food were both on the way. From there, the Cleveland Keys welcomed everyone and started things off with the classic “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffet as everyone began sending in their anticipated requests.
Throughout the rest of the night, music filled the raucous hall between cheering audience members, clinking glasses, and laughter. Requests ranged from deep cuts, office inside jokes, brand-new hits, and golden oldies. Donations were flying in to get certain songs to the top of the list in time. Folks were also bidding on an assortment of raffle baskets with prizes including Cleveland Guardians tickets, exclusive cigar and alcohol baskets, and more. Buffet-style food and a tropical dessert assortment filled everyone up as they enjoyed the Cleveland Keys’ renditions of their favorite songs.
As the event came to a close, folks gathered around the stage for the final songs on the request list. Some folks danced, some sang along, and some were just happy to be there. The Cleveland Keys wrapped up their show and thanked everyone for coming out before tearing down their set. The Workz staff quickly descended to rest the space as the final guests filed out the front door onto Front Street. Everyone left with a smile on their face, with many speaking about the success of the evening and how they could not wait for Bounce’s next big event.
