The Architectural Foundation of Cincinnati chose Otto M. Budig, Jr. to be the Apple Award honoree for 2018. This honor is bestowed upon an individual or entity that exemplifies the foundation’s mission to increase and encourage improvement of the built environment of Greater Cincinnati. There can be no doubt that Otto met this criterion. His leadership in the revitalization of Music Hall and support for the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and the Ensemble Theater resulted in changing the face of the arts scene in Over the Rhine. His longtime support of virtually all of the major arts organizations in the city dramatically impacted their well-being, and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has been the beneficiary of his support for many years.

The Gala event, which was held Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at Music Hall, raised funds for the educational programs offered by AFC year-round, including Design LAB: Learn and Build, a school-based program serving approximately 2,000 students annually.