Gala event is grape fun
11/5/2001
50 YEARS: Laurie Thornton, left, and her sister, Dianne Tankoos look over the memorabilia.
BLADE
Mobile Meals Wine Gala Saturday evening at Stranahan Great Hall drew about 350 guests, who sampled wines and appetizers from area vendors as they bid on wine and wine-related silent-auction items. A gourmet dinner followed with centerpieces —petite desserts on tiered trays — so tempting some ate them before dinner.
Greeting guests were board president George Brymer and his wife, Vicky, who was in a shimmery red gown. Jack Treuhaft and his wife, Barbara, in a black velvet gown, gave out memorabilia wine glasses.
A VINE TIME: From left, Steve and Gwen Mickus, honorary chairmen, and Rob Snoad, chairman, sample some fine wine during the gala at the Stranahan Great Hall.
The well-dressed crowd was wrapped in black-tie optional attire — suits and tux for men, gowns or cocktail attire for ladies. Looking especially glamorous were Nancy Kistler in a long form-fitted gown and Lissa Guyton, who was in a long black gown with a pearl-encrusted neckline.
Combining a formal and patriotic look, Mona Melanko wore a red, white, and blue sequined jacket over a red gown.
Everyone was upbeat and eager for fun. Table 23 was the liveliest group as Todd White and Mike O'Neill danced an impromptu Irish Jig when the Maxx Band stopped by to serenade.
The guests' appetites sated, business began as auctioneer Rick Kiger encouraged bids at a fast-and-furious pace. Tables seven and 28 tied for buying the most lots and will be invited to next year's Lotting Party, which will be hosted by Bill and Margaret Foster.
TRIED AND TREU: Jack and Barbaqra Treuhaft gave out memorabilia wine glasses, stamped with Mobile Meals Wine Gala 2001. Guests bid on wine and related items during a silent auction.
The highest bid was $1,600 for a case of California Dreamin' wines. Gordon Smith was delighted to donate an opera package complete with opera CDs, wine, and wine labels signed by superstar tenor Luciano Pavarotti. Christopher Mallow and his wife, LeeAnn, were excited when they won the bid — saved for last — for the biggest lot: a 12 liter-bottle of champagne. Cheers resounded when the Mallows won the raffle for airline tickets to Europe, general airline tickets, a grape-cluster pin and cuff links, and a golf outing at Bay Harbor.
Gadders included Britt and Amy Eaton, Mary and Bob Arquette, George Matthews, Michelle and Bernie Quilter, Larry and Annie Sykes, Flute Rice and Janie Mickens, Cindy and Jim Thurston, Gayle and John Campbell, Jeff Mohlman and Kory Bialecki, Lambie Guyton and Mike Stout, Tony and Pauline Shelbourne, Mike Bell, Barbara Steele and Alan Kimpel, Lee and Theresa Wealton, Karen and John Gauthier, Bob and Kathie Maxwell, Sam and Maggie Thurber, Marv and Nancy Robon, Debbie and Terry Paul, Kristen O'Neill and her fiance Ryan Yagelski, Janet and Dennis LeGolvan, and Barbara and Lou Tartaglia.
Some guests burned some calories by dancing after the auction. But Jan and Ken Robie were busy filling their car to the brim with the loot they bought, which included carpet for their new Whitehouse home, where they will be hosting a party soon.
Honorary chairmen were Gwen and Steve Mickus. General chairman was Rob Snoad. Emcee was Jeff Heitz.
The show went on, in spite of the tragedies that postponed the 53rd Annual Primetime Emmy Celebration two times.
Last night former Toledoan Dennis Phillips of Bronksville, N.Y., whose father, Ben Phillips, resides in Sylvania, hobnobbed with the rich and famous.
Mr. Phillips is the president of Ebel Watch Co., makers of Beluga timepieces, and the event's major sponsor. One hundred -twenty gift baskets — suitcases to be exact — of luxury items for VIP and show presenters included an Ebel 1911 timepiece that is valued at $4,600; a custom fragrance by Jean Patou; a sterling silver card to Bergdorf Goodman, and top of the line wines, chocolates, and more.
Like the celebrities, Mr. Ebel was in the limelight for media interviews when he called from his cell phone and exclaimed “it's a very high spirit around here.”
Jeff and Laurie Jaffe were wined and dined in LA by Mr. Phillips Oct. 7 before the Emmy's were postponed: last night they watched from home.
Ditto for Cynthia and Pete Taylor, who had planned to attend the Emmys with Mary Lou Fox. George and Shari Isaac, who attended the Emmy's last year by purchasing the package at the St. John's High School Dinner Auction, reminisced saying “It's a once in a life time experience ... seeing ‘the business.” After the awards, Mr. Phillips attended the Unity Dinner, formerly the Governors Ball.
50 YEARS: Laurie Thornton, left, and her sister, Dianne Tankoos look over the memorabilia.
The 50th annual Ursuline Benefit Dinner “The Golden Gala” Friday evening at Gladieux Meadows was a lively house. The reason could be that for some, the event is like a family reunion and for others, a chance to win big bucks. The annual affair includes a reverse raffle for $10,000 cash, plus several smaller cash prizes.
More than 500 guests gathered amid yellow flowers and blue linens for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and a tasty dinner topped with sinful desserts.
Then it was down to business. The loser list went around first — the first 250 raffle tickets were predrawn to save time.
The fun began as others were eliminated. Excitement escalated as the final 10 ticket holders came to the stage. The event climaxed when the last three ticket holders — Laurie Gladieux, Shelley Killan, and Robert Sheahan — remained.
Guests crowded in anticipation, but the three split the pot rather than take a chance and get nothing.
Honorary chairwomen were Elizabeth Zepf and Ann Galloway. Both have attended all 50 dinners. Seen were John and Yolanda Szuch, Wally and Jeanette Iott, Gene Wos, Duke and Martha Wheeler, Larry and Anita Boyer, George Matthews, Jan and Janet Bosserman, Donna and Ed Posluszny, Tim and Jenni Yoder, Thomas and Beth Ballay, Kay and Mark Rasmus, Don and Darla Harbaugh, Debi and Jay Mertz, and Geri and David Rodgers. Chairman was Steve Stanford assisted by co-chairwoman Mary Werner.
The Operation Santa Toy Drive to benefit Harbor Foundation was kicked-off with booming success Oct. 21 at Hard Hat Caf . That's thanks to Bikers of Northwest Ohio Toy Run. Mr. and Mrs. Santa on a flat bed truck serenaded by 320 Biker-Elves delivered toys to children in wait at Mayfair Achievement School.
GINGERBREAD GEMS: Guests had lots of goodies at the home of Debbie and John Joslin at the preview.
Gingerbread cookies — boys and girls with various colorful frosting accents — were favors for guests in the River Road home of John and Debbie Joslin Thursday evening.
The gathering was a VIP Preview for The Gingerbread Family Festival Gala slated for 4:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, at Lucas County Rec Center. Professional chefs, Penta County students, and other amateurs will exhibit their talents for Gingerbread Houses during a sneak preview of Children's Wonderland. The gala will have grazing stations, children's dinner treats, cash spirits, and chaperones for little ones. Guests of the Joslins relaxed over oodles of homemade appetizers brought by board members. Jeff Juby, with wife, Alice, showed off his dressed salmon.
Seen were Bill and Just Reber, Pat Clark, Nan and Jack Chezek, Ann Sanford, board chairman Susan Eriksen and husband, Dave, and party chairwoman Cathy Furey. Husband Tom was a good bartender.
Barbara Hendel is The Blade's society editor. E-mail her at bhendel@theblade.com.