Weekend crowded with galas

The Toledo area was busy last weekend as events competed with each other for attendance, including the Toledo Opera, Fifth Third Gala, and the Wynton Marsalis performance.

Here are a few of the other inviting engagements:

JAZZ CAME TO Bowling Green State University Saturday, when Jane Monheit sang with the accompaniment of her quintet. Ms. Monheit, 25, who performs regularly in New York, was on tour; she played in Cleveland before stopping in Bowling Green.

Ashel Bryan, who hosted the evening in honor of his late wife, Dorothy, schmoozed with Ms. Monheit and her band during a backstage reception after the performance.

Marty and Tom Campana chaired the Juvenile Diabetes gala.

THE JUVENILE DIABETES Foundation's “Dream Gala: A Midsummer Night's Dream” was Saturday at the Pinnacle. Guests cruised the silent-auction tables and nibbled delectable edibles as the Toledo Symphony Jazz Trio and students Marcus Strickland, Michael Strickland, Kelsey Chapman, and David Tunicliffe played background music.

After dinner and a program, a fast and furious live auction was conducted by generous John Whalen, who donated his services and bought a few items himself. Some folks even bid just to contribute, with nothing in return but the satisfaction of giving to diabetes research.

Honorary chairmen were Joan and Chuck Oswald, who returned from Florida just for the event. Chairmen Tom and Marty Campana report a net of nearly $118,000.

Among the 350 guests were Mike and Erika Eberly, Sandra Hylant and Chuck Heine, John and Rachel Pappas, Richard and Joyce Beham, Mary Beth Schoen, Molly and Geof Meyers, Dan and Janice Strickland, Carrie Young, Cindy and Dan Pipoly, John and Cyndee Detrick, Steve and Virginia Keller, John and Val Wiley, Sarah and Rick Berndt, Patti and Thys Jones, John Hadley, Becky and Dave Huey, and Dream Raffle diamond winners Melissa and David Riggs.

“DIGGING IN, Breaking Bread: An Evening Celebrating the Memory of Bob Anderson” was Saturday at Gesu Church's Sullivan Center. The gathering benefited Toledo Grows, the community gardening outreach program of Toledo Botanical Garden.

The late Mr. Anderson was one of the program's founders.

A fabulous gourmet dinner was created by chef Peter Vauthy of Moxie Restaurant in Cleveland, and served by St. John's Jesuit High School ambassadors.

Loyal donors and friends who believe in the late Mr. Anderson's vision for a vibrant growing community enjoyed a prereception in the home of Jim Larson, Grows committee chairman.

A BASKETBALL party for Marquette University alumni was held Saturday night in Bill and Mary Kay Sanford's home. Members from the 1950s to the 1990s rooted for their team, unfortunately to no avail. But they had fun.

Mrs. Sanford, a 1980 graduate, was a freshman when Marquette won the NCAA championship. Like other alumns present, she recalls when the team was named the Warriors rather than the current Golden Eagles.

Tom Straub, who was there with his wife, Betty, remarked that the Sanfords' house was his childhood home. Dr. Straub, who graduated from Marquette University Medical School, had not been in the house since his parents sold it in the early 1960s.

While Toledo friends gathered for food and beverages and to watch the game on one of several television sets throughout the Sanfords' house, Marty and Kathy Holmes were at the game in New Orleans.

B.J. THOMAS was the headliner for the Bethany House benefit concert Friday night at Stranahan Theater. Local talents John Sager and Shelby Butz, both 9, and Craig Jefferies, 11, warmed up the audience.

During intermission, guests nibbled hors d'oeuvres and collected a wide variety of door prizes, from massages to Beanie Babies.

Jim Edgeworth, chairman of corporate funding, said the group of 550 was down, perhaps because of the war in Iraq or the economy, but he was pleased with the results.

A net of $8,000 was reported by chairman Maureen Sullivan, who was assisted by Dolores Gdula.