Program benefits abuse prevention

HELPING CHILDREN: From left, Susan Herring, Shelly Conyngham, and speaker Joni Arredia are all smiles before luncheon for the Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center.

HIRES / BLADE

The Third Annual Gift Of Hope and Friendship Luncheon to benefit the Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center was Friday at Gladieux Meadows.

Crisp linen-covered tables set with assorted napkins and balloons of pink, green, purple, blue, peach, yellow, and green created a spring atmosphere. A tasty grilled chicken salad and assorted desserts were enjoyed.

HELPING CHILDREN: From left, Susan Herring, Shelly Conyngham, and speaker Joni Arredia are all smiles before luncheon for the Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center.

Then emcee Susan Ross Wells got the ball rolling. Dr. Randall Schlievert, drector of the child maltreatment prevention program of the Mercy Children's Hospital, gave a brief speech, followed by a compassionate multimedia presentation on the center by Teresa Shiffert.

Author and motivational speaker Joni Arredia, in her bright-striped long dress and matching coat that matched her glowing personality, gave a heart-warming speech. She talked of abuse and said that “it's not your fault.” Then she talked about the importance of supporting the individuals who are fighting for our freedom. The presentation ended with the group standing for a sing-along of “I'm Proud to be an American,” which brought tears to many an eye. Perking things up, raffle prizes were presented. The audience of 175 included Marsha Molnar, Betsy Kelsey, Laneta Goings, Deb Joslin, Cynthia Ford, and Susan Eriksen.

NEW OFFICERS: Rosalie and Hal Shafer were honorees of the Toledo Power Squadron Commander's Ball.

The Toledo Power Squadron Commander's Ball began at 1815 sharp Saturday at Brandywine Country Club. Founded in 1938, the squadron is celebrating its 65th anniversary of promoting safe boating. The evening was in honor of commander Hal Shafer and lady Rosalie, the new bridge of officers, and past commanders. The dapper-looking group schmoozed during a reception, then sat for a tasty dinner.

The evening was called to order and all stood for the pledge of allegiance. Guests were formally introduced and special recognition was given to Jerrilyn Nicholson, who was honored with the commander's award. Formalities done, the fun continued with dancing to The Weekenders. Among the group were David and Marjorie Garey, Marv and Sharon Wackley, Jackie and Jim Lennard, Jim and Jean Balogh, Joyce and Ernie Mease, Shirley Zawodni, Art and Betty Raker, Dori and Reed Backus, Dale and Bernie Overly, Alan Zarkower and Audie Jaqua, and several guests from Lima, Fremont, Fostoria, Columbus, Port Clinton, and Sandusky, including police Chief Bob Runner and his wife, Janet, of Sandusky.

ALMOST READY: From left, Elizabeth Baucom of Cincinnati, Cami Gooding of Fostoria, Nan Miller of Columbus, Gerri Walczak of Perrysburg, Melissa Vara of Cleveland, Jennell Dunn of Northwood, and Nathanielle Mikalov of Columbus prepare for the pageant in Sylvania.

And the winner is ... Cami Gooding, Mrs. Fostoria, in the 16th annual Mrs. Ohio International contest Saturday night at Franciscan Center. In addition, Jennell Dunn of Northwood won the newly created Miss Teen Ohio International.

Susan Botek served as state director. Present were outgoing Mrs. Ohio Pat Robinson of Sylvania and Miss Teen Ohio International Megan Stroble of Ottawa Hills, appointed as an at-large representative of the newly created crown. Mrs. Ohio competes in Pigeon Forge in August and Miss Teen Ohio will compete in July in Chicago.

The totals are in for several benefit dinners held recently:

THE Beacon of Hope project to honor the memory of individuals and families served by Williams and Fulton Counties Hospice, was April 4 at Orchard Hills Country Club in Bryan. The first beacon of hope lighthouse was presented to the organization in memory of Gloria Batdorf from her family as a representation of all families. The event netted nearly $10,000 to benefit the Adult Day Care Center, opening in spring, 2004.

THE Toledo Area Kappa Delta Alumnae Association Spring Fashion Show was April 2 at Central Park West. The evening included dinner, dessert, and the show featuring styles from the Fashion Closet. Proceeds — $3,600 — benefit the YWCA Battered Women's Shelter. Chairmen were Jennifer Hildebrand and Tammy Dorner.

LUMINATIONS, presented by Lourdes College, was March 29 at Franciscan Center. Chairman of the board Martha Mewhort reports $50,000 net from the evening. That's thanks to all who attended plus the major sponsor, Dana Corp., represented by Ed and Lynn McNeal. Former board member Geoff Lyden and his wife, Mary, were duly impressed with the results too, as well as the event itself, which highlighted area talents in the performing arts. Mr. Lyden, an ex-board member, recently announced he is returning to the board.

FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA: Cynthia Ford, left, and Annette James display resolutions awarded at banquet.

Ladies and gentlemen in elegant wear paraded into The Wyndham Saturday night for A Fashion Extravaganza and Awards Banquet presented by Universal New Beginnings Church of God in Christ. Syl's Touch of Elegance provided the fashions for review, but the evening also included dinner, a silent auction, door prizes, and a chance to shop at several vendors' booths. There were stained glass designs on framed glass by Ashton Hollingsworth, CK Fashions urban wear, Elegance with Style designer handbags, 87 year old Liberal Jewelers, air brushing by Marcus Howard, crystal cube laser photos by Betty Bracken and her son Maurice, Paulton LTD fashions for all ages from casual to formal wear, and Creations by Idella Hogan, who displayed her red, white, and blue lap scarves and hankies. Honored guests were Cynthia Ford, wife of Mayor Jack Ford, and Annette James, wife of the late Bishop William James. Chairman was Rhonda Witty.

TEA TIME: From left, Joyce Stenberg, Barbara Bettinger, Claire Browning, and Penny Marks enjoy tea and company.

Joanne McElheney returned from her winter home in Naples, Fla, to host a Membership Tea for The Auxiliary to the Ability Center Wednesday afternoon. The McElheney home, in a wooded area in Ottawa Hills, was the perfect setting on the sunny spring day.

Ladies in colorful spring suits gadded about as they sipped tea from proper silver service, although hats and gloves appeared to be a thing of the past. Fancy schmancy sweets, petite sandwiches, nuts, canapes, and other delights brought by members were tempting, but everyone was nearly too busy chatting to feast.

Chairmen were Penny Marks and Claire Browning, assisted by president Joyce Stenberg and her daughter, Emily. Among the 60 ladies present were Maureen O'Malley, Barbara Bettinger, Mary Flood, Jane Duncan, Peggy Crook, Diane Rusk, Mary Pat Anderson, Sue Cardone, Liz Koster, Marcy McMahon, and Diane Breese and Sue Zemla, who were competing with Mrs. McElheney in the bronzed-babe department.

Central City Ministries of Toledo's 12th annual Urban All-American Celebration was staged Thursday at Gladieux Meadows. A record 775 guests supported the organization and honored the award recipients, but not before the late Bishop Jim Hoffman was recognized as the biggest advocate.

The UAA is presented to outstanding graduates of CCMT schools who are excelling and making a difference in the community. This year's urban award recipients were Chris Knight, an alumnus of Rosary Cathedral and Marcos Popovich, an alumnus of St. Jude School. A service award was presented to Sister Mary Ellen Schroeder, who has worked in the system for more than 28 years.

The evening began with prayer by students and ended with the St. Elizabeth Seton Gospel Choir and the audience singing “Let There Be Peace On Earth.”

Proceeds from the evening were nearly $100,000 and they are still counting. That's thanks to all the guests and major contributors too numerous to list but here are a few: Barbara Berebitsky, John and Yolanda Szuch, Mary Jo Anderson, Bob and Sue Savage, and staunch supporter Chuck Oswald, an alumnus of St. Vincent de Paul.