United Way kicks off campaign in style

9/4/2003

The United Way is going for a touchdown for its annual campaign.

At the tailgate party and campaign kick-off Thursday at the University of Toledo's Glass Bowl, guests enjoyed a casual evening that included passing and kicking contests and delicious foods. A scrimmage in the field with Central Catholic High School football players and guests led to a kick-off and field goal by Uwie, United Way's new mascot.

Campaign chairman Bill Block, Jr., chairman of Block Communications, Inc., the parent company of The Blade, was dressed in a football jersey with a special number, 13.3 - the campaign goal is $13.3 million. He said, “Like on the playing field, what matters is results ... we're trying to improve our community because we live here.”

Dan Johnson, left, and Bill Block, Jr., with the United Way's mascot, Uwie, at the group's campaign kick-off.
Dan Johnson, left, and Bill Block, Jr., with the United Way's mascot, Uwie, at the group's campaign kick-off.

Tom Amstutz, University of Toledo head football coach, gave remarks via a video shown on the scoreboard.

Mark Sabczak, vice president of business management for Teamsters Local 20, who was on the United Way's loaned executive program full-time for three months, said, “Unity is the important part of community.” UT President Dan Johnson, this year's Pacesetter chairman, reported $1,180,000 is already pledged from 39 organizations. The employees of United Way also raised $44,000.

Seen were Jane and Mike Hartman, chairmen of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society, whose members donate a minimum of $10,000 annually; Roosevelt Gant, owner of R. Gant LLC., who is head of the campaign's small business division; Jim Findlay, Mary Arquette, Wayne Hoss, Rob Thomas, Judy Yunk, Tony Shelbourn, Billie Johnson, Bob Martin, and Mark Knierim. The campaign runs through Nov. 7.

September is here, and the month is full of charitable events.

Ohio Community Shares campaign kick-off party, 7 p.m. today, the Sandpiper.

Historic Maumee Home Tour kick-off party, 7 p.m. today, home of Carol and Bill Block, Jr.

Towne Club cards, lunch, program, 10 a.m. today, Tamaron Country Club.

33rd annual MSG Chicken Barbecue, 5:30 p.m. tomorrow, Ottawa Hills Elementary School gym and field.

Toledo Symphony League Clam Bake, 6:30 p.m. tomorrow, Inverness Club.

Links, Drinks, and Lobster for Bedford Branch Library, 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Bedford Hills Golf Course.

Fashions Through the Decades style show, 11:30 a.m. Saturday, All Saints Episcopal Church.

BBQ on the Lawn, 5 p.m. Saturday, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.

SRO for David's House, 7 p.m. Saturday, Adams Street between 11th and 13th streets.

Chi Omega Alumnae Dinner Auction, 6:30 p.m. Saturday Madison's on Main.

Friends of Toledo Day Nursery Fall Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Toledo Country Club.

COSI Bash kick-off, 6 p.m. Tuesday, home of Joan Bayer.

Toledo Symphony 60th Anniversary Reunion Concert/Reception, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Stranahan Theater.

A Feast for the Eyes and Palate, an evening of art and dinner, 6 p.m. Sept. 12, Toledo Museum of Art Green Room.

Walk With Sunshine, starting at 9 a.m. Sept. 13, Monclova Elementary School.

Cedar Point Center at Bowling Green State University Grand Opening Gala, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 12, Bowling Green State University Firelands Campus, Huron, Ohio.

Roast Dance with Johnny Knorr Big Band, the last dance of the season, Sept. 13, Centennial Terrace.

A Night to Remember, to benefit St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, 6 p.m. Sept. 13, Valentine Theatre.

Mill Bash, noon-11 p.m. Sept. 13, the Mill Youth Stop.

Ability Center Style Show, 10 a.m. Sept. 16, Stranahan Great Hall.

John McEnroe at Town Hall, presented by the Junior League, 7 p.m. Sept. 17, and 11 a.m. Sept. 18.

Lourdes College Auxiliary 20th Anniversary lunch, 11:30 a.m. Sept. 18, Madison's on Main.

Lunch on the Lawn, noon, Sept. 18, Ronald McDonald House.

Roots of Diversity Art Exhibit, Sept. 19-Oct. 25, OI Lobby.

Valentine Gala with Wayne Brady, 7 p.m. Sept. 20, The Valentine.

Metroparks 75th Anniversary Gala, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 20, Manor House, Wildwood Preserve Metropark.

Dental Alliance Lobster Bash, 5 p.m. Sept. 20, home of Rick and Kendra Hires.

Bernese Mountain Dog Club, Sept. 20, Brighton State Recreation Area.

Diabetes Walk, 10 a.m. Sept. 20, Ottawa Park.

ADDICT: Racing for Recovery, The Todd Crandell Story, a documentary, Sept. 20, Franciscan Center.

The Blade Classic 10K, Sept. 21, Summit Street near Promenade Park.

Toledo Ski Club annual cocktail party, 4 p.m. Sept. 21, Laurel Hill Swim and Tennis Club.