For all creatures great and small

EVENING EYE-LIGHT: Kyle Brodie of the Greater Independence and Vision for Everyone, or G.I.V.E., shows some of the low-vision aids that will be available to everyone.

Hires / Blade

The Diamante Awards Gala celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month Saturday in the student union ballroom at Bowling Green State University.

Before the event, Metamorphosis, a sculpture by BGSU grad Emanuel Enriquez, was dedicated in honor of the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Latino Student Union on campus, which Mr. Enriquez was a founding member.

WORK OF ART: <i>Metamorphosis</i>, by Emanuel Enriquez, was dedicated at BGSU in honor of the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Latino Student Union.

Diamante honorees included Irene Mineoi for her Youth Leadership, Anita Lopez for her professional leadership, and Robert Rodriguez for his leadership in the Latino community. Rural Opportunities, Inc., was also recognized for its support in the Latino community.

Guests sipped and supped as La Revanhca band played, then later, Super Grupo Aldaco drew guests to the dance floor. Among the nearly 400 guests were emcee Jason Martinez of WGTV Channel 13, and event chairmen Marcos Rivera and Bettina Shuford. The event was sponsored by BGSU, Owens Community College, and the University of Toledo.

“HERE'S looking at you, kid!” Rick's Cafe Americain — aka Gladieux Meadows — was the hot spot Saturday night for “Catsabarka,” The 15th Annual Furball to benefit the Toledo Humane Society. The gin-joint atmosphere boomed with excitement as Ramona Collins and her band, Line One, played sultry jazz. Silent and live auction items offered getaways and unique gifts. Some, including Pat Brondes and Martha and Hans Vetter, bid as much as $1000 just to donate and received a rose for their generosity. Cigarette gals sold beverage tickets. Martinis flowed. Grazing stations offered delectable edibles. Fedora hats were given to anyone who purchased a $10 raffle ticket for a Harley Davidson: Bruce Illausy was the lucky winner. More than 325 were present. Committee members included Harriet Clemens, Todd Commisso, Patricia Crosby, Jesse Datillo, Carol Greenberg, Debi Kahn, Tara Kestner, Joanna Koenigseker, Constandena Mandros, Jamie Sayer, Patrice Spitzer, Paula Suter, Kathleen Walczak, and Kelly Zyndorf.

EVENING EYE-LIGHT: Kyle Brodie of the Greater Independence and Vision for Everyone, or G.I.V.E., shows some of the low-vision aids that will be available to everyone.

“THE Eyes Have It,” a fund-raiser to benefit the Greater Independence and Vision for Everyone, Inc., was Saturday at Belmont Country Club. The new organization provides low vision aids to everyone, especially seniors. The evening included a reverse raffle, a 50/50 raffle, silent and live auctions, and gourmet delights at international grazing stations.

Mike Sofo won $1500, Colleen LaChapelle won $750, and Marie Humphrey won $250. Dick Banker won the 50/50 raffle. Board member Sue Zurawski was pleased with the $7,000 net since it is a first-time event. Board chairman and founder Kyle Brodie said, “Life isn't over once you lose your vision.”

Board members include Dino Costa, Lori Brodie, Charles Boss, Larry Boyer, Rosa Green, Laurie Madrazo, Mary Ellen Zurawski, and Chuck Mira, who donated a $150 bottle of wine to the auction: It was bought by John LaChapella.

Among the 100 guests were members of the medical community including Sam Pesin and wife, Donna, Nick Leonardi and wife, Terri, Tom Mehelas and wife, Anne, Beth Orgel and husband, Ira, and Dick Koop and wife, Kathy.

THE Third Annual “Get the Message” gala to benefit Equipped Kids, a nonprofit organization that loans equipment for children with developmental needs, was Friday downtown in the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library. The low key evening included hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer, and soft drinks from the Oliver House served as Voodoo Libido band played for dancing.

President and founder Karen Appold Kerr said sponsorships are gladly accepted as equipment is costly. Event chair was Kathleen Hack, assisted by Kathy Appold, Robin Ayers, Mary Deloe, Kim Johnson, Karen Keesey, Carol Kutcher, Julie Madden, Katy Walker, and Karol Lynn Young.

THE Thurgood Marshall Law Association, the only minority bar association in northwest Ohio, presented the “Eddie Cole Scholarship Banquet” Thursday at SeaGate Convention Centre.

LAW AND ORDER: Robert Grey and U.S. Magistrate Vernelis Armstrong were at the SeaGate Centre event.

Featured speaker was Robert Grey, American Bar Association president elect. Honored for community commitment and mentoring of minority attorneys, was Vernelis Armstrong, federal magistrate judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Attorneys, judges, paralegals, and others in the legal community were there. The district's federal judges were there too, including James Carr, David Katz, John Potter, and Mary Ann Whipple.

Proceeds benefit the scholarship fund for minority law students at the University of Toledo College of Law. Board president is Paula Hicks and event chairman was Angelita Cruz Bridges.

THE Multiple Sclerosis Society “Dinner of Champions: Triumphs and Treasures” was Wednesday at The Pinnacle. The evening celebrated people who make a difference. Honorees were Sister Karen Zielinski, MS Society volunteer and director of communications for the Sisters of St. Francis, and Dick Anderson, chairman of The Andersons. Sister Zielinski was presented the Achievement Award for her successes despite her MS. Mr. Anderson received the Silver Hope Award as an outstanding community leader. Honorary chairmen were Chuck and Joan Oswald, and event chairman was Liz Ference assisted by Jan Bollin, Michael Fruchtman, Keith Brooks, and Chris Perry. Board chairman is J.R. Toland.

October is packed with social events and fund-raisers.

Beginning today, this month's datebook will be published in Barbara Hendel's Thursday columns and Monday On the Town.

For starters: