Reagan's son wows audience

ALL FEATHERS AND FUR: David Cooper of Nature's Nursery, left, and Jack Fynes of the Toledo Animal Shelter are "fools for animals."

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It's for the children. Toledo Children's Hospital: An Evening with Michael Reagan was a warmhearted experience Thursday night at Gladieux Meadows. Bright colored paper flowers centered with faces of children from the hospital set the cheery scene. Guests perused the silent auction tables and chatted with friends for nearly two hours. The upbeat feeling continued through the tasty dinner, then President Kathy Carlson and board chairman Susan Palmer got down to business and welcomed everyone.

A REAGAN VISIT: Michael Reagan and Susan Palmer converse at the Toledo Children's Hospital event.

From there, Jerry Anderson of WTOL-TV 11 opened the floor for bids at the live auction and bidding wars erupted for nearly every one of the 13 items including tickets to Dr. Phil and the Late Show with David Letterman, tickets to the Nextel Cup NASCAR race at Michigan Speedway, a diamond bracelet from Jeffrey Mann Jewelers, laser eye surgery, exotic get-a-ways, a shopping spree at Sophia Lustig Shop and Michael David Ltd., and a puppy won by Jim Deaton as a little something for his daughter Lauren.

Michael Reagan, the adopted son of ex-President Ronald Reagan and actress Jane Wyman, took to the stage and donated a tour and lunch at the Reagan Ranch. The nationally syndicated radio talk-show host talked about his life, family values, and why we should give to the cause.

The personable and dynamic speaker said, "Everyone thinks growing up in rich and famous families is great." What problems could anyone in that environment have?

MOTORCYCLE MANIA: Dick and Lynn Baker inspect a motorcycle at the Gladieux event for Toledo Children's Hospital.

Haunted by the abuse from a trusted caretaker when he was a child, Mr. Reagan wandered from to school to school and job to job. He became a power-boat racer, setting world records and raising more than $1.5 million for children's charities. But it was that awful experience as a child that haunted him for years, until his wife got him to talk about what happened. It changed everything. He told his father, and that resulted in bringing the two closer together.

He urged guests to give children love, "and you will get it back in spades."

After the compelling speech, a couple begged for Mr. Reagan to sell to them another package to the ranch.

Among the nearly 600 guests were Lou Ann and Dave Zuchowski, Molly and Geof Meyers, Keith and Katy Walker, Patty and Dave Wise, Tim and Dee Janney, Patty and Dick Westmeyer, Gary and Tricia Yunker, and John Hadley and his daughter Erica and son George. Mayor Jack Ford and his wife, Cynthia, presented Mr. Reagan with a crystal goblet from the city.

The event started nearly 10 years ago to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. However, in 1998, the foundation merged with the hospital's program to become the Caring Friends Council. Chairmen Nancy Kabat and Andi Monoky from the Caring Friends Council, report a net of more than $150,000.

PAWS HURRAH: Doy DiNardo, left, and Jennifer Frey are happy to help the paws cause held at Toledo Country Club.

Two recent fund-raisers enticed guests to put their paws deep into their pockets for the welfare of animals.

PAW Hurrah! "A celebration of saving dogs and cats of our community," was presented Saturday by Planned Pethood at Toledo Country Club. The organization is celebrating its 25th anniversary, so the group really put on the dog for the fun and special evening. A feast of Mediterranean gourmet edibles sated appetites, and a silent auction gave the more than 280 guests plenty to do as they mingled with friends. There were tempting treats for bidders to pant over, including original art, packages for health and beauty, sports, entertainment, and vacations, jewelry, home decor, and that special something for your pet: grooming, condos, beds, and more.

Peg Smith had her eye on a purrr-fect silver pin. Meanwhile, Steve Serchuk and Nancy Delikat, Barbara and Alan Konop, Chris and Pam DiSalle, Ron Folger and Cindy Burgess, and others sniffed around for their favorite items.

Auctioneer Tom Salsberry was challeneged by the chatter, but he auctioned off - over the roar - six times, including a professional pet photo shoot, a party in a suite at the Mud Hens, a first pitch at a Hens game, a ride on a Toledo Fire truck, and symphony and Zoo-To-Do tickets.

Special strokes were given to Carol Dunn, Kim Hillyer, and Dr. Morrie Weaver, for their years of dedication to animal welfare and their support of Planned Pethood, which began as Friends of Animals more than 25 years ago.

ALL FEATHERS AND FUR: David Cooper of Nature's Nursery, left, and Jack Fynes of the Toledo Animal Shelter are "fools for animals."

Chairmen Doy DiNardo, Jill Borkowski, and Jen Fry report an estimated net of $35,000, but they are still counting. President Kathy Kozak was purring about the successful evening.

No fooling around. The Toledo Animal Shelter joined forces with Nature's Nursery Center for "Fools for Animals" concert and silent auction at Maumee Indoor Theatre. And of course, it was on April Fool's Day.

Animal-shaped stamps guaranteed the guests entrance to the event and a chance to sip from the special "walk on the wild side" wine bar. Flowers from Joe Cooper Florist graced the table filled with yummy hors d'oeuvres from Le Petite Gourmet.

Three Sheets to the Wind, The Chicken Pickers, and Dave Browning entertained as guests sipped and nibbled and bid on silent-auction items. Pat Rathbun of Delta bought a shepherd border collie mix puppy and immediately named him Oscar.

Nature's Nursery, located in Whitehouse, strives for the improvement of wildlife through rehabilitation and conservation education. In operation for 16 years, it is the only center of its kind in Lucas County, while also serving other counties within 50 miles. Board chairman is David Cooper.

Toledo Animal Shelter is the oldest no-kill rescue and shelter organization in the community, providing services for the last 78 years.

All cats and dogs that are adopted out are spayed or neutered and vaccinated. Board chairman is Jack Fynes.

Seen were Margi Grose, Cindy and Gary Grime, Gayle Bayer, Jeanny Amidon and Rick Bryan, Pat Hunter, Dick Boers, George and Deborah Carruth, Kathy Hart, Karen Merrels, Tom and Laura Zitzelberger, Nancy Ligibel, Pat and Rita Tansey, Bill and Judy Orcutt, and Barney Stickles, who donated a Labino glass piece to the auction, which barked up a bidding war.

Looking especially trim was Randy Schnee, who was busy chatting. Rebeca Walsh, there with hubby, John, was reminiscing about yesteryear.

The event netted approximately $12,000, and they are still counting.

IL-LUMINATING: College President Bob Helmer and his wife, Linda, are wowed by the night of food, auction shopping, and a concert showcasing local talent.

It was such a beautiful sunny evening Saturday that bistro tables were set on the patio so guests could enjoy the outdoors during Luminations, presented by Lourdes College at the Franciscan Center.

Indoors, the Maxx Band strolled about as guests perused the silent auction, sipped wine, and nibbled hors d'oeuvres. There was something for everyone, thanks to chairmen Debbie Paul and Pat Kuhr. Items ranged from art, a gas grill, entertainment, sports, and vacation packages, to gas cards and jewelery. Don Barone contributed some of his pottery. Dick and Darlene Stansley won the bid on a dinner with the president of Lourdes College, Bob Helmer, along with his wife, Linda, and Bob and Mary Arquette, who will do the cooking.

Appetites sated and shoppers ready for a rest, everyone gathered in the theater for the show, which was described by Mrs. Arquette of Lourdes College as "a smorgasbord of arts in our community." The Toledo Symphony, Ramona Collins for the Jazz community, the Toledo Ballet, and opera with Maestro Kevin Bylsma dazzled folks as they showed the great talent within our community today. And the Toledo School for the Arts gave a hint to the talents of tomorrow as the audience watched and listened in awe.

SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT: Dick and Darlene Stansley are among those attending the event held at the Franciscan Center at Lourdes College. Proceeds help to beef up student scholarships at the college in Sylvania.

A scholarship auction was in memory of Chuck Oswald, who always encouraged folks to donate to the cause. Everyone joined in the fun, including college staffers.

The top bidders at $8,500 were Mr. Arquette and Dick Anderson. All donors were eager to give after the spectacular performance and the talk by student Gina Paris, who recalled how she promised her late grandfather that she would get a college degree.

All revved up, The Maxx Band played as guests enjoyed a nightcap or two with an array of sinfully delicious desserts.

FOR LOURDES: Jim and Kay Murray enjuoy a moment of fun at the benefit.

All of the estimated net of $123,000 supports student scholarships.

Enjoying the night were Dick and Dolly Flasck, Tom and Betsy Brady, Jack and Barb Altenberger, Ruth Lewandowski, David and Tracy Seeger, Paul and Barbara Hollenbeck, Bill and Jean Buckley, Cleves and Kathy Delp, Ann Galloway, Denny and Sheila Johnson, and Chuck and Rosaline Hinde. Also, Mike and Debbie Bercher, Duke and Martha Wheeler, Dick and Kathy Faist, John and Yolanda Szuch, Tim and Cam Mathews, Joe and Mary Ann Colturi, Milo and Chrissie Danzeisen, Dave and Kate O'Conell, Steve and Pat Mooney, alumni president Sarah Berndt, Stu and Denise Cubbon, and former Toledoan Pam Boundy and her husband, Dick, of Midland, Mich.

Honorary chairmen Jim and Kay Murray and next year's chairmen, John and Ann Meier, were also seen gadding about.

It's spring. The warm weather has drawn just about everybody who motored or jetted to Florida to escape winter back to town.

JOHN Barone and Jennine Williams finally decided to tie the wedding knot. They met through a mutual friend eight years ago and became engaged on St. Valentine's Day last year while vacationing in the Florida Keys.

The couple were at Morada Bay restaurant on the beach when a sky diver landed and delivered Mr. Barone a box, which held the diamond ring he used to propose. Just when you thought nothing could top that day, they held the wedding. The romantic Mr. Barone chose Oct. 16, Sweetest Day.

The sunset wedding was at Olde Cypress Country Club in Naples. Guests released butterflies as the bride and groom were pronounced husband and wife, and in the distance, 1,000 balloons were released. To top off the evening, a spectacular fireworks display prompted area residents to ask the local newspaper, what set off the show?

One hundred and fifty family and friends - all with Toledo ties - attended from all over the United States. Then, the newlyweds headed to Italy for a honeymoon, where the highlight was an audience with the Pope, something that has extra special meaning now that he had been laid to rest.

THE RITZ-Carlton in Naples was the hot spot for several Toledo residents who gathered for a private reception presented by Fifth Third Bank. Hosts of the soiree included Toledoans Bruce Lee, president, and John Szuch, chairman, along with executive Vice President Colleen Kvetko.

Gadding about were Jerry and Marsha Sawicki, Jeff and Sharon Rumpf, George and Deborah Chapman, Al and Dorothy Bauman, Corrine Joseph, Joel and Shirley Levine, Ken and Jalna MacLaren, and Don and Venice Michel.

PAT and Annette Birney, owners of Laurel Hills Swim and Tennis Club, made their rounds in Florida. First they stopped in Fort Myers to visit Laurel Hills' former owners, Norm and Dorothy Heydinger. While there, they attended a party hosted by Jack and Lena Butcher, where they saw Toledo tennis buffs which included George and Katy Grominger, Barb Feightner, Jim and Kay Delph, Blair and Elly Place, Char and Dick Sargent, Jim and Sharon Brown, Kathy Roman, and John and Maryann Monetta.

Crossing Alligator Alley, the next stop was Fort Lauderdale for tennis with Geoff Lyden, Joe Sahdala, Chuck North, Jim Kaser, and Todd Dominiak.

NAPLES, Florida held its annual St. Patrick's Parade March 12, so Patty and Jo Moran sponsored the First Annual "Toledo, Ohio & Friends" group to march in the parade.

Marching were John and Karen Booth, Jerry and Carolyn Tasker, and Dick McIntyre.