Toledo area fall fund-raisers are in full swing

Scott Herr and Julie Embree at the David s House fundraiser.

Toledo area people just keep giving back to their community. It may not officially be fall until Sept. 22, but the autumn fund-raisers are already booming.

THERE WAS picture-perfect weather for a late summer soiree, "Dancing in the Moonlight" at Centennial Terrace Saturday to benefit David's House.

Raquel Colon, left, the Rev. Richard Notter, and Karen Roadruck at the Diamante Awards.

White lights decorated the plants and trees surrounding the outdoor dance floor. Purple and green-draped tables held food that was donated by nearly 30 bakeries, eateries, and suppliers. Diamond jewelry, original artwork, and luxurious get-away packages donated by nearly 60 local businesses peppered the silent auction, which attracted a steady crowd throughout the evening.

Entertainment was provided by Kelly Broadway, Vibe, Patrick Lewandowski, Voodoo Libido, and guest master of ceremonies Twila Starr.

Spotted among the more than 450 guests were Chuck and Sue Thayer, Ross and Marcy Chaban, Ann and Hy Kisin, Kevin and Janice Lodge, Frank, Lisa and Francesca Barone, Dave Arnold, Louis Escobar, Del Perales, Leisa Leininger, Ed Cichy, Sue Wuest, Scott Herr, Mark and Collette Jacobs, and Don Bacigalupi.

Chairmen of the 15th annual event were Greg Kane and David Wisart, who estimate proceeds at about $10,000, thanks to about 25 sponsors, the donations of food and auction items, guests, and volunteers, including committee members Leisa Leininger, David Arnold, Ed Cichy, Chris Clymer, Debbie Dryer-McClure, Scott Herr, Sandra McLendon, Joan Nowak, Bret Taylor, Del Perales, Lansing Stoll, Maria Vasquez, Tami Williams, Bill Sanford, and Julie Embree.

Scott Herr and Julie Embree at the David s House fundraiser.

PRESENTATION of the Diamante Awards, sponsored by Bowling Green State University, Lourdes College, the Medical University of Ohio, Owens Community College, and the University of Toledo, was Friday night in the Franciscan Center at Lourdes College, this year's host.

The top finalists were Raquel Colon for youth leadership; the Rev. Richard Notter for adult leadership; and Lourdes College, represented by Karen Roadruck, and Community Health Services, represented by Alvin Deron Jackson, sharing the corporate award.

Mr. Escobar kept the awards ceremony on target; there were several speakers, including U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, college presidents Robert Helmer of Lourdes College, Dan Johnson of UT, Sidney Ribeau of BGSU, and Lloyd Jacobs of MUO, plus Paul Unger, provost of Owens. Also on the program was Dave Brown, CEO of Owens Corning; Jay Hall, senior vice president of National City Bank, and Joe Liszak, CEO of Community Health Services.

Nationally acclaimed talents La Revancha, flamenco dancer and choreographer Liliana Ruiz, and banjo and accordion musician Jesse Ponce added spice to the evening.

Catering by Michael's included food stations featuring Latino cuisine that ranged from pureed black bean soup to jicama salad, fajita stir fry with saffron rice and black beans, Cuban pork adobo, and a dessert of vanilla bean cake with pineapple Kahlua sauce and strawberries.

The Diamante guest list of nearly 400 was impressive - it included the presenters plus representatives of nearly 30 area businesses and organizations. Proceeds - about $6,800 per school - go to scholarships for Latino students attending the participating colleges, and each of the about 30 recipients was recognized.

SUNSET HOUSE Auxiliary presented its annual "Fall Family Festival" Sunday for the residents and their families and friends.

About 200 attended the festivities at Sunset House on Indian Road. Music included guitar, banjo, and mandolin performances and singing. Two clowns, Flowers and Birdie, from the A Bunch of Caring Clowns group provided fun and laughs with face-painting and balloon art. Root beer floats were served by auxiliary members.

Joey Stamp was chairman. The event was free, so there was no net. The only items purchased were root beer and printing because people donated their time and talents.

THE URBAN League Young Professionals gathered for a "group watching party" Friday to raise funds for victims of Hurricane Katrina. There was a telethon on the BET cable television channel, and members watched the program at Jackson's Lounge and Grill downtown.

Suggested donation for the local event was $25 plus a cash bar, and Joe McNamara, leader of the local group, reports nearly 20 people participated and raised $550. Not bad for a very last-minute event, he said. The local members called in to the telethon and made a contribution as a group.

THE ANCIENT Order of Hibernians, a national Irish-Catholic organization that traces its roots back to the 16th century, hosted a reception Sept. 8 at the Reynolds Cafe for its new state president, Ann Dollman, the first Toledoan to hold the honor since 1901.

Mrs. Dollman is a coordinator of nuclear medicine at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center. She is a leader and mentor of the Hibernian community, serving locally and at the state level. Over the years she has served as president of the Lucas County Mother Catherine McCauley Division and other positions.