Fund-raisers blossom along with spring flowers

Judy Westmeyer, left, Chris Smalley, and Joanie Foster share hors d oeuvres in the Nature Preserve s Nature Center.

Just like spring flowers, parties are popping up all over, and many of them benefit local organizations.

IT WAS a beautiful day Saturday for a walk in the park on the way to the Wine, Cheese, and Art for the Parks event at the Nature Center of the W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg. Judy Westmeyer, president of Friends of Wood County Parks, served as event co-chairman with Ken Sallows. Assisting were Joanie Foster and a host of volunteers, including silent-auction chairman Marcia Broadright. Among the guests were Mickey Kolva, Earl Campbell, Nancy Perry, Pat Koehler, Jean Duston, Joan Light, and Charlotte Scherer.

Joan Light, left, Sheri Bannister, and Jan Samples share a laugh at the W.W. Knight Nature Preserve benefit.

The estimated net of $8,500 will help fund construction of a greenhouse at the Reuthinger Memorial Preserve, which recently was donated to the Wood County Parks. The greenhouse will serve as an educational facility and for the propagation of native plants to be planted in all of the Wood County parks.

WHO were all those people downtown Friday night? They were of all ages and walks of life, dressed in everything from suits and cocktail attire to definitely casual. Everyone was there. It was a call for all creatives and wannabes, "The Meet & Greet III."

The extraordinary arts networking opportunity at the Collingwood Arts Center was presented by the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, Kickstart Toledo, and the arts center.

The party started at the center as guests perused and schmoozed. Then a shuttle bus transported them to and from the Leslie Adams Gallery, 20 North Gallery, and Space 237 gallery, where the opening night for the "Object Discarded, Object Revered" show was in progress. Mingling with the guests at the new exhibit were some of the artists, including Sharon Frankel, Melanie Harris, Buzz Meyers, Jayne A. Neib, Zachary Orcutt, Clayton Peterson, Loring Taoka, Tara L. Turski, Cara Lee Wade, and Katherine Weston. The exhibit runs through June 2; hours are Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday noon to 4 p.m.

Judy Westmeyer, left, Chris Smalley, and Joanie Foster share hors d oeuvres in the Nature Preserve s Nature Center.

DOWNTOWN Toledo was not the only place buzzing with art fans. In Dearborn, Mich., a short drive away, the Furnace Design Studio, aka the Furnace Hot Glass Works, was booming with guests who sipped and supped as they watched molten-glass demonstrations. The studio, opened in 1991, is owned by Michelle Plucinsky and Chris Nordin, who are internationally recognized for their work. The married couple, who are also business partners, are founders of the Glass Academy at the same location.

THE EAST Toledo Family Center's Renaissance Gala will be Saturday at the Civic Center Promenade at Erie Street Market, and organizers are ready to go! That's because they have been working for several months on the event - an acquisition party was in the Oregon home of Michelle and Bernie Quilter last month. Co-hosts of the pre-party were Lisa and Dennis Pavley.

Guests donated auction items that tie in with this year's theme, "A Center for All Seasons," including barbecue equipment, holiday items, golf packages, and more. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages were served as the "loot" was collected for the upcoming fund-raiser that will be at the Erie Street Market in the Civic Center Promenade.

LOOKING for something to do Sunday? You could shuffle a few cards and attend "Deal A Hand for Bridge Hospice" at Wood County Hospital in Bowling Green. There will be duplicate bridge for advanced and beginner players, plus euchre, poker, and more, including board games. The cost is $15 per person. Also part of the fun will be a raffle for more than 200 prizes, including sports memorabilia, tickets, and vacation packages. Raffle tickets are $5 each. There also will be a bake sale. For reservations call 419-352-5984 for bridge, or 419-352-9808 for other games.

THERE'S still chatter about the Chabad House Lubavitch's first Community Purim Celebration that was March 14 at Congregation Etz Chayim. It was the largest Purim celebration in recent Toledo history, according to Andy Golding, co-chairman of the event with his wife, Camille, and Rabbi Shmuly Rothman and his wife, Chani.

A ventriloquist chatted with more than 280 guests as they enjoyed kosher Chinese food brought in from Cleveland, capped off with chocolate-covered Hamantaschen for dessert.

Rabbi Rothman said Purim is the celebration of the salvation of Jewish people from Haman's plot to destroy the nation in one day. Mr. Golding said they drink wine, recall the past, build camaraderie and overcome grudges and jealousies, and remember their relationship with God.

Barbara Hendel is The Blade's society editor.

Contact her at: bhendel@theblade.com

or 419-724-6124.