Sight Center fund-raiser included musical mystery

Toledo area folks continue to have fun while they are raising funds for charity.

THE Sight Center of Northwest Ohio hit the jackpot Friday during its annual dinner-theater fund-raiser held at Central Park West. The event raised $10,000.

The nearly 150 guests socialized over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, then sat for a brief program followed by dinner and a musical murder mystery performed by Random Acts.

The John Goerlich Distinguished Award was presented to Bob Sterling for all of his donated time and support of the center. Beaming with pride were his wife, Leslie, and daughters Morgan and Sidney.

Sandy Alexander, left, Bob Sterling, and Dawn Christensen at the Sight Center event.

The award, an engraved replica of the Labino glass piece displayed at the Sight Center, was presented by Sandy Alexander, daughter of the late local philanthropist John Goerlich. Sight Center clients were employed by the former AP Parts Co., which was founded by Mr. Goerlich.

Adding to the fun filled evening were raffle prizes. Heather and Erik Christensen were the lucky winners of a collector's edition Hall of Fame Football signed by more than 20 Football Hall of Fame stars, and others went home with extravagant gift baskets.

Gadding about was the center's newly appointed executive director Dawn Christensen and, of course, event chairman Becky Vincent and her husband, Barry. Mrs. Vincent was assisted by committee members Kathy Pilewskie, Gretchen Zyndorf, Janet Meacham and John Davies. Among the guests were Anita and Tony Reams, Donna and Jim Hinkle, Deanne and Pete Douglas, and Keith Burwell.

THE JAMAICAN Social Club celebrated its 30th anniversary at its annual dance held Saturday at Knights of Columbus Banquet Hall. Colorful decorations and music set the festive scene headed by Earl Mitchell, event chairman and the organization's president. Gordon Shirley, Jamaica's ambassador to the United States, was the guest speaker.

The Jamaican Social Club of Toledo, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that works to encourage better understanding among the area's cultures and it serves as a liaison between the city of Toledo and the government of Jamaica.

Founding members include Mr. Mitchell, Elaine Mitchell, Gloria Tucker, Winnifred Stewart, Shani Negair, Annie Clark, Dorian Edwards, Eutil McDonald, Faye Smith, and Claudette Haynes. Certificates were presented to longstanding members, including those who have been in the club for 25 years, Verbena Douglas, Frank Francis, Charles Gordon, and Edith Johnson.

William Darley and Ian Murphy received 20-year certificates and Rosalyn Hayes, Richard Grant, and Gayle Bernhardt were presented with 15-year certificates. Ten-year awards went to Henry L.Triplett, Sanford Lubin, Lee Murray, Harold Cayne, Vincent Alexander, and Charles Valentine.

OTHER nonprofit organizations are celebrating significant anniversaries this year:

•Heartbeat of Toledo celebrated its 35th anniversary Oct. 15 at Inverness Club during its 22nd annual champagne brunch. The agency, which helps women coping with unplanned pregnancies, was founded by Esther Applegate with the late John Hillabrand and the late Eleonore Maier.

A tasty brunch and silent auction were entertaining, but it was the guest speaker who brought tears of joy. Diana Mylek, a client of Heartbeat 26 years ago, was there to thank them and proudly show pictures of her now grown-up son, who is married and has a daughter who is the apple of grandma and grandpa's eyes. In addition, a current teenage client who is on her way to a successful future also told her story. Assisting chairman Rita Arite with the day were Maggie Hiszak, Mary Ellen Williams, and Barbara Paskiet, along with board president Juanita Sattler. More than 200 guests turned out and they raised $15,000.

w Lott Industries, for persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities, celebrated its 50th anniversary Sept. 29 at Gladieux Meadows. The organization was founded in 1956 by a group of parents for their children. The current board president is Martin Werner. Greg Smith, host of On a Roll, a nationally syndicated radio show that deals with disabilities issues, was the keynote speaker.

w Aurora Project, Inc., a comprehensive housing and life skills program for homeless women and children, celebrated its 20th birthday Sept. 26 at the house. Aurora was founded by the late Sister Dorothy Nussbaum to help homeless women become self-sufficient. Kimberly Baker is the president of the board.

w The Beach House Family Shelter celebrated its 85th birthday Sept. 9 with a garden party. The shelter was founded by Helen Beach Jones, wife of legendary Toledo mayor Golden Rule Jones, who served about a century ago. Guests were invited to purchase a commemorative brick for a path in the friendship garden that is being built. The bricks were sold that day for $85, but after the first of the year the bricks will be sold for $50 and $100. Debbie Whipple is the president of the board.

THE NEW Neighbors League Club of Toledo hosted its annual benefit at Inverness Club Oct. 12 and raised more than $4,000 for club projects. New Neighbors clubs exist all over the United States as a way to reach out to newcomers. The club donates to local charities, including Aurora House, Habitat for Humanity, and the Victory Center. A tasty chicken dinner was followed by hot fudge sundaes, then ladies shopped during the lively live auction run by Cherie Chatreau, their favorite auctioneer, who enticed the gals to buy, buy, buy.

Among the group were Sue Miller, Lois Norris, Joy Forrester, Belinda DeThomas, Karen Wise, and president Rebecca Ford. The newly elected board members include Marcie Fuller, Elaine Russell, Karen Heath, and Maureen McCormick, and president Susan Burwell, who were the event chairmen. "If you are new to the area it is a great way to meet new friends and get to know the community," said Mrs. Burwell. Contact the club at nnlctoledooh@bex.net.