Heavenly event raises cash for cancer center

Artist and activist Nancy Swan Drew, left, poses in front of her artwork with Kathie Kolodgy during the Be Your Own Angel Soiree at the MMK Gallery.

THERE'S still chatter about the heavenly event Oct. 4 that raised nearly $10,000 for the expansion and renovation of the Flower Hospital Cancer Center, part of the ProMedica Cancer Institute. The "Be Your Own Angel Soiree" at MMK Gallery below the law offices of Maloney, McHugh, and Kolodgy on North St. Clair Street across from Fifth Third Field, featured artist and cancer survivor Nancy Swan Drew of Niles, Mich.

Nearly 70 guests were there to meet Ms. Swan Drew and had a chance to purchase her lively, inspirational artwork.

While the nearly 70 guests mingled over tidbits and spirits, Jeff Stewart strummed his guitar. Chrys Peterson and Jerry Anderson of WTOL-TV, Channel 11 enticed folks to bid on the two items up for bid which included a nine-piece set of Ms. Swan Drew's paintings, purchased by Maumee OBGYN, and dinner with Barbara Steele of ProMedica Health System, purchased by Sarah McHugh.

Artist and activist Nancy Swan Drew, left, poses in front of her artwork with Kathie Kolodgy during the Be Your Own Angel Soiree at the MMK Gallery.

ON another heavenly note, it was a first-time deal for The Main Event, a semiformal evening to benefit Christ the King school's tuition assistance program and the results were, well, sky high. The preliminary net is estimated at more than $30,000.

The elegant affair was at Inverness Club last month with Abby Bollenbacher, the outgoing face of FOX Toledo, and Michael Seay of Buckeye TeleSystem as emcees.

The more than 270 guests - all dressed to the nines - shopped the silent auction as they feasted from food stations that included a Mexican theme and dessert and coffee. The purple mashed potato bar was a hot topic of conversation. Meanwhile, background tunes by DJ Services Chart Toppers were provided by Matt and Laura Mishler.

Keeping the budget low, the 20 table hosts provided their own unique centerpieces that were raffled off at the end of the evening. The centerpieces were not just floral arrangements, but baskets had themes of romance, art, wine, sports, and others. The live auction proved exciting with vacation packages, a Brittany spaniel, artsy furniture, and other items, all created and decorated by each class, which signed the pieces. Also great was the raffle for a year's tuition, which went above the $2,600 value.

Ron Jurgenson, left, Ernie Harwell, and John Mangus chat during the United Way s Community Building event.

Tammy and Jeff Fretti, who hosted the evening, and Debbie Shull, who was the chairman, were delighted with the success. Even more thrilled were Rev. Michael Brown, pastor, and Karen Malcolm, principal.

GOLD mums, navy covered tables, megaphones, and pom pons set a pep-rally theme for the Toledo Christian Schools' campaign kickoff Saturday night at SeaGate Centre. The more than 400 guests sipped punch then dined for free - thanks to sponsors - as they were entertained by the school's Canticle ensemble, the band, cheerleaders, and several alums who gave a few cheers for the school. Something to cheer about was the $2 million already made before the dinner and the more than $100,000 reaped in commitments that night.

Assisting with the evening were nearly 40 table captains, including Barbie Curcio and a host of volunteers, including committee chairmen Barb and Randy Oostra, Laurie Graham, Jeff Seevers, Joni Allinson, and Scott Hall.

BEEHIVES, sideburns, saddle shoes, leather jackets, and poodle skirts were the popular attired for the roughly 200 guests at the Four the Boys Foundation Second Annual Flashback dance Saturday night to support children in crisis. The annual 1950s, '60s, and '70s dance party was at the Clarion Westgate Hotel, and it raised about $12,000 to benefit the children at the YWCA Battered Women's Shelter and other local children's charities.

Tickets were a steal at $25 each for the all-fun evening that included dancing to the tunes of DJ Daddy G. Knight. Elvis "The King" Presley, aka Bob Rosencrantz, who serenaded revelers with a few popular songs, assisted with auctioning off a car and a 4-karat diamond tennis bracelet. The silent auction, described by attendees as totally awesome, offered great weekend getaways, pottery items, signed artwork, a fine china tea set valued at $750, and more. Shannon Leadbetter and Colleen Lishewski, dressed as "Sonny and Cher" respectively, won best costume.

Four the Boys Foundation was founded in 2004 by Regina Elkhatib and Brenda Cody in memory of their sons to support local children's charities. Since then more than $20,000 has been distributed.

THE third annual Community Building Event hosted by the United Way of Greater Toledo was last Thursday at The Pinnacle. Running the show were event chairmen Ron Jurgenson of Michael Realty and John Mangas of Re/Max Preferred. with the help of emcee Jerry Anderson of WTOL-TV, Channel 11. Welcoming everyone was Stephen Krull of Owens Corning, who is the 2007 UW campaign vice-chairman. Getting things off to a good start was John Heaston of the YMCA, who gave the invocation.

Ernie Harwell shared stories about his life and career in baseball then signed his audio scrapbook CDs that were available for purchase. A live auction included great packages such as a Florida vacation and a suite for Mud Hen's Opening Day.

Bill Kitson, president and CEO of the local chapter, announced the $25,000 United Way Small Business Challenge presented by The Blade. Any business with 50 or fewer employees that makes a new or increased gift of $250 will have that gift matched up to $25,000.

This year's event is estimated to have netted $30,000, but the United Way is still counting.

Among the some 430 community movers and shakers in attendance were Steve Krull of Owens Corning, Debbie Paul of Toledo Edison, Stew and Jo-Jo Goldberg of Eastman and Smith, Mark Osborn of Spilman, Hills, & Heidebrink, Ltd., Olivia Summons of Sunoco, Vince Lyons of Fifth Third Bank, and Crystal and Joe Mathias of Lance Tyo and Associates.

STAFFERS of the Children's Rights Council presented Treasure the Gifts Oct. 9 at Sylvania Country Club. The CRC is a resource for divorced, separated, or single parents to visit their children and it is one of the recipients of the funds raised from the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic presented by Kroger. Judd Silverman, director of the Farr-out ladies professional golf event, was the keynote speaker. Emcee and auctioneer Jerry Anderson encouraged the approximately 200 guests to bid on the theme baskets up for auction. The estimated net is $5,000, thanks to the volunteers and guests.

NOT a fund-raiser, but a fun-raising affair nonetheless was the celebration of Hardy Communications 10th anniversary. The event was at the base of the clock tower at Levis Commons, complete with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and a champagne toast by Cheryl Hardy.

SPEAKING of Levis Commons, tonight the Press Club of Toledo is hosting an after work networking at the TeaTree restaurant for news makers and shakers and friends. Stop by and say hello.