On The Town: Making a difference

Making the world a better place in which to live is what it s all about. That s what Toledo area folks did last week.

ELECTRIFYING was Lourdes College s Seventh annual Luminations Saturday in the Franciscan Center. Mike and Carol Anderson, honorary chairmen, Bob Helmer, Lourdes president, and his wife, Linda, and several students welcomed the 430 guests.

The room was full of energy with the Toledo Symphony Jazz Trio playing background tunes as guests mingled and munched on fabulous foods by Michael s Catering.

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Sparking interest was the silent auction of everything from jewelry created by Bruce Carver to a hand-blown glass bowl by Matt Paskiet. Mike and Karen Fischer won a dinner with the president.

In the theater, guests were treated to a delightful evening of performances by the Toledo Ballet, the Toledo Opera, the Toledo School for the Arts, and Toledo native and Broadway star, Tim Shew.

But not before a live scholarship auction reaped more than $90,000. Tugging at heartstrings was Beverly Edwards, a Lourdes alumna, who gave heartfelt thanks to guests for their generous support. Then, leading the bids were Dick and Fran Anderson, Cleves and Kathy Delp, and others.

After the outstanding show, guests enjoyed coffees and desserts and were sent on their way with cinnamon rolls for the next morning.

Among the well-dressed crowd were Dick and Darlene Stansley, Jim and Kay Silk, Rick Brunner and Jenny Murtagh, Dick and Kathy Faist, Frank and Sandy Viviano, Richard and Margie Heck, Judy and Kevin McFarland, Joe and Carol Sharp, Joan Bayer, Tom and Ann Welly, Sheila and Ray Otto, Kathy Magliochetti, John and Michelle Garrity, Phil Wurster, John and Elaine Bachey, Scott and Julie Savage, Pat and Jeff Kuhr, Bob and Kim LaClair, Bill and Carol Hanrahan, Tony and Anita Reams, Harold and Carol Leupp, Jimand Mary Ann Kline, Chuck and Kristine Schaub, Milo and Chrissie Danzeisen, Steve and Kathy Guillard, George Baibak, Nancy Smythe, Andy and Lorene Devine, and John Kiely.

More than $180,000 was netted for students and their scholarships.

THE EAST Toledo Family Center s 11th Annual Renaissance Gala The Beach Ball was Saturday at Erie Street Market s Civic Center Promenade with event chairmen, Dick and Sandy Fisher.

Beach balls, bright colors, and a vintage Good Humor ice cream truck displayed by Chuck Hymore, the owner of Chuggies Ice Shop, set the theme. Many guests wore their best flipflops, khakis, and other warm-weather attire.

Chrys Peterson of WTOL-TV, Channel 11, honorary chairman, assisted with the presentation of the awards to John Garcia, Paul Palka, Cathy Johnson, Jim Lang, Angela Martin, Marissa Montgomery, and Brett Wineland.

Mr. Wineland surprised everyone with a $275,000 donation from a Cardinal Stritch

fund-raiser.

Among the more than 300 supporters who joined the fun were Mark Sobczak, Mike Craig and his wife, Karen, Bernie and Michelle Quilter, Bob and Jean Clark, Dave and Carolyn Yenrick, Ed and Linda Reiter, and Helen and Greg Michaels.

The about $20,000 net will help defray ETFC vehicle expenses that may near $100,000 for fuel, insurance upkeep.

Vehicles take seniors to doctor appointments, preschoolers on field trips, and children to and from school.

THE AMERICAN Cancer Society s Colors for the Cures dinner and auction was Friday at Gladieux Meadows.

The event, in memory of Laurie Gladieux, who helped start the event to honor all those touched by cancer, had a new format this year. The fashion show, with cancer survivors as models, has been moved to coincide with the Babe Zaharias Golf Classic set for June 23 at Brandywine Country Club.

Meanwhile, the drums of the Glass City Steel band from the Toledo School for the Arts added pep to everyone s step as they perused the silent auction items. Adding color were palm trees and multicolored napkins and flowers.

After a dinner of spinach salad, chicken provencal, tasty veggies, and chocolate fallen souffle, bidding wars erupted as emcee Laura Emerson of Fox News WUPW-TV, Channel 36 enticed guests to bid on the eight items for sale that included pottery, glass, a basket of assorted chocolates, a Gucci watch, and more.

The small but mighty group of 75 included Ryan and Brittany Gladieux, John and Linda Graham, Ann and Tom Baker, Doris Berta, Jack and Jan Briner, Orris Tabner, John and Anita Dunipace, Margo Leininger, Craig and Kathy Hansen, Brent and Nancy Kahler, Kris and Jim Montgomery, Jerry and Barb Walters, and Mike and Bev

Porter.

The event committee of a dozen included chairmen Nancy Kahler and Kris Montgomery. The estimated net is $20,000; the totals are not all in.

APRIL IS child abuse prevention month, and the Family and Child Abuse Prevention

Center s Eighth Annual Spring Luncheon, presented by St. Vincent Mercy Children s Hospital, Friday at Gladieux Meadows fit right in. Diane Larson of WTVG, Channel 13, was emcee.

Fresh tulips, napkins, and programs were all in assorted pastel colors to set the mood for spring. However, putting a chill into the spring air was a video that made us all remember to protect the children.

Two brave souls, clients of the center s Child Advocacy Center, gave testimonials. A nearly tearful father said the center is really a family center to help all involved. A foster mother said the center provides ways to help us to help children heal.

Recognized for their contributions was fifth-grader Abbey Pawlak , who painted pumpkins blue and then sold them to make $565 for the cause. The Kappa Delta Beta Nu Chapter at University of Toledo raised $12,000 and Sylvania Southview

High School raised $15,000 with its Dance for a Chance.

Dashing young men from St. John s Jesuit High School sold raffle tickets for a chance to win any of the five packages that included, among other things, wines, entertainment, cooking, and gardening. Sherry Kowalka was tickled pink to win a golf

package because it included lessons just in time for this season.

Cathy Nelson won the lone silent auction item: a beautiful hand made quilt.

Dr. Randall Schlievert said not one penny is wasted. Like many of us, Dr. Schlievert said, he is profoundly grateful for the life he has had and that is why it is so important to help these children in need.

But it wouldn t be possible without all of you. You are the heroes of today, he remarked.

Then he said that if $1,000 is raised today from donations, his office will match it.

In closing, B.J. Snavely, president, said, help build a circle to break the cycle.

Among the more than 200 in attendance was centenarian Elizabeth Zepf, who, with her late husband, Arthur, founded the Zepf Center. Also seen were several trustees, including Barbara Dianda-Martin, Stephen Bowe, Jane Larsen, Bill Reber, Marianne Burton, Shelly Conyngham, Jodi DiSalle-Horns, Susan El Shafie, Derek Feniger, Susan Herring, Anny Krause-Cintron, Jeffrey Long, Jodi Moughamian, Erich Weinlander, and Kathy Zacharias.

Event chairmen Barb Mang and Jane Stuntz estimate more than $25,000 was netted.

MAJ. AARON Koenigseker was welcomed home from his recent tour of duty in Iraq by his parents, Joanna and Norm Koenigseker. Major Koenigseker, returned to the states in November, but couldn t visit home until now. He is stationed at Fort Carson, Colo.

But for this one night, his proud parents were all smiles as they introduced him to their friends during a special reception Thursday night at Jenna s Mediterranean Restaurant in Sylvania.

The cozy establishment, closed for the occasion, was the perfect venue for his parents to show him off. Everyone had so much fun, and all the guests were a bit more thankful for the good ol U.S.A. In another month or so, he is to go back to

Iraq for his second tour. Send me cookies, he joked.

Major Koenigseker humbly said he gets paid to do his job when people thanked him for all he does. He may be in an administrative position, but he is still in danger and away from his family.

So when you are having a bad day, maybe disgruntled because you are waiting in line at the grocery or in traffic, remember any bad day here is better than a good day there, he said. Everyone in this room has a wonderful life. You live in the best

country in the world!

Please keep all of our servicemen and women in your prayers.

THE FOURTH annual Eve Gala: Celebrating Women in Christ was Friday at Inverness Club, hosted by St. James Church.

The event has come a long way since it started as a motherdaughter spaghetti dinner. Yet, it is still a night to honor, rather than reap funds or support a particular cause, because tickets were just enough to cover the event s cost.

On a serious note, Julia Bates, Lucas County prosecutor, was the keynote speaker. She has taken the lead in initiating various programs, including the Senior Protection Unit; Economic Crime Task Force; Child Support Prosecution Unit;

In-School Mentoring, and many, many others.

So it is no surprise that Ms. Bates has received numerous community awards, including induction into Big Brothers Big Sisters-HERO Award.

But not everything was serious.

The dinner was something to savor and everyone there received a fab door prize donated from community businesses. Hosting the gala was Ms. Peterson of WTOL-TV, Channel 11. Her big coup is serving as Honorary Chairperson for the Northwest Ohio/Komen Race for the Cure for Breast Cancer since 1995. She won an Emmy

Award for community service for her breast-cancer awareness campaign in 1996.

IS THAT old bridesmaid s dress are taking up space in your closet? Smart cookies cleaned out and toted the gowns to the Bridesmaid s Ball, hosted by the Town Center at Levis Commons.

The cake-and-punch reception Thursday night at Bar Louie was a fund-raiser as all gowns will be donated to the Goodwill in time for proms.

A nip here and a tuck there, and a new gown emerges for some special gal.

As a thank you to anyone who participated, tickets were given to the premiere showing of Made of Honor, which will be shown Tuesday at the Showcase Cinema Levis Commons 12.

There s still time to donate a gown; contact the Town Center at Levis Commons.