On the Town: Hospital supporters go on a ‘safari' to help kids

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Hailey Curtis, front, and, behind her, from left, Charlie Krzyminski, Grant Dzierwa, and Brianna Rotterdam at the Toledo Children's Hospital 'Going Wild for Kids!' event at the Hilton Garden Inn. <BR> <img src=http://www.toledoblade.com/graphics/icons/photo.gif> <font color=red><b>PHOTO GALLERY</b></font>: <a href="/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=TO&Dato=20100417&Kategori=ART03&Lopenr=417009999&Ref=PH"_blank"> <b> OTT: Hospital supports go on a 'safari'</b></a> April 18, 2010

It was an exciting expedition in support of a worthwhile cause. An Evening with Toledo Children's Hospital's “Going Wild for Kids!,” presented by the TCH foundation, was held recently at the Hilton Garden Inn at Levis Commons.

Animal prints, stuffed animals, exotic cocktails, and tempting treats enhanced a fun-filled evening with oodles of time for mingling. The Toledo School for the Arts steel drum band greeted guests as they arrived and provided the perfect background beat. Then Katie Karban, 10, read the prayer she wrote for thanks and blessings. Barb Chappell, neonatologist at the hospital, spoke of the livesaving changes that have happened over the years and that continue to happen everyday.

Back to the evening. Teenagers Allie Nowak and Stephen Gullette sang “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” A silent auction and a live auction run by Jerry Anderson got lots of attention.

Extra exciting was a raffle for a weeklong stay at Poipu Kai Resort on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, plus $1,500 in airfare, compliments of the Luck Family and the Great Lakes Center for Autism. Lisa Anderson was the lucky winner.

Also happy was Kelly Hart, who won a raffle for a $4,500 diamond donated by Harold Jaffe Jewelers.

The net proceeds of $120,000 benefit TCH's programs, including a new community-wide Hospital Autism Collaborative, said event chairmen Deb Gillespie and Su Johnson, who were assisted by Tim and Dee Janney and Jennifer McPhee.

The autism initiative is led by TCH of ProMedica Health System and includes Harbor Healthcare, the University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University, the Autism Model School, Autism Society of Northwest Ohio, the Great Lakes Center for Autism and others, said Molly Long, executive director of the foundation. The plan is to create a center on the TCH campus “where parents and caregivers of children with autism can connect with programs and services that will address their children's unique challenges,” said Cassie Basting, director of the hospital's autism program.

Among the about 350 guests were Lynn and Dick Baker, Rita Mansour, Karyn and Labib Hajjar, Keith Burwell, Tim and Janice Schlachter, Mary Ellen and Eric Pizza, Kevin Webb, Richard and Dorothy Munk, Randy Oostra, Tim Valko and Jim Moore, Mary Martin, Jim and Pam Pitzen, Lloyd Jacobs, Andrea and John Monoky, Rick and Catherine Bunge, LuAnn and Dave Zuchowski, Kirk and Julie Mizerek, Pierre and Mary Vauthy, and Todd Frendt.

Big Brothers, Sisters ready to roll for charity

It's that time of year when people are making a difference by changing their shoes.

The 37th annual Bowl for Kids' Sake presented by Fiber Frame to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio is making a strike by rolling along. That's thanks to the sponsors and participants, including GSI Photograph, WTVG-TV, Channel 13, Famous Dave's, Kohl's, UAW Local 1435, and many more.

There were already several bowling locations for the cause that benefits children in Lucas, Fulton, Ottawa, Williams, and Wood counties, including Interstate Lanes in Rossford, Al-Mar Lanes in Bowling Green, and most recently, Swanton Sports Club and Bay City Recreation in Oregon.

But there are more on the slate: Nu-Arch Lanes in Archbold on Friday; Harbor Lanes in Port Clinton on April 25; Southwyck Lanes in Toledo, May 1 and 2, and Bryan Lanes May 21. For information, call 419-243-4600.

If you are not into bowling, you can provide support in other ways such as taking a child to the Kids Rock the Zoo event from 7 to 9 p.m. May 7 at the Toledo Zoo. Some big brothers and sisters use this as a time to be with their younger siblings ages 8-12. There will be music, karaoke, activities, and more. However, the event is open to everyone, and a portion of the proceeds go to the local Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Old movies, jazz tunes help group fight MS

The Women On The Move Against MS spring event, “As Simple as Black & White” presented by Black and White Transportation, was held recently at The Pinnacle.

And everything was black and white, from the attire of the 200 guests to the decor to the old movies, the martinis, fondue, and candies. There was also plenty of tasty food at the dining stations including the popular mashed potato bar. The classy and casual event featured jazz tunes by the Warren Commission and a silent auction.

The featured speaker was Zoe Koplowitz, the “World's Slowest Marathon Runner.” The award-winning author of The Winning Spirit — Life Lessons Learned In Last Place gave an inspiring talk on her experience with multiple sclerosis. More than 20 years ago Ms. Koplowitz completed her first marathon; since then, she has completed 22 marathons finishing last place in each one.

The $14,000 proceeds benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, northwest Ohio chapter.

Event chairman Suzanne Carroll Witherell, an advocate for people with MS and who also has the disease herself, said the group helps the more than 3,800 people living with MS in the area, 70 percent of whom are women.

Related events include an MS Jam from noon to 11 p.m. May 1 at Tam-O-Shanter. The family affair includes local bands, activities, and food. And many folks are getting in shape for the annual Bike-to-the-Bay June 26 and 27. For information call 800-FIGHTMS or go to nationalmssociety.org/oho.

Kitchen for the Poor marks 4 decades of community service

It was a small group but it made a big difference.

The Martin Luther King, Jr., Center's Kitchen for the Poor celebrated 41 years of service with a “Continuing Four Decades of Feeding” dinner event recently at the UFCW Local 75 Hall in Springfield Township. About 50 people were in attendance, and more than $4,000 was raised.

Honorary chairman Pastor David Banks of Cornerstone Church was there as were event chairman Erica Parish and board chairman Harvey Savage, Jr.

The MLK Kitchen for the Poor feeds homeless and low-income people, provides clothing, counseling and support. Contact Juanita Person, executive director at mlk.kitchen@bex.net or 419-241-2596 for information on how you can assist.