OTT: Vines bear fruit for area charities

Bobbee Clawson holds a large bottle of wine that was up for auction at the Beach House fund-raising event.<br> <img src=http://www.toledoblade.com/graphics/icons/photo.gif> <font color=red><b>NEW IMAGES:</b></font> <a href="/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=TO&Dato=20100710&Kategori=COLUMNIST10&Lopenr=710009999&Ref=PH"> <b> Wine Benefits </b></a> Enlarge

Vino is a great excuse for a fund-raiser.

Beach House Family Shelter's signature event, Summer in Paris, was recently held at Treo Restaurant in Sylvania. The din're blanche or white-dinner theme, a European celebration of the summer solstice, started with champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Then guests sat for a gourmet meal paired with wines for each course. Everything was white — from the food to the wine, decor, and attire.

Adding to the fun for the 150 attendees was shopping at the live and silent auctions, which helped contribute to the more than $22,000 raised for operations at the emergency shelter for women and families since 1991 said Katrina Iott, board president.

While this was an event presented by the shelter's board and staff, among the guests were members of Babes for Beach House, a group started in March, 2009, by Ms. Iott. The women gather once a month for wine and snacks and to volunteer when needed and raise a few bucks here and there.

Treasures of the Vine wine tasting and art auction to benefit the Victory Center was held at the Hilton Toledo on the UT Health Science Campus.

More than 200 supporters sipped wines, nibbled hors d'oeuves, and shopped at the auctions of wine and art. Keeping the evening on target was Susan Ross Wells of WGTV-TV, Channel 13. Special guests were Lambie and Mike Stout, honorary chairmen.

The annual event netted $22,000. That's thanks in part to Alix Greenblatt, event chairman, and her committee including Eileen Gates, Ann Kisin, Marilyn Levine, Barbara Manley, Lonna Mikesell, Sena Mourad, Kathy Schwartz, Ellin Shapik, Leslie Sterling, Alyssa Van Vooren, and Connie Zolg.

The Charmed and Cherished wine tasting and silent auction took place at Navy Bistro. The sixth annual event presented by the Cherished Friends of Ahava with Navy Bistro and Heidelberg Distributing included more than 40 wines to go with the hot and cold appetizers and desserts. Shopping was fun, too, with so much to bid for, including custom made jewelry, sports memorabilia, vacation packages, and more.

Proceeds benefit the Ahava Spa and Wellness Center's special guest program, which offers complimentary salon and wellness services to men and women diagnosed with cancer.

“Puttin on the Glitz” a low-key event at Puttin on the Glitz boutique in Perrysburg, reaped about $300. Not bad for about 50 guests in attendance.

Guests sipped wines and nibbled appetizers by Tastfully Simple consultant Lauri Hardison. They also got to shop at the store, which gave a percentage of the profits to Humane Ohio .

Humane Ohio, a low-cost clinic, has a spay and neuter clinic and a pet food bank to help those who cannot afford to feed their furry friends, according to Humane Ohio's founder Aimee St. Arnaud .