OTT: Animal shelter auxiliary's picnic dog-gone good time

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Toledo Animal Shelter Auziliary president Nancy Ligibel, left, with event chairman Carole Buchanan.<br> <img src=http://www.toledoblade.com/graphics/icons/photo.gif> <font color=red><b>VIEW GALLERY:</b></font> <a href="/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=TO&Dato=20100828&Kategori=COLUMNIST10&Lopenr=828009995&Ref=PH"> <b> Toledo Animal Shelter Auxiliary Picnic</b></a>

There was a lot to bark about during the Toledo Animal Shelter Auxiliary's annual picnic earlier this month at Belmont Country Club.

Helen Bensch, the shelter's executive director, thanked numerous folks for their support, including the auxiliary, which gave a $1,000 check toward the new doggie playground. Kate Adams-Namache, chairman of the Doggie-Bag Express, raised $1,800 for the playground. For a $10 donation, family pet pictures are displayed at the shelter for all to see.

The current auxiliary board members were recognized, including Nancy Ligibel, president; Carole Buchanan, picnic chairman, and Jean Smith, Sharon Simmons, Pat Osborn, Carol Arnold, Pat Hunter, Grace Christopher, Shirley Churchill, Joni Fought, Linda McBee, Bonnie Milano, Ms. Adams-Namache, and Jackie Rousseau-Werner.

And kudos to shelter board members including Stephen Mason, president, and Barney Stickles, Bill Coine, Allan Timmerman, Mrs. Ligibel, Jim Bishop, David Boudouris, Ron Coffman, Mrs. Hunter, Marshall Isenberg, Rob Ludeman, Jeff Millns, Michael Myers, Dan Schoeck, Mrs. Smith, and Stephanie White.

And who could forget special guest U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo), an avid animal advocate?

Show chairman Mrs. Fought said she's looking forward to the upcoming A Walk Down Fifth Avenue fashion show Oct. 28 at Inverness Club.

But the evening was mainly just laid back and fun as guests mingled over hors d'oeuvres while they shopped the silent auction run by Mrs. McBee on the balcony overlooking the lush golf course.

Dinner, served buffet style, was an indoor picnic with burgers, chicken, ribs, and well, dogs, with all the trimmings. An ice cream sundae bar completed the meal. Tables were lovely with flowers donated by Mr. Millns. Seen were Lucy Anton, Fifi Berry, Howard and Gloria Schmelzer, Betty Britten, Deb and Les Buker, Nancy Delikat and Steve Serchuk, Karen Merrels, Mary Alice Powell, Randy Schnee, and many others.

The shelter, started in 1921, is a no-kill shelter supported by bequests, memorials, grants, dues, donations, grants, and the auxiliary, which started in 1948.