ON THE TOWN: Educators, art shows, and music!

10/9/2010

Fall is always busy with many creative fund-raising events.

The second annual Calla Lily Educator's Awards Luncheon and Presentation was Sept. 25 at The Pinnacle.

More than 200 attended the event, presented by Beta Gamma chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Inc., to honor educators whose work and volunteering have gone above and beyond the call of duty to assist students to rise to their fullest potential, said Pandra Taylor, president.

Red and gold, the sorority colors, were everywhere, from the decor to the members' attire, and vases of fresh-cut calla lilies accented everything.

The emcee was Alexis Means of WTVG-TV, Channel 13. Of the 10 honorees, the top one was Bettye Amison-Lewis. Also honored was the late Jean Brown, whose award was accepted by her daughter Carla Stone.

The estimated net of about $3,000 goes to scholarships and charitable projects, said Dorothy Batson, event chairman.

Collingwood Arts Center celebrated its 25th anniversary with a party last month at Raceway Park. “A Night @ The Races,” a team fund-raising effort with Raceway Park, combined fine art and high-stakes fun with live music, live painting, art auctions, raffles and more. The $40 ticket price included admission, a buffet-style dinner, two drinks, a $5 betting voucher, and more.

The Old West End arts center is a nonprofit facility that calls itself “Ohio's only long-term residential facility offering both live space and studios to working artists in a variety of disciplines from around our community and beyond.” For information call 419-244-ARTS or go to cactoledo.org.

Back at the celebration, nearly 100 supporters enjoyed the evening. Event sponsors included Gallon, Takacs, Boissoneault, and Schaffer Co., LPA; Gregor Tarsof Studio; Ronald Jamieson; Jim Williams; Nancy Ragsdale, and Karen and Thomas Bock.

The estimated net is about $2,000.

The Art of Prevention art show gala was last month at the Blarney Bullpen. The second annual event, which drew 100 supporters, raised $8,000 to support Planned Parenthood of Northwest Ohio. The juried competition included the works of 20 local artists from the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, Bowling Green State University, University of Toledo, and the community. Each artist had six weeks to create a piece made from 300 wrapped condoms.

First-place winner was Crista Metzger with a flapper dress. Second-place winner was Nicole Kenning with her Trusty the Dog creation. Honorable Mention and the People's Choice Award went to Erika Herzig for her portrait of two orange fantail fish.

Judges were Marc Folk, executive director, Arts Commission of Greater Toledo; Amy Gilman, associate curator of modern and contemporary art, Toledo Museum of Art, and Mary Wolfe, former art history instructor, Bowling Green State University.

Thanks go to sponsors including ProMedica Health System, City Paper, Murphy Edison, Buckeye CableSystem, and Connie Rith-Saulter and Kim Saulter, plus many long-time supporters, including Edgar and Janine Avila, Bob Billstein, and Anastasia Hanson. Maara Fink, event chairman, did a fine job as emcee.

The organization, founded in 1938, provides education programs in 11 area counties. For information contact 419-255-1115 or ppnwo.org.

A Motown party at Highland Meadows Golf Club last month was a musical night of fun. The Anthony Burchette & Co. band, with the help of club members, provided the entertainment. Props — boas, sunglasses, hats, and more — enticed members who were daring enough to come on stage and be a star for just a song or two.

Speaking of music, David and Myrna Bryan hosted a jazz party last month for the Toledo Symphony League. Jazzy tunes provided by Creme de Menthe duo filled the air as guests ate food provided by Rusty Phlegar and Beth Bowman.

Present were Ann Randolph, Symphony League president; and Don and Ann Lieder, Zana Sandys and Merle Harder, Emil and Penny Marks, Marvin and Kathy Scheer, and Dorothy Bonser. The $1,200 raised benefits the league's children's educational programs.