OTT: Wine, service combine in an elegant evening

11/13/2010

Nick Kubiak, left, of The Andersons, and Susan Hilton sample the fare at Meals on Wheels' 23rd annual Wine Gala on Nov. 6 in the Stranahan Great Hall. <img src=http://www.toledoblade.com/graphics/icons/photo.gif> PHOTO GALLERY: <a href="/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=TO&Dato=20101113&Kategori=COLUMNIST10&Lopenr=111309995&Ref=PH">Meals on Wheels Wine Gala</a> Nov. 6, 2010

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Nick Kubiak, left, of The Andersons, and Susan Hilton sample the fare at Meals on Wheels' 23rd annual Wine Gala on Nov. 6 in the Stranahan Great Hall. <img src=http://www.toledoblade.com/graphics/icons/photo.gif> PHOTO GALLERY: <a href="/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=TO&Dato=20101113&Kategori=COLUMNIST10&Lopenr=111309995&Ref=PH">Meals on Wheels Wine Gala</a> Nov. 6, 2010

Sheer elegance is the only way to describe Mobile Meals of Toledo's 23rd annual Wine Gala last weekend in the Stranahan Great Hall.

"I was impressed when I walked in the door,'' said Paul Gore. "It's truly a first-class event."

He and his wife, Maideh Gore, along with about 320 gala-goers, were greeted at the door, handed a wine glass, and set on course to view 145 silent auction items, sample wines from 13 distributors, and nibble on a lovely array of appetizers.

Beautiful gold-and-white netted canopies, illuminated and draped from the ceilings, complemented the gorgeous fashions seen throughout the night. Ladies wore everything from above-the-knee dresses to classic pant suits to off-the-shoulder, tea-length dresses in black, ruby red, and gold. Men held their own at the black-tie-optional event, some in sharp suits, others in exquisite tuxes.

"It's a chance to have an elegant evening [and] interact with other people who enjoy wine and enjoy supporting Mobile Meals," Theresa Mondville said. She and her husband, Jeffrey, who's won the Mobile Meals amateur peoples' choice chili cook-off award two years in a row, were having a fabulous time eyeing the numerous silent auction items.

Some of the wines that would be auctioned.

One could have spent hours shopping at the silent auction. There truly was something for everyone: children's books, several lots of wine and wine accessories, an autographed photo of the Detroit Red Wings' Tomas Holstram and a puck signed by Jiri Hudler, a day of fly fishing, and Waterford crystal bowls, and even a visit from the jolly old elf himself.

After viewing the silent auction items, catching up with friends, and tantalizing taste buds with wine, it was time for dinner followed by dancing to tunes by Touched. Once seated, honorary chairmen Dick and Fran Anderson welcomed and thanked guests for coming.

Chef Marcel Catering served a Boston bibb salad and a dual entree of beef fillet with green peppercorn sauce and airline chicken with shitake asparagus goat cheese bread pudding. Dessert featured cheesecake, some topped with raspberry sauce, others with chocolate and nuts.

Auctioneer Rick Kigar kicked off the live auction featuring 34 lots of excellent wines ranging from the "affordable everyday" to the "high-end, collector-quality, expensive" said Carolyn Fox, associate executive director of Mobile Meals. The charitable organization is hoping to net about $70,000, she said.

Malcolm and Peggy Richards hosted the table with the most winning bids and won the coveted Lotting Party invitation that will be hosted next year by board member Mark Wagner and his wife Jean.

Among those supporting this worthy cause were general event chairman Rob Snoad with his wife, Becky, Ward Taylor, Bob and Sue Savage, Marvin and Nancy Robon, Tom and Corinne Welch, Brad and Linda Blackburn, Bob and Kathie Maxwell, Bill and Margaret Foster, Tim and Areka Foster, Jerry and Joyce Johnson, and Dan Kory with his wife, Elaine Canning.

In 2009, Mobile Meals delivered 545,000 meals to the elderly, ill, disabled, and those needing assistance.