OTT: Festive fund-raising

Left, Sue Fanelly and Joe Pinciotti, general chairmen of Central Catholic High School's Dinner Auction. Right, from left, Lisa Wilczynski, Terry Payak, Sue Kenney, and Dody Hamilton.

Tracy Koralewski

Many holiday soirees were hosted recently by area educational institutions.

The 19th Annual Knights' Ball “It's A Starry Starry Knight,” presented by St. Francis de Sales High School trustees and endowment board, was held Dec. 4 at SeaGate Centre. It was a mystical setting with holiday lights and decor. A 12-foot hanging sculpture created by Matt and Katie Yarder and assembled with the help of a few St. Francis swim team members greeted guests at the entrance.

The school's Singing Blue choir serenaded guests throughout the evening. Silent and live auctions provided opportunities for holiday shopping. Francie, a purebred Havanese puppy donated by Phil and Betsy Barone, elicited many oohs and aahs. Regan Smith won the bid for a necklace donated by Jensen Jewelers.

A heartfelt speech was delivered by senior Keon Pearson, who plans to attend Harvard University. It emphasized the reason for the event, which supports the Endowment Fund for scholarships and financial aid. A record-setting $227,000 was raised, said Cathy Trimble, chairman with Debbie Spegele.

Among the crowd of more than 300 were Debbie and Phil Buerk, Lori and Mark Johnston, Connie and Don Warner, Bill and Marlene Garbe, Gene and Terri Zmuda, Bob and Sue Savage, and Jane and Dan DiSalle.

Left, Sue Fanelly and Joe Pinciotti, general chairmen of Central Catholic High School's Dinner Auction. Right, from left, Lisa Wilczynski, Terry Payak, Sue Kenney, and Dody Hamilton.

Central Catholic High School's 19th Annual Dinner Auction “Champion Central” was held Nov. 19 at the school's Sullivan Center. The black tie-optional affair included dinner and a fabulous dessert bar. Shopping at the live and silent auctions was part of the fun, with items including a trip to New York with tickets to see the Yankees and a Broadway show, a boat trip to Put-In-Bay on a 64-foot Hatteras, dinners, jewelry, art, landscaping packages, furniture, and more.

Among the 375 attendees were honorary chairmen were Tom and Brenda Geiger, with Sue Fanelly and Joseph Pinciotti serving as general chairmen. The event raised $125,000 for the Central Catholic scholarship fund.

UT student Susan Mitchell, left, speaks with Kathy Shanteau and Pam Rehkopf at The University of Toledo Department of Art "A Winter's Sale."

The University of Toledo's Department of Art “A Winter's Sale” was held the first weekend in December at the Center for Visual Arts Gallery featuring affordable, unique, and quality artworks in a wide range of media created by students, faculty, and alumni.

The first-time event sales totaled more than $4,600, according to gallery director Leanne Gilbertson.

A portion of the proceeds helps fund UT's Visiting Artist Series, but most went directly to the participating artists.

Mike and Deb Calabrese with Mary and Glenn Richter at the Toledo School for the Arts holiday reception.

The Toledo School for the Arts' holiday reception was Dec. 15 at The Toledo Club. The event was hosted by Mike and Deb Calabrese, major donors, underwriters, and board and development committee members. Members of a new donor group, Art Donor 333, who have made a three-year pledge of at least $1,000 per year to the school, were honored at the event.

Among the attendees were Bill Bostleman, board president, Tom and Betsy Brady, Bob and Patty Decker, Steve and Dorothy Mockensturm, Marna Ramnath, Clarence and Patricia Smith, Marty Porter, TSA director, and his wife Anne, David Saygers, and TSA artistic director, and Howard Walters, principal.

Bob Helmer, president of Lourdes College, and his wife Linda, hosted their annual Holiday Open House Dec. 7 at their home. Assisting with the party were students who greeted guests and invited them to warm up by the fire and enjoy the wonderful array of holiday refreshments. Among the attendees were John Bachey, Sandy Isenberg, Judy McFarland, Joe Sharp, Mike and Carol Anderson, Jim and Pat Appold, Rick and Denise Arnos, Bill and Cathy Carroll, Tom and Paulette Geiger, Paul and Pam Hollenbeck, Denny Johnson, Dick and Robin LaValley, Debbie Knight, Buzz and Martha Mewhort, Pat and Marilyn McAlear, Dave and Kate O'Connell, Randy and Barb Oostra, Barb and Tim Petee, Larry and Jill Peterson, Bill and Laura Rudolph, Larry and Kathy Ulrich, Bob and Penny O'Brien, Paul and Carol Hood, Jim Findlay and Pamela Schaefer, Art and Mary Hills, Dick White, Bob Chirdon, Milo and Chrissie Danzeisen, Dick and Kathy Faist, Dick and Fran Anderson, Bob and Sue Savage, Craig Stough, Mark and Mickey Welker, and Bob and Mary Arquette.

Barbara Hendel is The Blade's society editor.

Contact Barbara Hendel at:

bhendel@theblade.com

or 419-724-6124