Around the Town: Camp Courageous, Mom's House benefit from events

Jasmine Smith reads poetry.

From left, MaryBeth Zolik, Amy Weemes, and Lisha Washington at the 18th Annual Mom’s Night Out gala.

COME Fly with Me: A Fund-Raiser for Camp Courageous was Saturday in the E.S. Wagner Airport Hangar at Metcalf Field near Walbridge.

Camp Courageous strives to foster socialization and independence for people with developmental disabilities through outdoor recreational experiences.

The nearly 160 guests sipped cocktails and nibbled hors d'oeuvres, then sated appetites with a buffet of tasty foods and desserts. Decorations were made by Shared Lives Studios, a division of Lott Industries for adults with developmental disabilities, which was a perfect fit.

Jody Leyman and her son Ryan, 29, talked about his positive experience at Camp Courageous

The heartwarming evening ended with everyone singing "I Believe," which brought tears to many eyes. The event committee of Alicia Wagner, Phyllis Deaton, Debbie Paul, and Holly Bennett said $12,000 was raised.

THE 18TH Annual Mom's Nite Out gala and auction presented by The Andersons was May 6 at The Pinnacle.

Jasmine Smith reads poetry.

The event, which benefits Mom's House, an organization to assist young mothers in becoming self-reliant, raised about $39,000.

The room was a sea of apple green, black, and white decor, signifying the Mom's House logo, an open door for young single mothers. Towering vases of white hydrangeas, daisies, and eucalyptus by Bartz Viviano graced the tables, and many guests made donations to take the centerpieces home. Guests shopped the silent and live auctions.

Jasmine Smith, a high school graduate from Mom's House who is now a student at Owens Community College, recited poetry that she wrote about her Mom's House experience.

Pictures of the Mom's House kitchen renovation were unveiled, and contractors who donated their time and talents were thanked.

The 2011 Mom of the Year, Amy Weemes, was recognized. There for the special honor were her sons DJ, a senior at Springfield High School, and Eric Page, a University of Toledo football player.

Among the 250 attendees were nearly 30 mothers currently in the program, who were all dressed up for the occasion. Also seen was 2010 Mom of the Year Lisha Washington as well as board president Hal Reed and former Mom of the Year Kathy Holmes.

There will be plenty to do this weekend. Here are a few options:

FRIDAY night is Claire's Night at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library downtown. The event, which runs from 7 to 10 p.m. benefits the 10th annual Claire's Day. Tickets are $65 each. For information call 419-509-9838 or clairesday.org.

TOMORROW also is the Victory Center's Treasures of the Vine From Around the World. Celebrating 15 years of service, the center's event is at Parkway Place. For information call 419-531-7600 or contact thevictory center.org.

THE ADVERTISING Club of Toledo's AdBid Casino Night Hollywood Style also is Thursday night. Toledo Country Club is the location; tickets, which are $35 each, may be purchased by calling 419-866-4199 or e-mailing director@adclubtoledo.org.

SUNDAY is Share Our Strength's the Taste of the Nation No Kid Hungry at the Toledo Club. The black-tie optional event, which benefits Aurora House, Toledo Day Nursery, Toledo Grows, and Toledo Northwestern Ohio Fook Bank Inc., is from 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $150.

For information, visit toledotaste.org or call 419-705-6635.