AROUND TOWN

Fund-raisers boost Planned Parenthood, Assistance Dogs

9/22/2011
BY BARBARA HENDEL
BLADE SOCIETY EDITOR
  • Anastasia-Hanson-Lois-Whiteman

    Anastasia Hanson, left, and Lois Whiteman look at a beach bag decorated with condoms during the Planned Parenthood of Northwest Ohio's third annual Art of Prevention gala at Space 237 Galleries in Toledo.

    THE BLADE/LORI KING
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    • Anastasia Hanson, left, and Lois Whiteman look at a beach bag decorated with condoms during the Planned Parenthood of Northwest Ohio's third annual Art of Prevention gala at Space 237 Galleries in Toledo.
    Anastasia Hanson, left, and Lois Whiteman look at a beach bag decorated with condoms during the Planned Parenthood of Northwest Ohio's third annual Art of Prevention gala at Space 237 Galleries in Toledo.

    The third annual Art of Prevention condom art show and fund-raiser to benefit Planned Parenthood of Northwest Ohio Sept. 7 at Space 237 Galleries downtown raised $10,000.

    Sixteen local artists competed in the juried competition, including Bowling Green State University and University of Toledo students and graduates and community artists. Artists each received 250 condoms and had six weeks to create their masterpiece.

    First-place winner for a $250 cash prize was Alex Beat, with an art installation that focused on promoting safe sex. Second place winner was Suzanne Berg, who transformed condoms into yarn and knitted her piece; and honorable mention went to Kathy Hubert who created a stylish beach bag.

    Molly Datson, left, and Maara Fink stand behind a snake made of condoms.
    Molly Datson, left, and Maara Fink stand behind a snake made of condoms.

    Judges were the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo executive director Marc Folk and Jim Moore, board president.

    Among the 100 attendees were long-time supporters Bob Billstein and Janine and Edgar Avila. Event chairman Molly Luetke Datson was the evening's emcee.

    The sixth annual Casino Night "Dealing for Dogs" to benefit Assistance Dogs America Inc. was Sept. 10 at Tam-O-Shanter Sports and Exhibition Center in Sylvania. Giant dice and balloons set the scene for gaming, music, food, live and silent auctions, and dancing to the tunes of Johnny Rocker and the Hitmen. City Q Barbeque and Continental Serves provided tasty treats. Impact Fun kept the games rolling including the Texas Hold'em tournament.

    Janine Avila, left, and Lisa Guest Perks pause in front of a fish made of condoms.
    Janine Avila, left, and Lisa Guest Perks pause in front of a fish made of condoms.

    Deb Wagner explained what a life-changing event it was for her to be partnered with her service dog, Scarlet.

    Then the games rolled.

    The Interactive Dog Race was exciting with the winning team naming a puppy that came to the event. Jenni Yoder's team won and named the puppy "Tyler" in honor of her son who has a service dog from ADAI. Members of the winning team included Karla Witte, Rae Yenderusiak, Mike and Nicole Walters, Bob and Debbie Walters, Jan and Chuck Witte, Sharon Quattlebaum, Nissa Yoder, and Kirk and Michelle Witte.

    Deb Wagner, with service dog Scarlet, talks to guests about what it means to her to have a service dog.
    Deb Wagner, with service dog Scarlet, talks to guests about what it means to her to have a service dog.

    Jack Amlin auctioned some great items. Harry Barlos purchased a Florida vacation package and Lee Ann Lyons purchased a Jamaica or Bahamas vacation package.

    The event raised $40,000 thanks to the sponsors, donations, nearly 350 attendees, and more than 70 volunteers.

    Event chairmen Karen Bade and Gale Tedhams were assisted by a great committee: Micki Ball, Lorie Clark, Sarah Gschwind, Holly Olin, Diane Pickering, Don Stull, Linda Meeks, Rhonda DeKoninck, Jill Perritti, and Karen Swartz-Dowling.