On the Town: In the Pink

Rita Krebs, Rebecca Ott and Pat Lewandowski wear hats to celebrate the Pretty in Pink fashion show and honor cancer survivors. THE BLADE/LORI KING Enlarge | Photo Reprints

The Victory Center's fifth annual luncheon and fashion show, "Pretty in Pink," presented by Mercy Feb. 3 at the Hilton Garden Inn featured a record crowd of 450 ladies and a few men. A sea of pink decor from candles to cupcakes, along with many guests in pink, set the festive scene.

A social hour included gift baskets that were raffled. The center's executive director, Dianne Cherry, introduced Sue Jaros, director of Mercy Women's Centers, who welcomed everyone.

PHOTO GALLERY: Click here to view images

Featured speaker Kay-Lynne Schaller, a cancer survivor, talked about the scary and emotional experience with cancer, from the needles, CT scans, surgeries, and medications, to the sleepless nights and loss of hair and energy. She said the Victory Center was there to soothe, comfort, and provide peace with love, compassion, and understanding. "It was a positive in a negative situation."

Then it was show time for celebration of all the survivors with commentator Chrys Peterson of WTOL-TV, Channel 11.

Cancer survivors and friends of the center strutted the catwalk in clothing from local boutiques. From casual to business to beautiful formal wear, there was something for everyone.

Participating stores included Chico's, Gallippos Bridal and Formal, Juni, Kids Klothesline, Ragazza, Sophia Lustig, Sophie's Sister, Stella & Dot, Toledo Harley Davidson, and White House Black Market.

Survivor models included: Cindy Rizzo, Valerie Stark Newsome, Elaine Babarick, Ms. Schaller, Lisa Kernes, Chris Lyndy, Shelly Murnen-Rice, Wendy Gittens, Mary Helen Darah, Nucharee Pipatjarasgit, Jean Watts, Sandra Hylant, Lu Ellis, and Mary McGuire.

An estimated net of more than $30,000 was raised for the Victory Center, which has been providing support and education to cancer patients and their families for 15 years. Victory Center board president Michelle Keller was all smiles.

Kudos go to event chairmen Crystal Jozsa and Kathy Schwartz and their committee of nearly 40 women.

Phil Barone performs at "A Tribute to Jim Morrison" to benefit the International Boxing Club. PROVIDED TO THE BLADE Enlarge | Photo Reprints

Break on through

The Maxx Band and Phil Barone as Jim Morrison hosted the annual "A Tribute to Jim Morrison" recently at Maumee Indoor Theatre.

About 450 people enjoyed the music from the group which has been jamming together for 25 years on the island of Put-In-Bay. The show has been the opening performance for bands such as Jefferson Starship, Thin Lizzy, and Foghat. Its main members include George Leist, Joel Hazzard, Gino D'Emilio, and Pat McDonagh with Mr. Barone portraying the Lizard King, aka Jim Morrison. Special guest was Mr. Barone's brother, Mikey "Blue" Barone, singing his original songs for the opening act. He plays the harmonica with the Maxx Band and performs at Rosie's on Tuesdays.

The estimated net of about $4,000 went to the International Boxing Club of Toledo (IBC), a free program for underprivileged children to learn life skills as a path to success in school, family, and the work force.

At the event were several members of Chicks for Charity, because this year their group's funds support the IBC. Also in attendance were bartenders from Rosie's Italian Grille, which was the lead sponsor and is owned by Phil Barone.

If you missed the concert, they are slated to perform June 9 at the Valentine Theatre for a Boys and Girls Clubs benefit.

Red Cross benefits

Oscar 2012 to benefit the American Red Cross, Toledo Region is set for 6-10 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Owens Community College Center for Fine and Performing Arts.

Area restaurants are lined up to provide their specialties for the station dining event. There will be auctions, live bands, and more including a live broadcast of the awards. This year's honorary chairmen are John and Karen Yark. Tickets to the black tie optional event are $100 and may be purchased by calling 419-329-2619.

Another fund-raiser, Fire & Ice: Rock N Roll for the Red Cross of Wood County, is set for 7-11 p.m. Friday at the Clazel Theatre in Bowling Green.

There will be raffles, live and silent auctions, food and beverages, and live music. Tickets are $25 each or two for $40 and may be purchased by contacting the Wood County Red Cross office at 419-352-4575.