AROUND TOWN

Fund-raising is always in style

Mike Bell, left, NOCS board president, presents the Robert Brundage award to Harvey Savage, of the Martin Luther King Kitchen for the Poor.

Fatima Knight models clothing from Sophia Lustig SHop after shop owner Paula Fall attended fashion week in New York.

Fashion week in New York was in February and Paris Fashion week started Tuesday, but northwest Ohio recently held its own events dedicated to cutting-edge clothes and raising money for charity.

Formal-ly Yours presented by the Junior League of Toledo was March 9 at Westfield Franklin Park mall. More than 375 dresses along with accessories were sold to raise about $2,000. The event was a project by the new member class and supported by Westfield, Kurt Nielson Photography, Hires Dental Care, Soto Salon, Unison Behavioral Group, Men's Wearhouse, Wildtree (Elly Gwyn), Thirty One (Erin Hafner), Mary Kay (Nicole Beat), and Lourdes University.

Spring fashion trends were highlighted during a Divas and Desserts benefit for the Toledo Symphony League. It was hosted by Joni Fought in her Eagle Point Colony home Feb. 29 with Pam Pilz & CAbi, Debbie Deiger of Face Junky, Lupe Siewert of Stella and Dot Jewelry and Sharon Wingert with Beijo Purses. About 50 ladies attended and $1,200 was raised to support educational programs.

Cheap & Chic for Charity 2012 warehouse sale was held Feb. 25 in the Davis Building on Tenth Street in downtown Toledo. Boutiques included Artisanal Pastries, Jaffe Jewelers, Loft & Home Essentials, Meig, Optical Arts, Packer Creek Pottery, Schramm's, Scoots, Sophia Lustig, Sophie's Sister, Tonic, and Vivian Kate. About $2,100 was raised for Toledo Children's Hospital Foundation.

Goodwill and Elder-Beerman's semi-annual Goodwill Sale started Wednesday and runs through March 22. Individuals can donate used clothing and household textile items at Elder-Beerman to benefit Goodwill Industries. Donors will be rewarded with discounts at Elder-Beerman. Donations will be sold at Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, Inc. stores. Don't have time to shop? Make a donation by contacting www.millionactsofgoodwill.com and receive a discount coupon to use at Elder-Beerman. For information go to the Goodwill Web site at www.goodwillnwohio.com or Twitter @goodwillnow

Nick and Sarah Tokles, owners of Basin Street Grille, opened their doors recently to benefit charities.

A Prom Dress Drive started Monday and runs through March 31. Coordinated by Owens Community College's Raising Awareness Club, the event accepts gently used prom-specific items including dresses, shoes, purses, gloves, jewelry, and other accessories. Donations can be dropped off in the Office of Student Activities, Room 165 at the Student Health and Activities Center.

Following the drive, the club will host the Prom Dress Extravaganza for high school students and their families from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 14 in the health and activities center. Prom fashions can be purchased for minimal cost, ranging from $5-$20 for dresses and 50 cents to $5 for accessories.

Shopping mentors will be available for assistance, and Owens students will provide prom dress alterations free of charge during the event. Items not sold will be donated to Camp Courageous. Proceeds benefit the club's community outreach activities.

Wine tasting is always in fashion. Share a Glass beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres winter warm-up fund-raiser to benefit Northwest Ohio Community Shares was Feb. 27 at UAW Local 14 on Jackman Road. Each of the 150 guests received a handmade wine charm created by Scrap4Art volunteers out of recycled materials.

Mike Bell, left, NOCS board president, presents the Robert Brundage award to Harvey Savage, of the Martin Luther King Kitchen for the Poor.

Harvey Savage, executive director of the Martin Luther King Kitchen for Poor and former NOCS board president, was honored with the Dr. Robert Brundage Award for his service to NOCS and the Toledo community, and his commitment to social justice.

More than $3,100 was raised. For information go to www.nwohioshares.org.

Wine and other spirits also flowed during a fund-raiser Feb. 26 at Basin Street Grille for Abbie's Fund, Bedford Community Foundation, and Toledo Children's Hospital. Complimentary appetizers were donated by Nick and Sarah Tokles, owners of Basin Street. Abbie's Fund supports the fight against leukodystrophy. It was named for the late Abbie Marsh, daughter of Les and Amy Marsh. The idea was conceived by Abbie's grandfather, Les Marsh., Sr. The event raised $3,800.