AROUND TOWN

Donors show heart and soul

5/3/2012
BY BARBARA HENDEL
BLADE SOCIETY EDITOR
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    David Schlaudecker of Leadership Toledo, left, and Sally Binard, founder of the Heart and Soul Fundraiser.

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  • David Schlaudecker of Leadership Toledo, left, and Sally Binard, founder of the Heart and Soul Fundraiser.
    David Schlaudecker of Leadership Toledo, left, and Sally Binard, founder of the Heart and Soul Fundraiser.

    At the Cherry Street Mission's spring fund-raiser, It's All About Hope, were Joseph Sober, left, Cherry Street board chairman and V.P. Mercy, Dan Rogers, center, president and CEO of Cherry Street Mission Ministries, and Greg Shapiro, Cherry Street Board Director.
    At the Cherry Street Mission's spring fund-raiser, It's All About Hope, were Joseph Sober, left, Cherry Street board chairman and V.P. Mercy, Dan Rogers, center, president and CEO of Cherry Street Mission Ministries, and Greg Shapiro, Cherry Street Board Director.

    There was no baseball, but the recent eighth annual Heart and Soul: Caring for Our Community in the suites at Fifth Third Field hit a home run and raised about $30,000 thanks to the nearly 300 attendees, said event chairmen and founders Tony Rasczyk and Sally Binard.

    They started the event to raise awareness of mental illness and help erase the stigma associated with it. The proceeds benefit Harbor, Northwest Ohio Psychiatric Hospital, and Thomas M. Wernert Center.

    Live music, good food, and a silent auction contributed to the high-energy night with emcee Susan Ross Wells of WTVG-TV, Channel 13. Honorary chairmen were Mary Beth Zolik of 101.5 The River and David Schlaudecker of Leadership Toledo.

    The It's All About Hope spring fund-raising banquet for the Cherry Street Mission was held recently in the Family Life Center of Grace Church in Perrysburg.

    Some 450 men and women heard about how their support transforms lives. The mission's residents gave testimonials and helped prepare and serve the night's meal. This was not a catered event, but one made with passion.

    At the Build a Better St. Paul's Community Center fund-raiser were, from left, honorary chairman Jeannie Lesniewicz, board president Tony Thiros, and Marica Langenderfer, executive director of past soirees for St. Paul's Community Center.
    At the Build a Better St. Paul's Community Center fund-raiser were, from left, honorary chairman Jeannie Lesniewicz, board president Tony Thiros, and Marica Langenderfer, executive director of past soirees for St. Paul's Community Center.

    Banner Mattress and Furniture, which donated its former warehouse and showroom to the mission, received the Corporate Partner award. It is now the mission's LifeBridge Center. Kay Tayner received the Volunteer Recognition award. The event raised $50,000.

    Music, an elegant meal, conversation, and the opportunity to Build a Better St. Paul's Community Center was presented recently by The Andersons at the Toledo Club. Participants donated toward the purchase of furniture to fill residents' rooms. Started in 1975, the agency provides emergency shelter and transitional services to the homeless and mentally ill. The event netted $25,000. Emcee Michael Hendrich, of WNWO-TV, Channel 24, kept the night flowing with the help of honorary chairman Jeannie Lesniewicz.

    Sunny colors set the scene for the recent Sunsations presented by Signature Bank: a celebration with a purpose at Inverness Club. The event, to benefit Sunset Retirement Communities, netted $20,000.

    The Toledo Jazz Orchestra played tunes during dinner at tables centered with homemade cakes by Kathleen Ausmus of Sunset. Seen were board members including Paul Johnson, board chairman, Anne Connelly, Phyllis Gaspar, Heidi Glosser, Paul Longenecker, Carol Ryan, Mark Sandretto, and Diana Waugh and guests including Keith Burwell, Ned Hein, Ted Hahn, and James Dithell.

    Sunsations for Sunset Retirement Communities was a hit, thanks in part to Kathleen Ausmus, left, who made cakes for the benefit. With her are Paul Johnson, board chairman, and Vicky Bartlett, president and CEO.
    Sunsations for Sunset Retirement Communities was a hit, thanks in part to Kathleen Ausmus, left, who made cakes for the benefit. With her are Paul Johnson, board chairman, and Vicky Bartlett, president and CEO.

    Heartbeat of Toledo's third annual free breakfast fund-raiser last month was attended by 500 people and raised about $45,000. The event at Premier Banquet Hall featured speaker Dr. Harvey Popovich, the organization's medical director. Board president Judy Stead also spoke, as did a mother who benefited from the programs.

    The Beach House Reverse Raffle presented by the Babes for Beach House at Georgio's International Cafe netted $15,835 and a heap of fun. There was no need to be present to win, but who wanted to miss a good party? Norm Heineman of Bowling Green Beverage presented wines from all over the world for tasting and Georgio's served fabulous appetizers.

    Only 200 tickets were sold at $100 each. Emcee Chrys Peterson of WTOL-TV, Channel 11, drew the tickets. The grand prize was $5,000 and was won by Maurice Davis, who donated $1,000 back to the cause.

    For information on the Babes for Beach House contact Katrina Iott at 734-777-9593 or katrina@tomatoes.com.