ON THE TOWN

Parties add spring to the step

Dancers from Company C Dance Club perform during the Victory Center's 'Radiant in Red' Fashion Show at the Hilton Garden Inn at Levis Commons in Perrysburg.

The Blade/Lori King
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Dancers from Company C Dance Club perform during the Victory Center's 'Radiant in Red' Fashion Show at the Hilton Garden Inn at Levis Commons in Perrysburg.

Winter gatherings added a bit of sunshine and a head start on spring.

Guests at the Victory Center’s sixth annual luncheon and fashion show “Radiant in Red” presented by Mercy got a head start on spring fashion at the Hilton Garden Inn. Founded in 1996, the nonprofit organization offers free physical, emotional, and spiritual heklp to cancer patients and their family members.

The sell-out crowd of more than 500 people mingled as men in white shirts and red ties sold tickets for raffle prizes that included a white gold, ruby, and diamond necklace from David Fairclough Jewelers that was won by Kim Marion.

Honoraria were purchased in memory of Julie Fahrbach, Jill McMullan, Ryan Serber, Margaret Stout, and others.

PHOTO GALLERY: Springy events

Survivor guests, wearing red and gold ribbons compliments of Laura Dosch, a committee member and cancer survivor, received tickets for a chance to win a necklace donated by Mindi Marshall of Stella & Dot Jewelry and Accessories and a Beth Covert-designed Radiant in Red handbag.

After a gourmet lunch, Michelle Rowe, manager of community outreach for Mercy, welcomed everyone. Guest speaker Mary Pollock talked about her journey fighting cancer and said “Red is the color for strength, power, and determination.” Then it was lights, cameras, and action as models strutted the runway with music provided by DJ Doug Kwiatkowski. Spring fashions were from Belle Amour Bridal, Chico’s, Dave’s Running Shop, Kids Klothesline, Opening Night, Ragazza, Sophia Lustig, Sophie’s Sister, Stella & Dot, the Pink Door Boutique, Toledo Harley-Davidson & Signature HD, and White House/Black Market.

Featured were eight survivor models, including Lisa Bockbrader, Anna Demas, Adele Jasion, Kris LaHote, Debbie Patton, Mary Pollock, Dorothy McDougal, and Sandy Wasserman. Hallie Hancock could not attend,but thoughts and prayers were sent her way.

The rest of the models were from Friends of the Victory Center including survivors Mary Helen Darah, Sandra Hylant, Valerie Newsome, and Kay-Lynne Schaller.

More than $30,000 was raised. Kudos to event chairman Kathy Schwartz of Roemer Insurance and her committee, table hosts, and volunteers.

Golf carts transported guests from the parking lot to the entrance of the Hotel on the University of Toledo health science campus March 14 for the Toledo Symphony League’s Rite of Spring event. $6,000 was raised for the youth education and financial support to the symphony, according to president Beth Bowman.

Shopping for the group of 125 was at 17 local vendors’ booths including the Chocolate Shoppe, Black Diamond, North Branch Nursery, Linda Oh, Agean Connection, Wild Birds Unlimited, and Ragazza. Raffles and door prizes were fun, too.

An auction included four lunches in a garden, and the high bidders included Karen DeNune, Trina McGivern, and Rusty Phlegar.

Guest speaker Nancy Robinson of The Andersons discussed new plants for 2013.

Event chairmen Barb Bettinger and Mary Beaber were assisted by Karen Fruth, Helen Rogge, Lupe Siewert, Liz Ference, Trina McGivern, Sandra Laas, Sue Potts, Fran Darcy, Kelly Rectenwald, Lynda Gilbert, Kathy Scheer, Emily Wagy, Sue Meadows, and Joni Fought.

From left, Associated yacht Club Commodore Jim Kessler, Rod Graffis of the Cooley Canal Yacht Club, Gary Anderson of Ford Yacht Club, and Bill Butash of the Detroit Beach Boat Club, pose for a photo at the Associated Yacht Club's 2013 Commodore's Ball.

Associated Yacht Clubs, a boating organization of 32 member clubs in western Lake Erie, hosted its annual AYC weekend in February at Holiday Inn French Quarter. The group is based in Toledo and there are clubs from Ohio, Michigan, and Canada. 

Approximately 1,200 members mingled in the 18 tropical-themed hospitality suites.

A formal dinner the next night attended by 425 members was led by event chairmen Gary and Deb Weaver of Harborview Yacht Club. Honorees were 2012 AYC Commodore Jim Kessler and Lady Patty of Ottawa River Yacht Club.

During the Change of Watch ceremony, the  gavel was passed to 2013 Commodore TomMacDonald and Lady Kathy of Grosse Ile Mich. As is tradition, Commodore Kessler and Lady Patty plunged into the hotel pool at midnight.

The Invitational Mills Trophy Race will be here soon — June 7-9. Celebrating in advancewere attendees at the Friends of The Mills Race Winter Banquet at Toledo Yacht Club.

Past Commodore Ron Gabel gave a presentation on past Commodore S. O. Richardson (1893-95, 1907-10). The S. O. Richardson Memorial Trophy was donated in his memory by his family after his death in 1927.

This year’s Mills Race Honorary Chairman is the late Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, in honor of the bicentennial of the War of 1812.

A sea of pink, black, white, and crystal with candlelight set the elegant scene for the 14th annual Crystal Ball presented by Orchard Villa to benefit Mercy St. Charles Hospital March 16 at the Hilton Garden Inn.

The 500 attendees were welcomed by Bob Gospodarek, president and CEO. It was announced that a new Mercy Foundation for all of the Mercy hospitals was formed and its trustees include John Harris, president; Joanie Barrett, vice president; Brad Blandin, treasurer, and Scott Stewart, secretary.

The estimated net of $120,000 benefits programs and departments of Mercy St. Charles Hospital, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

Event chairmen Amanda Caldwell and Jamie Tooman were assisted by Keith Brooks, Katie Chieda, Linda Fournier, Ann Frahn, Julie Hemminger, Amy Hilt, Ritchie Levine, Kent Meyers, Rob Snoad, Marilyn Stoner, and Monica Williams and a host of volunteers.