Mom's House celebrates 20 years

Leslie Shubargo from Komen for the Cure, Kathy Kuyoth, John Mangas Chrys Peterson, Christie Fredrick from CMN and 3 miracle Children.

Kelsey Stickley with and her mother, Janel Zbierajewski Spychala, and father, Heath Stickley.

Mom's House of Toledo celebrated its 20th anniversary May 10 with the Mom's Nite Out Annual Gala and Auction at the Pinnacle. The nonprofit organization supports the educational efforts of low-income, single young mothers.

The 2013 Mom of the Year was Nancy Nudo, founder of the Toledo house. Kelsey Stickley, now 20, and her parents, Janel Spychala and Heath Stickley, the first baby and parents of the house, gave a heartfelt talk on the importance of Mom's House. Christina Rodriguez, executive director, said this shows how the house turns clients into productive community leaders who help others.

University of Toledo women's basketball player Janelle Reed-Lewis, who has taken on the role of parenting her 16-year-old brother, talked about perseverance. Mom's board president Kaiko Zureich presented her with the first President's Award.

Bruce Gradkowski, backup quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, spoke and then helped Jerry Anderson and Chrys Peterson of WTOL-TV, Channel 11, with the live auction.

The 12th annual RE/MAX Preferred Cinco de Mayo party hosted by John Mangas and Kathy Kuyoth May 9 at Forrester's on the River at the Docks raised $32,000 for Komen for the Cure and the Children's Miracle Network. Since inception, the annual party has raised $218,200 for local charities. Sponsors included Fifth Third Bank, Huntington Bank, and Susan Noel.

Leslie Shubargo from Komen for the Cure, Kathy Kuyoth, John Mangas Chrys Peterson, Christie Fredrick from CMN and 3 miracle Children.

A tasty Mexican buffet was served as auctioneer Jack Amlin assisted by Ms. Peterson and three "Miracle Children" representing the Children's Miracle Network encouraged bidding.

Among the lively crowd of 400 brokers, bankers, and friends were Larry Boyer, Marcia and Mark Rubini, Anita Lopez, Jim and Linda Brown, Dave and Cindy Fowler, Randi Damman, Lindsay Hammerling, and Shayla Bell.

Central City Ministry of Toledo's 22nd annual Urban All-American Celebration May 6 at the Pinnacle raised $45,000 for students of Rosary Cathedral and Queen of Apostles. Keynote speaker was Tricia Cullop, head coach for the UT Lady Rockets basketball team. Fran and Dick Anderson accepted the service award for The Andersons and the Anderson family.

Women's Initiative of United Way Spring Event recently held at the Hotel at University of Toledo Medical College was a gathering of ladies who make a difference. Event chairmen Adrienne Green and Denise Johnson welcomed everyone.

Guest speaker was Girl Scouts of the USA National board president Connie Lindsey. She is executive vice president and head of corporate social responsibility at Northern Trust in Chicago and impressed everyone with her motivational speech on utilizing the talents and resources you have to give back to others.

Committee members included Mary Brucker, Carol Gee, Laura Hanley, Carol Jansen, Mary Kennedy, Eileen Kerner, Mary Mancini, Angela Tennaro, and local Women's Initiative founder Sara Jane DeHoff.

Many committee members dined with the guest speaker afterwards along with others including new Toledoan Camille Corbin, Neema Bell, Christy Stone, Cathy Carroll, Roni Luckenbill, and Libby Ruppert.

More than $10,000 was raised for WordShop, a creative writing program for elementary school students.