Social events promote good causes

5/22/2013
BY BARBARA HENDEL
BLADE SOCIETY EDITOR
  • Northwest-State-Pamela-Hayman-Weaner

    Pamela Hayman-Weaner was given a Making a Difference award from Northwest State Community College.

  • Pamela Hayman-Weaner was given a Making a Difference award from Northwest State Community College.
    Pamela Hayman-Weaner was given a Making a Difference award from Northwest State Community College.

    Northwest State Community College hosted its annual Green Carpet Event "An Evening Under the Stars" May 16 on its campus in the George V. Voinovich auditorium.

    Rex Stump accepts an award on behalf of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
    Rex Stump accepts an award on behalf of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

    Gourmet food stations, a silent auction, and a performance by the Toledo School for the Arts Afro-Caribbean Dance & Drum Ensemble filled the night.

    Making a Difference Awards were presented to Pamela Hayman-Weaner, Chief Supermarket, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

    Among the more than 25 sponsors were Rupp Seeds, Inc. and Sauder Woodworking Company.

    The estimated $50,000 that was raised supports student scholarships that are distributed through Northwest's foundation.

    Claire's Night presented by Hollywood Casino as a prelude to the Claire's Day book festival was May 16 at the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library. Claire's Day honors the late Claire Lynsey Rubini, daughter of Brad and Julie Rubini, by inspiring children and families to be lifelong readers.

    Supporters mingled with the guest authors and illustrators of Claire's Day. Tab Hinkle, the parent of a child who was a past festival award winner, talked of the benefits of the program.

    Four new commissioned art pieces were unveiled for the library by four of this year's illustrators: Mark Crilley, Bruce Langton, John Manders, and Betsy Snyder.

    Former FOCUS client Cheri Dennis and friend Aggie Alt.
    Former FOCUS client Cheri Dennis and friend Aggie Alt.

    Family Outreach Community United Services (FOCUS) annual spring luncheon May 15 at the Park Inn raised more than $35,000. The agency provides housing and fosters the skills needed for homeless people to gain economic and social stability in their lives.

    At the FOCUS Spring Luncheon are Diane Barnes, Bob Meeker, and Janice Moore.
    At the FOCUS Spring Luncheon are Diane Barnes, Bob Meeker, and Janice Moore.

    Among the more than 250 attendees were board president Drew Masse, Toledo Municipal Judge C. Allen McConnell, Elaine Clark Johnson, Willis Day, Valerie Garforth, and Jim Findlay and Pamela Schaefer.

    The Denker Family (Brett, Diana, Rollie) at the True Blue To Do gala.
    The Denker Family (Brett, Diana, Rollie) at the True Blue To Do gala.

    The True Blue To Do at the Premier May 10 celebrated the 10th anniversary of Springfield Schools Foundation for classroom grants. The biennial bash formerly known as What's Your Bag? netted more than $35,000 to add to the more than $150,000 raised since its inception.

    Amy Sanders, Springfield Schools Foundation secretary and True Blue To Do chairman, with Scott Steele, the foundation president.
    Amy Sanders, Springfield Schools Foundation secretary and True Blue To Do chairman, with Scott Steele, the foundation president.

    Everything sparkled from the diamond-shaped ice sculpture to the diamond-shaped awards, signifying the decade of service.

    Among the more than 175 notables were Sam and Susan Botek, Scott and Denise Walsh, and founding president Erika Yoder and husband Terry, and Jason Dugan who won the one carat diamond solitaire grand raffle prize.

    The Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center 13th annual spring luncheon presented this year by Mercy was held recently at Inverness Club. The 216 supporters lunched at tables centered with fresh cut tulips in Jan Pugh vases that were later sold.

    Clients spoke about the services that helped them go from difficult and sometimes dangerous situations to secure and productive lives.

    The first Cullen Champion for Children award, named for the center's founder, Dr. Bernard J. Cullen, a Toledo pediatrician, was presented to Dr. Robert W. Mills, who was one of 12 nominees.

    Event chairmen Martha Wheeler and Jonna McRury and board president Pat Bullard are pleased with the more than $31,000 that was raised.

    Three people split the pot for the University of Toledo Athletic Department's annual reverse raffle and auction held May 18 at Savage Arena. They each went home with $3,000. Everyone else had fun, too, feasting and networking. The estimated net for the event is $55,000.