Summer nights sparkle with fund-raisers

Barbara Hendel.

Barbara Hendel.

A great fund-raising event for charities is the Twylite Terrace Thursdays at the Pinnacle in Maumee. There is no cost for the location, food, or entertainment. The $10 cover charge includes appetizers, entertainment, and a donation to the charity. Charities make 100 percent on raffles and auctions, so the only cost is advertising for the event and the time to organize raffles and auctions.

The concept, which runs every Thursday from May through September, is so popular this season that it is booked solid. Reservations are already being taken for next year.

One of the recent participants was the D.O.V.E. Fund (Development of Vietnam Endeavors), an Ohio based nonprofit corporation chartered in 2000 that has raised more than $2.1 million and built more than 44 schools along with medical clinics, water purification plants, and micro-finance projects throughout Vietnam. The president is John Cranden.

Do Nguyen, Julie Abbey, and Fred Grimm attend the D.O.V.E. event at the Pinnacle in Maumee.

Joining with D.O.V.E. on the same night was Rotaract Club of Maumee sponsored by the Maumee Rotary Club, which focuses on people younger than 30 as an avenue to philanthropy, community involvement, personal development, networking, and preparation for Rotary. Members include professionals, college students, community members, and entrepreneurs. The president is Mike Schmidt.

About 100 guests attended the recent joint venture of two clubs. Entertainment included Jill Jordan Burke, Academy of Country Music nominee newcomer of the year in 1989.

From left, Joe Rombach, Nuestra Gente president linda Parra, vice president Vickie McClellan, and Ramiz Bcharah, at A night with Nuestra Gente fund-raiser held at La Fiesta Restaurante in Maumee.

Gracias! to the family and friends who gathered for a night of fun, raffles, and exquisite Mexican cuisine July 31 at La Fiesta restaurant on Reynolds Road in Maumee. It was the fourth "A night with Nuestra Gente" fund-raiser.

Seen were City of Maumee Mayor Richard Carr, Lucas County Auditor Anita Lopez, workers from the Lucas County Health Department, and others

The $1,300 netted supports education and community programs. There were more than 60 attendees.

From left, guest speaker Dr. James F. Bingle, event chairmen Randa Mansour-Shousher and Barrie Howell, and Kevin Webb, president of Acute Care Division at ProMedica at ProMedica's The Classic.

The Classic: Supporting Heart Care at ProMedica Toledo Hospital featured lots cocktails, grazing, and music on the roof of Stone Oak Country Club. Nearly 350 attendees enjoyed the evening that included a lively auction by emcee Jerry Anderson of WTOL-TV, Channel 11. The night was extra special for Phil Rudolph, Jr., who won a $5,000 gift card.

Speakers included Dr. James F. Bingle, president, ProMedica Heart and Vascular Institutes; Sharon Knowlton, a grateful patient, and Dr. Gopi Upamaka, honorary chairman with wife Anu.

Event chairmen Randa Mansour-Shousher and Barrie Howell reported a net of more than $200,000, thanks to the 350 attendees and many sponsors.

Among the guests were Randy Oostra, president and CEO of ProMedica, and Kevin Webb, president of Toledo Hospital and Toledo Children's Hospital. Also seen were Steve Staelin, Sarah McHugh, Dr. Michael Moront and Kim Tullis, Charlie and Laurie Heid, Dr. Robin Shermis, Frank and Sharon Glinka, Christine Happ, the hospital's Auxiliary president, and Allan Block, chairman of Blade parent company Block Communications Inc., and his wife Susan.