AROUND TOWN

Partygoers open hearts, wallets for charity

Sister Mary Jon Wagner, Congregational Minister for the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, center poses for a photo during the Sylvania Franciscan Gala with awardees Father Robert Wilhelm, recipient of the 2013 St. Clare Award, left, and Joseph Nachtrab, president of Northaven Development Group and recipient of the 2013 St. Francis Award.

Photo courtesy of TJ Irwin

Barbara Hendel.

THE 14th annual Sylvania Franciscan Gala was Sept. 28 at the Franciscan Center on the grounds of the Sisters of St. Francis and Lourdes University in Sylvania.

The Sylvania Franciscan Sisters work in 10 states and Haiti in education, health care, social work, and in parish and spiritual direction.

More than 320 people enjoyed a tasty meal by Michael’s Gourmet Catering, shopped the silent auction, and participated in a raffle.

Sister Mary Jon Wagner, Congregational Minister for the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, center poses for a photo during the Sylvania Franciscan Gala with awardees Father Robert Wilhelm, recipient of the 2013 St. Clare Award, left, and Joseph Nachtrab, president of Northaven Development Group and recipient of the 2013 St. Francis Award.

Seen were David Livingston, Lourdes University president, and wife Joan; Jim Pope, president and CEO, Sylvania Franciscan Health, and his wife, Mary; and Janet Robinson, past president of Lourdes University, and husband Gene.

Joseph Nachtrab, president of Northaven Development Group, received the St. Francis Award for his exemplary contributions to society. Father Robert Wilhelm of the Catholic Diocese of Toledo received the St. Clare Award for modeling the Franciscan values in his everyday life.

Enjoying the night were Susan Morgan, David and Susie Reed, Jerome Webster, Pam Hershberger, Dolly Flasck, Marisa and Dan Rawlins, Lora Wilkinson, Robb and Emilie Rose, Scott and Karen Kirby, Mary Dawson, Keith and Julie Large, and Monsignor Cleo Schmenk, retired.

The event raised $110,000. Kudos to event chairman Sister Carol Ann Grace of the Sylvania Franciscans and her committee.

Enjoying the St. Paul Community Center event are, from left, Mike and Sondra Gibbons and John Irwin.

ST. PAUL’S Community Center’s annual fund-raiser for the agency’s food program was Sept. 23 at Zia’s Italian Restaurant.

Thanks to the 178 guests who paid $50 per ticket and Mike Gibbons of Main Street Ventures, owner of Zia’s, and its staff members who donated all of their tips, the event netted more than $30,000.

Guest speaker Pete Gerken, Lucas County commissioner, talked about the importance of supporting those in need. Executive Director Marcia Langenderfer said, “We are not only a homeless shelter, but a mental health agency.”

Also seen was board president Anthony Thiros.

Guests, many who donated nonperishable food items, shopped the auctions and bought raffle tickets.

The silent auction included a Lalique crystal, a hand-crafted Santa by Margaret Cook, Kathy Genzman prints, and dinner packages from Main Street Ventures, the Toledo Club, and Revolution Grille.

The live auction was for a cruise aboard the Sea Ray Yacht owned by Jan Snyder. Duke Wheeler and Pat Flynn purchased the day trip.

From left, Diana Osterman, hostess Paula Brown, and Dottie Huls at the Cancer Connection of Northwest Ohio, Inc. event.

THE CANCER Connection of Northwest Ohio, Inc. fifth annual Art Auction Event on Sept. 21 at the Paula Brown Gallery raised more than $1,000 for free programs for local cancer patients and their families.

Wine and light appetizers were served and an art auction featured items donated by local artists, many who are cancer patients and survivors who utilized art to express their cancer journey.

Kudos to Peter and Paula Brown for hosting the event. For information call 419-725-1100 or go to www.cancerconnectionofnorthwestohio.com.