AROUND TOWN

Parties for pets and their people

THE RED, White, and Bark BBQ kickoff party for the American Cancer Society Bark for Life: A Canine Event to Fight Cancer was Aug. 23 at Carranor Hunt and Polo Club. The dog walk is slated for Sept. 7 at Fort Meigs in Perrysburg, said Deb Buker, a 15-year breast cancer survivor and event chairman.

From left, Toledo Animal Shelter Auxiliary picnic chairman Grace Christopher, auxiliary president Nancy Ligibel, and longtime member Jean Smith.

She recalls her dog, Gillian, in addition to family and friends, was by her side during her cancer treatments, providing unconditional love. Activities for the Bark for Life onemile dog walk start at 10 a.m. with the Blessing of the Dogs at noon, followed by the walk.

Retired Blade food editor Mary Alice Powell is a longtime member of the Toledo Animal Shelter Auxiliary.

There will be food vendors, raffles, demonstrations, and games. This year’s honorary walk chairman is Christina Williams of 13abc. At the kickoff, emcee Jeff Smith of 13abc greeted everyone. Guests dined on a barbecue meal, shopped the silent auction, and bought tickets for the Lottery Tree as the Pinup Project played tunes. Kudos to the committee: Megan Coutcher, Nicole Ziegler, Lindsay Buker, Annette Sipp, Jeanette Whalen, and Jessica Russell. Presenting sponsors included South Suburban Animal Hospital, Right at Home in-home care and assistance, Perrysburg Commodore Way, and Welch Publishing Co., in addition to nearly 30 others.

Brenda and Matt Welch enjoy the American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life Red, White and Bark BBQ.

The event, attended by 160 supporters, with the dog walk, has a goal of $25,000 and they are more than half way there. THE Toledo Animal Shelter Auxiliary annual picnic was Aug. 20 at Belmont Country Club. Members and guests mingled over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres served on the balcony overlooking the golf course, then went indoors for a picnic where tables were centered with butterfly arrangements by Jeff Millns. Kevin Korecki played piano as folks shopped the silent auction headed by Linda McBee and the candy, jewelry, and T-shirts booth by Jackie Rousseau Werner.

soc bark23p Les Buker and event chairman Deb Buker attended the American Cancer Society's Bark for Life Red, White and Blue Barbecue at the Carranor Hunt and Polo Club in Perrysburg. THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH

An unidentified guest who won the 50/50 raffle generously donated the proceeds back to the shelter. Shooting pictures was Pam Roberts. Auxiliary president Nancy Ligibel welcomed everyone. Association board president Barney Stickles reported on the wonderful community support during the water crisis. Steve Serchuk announced that the Glass City Dog Park, Toledo’s first community off-leash dog park developed and managed by Toledo Unleashed, is scheduled to open Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. The 4.4-acre site on the Anthony Wayne Trail, adjacent to the Toledo Zoo, has an area for small and large dogs which must be at least 6 months old, licensed, spayed or neutered, and up to date on rabies and required vaccinations.

The membership park dues are due every Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 because “nobody loves you like your dog,” Mr. Serchuk said. For information go to ToledoUnleashed. org or call 419-346-4336. Grace Christopher, event chairman, said the more than 100 diners that night helped raise nearly $3,000.

Seen were Rob Ludeman, Stephanie White, Sandy Alexander, Barbara Brown, Lucy Anton, Claire Lucarelli, Randy Schnee, Pat Hunter, Karen Merrels, Susan Conda, Peg Werner, Betty McKinney, and Altoise Guy. Jack Canfield and Ken Bennett, along with Mr. Canfield’s brother, Bill Canfield, who came back for the event from their Devils Lake cottage.  

Contact Blade Society Writer Barbara Hendel at 419-724-6124 or at bhendel@theblade.com