WEEKENDER I AROUND TOWN

Toledo Animal Rescue celebrates

Bev Wolcott, Lou McLove, Isabel Murray, and Marlene Uhler at the Toledo Animal Rescue picnic.

THE Toledo Animal Shelter Association’s annual picnic at Belmont Country Club was a special celebration. Entering a new decade, the 91-year-old establishment was rebranded recently as the Toledo Animal Rescue; it remains Toledo’s oldest no-kill shelter, founded in 1927.

“We are a true rescue in that we will care for any animal indefinitely,” board President Kate Kelley said. The only exceptions are euthanizations at the discretion of licensed veterinarians for animals that are sick or suffering and treatments don’t help.

Bev Wolcott, Lou McLove, Isabel Murray, and Marlene Uhler at the Toledo Animal Rescue picnic.

New services include training dogs to make them more adoptable, matching volunteer runners with dogs to provide exercise for dogs, and a Rehome Program to helps families of pet owners who have passed away or have to go to a nursing home. Cat adoptions run $20 to $50, and dog adoptions are $85 to $95; the cost includes spaying and neutering.

Back at the picnic, guests sipped cocktails and nibbled an abundance of tasty appetizers while on the terrace overlooking the golf course. An indoor picnic followed in the dining room with a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, and a silent auction of gift baskets as Kevin Korecki played background tunes on the keyboard. Mmm ... chicken, ribs, brats, salads, and cookies with an ice cream sundae bar.

Seen were Ms. Kelley, Vice President Grace Christopher, new Treasurer Patti Ankney with husband Mark Ankney, and board members Rob Ludeman, city councilman, Dr. Mike Myers, Dr. Dave Boudouris, Nancy Ligibel, Pam Koontz, and Judy Reese. Phil Sheldon was recognized for his service to the board and shelter; Phil and his wife Judi are moving to Cincinnati.

Also among the roughly 100 supporters were Bill and Bonnie Ash, Jim and Linda Brown, Denny and Karen Masters, Jackie Porter, John Donofrio, Tom Creque and Pam Roberts, Betty McKinney, Jackie Rousseau Werner, Peg Werner, Tom and Marlene Uhler, Karen Merrels, Russ and Judy Schultz, Sue Lovett, Kayla Mulvihill and fiance Cameron Moon, Clint and Linda McBee, Sandy Isenberg, Bob Holder, Cookie Westmeyer, and Randy Schnee.

The rescue’s Wine and Cheese Fund-raiser is Oct. 24 at Manhattan's Pub n'Cheer, spokesman Charley Linden said. 

Contact toledoanimalrescue.org or call 419-382-1130, from noon to 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday. The shelter is at 640 Wyman St.

Kristian Brown of WTVG-TV Channel 13, emcee for the Fair Housing Center fund-raiser, served as the Fair Housing Center's media spokesperson this year, as well.

THERE'S No Place Like Home to benefit the Fair Housing Center raised about $25,000. More than 200 attendees enjoyed music provided by DJ Mpress surrounded by Wizard of Oz-style décor. It was part of the Pinnacle's Twylite Thursday series at the Maumee banquet facility, which has been a great fund-raising venue for local nonprofit organizations.

Emcee Kristian Brown of WTVG-TV, Channel 13 welcomed everyone. Alan Sattler, board chairman, thanked everyone.

Many guests sported red shoes in honor of the evening’s Oz theme. 

A client testimonial illustrated how important it is to advocate for fair housing. Furthering the message is a “Keys to Opportunity” outdoor sculpture being made out of nearly 20,000 old keys the center collected from across the community. It will be unveiled Oct. 10, but this night Dane Turpening, artist and owner of Toledo Twisted Iron, worked on a portion of the sculpture to show the creation in progress.

In addition to schmoozing and noshing, many guests bid at the live auction by Beth Rose, which included Gifts of the Heart donations as well as items such as a trip to the Caribbean.

Barbara Hendel is The Blade's society editor. Contact her at bhendel@theblade.com or call 419-724-6124.