EPIC Toledo throws birthday bash at UT

Ujesh Vora and ‘Executive,' a life-like statue by Duane Hanson, at the St. John's Jesuit High School Valentine's benefit at the Toledo Museum of Art.

EPIC Toledo advisory board members, front row: Toledoans Jeff Schaaf, left, Rose Toth, and Doug Mallette. Rear, from left: Brian Niedzwiecki of Toledo and Megan Stockburger of Bowling Green at the EPIC birthday bash at the University of Toledo.

EPIC Toledo (Engaging People, Inspiring Change), hosted its Third Annual Birthday Bash Feb. 19 at the University of Toledo's Savage Arena. Food was featured from area restaurants, including Manhattan's, Vito's Pizza, City BBQ, La Scola, Abuelo's, and Rosie's Italian, while live music was provided by Johnny Rocker and the Hitmen with special guest Kyle White.

Jim Walrod, the 2010 chairman, said “Engaging People, Inspiring Change is more than just an acronym — it is what we do to make this community better for generations to come.”

There are more than 1,200 individual members and 54 corporate members. EPIC Toledo was created by the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce to attract, retain, and develop young talent as leaders for our region.

Among about 500 people in attendance were Aaron Baker, Jennifer Schaefer, Shumiala Kinnear, Amelia Acuna, Ken Slavkorsky, William Schachner, Kelli Kreps, Lisa Rozanski, Don and Connie Warner, Dean Monske, Gary and Cheryl Thieman, Jim and Erin Walrod, Adam Davenport, Rose Toth, and Kevin and Danielle Mullan.

The next social gathering is 5:30 p.m. March 11 at the Blarney Irish Pub. For information contact Paulette Cousino, EPIC Toledo director, at paulette.cousino@toledochamber.com or 419-243-8191, or go to www.epictoledo.com.

Olivia Cole and Vincent Brimmer at the Demolay boys and Rainbow Girls dance.

Zenobia Shriners hosted a dance Feb. 20 at the Zenobia Temple in Perrysburg for young men and women who belong to the area chapters of the International Order of DeMolay and the area assemblies of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls. The event was a thank-you for their volunteer work on the annual Zenobia Circus.

Among the guests were Elise Burdette of Green Springs, Ohio, Jenna Myles and Courtney Rosen of Clyde, Liz Smarkel of Williston, Ohio, Sean Beogman of Ottawa, and Jessica Rose and Jacob Clapper of Toledo.

Zenobia also thanked community leaders for their efforts. Matt Brixey, Eric Ellis, and Tom Barley of the Toledo Fire Department were recently recognized by Zenobia with the Heroism Award. Robert Solis of the fire department was honored for his heroism but was unable to attend.

Raising funds in support of young people was the goal of the 22nd annual Reverse Raffle and Silent Auction presented by Cardinal Stritch High School and Kateri Catholic Academy, which includes St. Thomas Acquinas, Sacred Heart, and St. Jerome elementary schools. The Feb. 6 event raised about $45,000, thanks to about 300 supporters in attendance. Hosts were Fr. David Reinhart, Emily Barry, and Cheryl Moore of Kateri academy.

Ujesh Vora and ‘Executive,' a life-like statue by Duane Hanson, at the St. John's Jesuit High School Valentine's benefit at the Toledo Museum of Art.

Entertainment included the Maxx Band with Gino D'Emilio, a ‘74 grad, and student performances including senior Lena Miller, the CSHS Dance Team, and the CSHS Drum Line.

When the raffle came down to the last three sets of numbers drawn, the ticket holders chose to split the $6,000 Grand Prize so they all received $1,000. The winners were Oregon Mayor Michael Seferian, Making Grade/Bosch Landscape, St. Jerome Parish, St. Michael Church, Mike and Wendy McGrady, and St. Stephen Parish.

ALSO in support of the younger generation was the St. John's Jesuit High School and Academy “A Titan Night at the Museum” on Valentine's Day.

In addition to the masterpieces in the Toledo Museum of Art, student works were on display and there were musical performances by students. Extra fun were the student “statues” who came to life. Mary Pat Anderson and Wayne and Linda Milewski teamed up as chairmen of the evening.

The event is part of the Year of the Arts in celebration of four decades of creative energy that helped produce graduates including artists, authors, poets, and photographers, said Chris Alexander, director of communication for the school.

The final event is Guys and Dolls slated for March 26, 27, and 28 at the Valentine Theatre. So far, nearly $75,000 has been raised.

The endowment fund for the arts is headed by Mary Lou Fox and Geoff and Mary Lyden.