On The Town: Events focus on science, fashion, and awards

Jesse and Heather Matthews, of Toledo, pose for a picture during the The Bash at Imagination Station.

The Blade/Zack Conkle
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Jesse and Heather Matthews, of Toledo, pose for a picture during the The Bash at Imagination Station.

The Bash3: Pure science, pure fun, pure party was Oct. 6 at Imagination Station. The annual fund-raiser netted more than $70,000 and plenty of fun for more than 600 attendees who could be kids again and enjoy the high wire bicycle, gravity room, and other scientific adventures.

OTT: Fall science, fashion and awards

The science of sound by the Motown cover band KGB filled the air as supporters bought raffle tickets and shopped the silent auction, many bidding via their cell phones.

Providing fuel for the festivities were more than 20 area restaurants, including Bar 145, Black Pearl, City BBQ, Jo-Jo's Original Pizzeria, Lazeez Mediterranean Cuisine, Mancy Brothers' Catering, Nick & Jimmy's, Premier Catering, Revolution Grille, Spaghetti Warehouse, and Zia's Italian.

A Molecular Martini and other concoctions by guest mixologists quenched thirsts. The Chicosun Las Vegas Flair Bartenders served chemistry-inspired cocktails throughout the night as they flamed drinks and twirled bottles.

Leading the pack of pretend scientists for the night were emcees Tom Cole of BCSN and Emilie Voss of Toledo News Now.

A live auction by Jack Amlin and Associates erupted in sizzling battles about everything from vacation packages in the Cayman Islands and Northern Michigan's Bay Harbor, to sports packages, and a guitar autographed by the Rolling Stones.

Seen were chairman of the board David Waterman and his wife Heidi, Mike and Carol Anderson, Chip and Micki Hambro, Brent and Pam Cousino, David and Kori Huffman, Mike and Jennifer Koralewski, Thomas Winston, Neil and Laura Sahni, and Dan and Kathy Frick.

Fashion was in full array at the Fall to Fabulous black tie dinner dance presented by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. last month at Brandywine Country Club.

Elegant ladies in gowns and cocktail attire and dapper gents in tuxedos and designer suits dined and danced the night away. The second annual event, attended by about 250 supporters, raised about $5,000 according to event chairman Lisa DuBoes and president Deborah Washington. The proceeds support scholarships and community service. Since 1952, the sorority has contributed approximately $200,000 to the Toledo area.

Mary Louise Oakes, Debra Jelks and Mary Dawson, all of Toledo, Ohio, pose for a picture during the Alpha Kappa sorority dance at the Brandywine Country Club in Maumee.

The Calla Lily Educator's Luncheon hosted by Beta Gamma Chapter of Toledo of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. was last month at the Pinnacle. The third annual event "honors educators who have given extraordinary support to youth in the community so they can excel to their highest potential," said event chairman Dorothy Batson who was assisted by co-chairman Paula Martin.

Emcee Alexis Means of WTVG-TV, Channel 13 welcomed everyone. Calvin Sweeney was honored as the Calla Lilly Educator of the Year. The Kitchen for the Poor -- represented by Harvey Savage -- received the Community Award. Other honorees included Carnel Smith, Romules Durant, Kristian Brown, Pastor Robert Culp, Deborah Rice, Keith Jordan, Diane Saevig, and Jose Luna.

The 13th Annual Franciscan Gala held recently at the Franciscan Center in Sylvania drew more than 300 supporters. Kathy Griffin, executive director of Bethany House for battered women and children, received the St. Francis Award, and Ben Fredrick, a physician from Penn State University, received the St. Clare Award for his work in Haiti. The evening raised $90,000 and included dinner, a silent auction, a "wine pull," and entertainment.