ON THE TOWN

Dining for Dogs

Event was a win for guests, animal friends

THE PAW-Villion Celebrity Chef Event to benefit the Toledo Area Humane Society Sept. 21 at the Tantara home of Susan and Allan Block, chairman of Block Communications, Inc., netted about $30,000.

The 200 supporters who paid $250 per ticket mingled over cocktails and savory appetizers while Humane Society adoptable dogs strolled outside on the beautiful night.

Guest chef, Food Network celebrity, restaurateur, and cookbook author Susan Feniger was busy serving food as she chatted with folks.

Enjoying the evening were were Kim Collins and Bill Cosgrove, Mark and Gretchen Zyndorf, Mayor Mike Bell, Colleen and Peter Demczuk, Page Armstrong, Ally and Rich Effler, Craig and Kris Frederickson, Peggy and Tim Bublick, Alice Resnick, Richard and Shelly Walinski, and Linde Webb.

A culinary delight followed under a giant tent with centerpieces of kale, grape vines, peppers and more by David Swesey Florist.

Mrs. Block welcomed everyone. It was the fourth event the couple hosted in a few weeks.

Front row L-R: Host Allan Block, Chairman of Block Communications, Inc., TAHS Board Chairman Teresa Beebe, of Beebe Financial Services, Guest chef Susan Feniger, of Food Network, and Hostess Susan Allan Block, event co-chairman and in the back is TAHS Executive Director Gary Willoughby.

She raved about the local Humane Society, which has no government support, no United Way funding, or funding from any national animal welfare organization. The local organization focuses on adoption and the prevention of cruelty to animals via its staff and more than 300 volunteers. She beamed when she said the Humane Society helped her find and adopt her pot bellied pig Lola to watch over her chickens.

Food connoisseurs enjoyed the street food dinner with a Mexican flair. It included a melon salsa salad in stemmed goblets, glazed boneless short ribs with pears, grilled corn, and Brussels sprouts served family style.

Bread pudding finished the meal. Joey Skaff and his Premier Catering crew assisted. 

Gary Willoughby, executive director, thanked everyone for their support and introduced Chef Feniger. She was raised in Old Orchard and Ottawa Hills, and chatted briefly about her worldly creative cuisines and globetrotting.

Her first job was at Smith’s Cafeteria in downtown Toledo. She recalls her mom making Velveeta cheese rolls, ladyfinger cakes, and fudge, a recipe she has unfortunately misplaced. Family present included her nephew David Feniger and wife Liz. 

Pamela Rose led an auction of creations donated by David Cameron of Broer-Freeman Jewelers. Doug Kearns of Yark Automotive bought the white gold and diamond dog bone shaped “Paw-vee” necklace, and Dan Anderson of The Andersons bought an enameled golden retriever head cuff links set.

The evening ended with an aria by Toledo Opera’s soprano Jennifer Cresswell.

Parting gifts were homemade dog biscuits for guests’ four-legged friends made by Penta culinary students.

The nearly 20 sponsors included the Terhune Fund, KeyBank, trustee, and Block Communications, Inc., and several of its companies.

Block Communications is The Blade’s parent company.

Bravo to event chairmen: board president Teresa Beebe, BeeBee Financial Services; Mrs. Block, and Alyce Juby, KeyBank.

Seen were Laurie Gross, Pam Hershberger, Susan Morgan, Christy Rotterdam and Todd Ansberg, Peter and Cynthia Taylor, Tim Valko, and Jim Moore.

Mark and Lisa Urrutia.

GUYS and gals donned their jeans and finest gems and strutted on over to the Premier catering complex Sept. 20 for Denim and Diamonds to benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Emcee Amy Davis of K-100 welcomed everyone.

Kudos went to presenting sponsors Sam’s Club and Shrader Tire and Oil, and guests, volunteers, clients, and staff who teamed up to make the event happen.

Grazing stations, raffles, a silent auction and a photo booth entertained everyone as the Black Jack Entertainment KGB Band enticed many to the dance floor.

Among the 200-some guests was Kelly Shrader, who won a 1.29 carat diamond donated by Harold Jaffe Jewelers. Guests popped orange balloons to see if their balloon held the gem; alas, there was only one diamond, but there were other prizes.

The nearly $50,000 raised provides services to the nearly 3,500 people in the 26 counties served by the National MS Society-Northwestern Ohio Chapter.

From left: Betty and Charles Gallagher and Andrea Price.

MERCY Foundation presented its annual “A Night to Remember” Sept. 20 at the Stranahan Theater and Great Hall with Grammy winner Diamond Rio.

The 544 stylishly dressed guests, community movers, physicians, and medical staff schmoozed while shopping the silent auction, then dined on a delicious meal before bidding on live auction items.

Honorary chairmen were Karen Merrels and Dr. Barry and Denise Knotts, who were recognized for their support.

Then it was show time as Diamond Rio had the audience clapping and singing along and dancing to the medley of ’70s classic rock hits.

Event chairmen were Dr. Greg and Christina Kasper. The event is expected to raise more than $225,000 for St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, Mercy St. Anne Hospital, and Mercy Children’s Hospital.