ON THE TOWN

A wonderland of fun

11/17/2013
BY BARBARA HENDEL
BLADE SOCIETY EDITOR
  • BARBARA-HENDEL-jpg-18

    Hendel

  • Hendel
    Hendel

    THE MAD Hatter Party presented by the Toledo Opera Guild Nov. 9 at the Toledo Club was a night of silly fun. Some 200 guests, many in giant or tiny hats, stripes, and ill-matched ensembles, paraded about. Toledo Rep actors wore wacky outfits and Eric Hillenbrand wore a tuxedo, striped socks, and a top hat, and carried a giant tea cup.

    Judy and Bob Moran pictured during the Toledo Opera
    Judy and Bob Moran pictured during the Toledo Opera "Mad Hatter" Gala November 9, 2013 at the Toledo Club.

    Honorary chairmen were Fifi Berry and Ed Hoffman for their continued support.

    Enjoying the evening were Dr. Tom Schwann and his wife Traci, Mark and Shelli Jacobs, Rhonda Sewell, Thomas Winston, president of the Alpha Phi Boule, June Landy, a new Opera Guild member, Marc and Alina Dunbar, Thomas Tank, Shirley and Richard Joseph, Ron and Roberta Royhab, Lisa Wolfe and Ed Reams, Judith and Joe Conda, and Kathy and Paul Manol.

    Click here to view related gallery.

    Parting gifts were Cake Boss icing and a bottle of Mad Hatter India Pale Ale that were handed out by Jack Niggemeyer, who was dressed in a colorful plaids-and-stripes ensemble. His wife, Cindy Niggemeyer, is the Opera Guild president.

    A total of $20,000 was netted for the Toledo Opera, according to event chairman Laura Draheim. She was assisted by co-chairmen Barbara Bettinger and Mary Beaber, junior chairman Megan Brown, and a committee of dozens.

    THE fifth annual Heartwarming Party presented by Toledo Refining to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio was Nov. 8 at the Premier Banquet Facility. More than 400 guests attended the jeans-to-jewels attire night. Greeting everyone was board chairman Bruce Yunker and Ronald McDonald.

    Melissa and Chris Wholehan had the key that unlocked the Ronald McDonald House model that contained more than $2,800 in cash prizes.

    More than $75,000 was raised.

    Kudos to event chairmen Pati Boyle and Katie Schueler and the committee which included Jane Stuntz, Cathy Nelson, Beth Ballay, Tricia Yunker, Brenda O'Donnell, Jill Ducey, Pat Czerminski, Peggy Youssef, Pam Stanley, Linda Emch, Mary Knake, and Kelly Hart.

    A Heartwarming After Party was hosted by the Ronald McDonald House's Red Shoe Society, a young professionals group.

    Entertainment included a Dessert Challenge. Guests voted on their favorite of six bakeries which donated treats: Royal Cravings, Cupcakes by Ashley, 7 Little Cupcakes, The Next Sweet Thing, Earthen Dragon Bakery, and Bleakhouse. The winner was The Next Sweet Thing (owner, Jennifer Haley). The event netted about $1,500.

    LADIES and gentlemen strolled into the Toledo Club on Nov. 7 for the club's Presidents Dinner, a formal affair that was $300 per person.

    A cocktail reception included canapes, champagne, harp music, and a performance by Toledo Opera singers. Chimes beckoned guests to the elegant candlelit dining room set with china, crystal, and crisp white linens.

    President John Fedderke, director of marketing at The Blade, welcomed everyone. Immediate past club president Joseph Zerbey IV, president and general manager of The Blade, commanded the presentation of the colors, with a color guard, pipers, and drummers.

    Guest speaker — the Google guy in the weird-looking glasses — Ted Souder entertained the audience. Growing up in Ottawa Hills, he was familiar with the stately Toledo Club and the city, but what drew attention were his Google Glasses that can do anything a smart phone can.

    Molly Myers wanted to buy a pair, but they are not for sale. Jeannie Hylant quipped that Toledo could be the manufacturing place for Google Glasses.Dinner was a delightful Italian extravaganza with chef Mauro F. Pino, VP head of Assembly Operations, Head of NAFTA-World Class Manufacturing Chrysler Group LLC in Detroit. Chef Pino was honored as a knight of the Italian Republic by Maria Luisa Lapresa/Consul.

    Among the nearly 100 attendees were Jimmy Wu, Kim and Doug Kearns, John and Barbara Burson, Kirk and Julie Mizerek, Zak and Emile Vassar, David Cameron, Celso Antiporda, Louis Santiago, Dave and Ann Marie Quinn, Tom and Brenda Geiger, Peter and Colleen Demczuk, Richard and Shelly Walinski, Ann Sanford and Bryan Smith, George Jones, Dan and Elaine Johnson, Libby Ruppert, and Susan and Allan Block, chairman of Block Communications Inc., The Blade's parent company.