AROUND TOWN

It's been a cold, windy, and snowy January, but people still ventured out in the name of charity.

OSCAR Night 2014 to benefit the America Red Cross, Greater Toledo Chapter, is slated for March 2, the night of the Academy Awards, at Owens College Center for Performing Arts. The 10th annual event will feature some of the area's finest restaurants, plus a craft beer room with pub fare and beer tastings sponsored by Heidelberg, and music by Johnny Rodriquez and Jerry and the Reefers.

Joe Buick, Rachel Hepner Zawodny and Kevin Kwiatkowski at the preview for the Red Cross Oscar's night.

Plans were announced during the kickoff party at Hollywood Casino on Jan. 16, the same day the Oscar nominees were announced.

More than 100 attendees enjoyed edibles donated by Hollywood Casino, the evening's sponsor. The Scott Potter quartet played background tunes.

There were drawings for certificates to Final Cut Steakhouse. The winners were Mike Cassidy, Jackie Lee Woods, Bianca Daniels, Robert Shiekh, and Kevin Kwiatkowski. The winner of two Oscar Night tickets was Gladys Oforiatta.

Everyone received a certificate for a trial at the casino games.

Preview Party Chairman Joe Buick — and he owns a Buick — has a little experience in the acting business. He has been an extra in movies with the likes of Robert De Niro, Hilary Swank, and Al Pacino.

Oscar Night event chairmen are Stephanie Kuhlman and Mr. Kwiatkowski and the honorary chairmen are Bob and Kathy Chirdon. The goal this year is to raise $150,000.

Tickets are $100. Go to redcross.org/oscars2014 or call 419-329-2573.

Sarah Helm and Seng Brown, nail technician.

STUDIO 51 salon spa hosted a Hair-a-Thon "Styling for a Cause" Jan. 12 at the salon. It was a fun day with food, shopping, and sprucing up with hair cuts, manicures, and facial waxes. Helping with the event were Scentsy, Origami Owl, Thirty-One, Premier Jewelry, Frosting cupcakes, and Amy G Photography.

Johnna Westrick and Emily Myers, hair stylist.

More than $1,500 was raised for Johnna Westrick and her family for medical bills. Johnna was diagnosed with breast cancer in September, which transferred to her liver. Donations are accepted through an account in her name at Monroe Bank and Trust.

THE Knights of Columbus Council #7978 hosted a spaghetti dinner benefit for Heartbeat of Toledo and K of C Charities Jan. 17 at Graystone Hall in Perrysburg. The spaghetti dinner fits right in with the teachings of the Knights of Columbus, which are charity, patriotism, and service, said Bob Bidwell, of the 7978 chapter in Perrysburg. Pasta, meatballs, salad, bread sticks, desserts, and soft drinks all for $10 and no reservations necessary drew 180 attendees who helped reap about $1,000 for the Heartbeat of Toledo Ultrasound Fund for the East Toledo branch.

Some folks couldn't be there but sent donations.

Area Knights of Columbus chapters are collecting donations for the Ultrasound Fund with a goal of $13,000. There will be pancake breakfasts, fish fries, and more as fund-raisers so be watching for them.

Heartbeat of Toledo is a life-affirming organization for women facing pregnancies and to help moms, dads, and babies in need.

Tom Hosler, Richard Schnitkker, and Ray Pohlman.

CARTY and Amy Finkbeiner, Lois and Walt Churchill, and other notables attended the Perrysburg High School Athletic Hall of Fame Awards night Jan. 24 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Perrysburg.

But the real celebrities of the evening were the inductees who were athletic champions who have all gone on to successful careers while continuing the spirit of community support. Honored were: Richard Schnittker, running, 1970, of Naperville, Ill; Pat Aubrey, football, 1978, of Leawood, Kan., and locals Michelle Nordhaus, gymnastics, 1987, and Lauren Hinkson, swimming, 2002, and the State Final baseball team 2003.

Contact Blade Society Writer Barbara Hendel at 419-724-6124 or at bhendel@theblade.com