When you think of fashion shows, you may not think they are a model way to help various causes, but these events did just that. Parties were another way to raise funds, but some were a way to let off a little steam to heat up the winter.
Fashion sense
The Victory Center describes itself as a place of hope, laughter, peace, acceptance, and connection. Patients find that to be true as they try alternative therapy techniques, including massages, yoga, and reflexology, plus counseling, and more.
So at its second annual luncheon and fashion show, the center had a chance to shine. And shine it did, as crystal chandeliers, columns, and a ceiling that sparkled with stars set the scene for the event, presented by Comfort Keepers, Wednesday at Parkway Plaza. A sea of white linen-covered tables centered with pink and red tulips and napkins added a feminine touch for a luncheon all about women.
Men, including Russ Wood, board president, and others sold raffle tickets: Brian Brooks, Victor Haas, Reed Hauptman, Andy Mahler, and Jeff Meinhold.
The decibel of chatter was high as 350 ladies greeted one another. Looking especially great was Debbie Knight, in her new short do under a stylish hat.
Things quieted down for the program, which included Teresa McHugh. She warmed hearts as she told her story of how the center was there for her while she was fighting cancer. They taught me how to fight with grace and peace, she said. Despite survival odds for Stage 3 breast cancer, she found that new hope and new doctors put her on the right path to recovery. She ended with a wonderful poem by Mother Teresa of Calcutta that inspired her; Mrs. McHugh was inspiring too.
Also singing the Victory Center s praise was Linda James, an oncology certified therapist. She said she gets more than she gives from the people she meets there. Encouraging more support was Martha Vetter, founder of Chicks for Charity, which adopted the center for the next two years. She said, It could be any one of us at any time that could be the one in need.
The fashion show was by Ragazza, and owner Jane Wurth selected cost-conscious ensembles to fit the cost-conscious mood. She said color is in for spring, and tie dye is making a comeback, along with large purses, scarves, and more. Models all cancer survivors strutted in style as Ms. Wurth told their tales. They included Kathy Amon, Linda Blaesing, Mary Helen Darah, Barbara Fillion, Kathy Farber, Treena Griffith, Terri Hoff, Nikki Smith, Diane Spino, and Jane Steger. Tumor survivor Cindy Taylor joined in. At home was Sandra Hylant, a cancer survivor, who thought best not to share her cold.
Linda Arent, event chairman, was aided by nearly 30 ladies, including Beth Bowman, Lynne Brechin, Karen DeMain, Wendy Gittins, Cynthia Goodman, Linda Hoetzel, Nancy Meredith, Joyce Rimmelin, Gaye Tebay, Melissa Utterback, and former Toledoan Shelly Conyngham, who came back from Las Vegas for the event. The estimated net is $15,000. Of course, everything not bolted down was sold: vases of tulips, stuffed toy puppies and kittens, and raffle tickets for baskets filled with great gifts.
Perrysburg Main Street Inc. hosted its first Main Street has Heart luncheon and fashion show Saturday at Carranor Club, with sponsors Kingston Residence of Perrysburg, ProMedica Health System, Jon Orser, and Welch Publishing Co.
PMSI is a partnership of government, citizens, and merchants to promote and preserve Perrysburg s historic business district, Mr. Orser said.
As a side note, to residents like myself, the new downtown will always be Uptown.
Back at the party, many shopped the silent auction handsomely run by coordinator Deb Buker. There were displays by Artforms, Comfort Crunch, and Scoots. Appetites were sated with a scrumptious meal that was topped with a decadent chocolate concoction. Christine Best, program director, welcomed all and emcee Deborah Born, also the event chairman, thanked everyone for coming. Tying the event in with heart month and the theme, Robin Laird was invited as guest speaker. She has ventricular tachycardia, as does her mother. They both have auto defibrillators, so they are doing fine. But Mrs. Laird said, One in three women are affected by heart disease and it kills more women than all cancers combined. She asked the audience to please wear your red pins as a reminder to Schedule a physical and have your heart checked out.
Then it was showtime with wears from Kids Klothesline, Elegant Rags, Meig, and Ragazza, all modeled by local residents. The ladies were lovely, but the girls stole the show.
Three men, including Mr. Orser, Mike Stout, and Tom Laird, were among the 160 of those who made reservations, including Adelaide Morse, Kay Foster, Lynn Kordash, Lissa Guyton, Lisa Butler, Kay Ball, Patrice Spitzer, Lee Kleeburger, Myra Paat, Amy Finkbeiner, Deborah Bunke, Kristin Kaminsky, Michelle Bauer, Andrea Rava Fischer, Diane Jennings, and Karen Irwin.
Lots of mothers and daughters were there too, including Clare Gorski and mom, Kathy Smith; Meg Nitschke and mom, Cam Nitschke; Kate McPherson and mom, Carol Bentley, and Ms. Born and her mom, Janet, and other daughter Karen Rybczynski.
The lovely day netted an estimated $3,000 to go to PMSI and the American Heart Association.
Dreams come true
The Rotary Club of Perrysburg sought to Make Dreams Real for its 25th annual Charity Auction on Saturday at The Hilton Garden Inn, Levis Commons. After a tasty dinner and shopping the silent auction, it was down to business.
Auctioneer Pam Rose sold all 30 items; from artwork to opera and sports tickets to sailing and fishing packages, college tuition, vacations in warm places, health club memberships, and more. Sandy Blackstone Carman s dinner package with Jeff Normand and Dave Wise as waiters drew $1,500 from Scott Libbe and a few friends who went in on the deal. Marv and Nancy Robon vied for the same package. Jeff and Laurie Huskisson got the winning bid of $1,000 for the Ohio State vs. University of Southern Cal on Sept. 1. Auction chairman and President-elect Ken Robinson was helped by a host of members, including Jim Euting, Walt Celley, Rick Thielen, Alison Frye, Mr. Wise, Dawn Schmidt, and many others, including Mr. Normand, president.
Among the 220 present were Jerry and Sheri Bannister, Rob and Tina Black, Donald and Mary Cameron, Steve Cotner and Debby Peters, Julie Oswald, Larry Dillin and Cheryl Hardy, Sharon and Paul Frankel, Ann and Chris Kozak, Bob and Karen Lucas, Jan and Doug Martin, Kathi and Scott Prephan, Suzanne and J. B. Rorick, Jill and Kevin Smith, and Tom and Gwen Thibert. Jack Sculfort, there with his wife, Cyndi, won the raffle drawing for a trip to Paris, the Caribbean, Disney World, or $2,500 in cash.
The estimated $35,000 netted supports the foundation s endowed scholarship at Owens Community College.
EPIC proportions
The Noisy Neighbors band cranked the tunes up as guests sipped suds and sated appetites from tidbits by several area restaurants, including Manhattan s, The Blarney Irish Pub, Pizza Papalis, Charlie s, Vito s Pizza, Mancy s BlueWater Grille, and Shorty s. It was all for the Second Annual EPIC Birthday Bash Friday in the Fifth Third concourse under One SeaGate.
Engaging People, Inspiring Change was started by the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce to develop and attract business and community leaders to the area. The local chapter has more than 1,000 individual and 50 corporate members.
The event was $5 for members, $10 for nonmembers. Jake Cox, EPIC advisory council chairman, said EPIC is not about age, it s about attitude, the attitude of becoming engaged in our community and investing in our future.
Gadding amid the nearly 400 guests were Dan and Eva McQuillen, Bill and Marlene Garbe, Loraine Brancatto, Kelly and Brian Brooks, Zac Stewart, Omar and Tracey Johnson, and event chairman Brian Epstein.
More than 200 area businesses were sponsors.
Food Chaine
Sometimes it s all about elegant dining. The Chaine des Rotisseurs hosted a fancy schmancy event Feb. 1 at the Tea Tree in Levis Commons. Yummm. Shark fin soup, braised crispy whole flounder, jumbo prawns, and classic Peking duck. Chevaliers, dames, mesdames, messieurs, and mademoiselles, in formal wear, enjoyed a meal of several courses with wines to match. While etiquette says to wait for the hostess, the rules here are eat when served so it stays warm. And no salt and pepper on the table: Enjoy the flavor intended by the chef.
Members and guests included, with members listed first, were Ann Sanford, there with Bryan Smith, Walt and Lois Churchill, Greg and Helen Emmert, Paul and Julie Heinrichs, Mary and William Martin, Lori and Glenn Paton, Paul and Dottie Waltz, Celso and Lea Antiporda, and Lee and Leslie Woldenberg. John and Barbara Burson, Tom and Kathie Reed, Dennis and Janet LeGolvan, are couples who are both members. Guests included Alex and Shannon Leadbetter, Elizabeth Foley, Scott and Pam Murchison, and Dwight Osterud and Judy Reitzel.
The Ys have it
Some 250 attendees joined forces on Jan. 30 to raise $50,000 for the YMCA campaign. The event, For Your Y Only, was at Levis Commons on the main drag, where a tented entrance welcomed guests to a Las Vegas-style night of slot machines, blackjack, craps, and roulette tables. Of course, it was play money, but fun anyway. Auctioneer Jerry Anderson sold items over the chatter. A silent auction was fun for shopping too, with Lori Powe, auction chairman.
Fantastic food was provided by Bar Louie, Bistro Wasabi, Blue Pacific Grill, Fat Fish Blue, Nagoya, Poco Piatti, Max & Erma s, Schakolad, and Starbucks. The local YMCA is now part of the Southwest District, so the Anthony Wayne and Wolf Creek branches were included in the Perrsyburg Y event, formerly known as as Dine with the Y.
Among the supporters were Andrea Boerger, Meghan and Steve Bramlage, and Ken Boerger, Amy and Scott Steele, Tim and Areka Foster, Tom and Alison Mackin, Lisa and Jon Hawker, Colleen and Mike McGoldrick, Kurt and Laura Miller, Kim and Alan Henderson, Tanya Pipatjarasgit, Suzanne and Matt Norton, and Stacey Wetzel.
Impact Fun, which ran the casino tables, hired local resident Jan Baker, a former Junior League of Toledo president and a retired teacher. Now she teaches people how to play blackjack while her husband, Larry, runs the crap table.
Barbara Hendel is The Blade s society editor.
Contact her at: bhendel@theblade.comor 419-724-6124.
First Published February 9, 2009, 12:38 p.m.