The grand total from fund-raising events reported this year in my columns, including today’s, is more than $9 million for charity’s sake.
There were dinner auctions, celebrity wait nights, and more. Some events raised a few hundred dollars while others raised a few hundred thousand dollars, but it all adds up. Thanks to all who contributed this year — it shows that Toledo folks are pretty generous.
■ Hollywood Casino Toledo Charity Poker Challenge raised $800 and gathered oodles of cold weather gear for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo.
The No Limit Texas Hold’em tournament included 8,000 additional chips at the start for those who donated a minimum of $20 or donated new winter outerwear valued at $20 or more.
■ The Women’s Council of Realtors holiday gala at the Hilton Garden Inn included cocktails, dinner, and dancing for the more than 160 attendees. An estimated $2,000 was raised for Open Door Ministry to help recovering addicts transition back to a productive life.
PHOTO GALLERY: Around Town: 12-31
■ The annual Toledo Bar Association Auxiliary Holiday Trunk Show at the Toledo Club included more than two dozen local vendors. About $500 was raised through raffle and vendor donations during the show that included lunch.
Proceeds went to the Toledo Bar Association Pro Bono Legal Services Program and Toledo Legal Aid Society-Public Defender Division. Event chairmen were Terry Carey and Carol Schwab.
■ Cocktails for a Cause, the 6th annual event presented by Lambie’s Legacy at Carranor Hunt and Polo Club, raised about $50,000. The proceeds support the Margaret Lamb Guyton Stout Fund and patient support, health, education, and mammograms. The “friendsgiving” event was a cocktails and cuisine soiree. Lissa Guyton of WTVG-TV, Channel 13, talked about her sister, Lambie, and how proud she would be of her friends for continuing the legacy that she started.
Laurie Avery, president and co-founder of Lambie’s Legacy, and Nicole LeBoutillier, co-founder, welcomed guests and introduced the speakers.
University of Toledo Center for Health and Successful Living co-directors Timothy Jordan and Amy Thompson praised Lambie’s Legacy for its support in the fight against breast cancer. Bravo to Melissa Paskvan for sharing her experience with breast cancer.
Megan McIntyre, event chairman, was assisted by 24 of Lambie’s flock.
■ Jamming for Justice at Laffs Inc. featured the Jingle Balls band, members of the legal community who gather annually for the sake of charity and fun. More than 200 legal eagles and other legal professionals gathered to hear the sounds created by band members Marty Mohler, Jim Yavorcik, John Potts, Mike Kirby, Mike Goulding, Jim Anderson, Scott Schwab, Larry Gold, Lenny Tomanski, John Rozic, and Gary Byers.
About $3,000 was raised for the Neil Light Scholarship Fund, Advocates for Basic Legal Equality Inc., Legal Aid of Western Ohio, and Toledo Bar Association Pro Bono Legal Services Program.
■ Since birds of a feather flock together ... the din of chatter was at high decibel during the ladies holiday luncheon hosted by Molly Reams Thompson and Leslie Chapman at the home of Mrs. Chapman. In addition to tasty tidbits and sinful desserts, sparkling wine was served. In the spirit of giving, guests were invited to help stuff stockings with a donation to Lambie’s Legacy in honor of their late friend. More than $3,500 was raised.
■ Rita Buck coordinated the Toledo Sail & Power Squadron Christmas Party at The Toledo Club, where Santa had gifts for everyone. There were silent and live auctions, too. The $1,500 raised benefit the squadron's boating education fund with public boating classes planned for the spring.
Barbara Hendel is The Blade’s Society Editor. Contact her at: 419-724-6124 or bhendel@theblade.com.
First Published December 31, 2015, 5:00 a.m.
