toledoblade.com --

The economy may be taking a nose dive, but there still seems to be money floating around for charities.

The third annual Sweet Success gala to benefit Diabetes Youth Services, held Friday at Carranor Hunt and Polo Club, was a sweet success with some $40,000 raised for educational services and camps for children with diabetes. It was perfect timing for National Diabetes Awareness Month.

Station dining offered tasty treats for guests as they shopped the silent auction. The live auction with Jim Blue, formerly of WNWO-TV, Channel 24, was fun, especially when bidding wars erupted over the goldendoodle pup that was sold to Jake Harms, who was bidding for Meghan and Walter Lorang.

Rob and Tina Black won the bid for a Hilton Head vacation package. Anne and Bill Hoffmann bought an artwork depicting the children at this year's DYS camp.

But the real reason everyone was there was to support the cause. Dick and Fran Anderson, there with daughter-in-law

Lynn Anderson and granddaughter Helen, were the honorary chairmen. Tricia Shirk, gala chairman, said, "Everyday is sweet success when you learn to live with your diabetes."

Cruising the crowd were Rick Gray, board chairman, Sydney Schriebman Ross, Jen Sorgenfrei, Barbara and Alan Konop, Tim Eichenauer, Areka and Tim Foster, Carolyn Newell Turner, Joy and Ken Laurer, Carol Agosti, Vicki Easterwood Richardson, Jamie and Ellen Black, Mark Watkins, Mary Beth Schoen, and Margie and Rich Heck.

MORE THAN 120 people joined in the fun Saturday at the 8th annual Casino Ball at Stone Oak Country Club for the Arthritis Foundation. Among those in attendance were Mark and Asha Barnes, Clif and Deborah Porter, Ed and Mary Goldberger, and Linda and Bob James.

An estimated $15,000 was raised. Just as important, people were made aware that the Arthritis Foundation in Toledo works on prevention, control, and cure of arthritis and related diseases, according to Cherie Chatreau-Grifo, executive director of the northwest Ohio Region. Event chairman was Randle Worth, a University of Toledo professor.

THE SALUTE to the Silver Screen gala Saturday in the Sullivan Center to benefit Family Outreach Community United Services at Gesu Parish enticed guests to come dressed as their favorite actor. Joining in the festivities were Keith and Barbara Wilkowski, Jack Devaney, Connie and Tom Zouhary, Dave and Lindsay Beckwith, Paula and Jonathon Ross, Tina Yoppolo, Serena Rayford, Judy Stone and Skip Gaynor, Colleen Friel, gala chairman, and Dave Eddy, board chairman. The event raised an estimated $15,000.

THE TOTALS are in for Women Blessing Women's third annual Chili for Change, Soup for Success event Nov. 2 at St. Ursula Academy. Chili, a bake sale, a 50/50 raffle, and more helped contribute to the $5,912 that was raised. The event chairman was Laurie Neary.

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