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Summertime is a great time for outdoor soirees. The balmy weather adds a special touch to charity and business gatherings, calling for a bit more casual and relaxed affairs, giving all a chance for associates to mingle. They are too numerous to include all of them, but here are a few recent gatherings. Look for more; we still have a lot of summer left.

Clambake at the zoo
BEATING drums called humans to their destination: the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce annual clambake, presented by National City, Thursday night in the Nairobi Pavilion at the Toledo Zoo. The train carried folks around the safari, and these tourists came within a stone’s throw from the giraffe eating its dinner indoors.

Speaking of dinner, the clam chowder whet humans’ appetites for a lobster feast, complete with drawn butter, corn, and more. For those not quite so fond of shellfish, there were chicken and ribs. And the desserts were to die for.

The more than 800 guests were ambling around as the animals peered at them.

Seen were Lori Hauser, Amy Hering, Dave and Katie O’Connell, Patti and Mark Ankney, Jackie Carroll, Mike and Pam Koontz, Bill and Bonnie Ash, Linda and Jim Brown, Bob Kose, Clayton and Bridget Holt, Dirk Van Heyst, Bill Wolf, Barbara Berebitsky, Denise and Richard Hasbrook, Tom Crothers, Ann and Chris Kozak, Craig Frederickson, John Kolbeck, and Jamie and Ellen Black. Also there were Susan and Tom Palmer, Brad and Julie Rubini, Mike Bell, and Mike and Sherie Robarge. Bill Kitson just returned from camping with the Boy Scouts in the rain. Tom Schlachter just returned from a trip to Europe. Gary Corrigan was with his daughter Cristin Corrigan of D.C., who will soon be moving back home to Toledo. Brian Epstein was quick to say brain gain, no drain.

Chicks mix it up
PEEP, peep, peep, chatter, chatter, chatter.

The skies cleared for the annual Chicks for Charity Chicks Mix Wednesday night, where members gathered under a giant tent at Toledo Botanical Garden. But weather didn’t matter to the 600 ladies of all ages. They gabbed and gabbed and gabbed, ate, drank, mingled, and of course, donated. There was music in the distance from the Glass City Steel Drum Band, which was just perfect for the tropical setting. But the drums were barely heard over the chatter.

Ladies shopped the silent auction and the raffle prizes as they sipped libations served by men, and nibbled delectable edibles by South Briar. Nearly everyone quieted down for Winie Barchick-Suter to give the blessing.

Martha Vetter, founder of Chicks for Charity that was established in 2006, said the Chicks mantra is, “Enjoy life. Laugh a lot, work hard, play hard, be thankful for our blessings, share the wisdom, and give back. That’s what it takes to be a Chick for Charity” member.

Many in the audience recalled the Chicks’ first fund-raiser, which was for the Furniture Bank.

A few examples of funds raised for this year’s charity, The Victory Center, said Mrs. Vetter: Kathy Amon raised $930 from a soiree at her house and Lynda Riggs and Suzanne Phillips raised $3,500 from their Jazzercise event. Joyce Rimmelin, Cheryl Fisher, and Jamie Hilborn raised more than $3,000 from two events at Frank Barone’s evolv spa. Andrea DeWood and her daughter Sloan raised $135 from their Sloan’s Annual Summer Soiree.

Because this year’s charity is The Victory Center, Diana Dominguez, a Victory Center participant, talked about her experience at the center and thanked everyone.

She said the center offered her peace and relaxation, pampering, and friendship, but said if it had not been a free program, she would not have been able to participate. Because of her positive experience, she wants to be an advocate for others, and that statement drew cheers and a standing ovation from the audience.

Among the crowd were Angie Grosjean, Judy Yunk, Katy Cole, Kay Foster, Molly Kersten, Julie Funk, Amy Kincaid, Cindy Taylor, Sara Kersten, Sam Tischler, Lisa Smith, Gloria Sheline, Tess Waggoner, Kate Waggoner, Tricia Dzierwa, Mary Gerken, Rita Mansour, Cassie Roman, Allison Woods, Melanie Ogrodowski, Denise Benton, Linda Hoetzel, Andrea Cousino-DeWood, Katie Smigelski-Hire, Nissa Yoder, and Erin Parseghian. Cindy Rimmelin, a member, brought her three daughters Dodi, Mikey, and Lizzie to help sell raffle tickets. The event chairman was Shannon Minoske.

So far, more than $27,000 has been netted this year for the Victory Center.

View from the roof
THE SUNSET, the stars, the moon, and the city lights. All at A Midsummer Night Up on the Roof soiree July 18 at the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library.

At 6 p.m., the hosts held their breaths, but a threatened storm passed by, leaving a beautiful sunset and a cooler, just-right night that started at 7:30 p.m., rain or shine.

The Library Legacy Foundation event, presented by National City, now a part of PNC, was a benefit for the Supporting Youth Services and netted more than $15,000. That’s down roughly 30 percent from other years in attendance, sponsorship, and profit, said Kathryn Fell, but certainly no reason to close the book.

Back at the party, the casual cocktail affair with a panoramic view of the city was a no-tie-allowed kind of deal. Guests were welcomed by the Toledo School for the Arts jazz group before going to the roof top where hues of purple and plum in carnations and orchids, accented with tree bark and greenery, set the garden scene. Yes, carnations, and they were beautiful, and a more economical variety of flower, all by Bartz Viviano. Party favors were a thrifty but popular and useable item: bookmarks.

Hep Cat Revival played for listening and dancing as guests sipped and supped from Gladieux food stations. Indoors was a Library Latte bar with computers, sofas, coffees, and cordials. It was the perfect place to chat about the photo exhibit by Herral Long, a retired Blade photographer. Mr. Long gladly autographed books and posters of the historical show of world events. His show has been extended through August at the main library.

The wine-toss game, back by popular demand, added a spark of fun to the evening too, as did the two raffle prizes. A weekend in Chicago, via railway from Ann Arbor, was won by Dortha Baum. A Toledo Treasures package loaded with area restaurant and event certificates was won by Carol Anderson.

Gadding among the about 300 guests were Margaret Doresco, Bill and Donna Niehaus, Lori and Glenn Paton, Joyce and Steve Shawaker, Brian and Beth Bucher, Brian and Marcie McMahon, Sarna and Michael Dorf, Diane Rusk, Lisa and Gary Grego, Denise and Stu Cubbon, George Sarantou, Gary Byer and Joan Rife, Kathy and John Wetley, Dan and Mary DiSalle, Frank and Lynn Jacobs, and Christine and Chuck Schaub.

Event chairmen were Denny and Sheila Johnson and John and Jeanie Hayward and Bob and Kathie Maxwell were the honorary chairmen. The steering committee, headed by Pat Appold, foundation president, included Paula Fall, Mr. Schaub, Deb Ernsthausen, and Erika Silk.

BE SURE to check The Blade’s Web site for more photos.

Barbara Hendel is The Blade’s society editor.
Contact her at: bhendel@theblade.comor 419-724-6124.

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