Grazing on the Greens: The Funky Formal Golf Gala on Feb. 17 was the peak of the 2002 SBC Ameritech Practically a Golf Tournament to benefit the Epilepsy Center. The tournament at Franklin Park Mall ended last night.
Formal attire with a golf flair was popular with creative minds such as Doug and Kathy Andews in matching knickers with red socks and leopard-print garters, cummerbunds, and hats to accent their tails. Sue Kreager opted for a golf visor to accent her evening wear. Chuck Kreutz was particularly colorful in his pizza-print jams and tie to accent his black tuxedo jacket — appropriate, since he owns Gino's Pizza. He was with Wendy Riggleman.
Golfing, grazing, and goofing around with about 500 guests were Darryl and Lynn Lippman, Paul and Ginny Toth, Ronit and Ionel Welt, Linda Szymanski, Mayor Jack Ford and his wife, Cynthia, Nancy and Paul Deal, Jeff and Connie Mann, Greg and Raynell Fish, Bob Fox, looking mighty tan and healthy, and Christie and Jim Sharp, who found plenty to eat.
The dance floor was packed till the end as guests twirled to the tunes of Intrigue band from Detroit. Many had the next day off — President's Day — so they partied heartily. Dave and Sandee Williams had so much fun that when he won the cash raffle, he donated it back to the cause. Party has become the middle name for Pat and Rob Robinson, who now have flexible schedules.
Chairmen were Mr. Andrews and Peter and Tricia Zangara. The estimated net for the entire PGT tournament and gala is $80,000.
Celebrity artists and area students have been busy |painting cake plates and other glassware to be sold at the Crystal Ball March 9 at Nazareth Hall. The event titled “A Birthday Party” will honor St. Charles Mercy Hospital's 50th anniversary in 2003. The three-year celebration started in 2000, the anniversary of the groundbreaking, and will continue in 2003, the 50-year marker for the finished product.
Chairmen of the event, Nancie and Lech Chablani and Judy and Don Turner, have planned an evening of grazing on fabulous foods, bidding on exciting auction items, and dancing to the Teen Angels. Rooms will have hospital themes such as the emergency room, the nursery, the surgery, and the doctor's lounge, where desserts will test will power.
Maumee Rotary Club's 21st annual auction at The Pinnacle Saturday evening had an international theme in honor of the proceeds, which will be used for local as well as overseas charities. Costumed figures of children from around the world were on the stage backdrop and on each dinner table, along with the giant Rotary International logo as a reminder of the organization's motto, “Service Above Self.”
Guests cruised silent-auction tables then dined on a tasty dinner before the lively live auction led by auctioneer John Whalen and his crew whipped into action. Lynn Olman bought a set of cupboards and a power tool for the birthday of his wife, Joyce. Everyone sighed with a big “awww” as the cute black Labrador-Doberman-Rottweiler pup caught the hearts of Cyndi and Roger Coe. Bridget and Clay Holt played it safe and bought a stuffed dog to take home.
Honored guest Chuck Oswald, who heads an anti-starvation project in Africa, recently returned from Ethopia, where he said that one child can be fed for 3 cents a day. In honor of Mr. Oswald, an ugly tie was auctioned off for his pet project: Bob Navarro bought the tie for $3,000. Mr. Oswald said jokingly: “Now I know why I don't wear ties — I can't afford them!” The crowd gave him a standing ovation.
Thanks to a lot of overbids, the estimated net is $100,000, and they are still counting. In addition, Hickory Farms gift packages were sold as raffle gifts with a chance to win $100: Gary Justen was the lucky winner. A cruise raffle was won by ticket number 0166, but the holder was not present.
A short program was emceed by Greg Fish, with foundation Chairman Mike Czerniak, President Bill Schmidt, and District Governor Jim Hunt. Seen leaving with all kinds of auction loot from Adirondack chairs to paintings, television sets, and entertainment packages were Melissa and Dick Marcus, David and Carol Hauser, Karen Merrels, and Reg and Jeanne Jackson.
Event chairperson was Julie Oswald. St. John's Jesuit High School students volunteered for valet parking, host, and auction services. The students are headed to Guatemala and Mexico to work with people in poverty-stricken areas.
Barbara Hendel is The Blade's society editor. E-mail her at bhendel@theblade.com.
First Published February 25, 2002, 2:56 p.m.
