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The Toledo Symphony League members handed out holiday gift bags to orchestra members. Toledo Symphony League volunteers: Liz Villarreal-Rowe; Katherine Cosgrove, Phyllis Wadley; Beth Bowman
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Hendel: McDonald House, Symphony League, begin season by giving back

Hendel: McDonald House, Symphony League, begin season by giving back

‘TIS the season for giving. There are many toy and food drives to help those in need. But there are also many other avenues of giving.

MCDONALD'S customers showed support for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio through the Sleeves for Support program. Developed in partnership with the Coca-Cola Co., the sale of limited edition insulated beverage sleeves generated $22,304 for the Ronald McDonald House in Toledo.

“We are excited that Coca-Cola provided our guests with the opportunity to support families who use Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio,” said Matt MacKenzie, owner/operator of McDonald’s restaurants in the Toledo area.

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This year, the Sleeves for Support program raised $164,152 for Ronald McDonald House Charities throughout Ohio.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio, a non-profit organization opened in 1982, provides comfort, care, support, and access to quality healthcare for families with sick children in their time of need.

The Toledo house was founded by three community leaders: the late Don Michel, Gary Yunker, and Dr. Pierre Vauthy.

THE Toledo Symphony Orchestra presented its first concert of the Christmas season at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sylvania.

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Before the Nov. 29 concert, the Toledo Symphony League presented each orchestra member with a “musician survival bag” filled with such staples as water, granola bars, salty snacks, post-it notes, Forever stamps, Starbucks treats, paper clips, pens and pencils, band aids, notecards, and more.

It's something that the orchestra members look forward to each year, said member Helen Patton. Organized in 1951, the purpose of the Toledo Symphony League is to “further the interest of and to support the Toledo Symphony in every way possible.”

THE Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce ACT*BG project team hosted a Christmas Elves program which ended Dec. 5 in support of Thayer Christmas Dreams, Brown Bag Food Project, and the Cocoon.

ACT*BG, which stands for “Active – Community – Teamwork Bowling Green” is an active project team of the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce to attract and retain professionals in the Bowling Green area.

The group collected unwrapped new toys, books, hats, mittens, and gloves, non-perishable food items, and gift cards. Around 30 businesses helped out by hosting drop off locations including at A.A. Green Realty, ACE Hardware, Almar Lanes, Bates Recycling, Beckett’s Burger Bar, the BGSU Flight Center, Bowling Green Vision Center, Civista Bank, Danberry Realty, Premier Bank, Huntington Bank, Kaiser Family Dentistry, Key Bank, Newlove Realty, State Bank, Thayer Chevrolet, Derick E. Utz DDS, and Waddington Jewelers.

IN ADDITION to the giving season, the holiday season was kicked off Dec. 1-3 at Lakeside Chautauqua, celebrating 150 years.

Lakeside has welcomed families to the shores of Lake Erie to nurture the mind, body, and spirit via spiritual opportunities, educational lectures, cultural arts performances and recreational activities year-round.

Family festivities held over the weekend included a Christmas dinner and a tree lighting ceremony, a holiday concert with the Chardon Polka Band, train rides, and Santa visits.

There was also music with Chip Richter, holiday shopping throughout Lakeside and the Village of Marblehead, a family game night, a Christmas scavenger hunt, and a “storybook trail” with 20 reading stations.

A showing of the movie A Christmas Carol, kids’ crafts and story time, and art classes including making patchwork Christmas stockings, vintage fork reindeer ornaments, fused glass “four season trees” panels, and blanket-stitched felt ornaments were also held. 

REMEMBER to shop local in support of local businesses for those gifts for someone special.

AND when cruising around town for parties, please travel wisely and have a designated driver if you plan to indulge in spirited beverages.

First Published December 7, 2023, 11:00 a.m.

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The Toledo Symphony League members handed out holiday gift bags to orchestra members. Toledo Symphony League volunteers: Liz Villarreal-Rowe; Katherine Cosgrove, Phyllis Wadley; Beth Bowman
Left to right: Chad Bringman (RMHC), Luke Humbard (McDonald’s), James Rivello (McDonald’s), and Brian Stetler (Coca-Cola) were at the check presentation on Nov. 29 for the Sleeves for Support program to benefit Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Ohio.  (RMHC Northwest Ohio)
The Toledo Symphony League members handed out holiday gift bags to orchestra members. Merwin Siu, violin; Valrie Kantorski, keyboard.
The Toledo Symphony League members handed out holiday gift bags to orchestra members. Thaddeus Archer, trumpet: Liz Villarreal-Rowe, volunteer.
Lakeside's kickoff to the holidays on Dec. 1-3 was filled with family festivities including a visit from Santa.
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