SUNSET on the Savanna, the PNC ZOO-to-DO presented by Lexus of Toledo at the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium on Sept. 20 drew 2,250 party-goers while the animals were fast asleep.
That is, except for the giraffe, the male elephant, and a few other residents. There were also 150 volunteers including event chairmen Walter Norris, IV and Jeremy Zeisloft .
The rain or shine event, expected to net $345,000, started with showers, but before the VIP party in the Malawi Event Center featuring food by Hollywood Casino; entertainment, animal encounters, and train rides ended, the skies cleared for a beautiful night.
Everyone, who paid $185 for members and $200 for nonmembers, headed across the bridge past the bald eagle, to the historical side all lit with holiday lights, a preview of the Lights Before Christmas.
Leading the pack to the party with a purpose was the University of Toledo Marching Band.
Greeting everyone were stilt walkers and a contortionist.
Tunes filled the air everywhere: Velvet Jones, Red Carpet Crashers, Dave Carpenter , DC Taylor , Decorative Sound DJ, Venyx, and Tony Salazar .
Attendees were part of the decor with shorts, shirts, jackets, hats, skirts and sundresses in safari ensembles, animal and tropical prints, sequins and feathers, and lots of orange. Most wore comfortable shoes as there was a lot of walking to do.
Nathan Willis was classy in an all cream hat, shirt, and shorts as was Martha Willis in black and white. Kathy Caperna , there with husband Al , sported her necklace and bracelet from their Africa trip.
It was the 25th year at the event for Debra Meyer , there with husband Tim Meyer , manager of many of the zoo’s projects by Lathrop.
Memories were caught at a photo booth and on lighted swings.
Quenching thirsts were 18 bars ready to serve.
A new area, The Lair, sponsored by CliftonLarsonAllen, featured cigars and bourbon around fire pits.
Fifty food vendors scattered about provided steak, lamb chops, shrimp, pastas, salads, Mexican fare, desserts, and more. Among the booths were Balance Pan Asian Grille, Bassett Nut Co., Beirut, Benchmark, Brandywine Country Club, Claude's Prime Seafood, Maumee Bay Brewing Co., Maumee River Yacht Club, Rockwell's, Shobu by Kengo, Souk Mediterranean, Tony Packo's, Ye Olde Durty Bird, and 7 Little Cupcakes which won the best booth decor.
Amid the crowd were Peter and Amanda Boyer , Mike Bell and Karen Jaros , John Hadley and Sue Metzger , Hilary and Dave White , Elaine LaValley Lewandowski and Brad Lewandowski , Eddie and Lisa Sobecki , Jeff Cole and friends, Elisabeth Webb and husband Tedd Goldblatt , Cynthia and Peter Taylor , Tracy Paramore , Michael Basinski , Rev. John C. Jones , Bill and Heather McDonnell , Amanda Goldsmith , Jim and Karen Steedman , Jack and Abbie Dalton , Dave and Heather Corwin , and Deb and Randy Ernsthausen .
A GALA of Milestones: The Sylvania Franciscan Gala on Sept. 21 was delightful with music by KBG Motown Band and an elegant hors d'oeuvres and dining buffet, finished with pastries for dessert. Franciscan labeled bottles of wine were served at tables but there was also a cash bar.
Meanwhile guests perused the silent auction items. And Msgr. Michael Billian was delighted to win the raffle for $1,000 in gift cards.
Nearly 300 guests, many of whom attended Mass in Queen of Peace Chapel before the event, helped the Sylvania Franciscans celebrate their 25th such gala in honor of the 150th anniversary of their foundress Mother M. Adelaide Sandusky’s birthday.
A video of the story of the Sisters’ 108 years of ministry was by filmmaker Sister Judy Zielinski , OSF, and NewGroup Media.
Original gala planners, Sister Jeanette Zielinski , OSF, and Sister Carol Ann Grace , OSF, were recognized.
Honorary chairman, Justice Judith Ann Lanziger , retired, was delighted to catch up with the Sisters, including her childhood friend, Assistant Congregational Minister Sister Shannon Schrein . Lanzinger is the only person ever elected to all four levels of Ohio’s judiciary, serving as a judge for 31 years and retiring from the Ohio Supreme Court in 2017. Since retirement she's been busy enjoying her family and friends, travel, playing piano, chess, and bridge and singing regularly at Little Flower Parish.
Special guests also included the awardees:
The St. Clare Award — Deacon Ed Irelan , who ministers with several sisters in prisons and caring for the poor of Toledo.
The St. Francis Award — Mary Nelson , a caregiver at Our Lady of Grace Hall, for her 20 years of service and Father Dave Whalen , who humbly accepted on behalf of all the Oblates of St. Francis.
Sponsorships, the auction, and raffle all helped raise over $100,000 for the Franciscan's sponsored ministries: Lourdes University, Bethany House, a long-term shelter for victims of domestic abuse and their children, Sophia Counseling Center, Welcome House, and Convent Park apartments independent senior living.
THE Holiday Trunk Show presented by the Country Garden Club is at Carranor Hunt and Polo Club in Perrysburg with 20 some vendors.
Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., is $10 with buffet lunch available for purchase and the “Girls Just Want to Have Fun" event with food, cocktails, live music, and shopping is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at $7 each or 2 for $10.
On Wednesday, the show is 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a $10 buffet lunch available for purchase.
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