ON THE TOWN

Lights! Camera! Action! at local Oscar party

3/11/2018
BY BARBARA HENDEL
BLADE SOCIETY EDITOR
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    The Red Cross' Night at the Oscars at Yark Automotive's BMW of Toledo in Toledo.

    THE BLADE/LORI KING
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    • LOCAL celebrities and movers and shakers in glitzy attire strolled the red carpet past local paparazzo Kurt Nielsen as he flashed his camera while screaming fans at St. Francis de Sales High School vied for autographs. It was Oscar Night at BMW of Toledo, a Yark Automotive dealership, with honorary chairman John Yark helping celebrate the 90th Academy Awards that aired that night.

    The annual benefit for the American Red Cross Ohio Buckeye Region raised $60,000 for local disaster relief.

    Once inside the soiree, there was so much to see and do in addition to keeping up with the Hollywood stars’ gowns and jewelry and “who wore whom.”

    The Toledo School for the Arts Urban Jazz Combo played peppy tunes, as did Distant Cousinz and Not Fast Enuff. Big Patrick — the World’s Tallest Magician dazzled the crowd with his magic tricks. A wine pull grabbed the attention of many guests.

    A silent auction proved a great shopping opportunity. And there were eight raffle baskets: a his and hers pampering package that included a grooming experience at V Couture and a woman’s spa day; a wine lovers’ basket that included exquisite wines from the Bordeaux region of France from Bob Savage and a wonderful Chef’s Table experience from the Benchmark Restaurant; his and hers Shinola watches from Harold Jaffe Jewelers; a barbecue package including an electric smoker, tools, craft beer, and two tickets to a University of Michigan game right on the 25 yard line; a night on the town featuring Toledo sites including a Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel overnight stay, Hollywood Casino certificates, a Toledo Museum of Art tour, and a basket and gift cards for Sidon Lebanese Grille and Bakery and Middle East Market and Greg’s Diner; a bourbon and cigars basket; a kids’ wagon of items to entertain the family, and an original Star Wars poster.

    Tasty edibles were provided by restaurants including Byblos/The Beirut, Poco Piatti, Deet’s BBQ, Element 112, Domo Sushi, Fowl and Fodder, La Scola Italian Grill, Premier Catering, Mancy’s Steakhouse, Real Seafood Cot, The Chop House, Rosie’s Italian Grille, the Benchmark, Greg’s Diner, Black Kite Coffee, and Rachel Michael’s Gourmet Popcorn.

    Thanks go to sponsors including Heidelberg Distributing Co., BMW of Toledo, First Energy Foundation, Hollywood Casino Toledo, Mercy Health, Columbia Gas of Ohio, ProMedica, Rudolph Libbey Group, Toledo Refining Co., Eastman and Smith, Dana, Owens Corning, Gilmore Jasion Mahler, and 2-Scale.

    Bravo to event chairman Stephanie Kuhlman assisted by committee members including Denise Benton, Matt Hoverman, Chris Kozak, and Dee Talmage plus staff members and volunteer Amy Schings!

    EVERYONE was a suspect during the Murder Mystery Party at Pub 1897 at Toledo Country Club. Before the event, each member/guest was provided a character description and name, such as Kitty Cocktail or Bernie Booze, and a task for the evening. Most guests came dressed in 1920s attire, since the mystery was set in that era.

    Suspicions rose during cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and dinner. Wannabe sleuths, if just for the night, were busy spying on suspects and checking out the crime scene to find out who done it! But for the sake of a “trial,” the name shall remain anonymous.

    THE EXCHANGE Club of Toledo’s 6th annual Wine Tasting Fund-raiser in the Historic Lobby of the Oliver House celebrated the club’s decades of community service.

    More than $4,500 was raised for community service and the youth scholarship fund. Sponsors included the Toledo Mud Hens, the Toledo Walleye, Trapped Toledo, Burkett Restaurant Supplies & Equipment, Create: Art Studio + Workshop, Ice Restaurant and Bar, Perrysburg Tennis Center, Kingston Healthcare Co., The Beirut, Georgio’s Café International, and many more. Bravo to event chairman Steve Edwards!

    PROFESSOR Elliot MacFarlane returned to the Toledo Club for the annual World O'Whiskey Dinner in the elegant dining room with rich woods and crystal chandeliers. Each tipple married the flavor and heritage of the whiskey with a corresponding gourmet course that was artfully presented, said club member John Fedderke. A round of applause was given to Chef Sean and staff.

    Barbara Hendel is The Blade's society editor. Contact her at bhendel@theblade.com or call 419-724-6124.