Toledo Children’s Hospital, ACGT host annual events
Written by Christine Senack | | christine@senackandassociates.comA few years ago the Toledo Children’s Hospital changed the nature of their annual gala, “An Evening with …” The dinner and auction event at one time featured a different prominent speaker. However faced with escalating speakers fees and the challenge of finding interesting speakers who are new to the Toledo market, a few years ago the decision was made to drop the keynote speaker and just focus on the story of a family who was impacted by the care they received at the hospital.
Kingston Health Care President George Rumman with ACGT board member Margy Trumbull
This year the ambassadors were the Kemerer Family. Two-year-old Gary Kemerer spent the first three months of his life in the Toledo Children’s Hospital receiving developmental treatment, surgery and neo-natal care. Gary’s parents, Ken and Mary, shared their experience at the hospital and how the entire staff impacted Gary’s life and the lives of their family.
Tedra White, ProMedica director of media relations, said that the gala event had approximately 350 guests and 60 volunteers in attendance. White estimates that the event brought in gross proceeds of $150,000. The funds will be used to support the programs of Toledo Children’s Hospital, which include including three central city school-based health clinics – each averaging 25,000 patient contacts per year, emergency financial assistance to patients’ families, free care for thousands of uninsured children annually, bereavement support programs for families, and a comprehensive pediatric cardiology program
Celebrating their 50th anniversary, the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo (ACGT) held its spring “mix” fundraiser. This year’s version of the fundraiser was the “Mix UP.” Other years have been dubbed, the “Media Mix” and the “Remix.” Beyond the creative name, the event was held at the Secor Building, which is home to an art gallery and over 25 professional artists.
TCH Ambassador Family, Ken, Gary, Mary and Caitlin.
The event featured hors d’oeuvres and sweets, and music ranging from R&B, to polka to rock. A silent auction showcased the work of over 50 local artists. Remaining consistent with the ACGT belief that professional artists deserve to be compensated for their work, the artists received a portion of the proceeds of the sale of their artwork.
The event is expected to net $35,000, said Jennifer Jarrett, ACGT development director. Companies providing sponsorship support included Kingston HealthCare, Heartland Health Care and Health Care REIT. Proceeds raised from the Mix UP support the Arts Commission’s tradition of developing and promoting the arts in the greater Toledo community through programs such as Young Artists at Work, the Parkwood Gallery, Artomatic 419, Meet and Greets, and the Congressional Exhibition, all of which benefit local artists.
Christine Senack is a Toledo-based consultant helping non-profit organizations and businesses work smarter together for the greater good of our community. On occasion she also presents the TMZ Report on FOX Toledo News First at 4. Connect with her on www.facebook.com or follow at www.twitter.com/csenack
Upcoming Events
April 24 So You Know You Can Dance. This dance contest will benefit the BGSU Generation Next Leadership Award, which is a scholarship for incoming BGSU freshman who exhibit tremendous leadership potential. The event includes a dance contest with cash prizes, open dancing, food and raffles. Tickets are $35. Visit bggenext.org for tickets.
April 25 Luminations. Enjoy an exciting sampling of Toledo’s performing arts and a variety of gourmet cuisine while bidding on practical, creative and entertaining silent auction items. Proceeds benefit scholarship programs of Lourdes College. Black Tie Optional. Tickets are $125. Visit lourdes.edu or call (419) 824-3751 for additional details.
April 26 Taste of the Nation Toledo. Share Our Strength’s annual event to benefit local agencies working to end childhood hunger. One hundred percent of the ticket sales help to ensure that no kid grows up hungry. A limited number of tickets are still available. This event has been “sold out” for several years running. Black tie preferred. Tickets are $150. Call (419) 539-0266 for more information.
