The regional charity event scene is made up of more than gala events with high-priced tickets and notable corporate donors. Each week many smaller events are held to benefit nonprofit organizations. These events not only raise money but they raise awareness of the organization’s mission and programs. Some of these events hold the potential to become larger events in the future.

One event that has the potential to grow into something larger is the University of Toledo’s “Football 101 for Women.” The event starts with a tailgate party and then it introduces the women to the Rocket’s Football coaches and players. It also instructs women on aspects of the game and runs them through practice exercises on the field.

Football 101 UT’s Coach Beckman and Katie DeBenedictis with Melissa Mahoney from Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Rather than choosing the UT Athletic Foundation or another university foundation as recipient of the funds, the football team chose to donate the event proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Coach Beckman believes that community service is an important part of Rocket’s Football.

“This is not just about the University of Toledo Rockets. It is about the Toledo Rockets. Being in the community and service to the community is important to our team,” said Beckman.

Director of Football Operations, Katie DeBenedictis said that Football 101 raised more than $500 for the Komen Foundation. The charity was chosen because of its interest among female fans.

“We picked the Susan G. Komen Foundation because breast cancer has unfortunately impacted many lives. We really wanted to reach out to the community and to our female fans,” said Debenedictis. “I think the Susan G Komen foundation was a great way to combine both.”

The event was attended by approximately 50 women. The UT Football department hopes to make this event bigger and increase attendance next year.

Recently, another small fundraising event raised $400 for the Victory Center. A Perrysburg gift store, Puttin’ on the Glitz, celebrated its one year anniversary with a two day luau party in the store and by donating 10% of all their sales during the party to Chicks for Charity.

Chicks for Charity is a grassroots fundraising organization led and run by volunteers. Each year the organization’s members chose a charity to benefit from the proceeds of their member-hosted special events. This year’s chosen organization is the Victory Center. Heuss, who is a member of Chicks for Charity, became involved because the Victory Center is the nonprofit partner for the group.

We picked Chicks for Charity because the funds will go to the Victory Center,” said Heuss. “The Victory Center helps everyone in cancer treatment and not just a select group.”

Christine Senack is a Toledo-based consultant helping non-profit organizations, businesses and individuals work smarter 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 Facebook and Twitter.

Upcoming Events

June 20: In Another Garden. Tour 12 gardens in Eagle Point Colony to benefit Toledo Day Nursery. The tour will showcase spectacular gardens and provide ideas for gardeners. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on the tour.

June 26: Preview Party. Sample fine hors d oeuvres while getting a first look at the Crosby Festival of the Arts artists’ booths. Guests at the preview party will get the first opportunity to purchase artwork offered and speak with the artists. Tickets are $75. Visit toledogarden.org or call (419) 536-5566 for more information.

June 27-28: Crosby Festival of the Arts. Our region’s original, premiere fine arts festival featuring the work of over 230 artists. Admission to the Festival on Saturday and Sunday is $7. Call (419) 536-5566 for complete information.

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 4th, 2009 at 6:41 pm and is filed under Community, Great Giving.
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