Gardens, pets, art benefit from fundraisers
Written by Christine Senack | | christine@senackandassociates.comThis year’s Crosby Festival of the Arts featured more than 250 artists during the three day-art fair at the Toledo Botanical Garden. Participating artists displayed and sold their work in ceramics, fiber, glass, graphic design, jewelry, painting, wood, sculpture, wood, photography and mixed media.
Toledo Botanical Garden’s Janet Schroeder and Heidelberg Distributing’s Tom McHugh at the Crosby Festival of the Arts preview party.
On Friday night the Garden hosted an opening gala for art festival. Patrons, who wanted a more intimate and exclusive setting with the garden and art, joined event sponsors and the festival artists for an evening of music, food, drinks and shopping.
One of the sponsors was Heidelberg Distributing. Heidelberg believes it is important to be involved in the communities in which they operate throughout Ohio and Kentucky. Of course they are involved in local events celebrating wine and beer, but they also support the arts, said Tom McHugh, executive vice president and general manager.
“We give back to the communities that give to us,” said Mc Hugh. “We support this art festival because one of the most beautiful things in this community is the Toledo Botanical Garden.”
The Crosby Festival of the arts celebrated its 44th anniversary which makes it the longest running art fair in Ohio.
Gathering friends, new and old, to buy art, raise awareness and celebrate the work of the Mayfair Achievement Program (MAP) was the purpose behind Harbor’s “Art for Harbor’s Sake” gathering recently. The art for sale in a silent auction was created by MAP students. The program is a specialized-treatment regiment provided by a collaboration between Harbor and the Toledo Public Schools. It teaches students to manage their emotional challenges using creative activities as a means of expression about their concerns, thoughts and feelings.
Melissa Detrich, Stacey Dunbar and John Borell, Jr at Art for Harbor’s sake.
In addition to the art, a week’s stay at a beach house was up for auction. The getaway was donated by Mario Procaccini of Huntington Insurance. Procaccini wanted to donate the use of his home and began talking with his colleagues about worthy causes. His colleague Stacey Dunbar spoke to him about the work of Harbor in the community and he family’s experience with the organization. This convinced Procaccini to make the donation on behalf of Huntington.
“Huntington likes to be involved in the community. Harbor does very good things for children and they have helped my family personally,” said Dunbar.
Sylvania Veterinary Hospital hosted an Adopt-a-Thon Carnival to promote pet adoption and raise money for their foundation, Memories Live On. Many rescue organizations with dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals available for adoption set up tents to show animals available and encourage adoption. Sylvania Vet staff hosted a bake sale, sold refreshments and organized contests, while hospital founder, Dr. Bob Esplin enthusiastically served in the “Dunk the Doc” dunk tank.
The Adopt-a-Thon raised more than $900. Funds will be used to fund veterinary student scholarships, medical care for indigent animals and the spaying and neutering of animals.
Dr. Bob Esplin of Sylvania Veterinarian Hospital in the “Dunk the Doc” tank at the Adopt-a-thon.
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
July 11: Kickball Tournament. Have some old school fun while raising funds for the Miracle League of NW Ohio. Team captains will be drawn and will choose teams just like kids do in grade school, brackets will be set up and play will begin. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. Tickets are $10 for adults. Visit mlnwo.org for more information.
July 18: A Midsummer Night Up On The Roof. Watch the sun set and the moon rise while enjoying dancing, a grazing buffet, cash bar and other activities. The event will benefit the youth programs of the Toledo Lucas County Library, including the Summer Reading Program. Casual cocktail attire. Tickets are $75. For more information call (419) 259-5123.
Crosby Festival of the Arts is always a great social event I look forward to every year. The art is fantastic!
This comment was posted on July 16th, 2009 at 8:11 amI love the Crosby Festival of the Arts. It’s a great opportunity to support local artists. I am particularly fond of the blown glass art exhibits. Refreshments like sweet potato fries and lemondade were also a highlight. It is a traditional part of our local culture that never disappoints. That said, I would like to see another veterinarian other than Sylvania Veterinary Hospital at next year’s event. While it is laudable Dr. Bob Esplin helps with adopt-a-thons, he has also received bad press in the last few years, i.e., lawsuits. There are other veterinarians in the area who help homeless and abandoned animals who would benefit at the event.
This comment was posted on July 24th, 2009 at 6:56 pm