On any given weekend in Toledo, there are a number of charity events. Some are simple gatherings of friends. Others are large elaborate soirees planned by committees over the course of a year. Regardless of the size of the event and the intricacies of planning it, the purpose is the same, to raise money to improve and change lives right here in our community.

The Library Legacy Foundation recently hosted its annual gala event, “Midsummer Night Up on the Roof.” The Foundation is the charitable arm of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. It raises funds to establish an endowment for the library’s future, to purchase books and other media and to support programs for children, families, and adults. Specifically the funds raised from Midsummer Night are used to support youth programs including the library’s summer reading program.

Pat Appold, Clyde Scoles, Shelia and Denny Johnson at the Library’s Midsummer Night Up on the Roof.

One of the leading sponsors of the event was Brooks Insurance. Dennis and Sheila Johnson of Brooks Insurance were pleased to serve as honorary co-chairs for the gala.

“Sheila and I agreed to chair the event because the library is such a great community resource that touches so many people in our community in so many ways with the diverse programs the library offers to the patrons,” said Johnson. “The library is a community treasure that Sheila and I value and encourage everyone to support in whatever way they can.”

The event featured a grazing dinner, dancing to the tunes of Hep Cat Revival, a wine ring toss game, hi-tech stations inviting guest to connect with the library on Facebook and a gallery reception with noted photojournalist Herral Long. Kathryn Fell, development coordinator for the library estimates that the evening event raised more than $15,000 for youth services.

Much simpler fundraising events are being hosted by the Ottawa Tavern this summer. In a series of Saturday night fundraisers, the bar is inviting political candidates and involved members of community organizations to “Raise the Bar” by serving as guest bartenders and collecting tips for their cause.

One of the first area nonprofit organizations to partner with the Ottawa Tavern was the grassroots organization, Independent Advocates (IA). The co-founders of IA, Rachel Richardson and Rebecca Facey, worked a three hour shift as bartenders and raised $800 for their charity. They had received $200 in advance donations from friends who were not able to stop by the bar the evening of the event.

Seeing her charity as a local business meeting local needs, Richardson was pleased to partner with the local tavern.

“We appreciate their generosity,” said Richardson. “We are a socially-conscious agency and we appreciate a local business supporting our work.”

Richardson said that the funds raised go towards basic operations, including the co-founders’ meager salaries of $50 per week. IA is a nonprofit social change agency that advocates for victims of domestic violence in the Lucas county court system. It also provides educational services to prevent domestic violence.

Clayton Callahan, Rebecca Facey, Rachel Richardson and Adam Sattler at the Ottawa Tavern.

Upcoming Events

Aug 7-8: Arts Gone Wild.  Fourteen non-profit cultural organizations of Toledo host this 2nd annual arts festival at the Toledo Botanical Garden. Arts Gone Wild features live performances, exhibitions, and activities to introduce Toledo’s cultural offerings and opportunities. Admission and parking are free. Visit artsgonewild.org for more information.

July 30 – Aug 1: The Full Monty, Again.  Join the Toledo Repertoire Theater for a reprise of their popular performance of The Full Monty. The comedic play is about six desperate, unemployed steel workers. Although they cannot dance and are not perfect bodies, they start a strip-tease show. Tickets for this special fundraising event are $25 and $30. For more information visit toledorep.org or call (419) 243-9277.

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.

Tags: arts, Library, Philanthropy

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 23rd, 2009 at 5:07 pm and is filed under Community, Great Giving.
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