Charity events roll with car themes
Written by Christine Senack | | christine@senackandassociates.comWhether someone has named it Baby, Mean Machine, Love Machine or Old Faithful, many people are passionate over their cars. Where there is passion, there is opportunity to raise money for a good cause.
What would one call a new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 if one won it in a car raffle? That is what Bill Ahern gets to decide. Ahern won the car in a raffle at the Toledo Children’s Hospital “Fame and Champagne” dinner at the home of Barbara Steele and Alan Kimpel.
Initially the Toledo Children’s Hospital was doing what is standard practice in a charity car raffle. They were buying the car from the dealership and raising money off of the raffle ticket sales over and above the negotiated price. However the evening of the event, co-chair Rita Mansour made a gentle appeal to Paul and Tom Devers of Vin Devers Autohaus of Sylvania and asked them to consider making an outright donation of the car. They agreed.
Nancy Lopez, Paul Devers, Barbara Steele and Rita Mansour at Fame and Champagne.
Regional President of ProMedica Health System, Barbara Steele said she was appreciative of the last minute donation.
“We are especially grateful for Paul and Tom Devers’ generosity,” said Steele. “The donation of the car from Vin Devers will make a significant impact towards our mission to provide new autism care services to our community.”
In addition to the raffle, tickets to the exclusive event, named “Fame and Champagne,” were sold to some of the hospital’s most loyal benefactors. Guests were greeted with champagne and dined on tasty bites from local restaurants. The event featured the “Fame” of golfing legend, Nancy Lopez and former NFL cornerback, Jeremy Lincoln.
Mansour estimates that the raffle raised $115,000 including Vin Devers in-kind donation of the car, and overall the event raised approximately $235,000. Proceeds will be used in the new autism initiative at the Toledo Children’s Hospital.
Another charity playing upon people’s affinity towards their cars was the Scott High School varsity and junior varsity football team. They recently held a car wash to raise money for equipment and team spirit items for coaches and players.
About 25 players volunteered a few hours of their time to wash cars and collect donations. Together the team washed over 25 vehicles and raised $150. More than the cash raised, the event was about community support said Assistant Coach Willie Smith.
“A lot of people donated money without getting their cars washed. The community supports us well. They donate money. They come and watch practice and support our players,” said Smith.
Head Coach Mike Daniels said he is always impressed with the alumni support of the school.
“Scott has a strong alumni support. It was great to see them come out and support not only their school but their community as well,” said Daniels
The Scott High School football team plays their season opener on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 1:30 p.m. on the former Scott campus.
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. For more event photos and video highlights, connect with her at Facebook.com/christinesenack..
Upcoming events
Sept. 11 A Night to Remember. Join St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center Foundation and great American songwriter Ann Hampton for a live performance. Proceeds of the event support the hospital’s charitable outreach programs. Tickets are $175 and $250. For more information visit svmmcfoundation.org or call (419)251-2117.
Sept. 11 – 13 Greek American Festival. For the 39th year, the parishioners of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral share their culture with northwest Ohio residents. Enjoy ethnic food, music and dance. Admission is $3. Visit toledogreekfest.com for more information.
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Nancy Lopez, Paul Devers, Barbara Steele and Rita Mansour at Fame and Champagne.
