More Thursday night charity events
Written by Christine Senack | | christine@senackandassociates.comLast week’s Great Giving column featured small-scale events hosted by charities on a Thursday evening. Perhaps this idea is catching on because last Thursday, Sept. 24 was also a day for fundraising events.
Cold Stone Creamery chose last Thursday night as the evening to host “The World’s Largest Ice Cream Social.” The eight local franchise owners joined more than 1400 franchisees across the nation for the event to benefit Make-A-Wish.
Carla Huffman, Albert Bryant, Mark Sarmento and Deb Meyer during the World’s Largest Ice Cream Social at Cold Stone on Talmadge Road.
The Ice Cream Social was held for three hours during which time people who made a donation in any amount, received a generous portion of an ice cream creation named in honor of Cold Stone’s national Make-A-Wish adoptee, Jack. Each year a Wish child is chosen nationally to meet with the company’s tastemakers and create a unique ice cream sundae. Jack, who suffers from Leukemia, perfected a sundae with sweet cream ice cream mixed with brownie, sprinkles and caramel.
The ice cream franchise on Talmadge Road raised nearly $900 at their location during the social, said Mark Sarmento, owner. He also said he was pleased with the support of the local Make-a-Wish chapter who provided volunteers and Wish families to help out with the event.
“We really want to be a conscientious community partner,” said Sarmento. “We do a lot of donating to local organizations but this national effort we are pleased to be a part of.”
The Cold Stone store in Maumee went all out for the eighth annual event. In addition to receiving free ice cream, donors were greeted by the Springfield High School Senior Band and Yuk Yuk the Clown. The Maumee Police Department also joined in the festivities. Jerry Benford, Maumee store owner, said that over $500 was raised during the ice cream social at his location.
Toledo GROWs, the community gardening program of the Toledo Botanical Garden, hosted a “Salsa/Salsa Party” at Wesley’s Bar and Grill last Thursday night. For a $10 donation, patrons tasted salsa from local chefs and learned salsa steps from area dance teachers. Event proceeds will benefit Toledo GROWs programs in their urban gardens.
The salsa chefs were Bill Kohlhoff of Walt Churchill’s Market, Erika Rapp of Toledo Museum of Art, and Jackie David of the Original Sub Shop and Deli. Milva Valenzuela Wagner, who is a Zumba instructor, introduced those in attendance to Salsa dancing.
Michael Szuberla, director of Toledo GROWs, said that the party attracted over 100 people and raised $1,100.
“Salsa/Salsa was a delightful event that raised funds for the Toledo GROWs’ job training efforts with at-risk youth,” said Szuberla. “This event was a success thanks to Milva and the many talented chefs who lent their time and talents.”
Christine Senack is a Toledo-based consultant connecting people, places and things for the greater good of our community. For more event photos and video highlights, connect with her on Facebook.com.
