Week of 10.30.17

Pink Fund Dancing with the Survivors

Getting to the Shriners’ Silver Gardens Center on Southfield Road during rush hour does challenge a driver’s patience, but the good vibes that permeated the Pink Fund event compensated big time for the inconvenience. Before heading into the auditorium for the program, volunteers (25) and 325 PF supporters ($150 ticket) happily chatted, perused the three vendor stations (Wrapped in Love, Ford Warriors in Pink and OWL Wineries), sipped and snacked on passed appetizers (shrimp shooters and Swedish meatballs) as well as savory buffet station fare (salmon satay and sauced wild mushroom ravioli) and desserts. Program highlights abounded: breast cancer survivor Molly MacDonald’s moving story of why she founded the non-profit that has already paid $2,341,371 for 1,754 patients’ non-medical expenses; the applause for her daughter visiting from Oregon wearing the same dress her mother wore five years ago in the inaugural fundraiser; Michael Krieger singing his upbeat song “A Second Chance” for all breast cancer survivors, including his wife; the videos of fund recipients and the eight dancers telling their powerful stories before each demonstrated the amazing results of 10 lessons at Evan Mountain’s Fred Astaire studio. The dancers were Carol and Michael Ziecik, Nikki Becker, Blaire Miller, Sue Colomina and her daughter Dr. Julie MacPherson, Cheryl Fabian-McCoy and Donna Petty and all had fan clubs in the audience enthusiastically applauding their elegance. (See photo gallery.) The fifth annual Dancing with the Survivors raised more than $128,800.

Grace Centers of Hope Night of Hope

The Hands of Hope Childcare Center at Grace Centers of Hope benefited from the support of 158 good guys and gals ($85, $125 tickets) gathered at The Reserve. They sipped, dined on the stroll, socialized and bid $8,010 for silent auction items as music by Collision Six filled the room and videos streamed on a large screen. They also observed while speed artist Dave Santia painted, upside down, portraits of famous people (see photo gallery) which Charles Wickins sold at auction ($5,050). When the last video finished playing, Melissa Aupperle noted, “The people in our videos are real people, not actors.” She then inspired pledges of nearly $10,000 for the children’s center. Thanks also to sponsors St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, Nannette Droulliard, Collision Six, Premiere Academy-Oakland, LLC, Emerald City Designs and The Reserve the event will help provide full-day childcare for newborns and preschoolers while their parents focus on their recovery from homelessness and addictions at the 75-year-old Grace Centers of Hope.

Detroit Children’s Fund Dinner

More than 240 guests ($5,000 & up sponsorships) went back to school, so to speak, at the Detroit Children’s Fund Inaugural Dinner at The Factory at Corktown. The gritty venue was transformed with a school theme, complete with notebook-patterned table tops, giant pencils, and a school lunch-inspired dinner menu. Gretchen Davidson, Kelle Ilitch and Ashley Crain chaired the event. KC Crain chairs the DCF board of directors. Davidson and Ilitch also serve on the board as do Tonya Allen, Pernilla Ammann, Phil Cooley, Tiffany Douglas, Bill Emerson, Carol Goss, Adam Levinson, Ryan Maibach, Jacques Panis, Arn Tellem and Jason Tinsely. The event raised more than $1.55 million, thanks to DCF board member/Detroit native Adam Levinson and his wife Brittany’s matching challenge grant of $775,000. All funds raised will support the DCF campaign to create 25,000 seats for K-12 students in strong Detroit schools by the year 2025. “People understand the critical need for good schools...(They) are rallying together like never before, ”said DCF chief advancement officer Nick Karmanos.

Inaugural Dinner presenting sponsors were General Motors and Tom and Holly Gores. Hometown Match Sponsors were Brittany and Adam Levinson. Executive Sponsors were Linda and Ed Levy, Jr. Dinner sponsors included AVL Americas, Barton Malow Company, Crain Communications Inc, Gretchen and Ethan Davidson, The Detroit Pistons, Marlene and Bill Emerson, Gallagher-Kaiser Corporation, Ilitch Holdings, Kojaian, Lear Corporation, Quicken Loans, and Arn and Nancy Tellem.

Check in the coming weeks for reports & photos from these events:

Wright Gala: Kaleidoscope of Human Color

Belle Isle Conservancy Polish the Jewel Legacy Luncheon

Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation Wine & Dine in the D

MOCAD Gala + Art Auction

CARE House of Oakland County’s CARE Night

Judson Center Rock Star Gala

HAVEN Tailgate

OUR TOWN Art Show & Sale

Rose Hill Center 25th Anniversary

John W. Hunter Questers Horse Race

Sweet Dreams A Night to REMember

College for Creative Studies Detroit International Wine Auction

Friends of Camp Mak-a-Dream Cookies N’ Dreams

Theodore Alexander Showhouse for Variety

Karmanos Cancer Institute Partners Night

Alzheimer’s Association’s Chocolate Jubilee

Homes for Autism Ring of Hope Dinner

Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, 48304, email SamGerak@aol.com or call (248) 646-6390.

AHEAD FOR SOCIAL LIGHTS

Look over the following list of fundraising events and pick a non-profit you’d like to support. If you get to the party and don’t know anyone, find me. I’ve been covering the charity scene for nearly 40 years and can probably introduce you to some really nice people. Heck, if you can’t afford a ticket, call and see if they need volunteers. Sally G

Kari Burrow is chairing Habitat for Humanity Oakland Fall Extravaganza Thursday, Nov. 2 at The Townsend. Plans include cocktails, formal dinner, program emceed by WJR’s Frank Beckmann featuring homeowner Mercedes Shamburger and Community Builder Awardee Bruce Trevarrow and concluding with musical entertainment. For tickets ($185, $265-benefactor, includes VIP reception) go to https://www.habitatoakland.org/5th-annual-fall-extravaganza/. For questions or sponsorships contact Cheryl Henderson at 248-338-1843 ext. 226.

Sandy Mackle is chairing the Ladies of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul’s Fall Harvest Luncheon 11 am, Friday, Nov. 3 at the Somerset Inn. Plans include a basket auction, 50/50 raffle, Mary Kay Cosmetics services and informal modeling of fashion trends. For tickets ($55, $100 benefactor). call Sue Lamparter at 248-515-6744 for information.

The Community House is hosting SIP Saturday, Nov. 4. Plans include valet parking, a 6 pm private cocktail and hors d’oeuvre reception for patrons, 6:30 pm general admission showcasing small plate stations created by some of the area's best restaurants including The Stand, Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse, Tallulah, Prime 29, Eddie Merlot’s, Roast, Bistro 82 and The Community House. Madeline Triffon, Master Sommelier and SIP’s official food and beverage consultant, will masterfully pair small plate selections with wines, cocktails and beer to create a collaboration that will heighten the dining experience. A wine and food-centric silent auction will give guests an opportunity to bid on wine and food related auction experiences, wine lots, baskets and more. The evening concludes with an afterglow party, the ZIM’S Vodka After Hours Wine-Down, from 10 p.m. to midnight. The party will feature late night bites, dancing and ZIM’S Vodka signature cocktails. Proceeds will support TCH’s new scholarship fund for the Introductory Course or Certified Examination administered by the Court of Master Sommeliers Americas. For tickets ($300-Patron, 6 pm arrival for champagne reception; $225-6:30 pm arrival; $125-30 & under) and more information, call 248-644-5832 or click on “philanthropy” at www.communityhouse.com.

Mary Beth Castorri is chairing the SKY Foundation Ninth Annual Lunch noon – 3 pm, Sunday, Nov. 5 at the MGM Grand. For tickets ($125) go to www.skyfoundation.org.

The JARC 37th annual Fall Fundraiser – British Rock Invasion is 7:30 pm, Monday, Nov. 6 at the Max & Marjorie Fisher Music Center. It will feature the Detroit Symphony Orchestra with Brent Havens conducting and vocals by Brody Dolyniuk. For sponsorships and tickets ($100, $159, $259) go to www.JARC.org or call 248-538-6611.

The Detroit Historical Society Ball is not until Dec. 9, but Benefactors are invited to an exclusive event 6 pm, Thursday, Nov. 9 on Windmill Pointe Drive in Grosse Pointe. The evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and good company is sponsored by the Richard and Jane Manoogian Foundation. The main event Saturday, Dec. 9 at The Factory at Corktown (1907 Michigan Ave) will honor Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti and University of Michigan President Dr. Mark Schlissel. For tickets ($850) contact Vanessa Miller at vanessam@detroithistorical.org, call 313.833.4143 or go to https://detroithistorical.org/things do/special-events.

Judy Lindstrom is chairing the Oakland Literacy Council annual Ex Libris dinner Thursday, Nov. 9 at the Village Club. Plans include cocktails, dinner, and, always inspiring, remarks by a tutor (George Zak) and a student (Jose Arenas), as well as a presentation by Michigan author Sarah Miller. Her nonfiction debut, “The Borden Murders: Lizzie Borden and the Trial of the Century,” was hailed by the New York Times as "a historical version of Law & Order." For tickets ($125, $175-benefactor) call the council office at 248-253-1617.

Paddy Lynch is hosting the Beyond Basics Fall Fundraiser 6, pm Thursday, Nov. 9 at his historic Detroit home where Partner of the Year, UHY, and volunteer of the year Mary Dunn, will be honored. For tickets ($150, $300-benefactor) and information call Johanna Zwally at 248-408-1735.

Suzanne Tedesco and Jennifer Donovan are chairing the Rochester Community Schools Foundation’s sixth annual Sip, Savor and Shop 6:30-9:30 pm Thursday, Nov. 9 at the Forestre Banquet Center, 1919 Star Batt Drive, Rochester Hills. Plans include beverages, appetizers, shopping at more than 30 vendor stations, a silent auction, a raffle and gift bags for the first 200 guests. For tickets ($25-in advance, $35-after Nov. 1) call 248-726-3190. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Janelle Boyce and Jennifer Wheeler are chairing Baldwin Public Library’s Books & Bites fundraiser 6 – 9 pm, Friday, Nov. 10. In honor of the library’s 90th anniversary it will have a Speakeasy theme. Plans include hotsy-totsy auction items, live jazz music, a photo booth, gaming tables plus food and drink from Big Rock Chophouse, Griffin Claw Brewing Company, The Bird & the Bread, Bistro Joe’s, Great Harvest Bread Company, 7 Greens, Svenska Café, Toast, Whistle Stop Diner, and Whole Foods Market. Tickets are $75 for Shakers ages 64 and under, $65 for Boomers ages 65 to 89, and free for attendees 90 and over. Tickets can be purchased at www.baldwinlib.org/booksandbites or by calling 248-554-4683. Auction donations are welcome and sponsorship opportunities are also available. All proceeds from the event will help fund an expansion and renovation of the Youth Room.

The Julian Boivin Courage for Cures Foundation’s annual Brave Knight Benefit for Pediatric Brain Tumor Research is 7:30 pm, Friday, Nov. 10 at Pine Lake Country Club. Plans include a champagne reception, strolling dinner, hosted bar, silent and live auctions and raffle prizes. For tickets ($175) go to www.courageforcures.org.

The annual DIA Gala is Saturday, Nov. 11 at the museum. For tickets call Marcia Johnson at 313 578-1063.

Ed Sosnick and his RESTORE Foundation, which funds Oakland County substance abuse court programs, is hosting A Motown Review 6:30 – 8 pm, Tuesday, Nov. 14 at the Somerset Inn. Plans include music by the “amazing” Stubbs Girls, appetizers and cash bar. For tickets ($60 to $1,000) go to http://therestorefoundation.org/motown/ or contact Sosnick at Edward@sosnickmediation.com.

Keri Vizena is chairing the Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan Mistletoe Marketplace 9am – 3 pm, Wednesday, Nov. 15 at the San Marino Club in Troy. Plans include boutique shopping, a silent auction, raffles, fashion stroll of resale Connection consignments and luncheon program emceed by Fox-2’s Monica Gayle, honorary event chair. For tickets ($85) call 248-821-4668 or go to www.semich.AssistanceLeague.org.

Heather Dell and Rita Norkiewicz are chairing the 17th annual FAR, Friends & Fa-La-La Be Inspired Wednesday, Nov. 15 at Detroit Country Day School’s Selig Performing Arts Center. The doors open at 5:30pm to shop for gifts handmade by clients of FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation and for the Silver Circle Pre-Glow Reception ($150 ticket). The Honorary Chairs are Dr. Mitchell and Carol Klein. The show featuring FAR’s Stars and their therapists begins at 7 pm. The Ted Lindsay Foundation for Autism, Steve Acho and Dale Hollandsworth will be honored during intermissions. An AfterGlow for all follows the show. For sponsorships and tickets ($75, $150) call Pamela Ayres at 248.646.3347.

Carol Shaya, Mia Materka and Sue Nine are chairing Preservation Bloomfield’s Tea and Tiara Luncheon 11am – 3 pm, Thursday, Nov. 16 at Pine Lake Country Club. Plans include music by Bloomfield Hills High School students and British-themed centerpieces / tablescapes by PB members. All tablescapes will be available for purchase by the highest bidders. For tickets ($100-Patron, $150-benefactor) contact Claudine Bacher at 248-230-9596, email claudine.bacher@att.net.

Iris Yellen and Dr. Ernesto Drelichman will be honored at Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of Michigan’s 40th annual Evening at the Movies, Thursday, Nov. 16 at Royal Oak Emagine Theatres. Plans include a silent auction and strolling dinner with wine pairings at 6:30pm, program featuring speaker Shelden Yellon at 7:30 pm, movie preview at 8 pm. For sponsorships and tickets ($150 & up) go to https://40thannualeveningmovies17mi.auction-bid.org/microsite/custom For more information or questions please contact Kiel Porter, Development Director, at 248-737-0900 ext. 4.

Ford Motor Company is presenting The Parade Company Hob Nobble Gobble Friday, Nov. 17 at Ford Field. This exceptional event offers fun for all ages, including a midway, carnival games and non-stop prizes, entertainment and cuisine. For tickets ($350, under 7-$200) call CarolAnn Barbb at 313-432-7831.

Jennie & Bill Cook and Marci & Tim Rice are chairing South Oakland Shelter Dancing with the Detroit Stars 7pm, Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Townsend Hotel. This ninth annual fundraiser features dancing, music, strolling dinner, open bar, a silent auction and celebrity judges picking a winning dancer. Fox 2’s Ryan Ermanni will be the emcee. Dancers include Barbara Bloink, Catherine Badalamente, Eric Fadie, Marla Govan, Jimmy King, Chef Bobby Nahra, Brenda Orlando and Dan Colombo. The judges are John Akouri, Jeremy Childers, Judge Vonda Evans and Jackie Kallen. The auction will go live Nov. 6 online at www.BiddingForGood.com/SOS. For event tickets ($200-standing; $1,000- table for 4) go to my.southoaklandshelter.org/dancing or call 248-809-3773.

Meadow Brook Hall’s 46th annual Holiday Walk is Nov. 24 through Dec. 23. It offers self-guided tours of the grand manor’s elegant rooms decorated for the holidays plus tours of Knole Cottage and Danny’s Cabin daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Dec. 18 through Dec. 23 touring ends at 9pm. Guests should plan on spending approximately 1.5 hours to tour the Hall, Knole Cottage and Danny’s Cabin. Last admittance is one hour prior to closing. Go to http://meadowbrookhall.org/tours/holiday-walk-tours/ for the ticket prices and the full schedule of opportunities including the Starlight Stroll, 7 – 10 pm, Thursday, Dec. 7. Plans include valet parking, a four-course strolling dinner with chef attended stations placed throughout The Hall, full bar service including signature cocktails, live music, dancing in the ballroom and self-guided tours until 8 pm. For tickets ($100, $90-members) call 248-364-6252.

Save the date for the Women’s Division Project HOPE Holiday Boutique and Luncheon Wednesday, Nov. 29 at Oakland Hills Country Club. Details to follow.

Maryclare & Bob Pulte are chairing Angels’ Place Silver Anniversary Dinner Thursday, Nov. 30 at The Henry. Plans include the 6pm patron party, 6:30pm general reception and silent auction, 7:30pm dinner and program with Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred as the speaker. For sponsors and tickets ($225, $350-patron) call 248-350-2203.

The Detroit Tigers’ Duane McLean & GM’s Ed Pepper are the honorary chairs and Jon Krebs & Jeff Chandler are the co-chairs of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan’s Kidney Ball, 6pm, Saturday, Dec. 2 at the MotorCity Casino Hotel. Plans include a Casablanca theme, cocktails, dinner, auction , a kids auction toy room, a fine wine tasting auction in the Sound Board during the reception and the night-ending MARS candy bar. For sponsorships and tickets ($250) go to www.nkfm.org/kidneyball or call 800-482-1455.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of SE Michigan’s Great Futures Gala is Wednesday, Dec.6 at the Detroit Athletic Club. For sponsorships and tickets ($250) call Amanda Terpstra at 248-522-4423 or email aterpstra@bgcsm.org.

The 2017 Detroit Historical Society Ball is 6pm, Saturday, Dec. 9 at The Factory at Corktown (1907 Michigan Ave). Plans for the black tie event in the successfully reclaimed three-story historic building include valet parking, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, seated dinner, live entertainment, live and silent auction, and the Afterglow (9pm-12am) for dancing, snacks and cocktails. Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti and University of Michigan President Dr. Mark Schlissel will be honored during the program. For sponsorships and tickets ($850-Benefactor, includes a Benefactor Party on Nov. 9; $500-Patron, $75 for 1 Afterglow ticket, $100 for 2) go to https://detroithistorical.org/things-do/special-events or contact Vanessa Miller at 313.833.4143 or at vanessam@detroithistorical.org.

Cindy Nicholaou and Kelly Dean are chairing the Rochester Women’s Fund’s Toast to the Holidays is 6 – 8 pm, Tuesday, Dec.12 at The Greystone Manor in Oakland Township (4911 Pinnacle Blvd., 48306). Plans include valet parking, wine and hors d’oeuvres. For tickets ($65; $70 after Dec. 5) go to http://www.womensfundrochester.org/. Funds support the totally volunteer non-profit’s mission - women helping women.

Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, 48304 or email SamGerak@aol.com