Week of 11.13.17
CARE House of Oakland County’s CARE Night The 315 CARE House supporters ($250 tickets) at the Townsend Hotel chuckled during Kappy Trott’s remarks accepting, for her husband and herself, the Patricia R. Rosen Award honoring their 20 years of leadership and advocacy. That was when she confessed Dave Trott had been rejected by one of her sisters 30 years ago, but that her mother Linda, who really liked him, encouraged Kappy to give him a chance. However, the levity ended when Kappy, who attended law school as a mother of three young children, described the relentless tenacity she needed as a Wayne County assistant attorney general working in the Family and Youth Services Division. “Abuse victims are changed for life...My heart is in prevention,” she declared. Board member Alicia Boler-Davis had spoken passionately about the subject. “I know firsthand the devastating effects of abuse,” she said while lauding her employer General Motors for its largesse to CH. A CH client also gave her caseworker Bridget a bouquet for the health and happiness of her children who had been abused by their father. With the crowd thus motivated, Dan Stall conducted a live auction and pledging that raised $158,000. Thanks also to generous sponsors (see photo gallery) CARE Night, which was chaired by Marla Feldman, Lisa MacDonald and Lisa Payne, raised more than $427,000. Judson Center Rock Star Gala Nearly 630 Judson Center supporters ($400, $300 tickets) rocked around the clock at the MGM Grand. Live tribute bands evoked the ‘60s and ‘70s as guests, some in vintage garb, bid on silent and live auctions, dined on the stroll and raised $455,000 for Judson’s comprehensive social services that help those in need succeed. (See photo gallery for some of the generous sponsors.) But guests are still buzzing about keynote speaker Shawn Card’s story. His mother’s passion for helping children prompted her to foster 34 children. And be a role model. Shawn is a Judson Center foster parent and his daughter has recently followed in those footsteps. A truly remarkable family. HAVEN Tailgate More than 150 HAVEN supporters ($125, $159, $60-YP tickets) gathered indoors at the Birmingham Athletic Club to watch the Lions - Saints game on a big screen. Former Lions on hand to tackle domestic violence included Mike Blatziz, Maurice Harve, Luther Blue, Bobby Thompson and Cory Schlesinger. The latter, now a high school teacher, spoke convincingly during the brief half time about preventing sexual violence by being “...a real man (not someone obsessed with cars, money and women) but one who takes care of his family and his neighborhood...It’s scary out there to intervene,” he noted. During another timeout director of HAVEN’s prevention programs Kole Wyckhuys told about HAVEN’s Redefine (masculinity) program aimed at making young men change agents in their schools and communities and a video showed the impact of talking about anger instead of acting out. Other diversions included endless bowls of chips and super guacamole, a great BBQ buffet, open bar, chance squares game ($3,660), silent and live auctions ($9,425) and cigars from Aroma Cigar Lounge to puff just outside the back door. Thanks to sponsors (see photo gallery) the tailgate raised more than $55,000 for HAVEN, which now has digs for residents’ 4-legged family members – the Farber Family Pet Center. Impact100 Oakland Awards The anticipation level was higher than a kite when more than 200 members of Impact100 Oakland County gathered at Birmingham Country Club to hear grant pitches from the five non-profits selected as finalists by the nominating committee. Before the presentations, people sipped, snacked, socialized and heard an update from last year’s winner of $100,000 – the weekend food program Variety conducts with Oakland County sheriffs. After showing a compelling video Connie Beckett said, “This program works.” Kelly Shuert then promised that after the three-year wait period for winners, “We’re coming back.”
Then spokespeople for Arts & Scraps, Clinton River Watershed Council, Kids Kicking Cancer, Beyond Basics and CARE House each told their story, hoping to win one of two $100,500 grants that would be decided by the members’ votes. The amount represents each of the 201 members’ $1,000 donation to Impact100. This represents double the membership from last year, the chapter’s first. While awaiting the tally after the presentations, leaders drew names for some nice door prizes contributed by generous sponsors. Rousing applause greeted the two winning organizations: Beyond Basics, which will use its award to get 55 Pontiac students reading at grade level, usually within six weeks; and CARE House of Oakland County, which will use its grant to prevent child abuse by implementing a Nurturing Parenting Program. The power of collective philanthropy got a further boost when new president Mary Pat Rosen implored each member to recruit another for next year. “We could number 400,” she declared. Check in the coming weeks for reports & photos from these events: OUR TOWN Art Show & Sale Rose Hill Center 25th Anniversary Guest House Detroit Bishop’s Dinner John W. Hunter Questers Horse Race Sweet Dreams A Night to REMember College for Creative Studies Detroit International Wine Auction 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 Habitat for Humanity Oakland Fall Extravaganza Ladies of Charity Luncheon House of Providence Wishes Gala The Community House SIP SKY Foundation Annual Luncheon The JARC Fall Fundraiser – British Rock Invasion Oakland Literacy Council Ex Libris Dinner Beyond Basics Fall Fundraiser Rochester Community Schools Foundation Sip, Savor and Shop Baldwin Public Library’s Books & Bites Brave Knight Benefit DIA Gala 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 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 9 am – 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 11 am – 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 Yellen 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, under7-$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 7 pm, 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. The BARD (Born And Raised Detroit) Foundation will stage the 11th annual Gobble Wobble 8pm – 2 am, Friday, Nov. 24 at The Reserve. Plans include dancing, giveaways and cocktails inspired by the Roaring 20's. Bloomingham natives on the BARD board are Evan Burton, Lauren Freund, Parker Lynch, Jamison Lynch, Julie MacMillan, Bradley Sherman, Anne Strickland, Scott Strickland and Patrick Thornton. They have pledged 100% of Gobble Wobble proceeds to Detroit Prep’s campaign for a new school building. For tickets ($100) go to events at www.bornandraiseddetroit.org. 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. Maggie Allesee and Sue Nine are chairing the Women’s Division Project HOPE Holiday Boutique and Luncheon 10 am – 3 pm, Wednesday, Nov. 29 at Oakland Hills Country Club. Plans include valet parking, shopping, raffle, silent auction, entertainment. cash bar and luncheon at 12 noon. For tickets ($65-members, $75-non-menbers,$100-patron, $150-benefactor) contact Maggie Allesee at 248-540-8467 or mallesee@aol.com. Pat Hambleton, Nancy Flasck, Jane Giblin, Colleen Dykstra and Sally Edwards are chairing the Rochester Garden Club 71st annual Greens Market at the Rochester Schools Administration Center ( 501 W. University). There is a $5 admission fee for the Opening Gala 6 – 8 pm, Thursday, Nov. 30. Plans include snacks, beverages and shopping for beautiful handmade gifts, gourmet foods and fresh and permanent arrangements. Shopping continues 9am to 6pm Friday, Dec. 1 and 9 am - 1pm Saturday, Dec.2 with a $2 admission fee. A mailbox swag-making demonstration is scheduled for 1 – 2 pm, Friday, Dec.1. Proceeds benefit garden club conservancy, educational and community projects. 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. Kim McNulty and Kelly Winkler Patterson are chairing Christ Child Society’s popular, annual Christmas Home Tour Friday, Dec. 1. Plans include touring five Birmingham homes decorated for the holidays from 9:30am – 2pm and brunch and shopping at Birmingham Country Club form 9am – 2:30pm. For tickets ($60) got to www.CCSdetroit.org. Shirley Maddalena is hosting her 29th annual High Tea benefiting Alternatives for Girls 3 - 5 pm, Friday, Dec. 1 at the Townsend Hotel. Plans include a silent auction of donated treasures. For tickets ($55, $100-patron) go to www.AlternativesForGirls.org or call Joi at 313-361-4000, ext. 273. 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 toy room auction, 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 6 pm, Wednesday, Dec. 6 at the Detroit Athletic Club. It will honor Suburban Collection’s David Fischer with the Great Futures In Celebration award. For sponsorships and tickets ($250) go to http://www.bgcsm.org/events/gfg/. The 2017 Detroit Historical Society Ball is 6 pm, 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 (9 pm-12 am) 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