Week of 9.10.18

Forgotten Harvest Cruisin’ to Drive Out Hunger

Some 500 supporters of Forgotten Harvest gathered to drive out hunger under the big, white festival tent at Westborn Market the night before the Woodward Dream Cruise. Each was warmly greeted by FH’s Tim Hudson before they bid $8,000 in the silent auction, watched the classics roll by, wined, dined and danced to the high-energy music of Larry Lee’s Back in the Day Band. (Lee, a retired Detroit Lion and a Rochester resident, included a tribute to Aretha Franklin, whom he knew well as a friend of her son and her former driver.) The generously donated chow (see photo gallery for food and drink donors) was exceptional and included Vinsetta Garage’s mac n cheese, Fleming’s tenderloin sliders and Westborn Market’s paella loaded with mussels. Thanks also to sponsors (see photo gallery) the annual charity event raised around $185,000 which will provide 740,000 meals for those in metro Detroit suffering from food insecurity.

ORT Rub-A-Dub

The 43rd anniversary of ORT Michigan Region’s Rub-A-Dub attracted 530 to Franklin Hills Country Club to “eat, drink, mingle and give.” And give they did. More than $75,000 in the silent auction; $45,100 in the raffle; $92,500 in the live auction, again conducted by the event founders’ son, Brian Hermelin. (A big chunk of that total emanated from Empire Kitchen and Cocktails’ donation of a party for 50 that sold for $10,000 and was so popular the donors gave two more, resulting in $30,000.) Then Rabbi Harold Loss spoke about ORT’s next fundraising project in Kiryat Yam, Israel. He told how the new state-of-the-art, multi-purpose auditorium complex will be life-changing for this poor, working class community. “It will make it the region’s premier center for intellectual and artistic programming, ensuring a vibrant cultural community and establishing Kiryat Yam as an epicenter for academic and cultural excellence.” Hermelin added that the project would cost $1.3-million and invited pledges toward that goal. After that appeal generated $62,500, a historic moment for Rub-A-Dub occurred – a guest who asked to be anonymous told Regional Director Nicole Miller that a gift of $1 million would be coming for the project. Not counting that extraordinary gift, Rub-A-Dub 2018 grossed nearly $740,000.

Other highlights included Doreen Hermelin’s presentation of the Hermelin ORT Legacy Award to Randy Werthheimer for his leadership, innovative thinking, steadfast dedication and extraordinary passion for ORT’s mission of changing lives through education. He was introduced by Miller, whom he recruited as an event volunteer in 2003. That that may go down as one of Wertheimer’s most sagacious ideas was highlighted by ORT World President Dr. Connie Giles during the earlier VIP reception attended by 100 of the guests. Calling her “underpaid,” he listed Miller as one of ORT’s three essentials – the sales producer for the product (education) to the market (Detroit). “And Detroit does more than any city in the country for ORT,” he concluded.

Christ Child Society Pink Party

Some sixty Christ Child Society members ($75 ticket) flocked to the end of summer happening Laura Karmanos hosted at her Birmingham home. The comfortable weather made the terrace overlooking the pool and gardens a perfect venue for nibbling the savory comestibles catered by society board members and sipping pink vodka punch and rose' wine. Society president Laura Keziah interrupted the serious socializing only briefly to thank the hostess for her warm hospitality and inform all of the date and place for the CCS signature fundraiser – Night of Angels. It is Saturday, Nov. 4 at Bloomfield Hills Country Club.

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

Jacobsons’ MOCAD Interchange Art + Dinner

Angels Place Family Fun Day

Boys Hope Girls Hope Liberty Mutual Invitational

AHEAD FOR SOCIAL LIGHTS

The 18th Annual Ted Lindsay Foundation Golf Outing Monday, September 10 at The Detroit Golf Club offers golf, dinner and open bar, silent and live auctions and the awards program or the post golf-only activities. A highlight of the dinner program will be the presentation of two Courage Awards which recognize a person and a family who demonstrate great character and perseverance while living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. For information go to www.tedlindsay.org.

Laurie and Tom Cunnington are chairing Girls On Track 6-9 pm, Wednesday, Sept. 12 at the M1 Concourse to benefit the Women of Tomorrow mentoring program for more than 1,200 at-risk girls. Plans include valet parking, food, specialty drinks, thrill ride on the track with professional driver, racing simulator, DJ music by iHeart media and exotic cars on display. For sponsorships and tickets ($200-individual; $2,500 & up - tables) contact Jill Harris at j.harris@womenoftomorrow.org or 248- 430-4095 or go to https://45898.thankyou4caring.org/pages/girls-on-track

Preservation Bloomfield’s 2018 Preservationists of the Year Celebration 6 pm, Wednesday, Sept. 12 at The Iroquois Club will honor Mia Materka, Sue Nine, Carol Shaya and Jake Bolyard. Plans include entertainment, dinner and cash bar For tickets ($100-patron; $125-benefactor) call Claudine Baxher at 248-230-9596 or email her at Claudine.bacher@outlook.com.

Rose and Brian Bolyard are chairing the 31st annual Birmingham House Tour fundraiser for the Community House 9:30 am – 3:30 pm, Thursday, Sept. 13. Tickets are $40 in advance and can be purchased by phone at 248-644-5832 or online www.communityhouse.com. The event is presented by Hall & Hunter Realtors, with support from : Ethan Allen, Gorman’s Furniture and Boylard Lumber. Plans include self-guided touring of seven unique homes ranging in style from traditional to contemporary. Day of tour tickets will also be available for $45.

Linda Juracek-Lipa and Sue Nine are chairing Hospice of Michigan’s SPEED – A Chandeliers Event 5:30 – 9:00 pm, Thursday, Sept.13 at M1 Concourse in Pontiac. Plans include valet parking, open bar, a strolling dinner, one-of-a-kind thrill rides with professional drivers along the concourse and the program. It will feature the presentation of the 32nd annual Crystal Rose Award to Rabbi E.B. (Bunny) Freedman from the Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network for his passionate commitment to HOM and its mission. For tickets ($120; thrill rides-$100 donation) go to www.hom.org/speed. Proceeds will benefit HOM’s Open Access program that ensures palliative care regardless of age, diagnosis or ability to pay.

The Community House Foundation and the Birmingham Teen Council are presenting the inaugural Movie Marathon Friday, Sept. 14 12:30 pm – to Saturday, Sept. 15, 6:00 am at Emagine Palladium in Birmingham. Plans include 18-hours of movie watching fun, unlimited soda and popcorn, dinner, breakfast, a midnight snack. Proceeds will benefit Community House children’s programs. Registrants will create their own personal fundraising page to raise a minimum of $100 to participate. Contact The Community House for details on how to register at 248-644-5832 or visit www.communityhouse.com

Kirsten Adgate and Audry Moiseeff are chairing the Camp Casey annual Gold Rush Gala 7 – 11 pm, Friday, Sept. 14 at The Reserve. Plans include valet parking, heavy hors d'oeuvres, open bar, silent auction, dessert auction and entertainment. For tickets ($100, $250 and up) go to www.camp-casey.org. Proceeds support Camp Casey equine programs for kids with cancer and their families.

Benefactors of the Belle Isle Conservancy Polish the Jewel Legacy Luncheon (which is not until Thursday, Oct. 11) will be saluted at a luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 20.

The Rochester Area Neighborhood House will celebrate 50 years of helping people in crisis on Sunday, Sept. 16 at Canterbury Village in Lake Orion. Plans include a car show open free to the public from 9 am – 2:30 pm and a Birthday Party with dinner, open bar, music and silent auction from 3 – 7 pm. For tickets to the latter ($115) go to www.ranh.org/events or call 248-651-5836, ext. 17.

Although the CARE House CARE Night which will honor Jerry and Pat Wagner is not until Saturday, Oct. 13, Lisa Payne is hosting the Benefactor Party on Monday, Sept. 17. For sponsorships and tickets ($250 & up) call 248-333-4936.

The Community House third annual SIP Food & Wine Classic, a unique event celebrating cuisine and wine, is 8:30 pm, Friday, Sept. 21 at the Community House. Plans include valet parking, exceptional wine and small plate food stations with area Chefs and Sommeliers, and wine-centric silent and live auctions. For tickets ($298-patron 6 pm arrival, $195-general; $95-Young Adult 21 to 30) call 248-644-5832 or go to www.communityhouse.com. The event serves as a signature fundraiser for The Community House Foundation, a charitable nonprofit organization under the umbrella of The Community House.​

The New Day Foundation for Families Hope Shines Gala is 6 pm, Friday, Sept. 21 at Detroit’s Atheneum Hotel. Plans include valet parking, dinner, silent and live auctions, music and dancing. Gold attire to support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is encouraged. For sponsorships and tickets ($200 and up) go to www.foundationforfamilies.org or call 248-648-1105. Proceeds benefit families with cancer-related financial toxicity.

Matt Melchoir and Hilary Notaro are chairing the 25th Annual Partners Event, 7 pm, Friday, Sept. 21 at Detroit’s Michigan Building Theatre (220 Bagley). Plans include valet parking for the carnival themed gala with a strolling cocktail reception and dinner; silent auction; raffle; live entertainment and interactive experiences. Jack D. Sobel, M.D., dean of the Wayne State University School of Medicine, will also be recognized for his outstanding career as a medical leader, clinician and educator, and for his many contributions to the field of medicine. For tickets ($175, $95-age 21-30) go to www.karmanos.org/partners or call 313-756-8106.

OESA’s Julie Fream and Toyota’s Bob Young are honorary chairs of the American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball, 6:30 pm, Saturday, Sept. 22 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. Plans include networking, strolling supper and desserts, VIP Reception (6:30-7:30PM), live music - Ashley Lynn & The Spurs, silent auction, raffle, Mechanical Bull Riding, live auction, and the afterglow with Devin Scillian and Arizona Son.. The program emceed by WDIV’s Kimberly Gill includes a live auction and presentation of the Cowger Leadership Award and the Chuck Wagon Restaurant Awards. For sponsorship and tickets ($200, $500-patron, includes valet parking and VIP reception) call 248-663-3401 or visit cbbdetroit.org.

James Hoffa is chairing the Yatooma Foundation Champions for the Kids Golf Tournament Monday, Sept. 24 at Wyndgate Country Club. Barbara & James Rossmann are chairing the anniversary celebration which will follow on Saturday, September 29th at the M1Concourse. The two-part event commemorates 25 years since the passing of Manuel S. Yatooma and 15 years since the foundation began serving Michigan’s kids in his honor and memory. For sponsorships and tickets to both events go to https://forthekidsfoundation.org/champions-for-the-kids-from-the-golf-course-to-the-concourse

Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber’s 15th annual Vine & Dine is 6-9 pm, Tuesday, Sept. 25 at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac. Plans include valet parking, domestic and imported wines, a strolling buffet featuring the finest restaurants, a chance auction benefiting Gleaners Community Food Bank and live entertainment by Axis Music Academy. MiCommunity Bancorp in formation by Rob Farr is the presenting sponsor. For tickets ($85; $95 at the door, with special pricing available for bulk tickets of 12 or more) go to www.bbcc.com/vine-dine/. Connie Beckett and Kelly Shuert are chairing the Variety Feeds Kids Luncheon 11:30 am, Thursday, Sept. 27 at Pine Lake Country Club. It will feature inspirational author/speaker Steve Pemberton, Chief Diversity Officer and Divisional Vice President—Walgreens. The Honorary Chairs are Karen and Alan Barry. For sponsorships and tickets ($125, $225-includes feeding one child for a year) call 248-258-5511, email michelle.murphy@variety5detroit.com or go to https://varietyfeedskids.event.

Sid Moss’ 8th annual Wine & Dine in the D is Thursday, Oct. 4 at the Westin Book Cadillac. Plans include a 5:30 pm round table discussion by some of the most prominent Multiple Myeloma medical experts, designed to educate patients and caregivers about the many new treatment options, followed at 6 pm by a silent auction, gourmet dining on the stroll, fine wine and jazz music. Proceeds support Multiple Myeloma cures and research. For sponsorships and tickets ($175; $275-Patron, includes champagne afterglow) go to http://curemultiplemyeloma.org/wine-and-dine-in-the-d/.

Artist Julie Dawson and musician James Tocco will be honored by the Birmingham Bloomfield Cultural Council at 5:30 – 7:30 pm, Friday, Oct. 5 at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center. The public is invited to the free event.

Michelle & Walter Quillico, Laura Segal and Carol Ziecik are chairing the Pink Fund’s Dancing with the Survivors 6:30 -11:30 pm, Friday, Oct. 5 at the Shriners Silver Garden Center in Southfield. Plans include cocktails, dinner and dancing to benefit breast cancer patients in treatment. Featured dancers are Barbara Biess, Sara Erzen, Cynthia Lutz, Stephanie McKire and LeaAnn Pugh. For tickets ($150) go to www.ThePinkFund.org.

Sarah Early is chairing the 14th annual Belle Isle Conservancy Polish the Jewel Legacy Luncheon 11 am-1:30 pm, Thursday, October 11 at the Detroit Yacht Club. In addition to lunch, plans include networking and mobile bidding in a silent auction. Proceeds will support the BIC Beachfront Revitalization Project. For tickets ($150 per person or $1,500 for a table of 8) go to at www.belleisleconservancy.org/ptj or call 313- 331-7760. Benefactor level tickets (at $2,500 for a Benefactor table, $1,000, $500 or $300 giving levels for individual tickets) as well as corporate sponsorships are also available. Benefactor level tickets include a luncheon celebration on Thursday, Sept. 20.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit’s annual Gala + Art Auction is Friday, Oct. 12 at the museum. It will honor the memory of Julie Reyes Taubman. Details to follow.

Jerry and Patricia Wagner will be honored at the CARE House Care Night, Saturday, Oct. 13 at the Townsend Hotel. For sponsorships and tickets ($250 & up) call 248-333-4936.

The inaugural meeting of 100+ Millennials Who Care is 7 pm, Wednesday, Sept. 19 at the Royal Oak Emagine Theatre. The new non-profit aims to harness the power of collective giving. Membership requires a quarterly donation of $100 and an hour of time to attend the meeting to vote on a recipient charity. For more information contact Michelle Denno at 248-930-5486 or go to www.100millennialswhocare.com.

Jennifer Wheeler is chairing Baldwin Library’s Novel Wine Tasting 6-9 pm, Friday, October 19 at the library. This is the 2018 version of the former Books and Bites. Plans include a silent auction, live jazz music, a photo booth, a wine tasting game, a strolling dinner and desserts from Cannelle Patisserie, Commonwealth, Holiday Market, Noble Fish, Svenska Café, Papa Joes, and Ike’s Restaurant, provided by Uptown Market. The beer tasting is sponsored by Griffin Claw Brewing Company and the wine tasting is sponsored by Uptown Market. For tickets ($75, $65 for ages 65 and older) go to www.baldwinlib.org/booksandbites. Proceeds from the event will help fund the expansion and renovation of the Youth Room. Silent auction donations are welcome and sponsorship opportunities are available. Event sponsors at the $1,000 level or higher will be commemorated on an Honor Roll Donor plaque in the new Youth Room and will receive four event tickets.

The Lear Corporation is presenting the 6th annual HAVEN Tailgate 12 pm, Sunday, Oct. 21,at Red Run Country Club (2036 Rochester Road, Royal Oak). Plans include a barbecue buffet, bloody Marys, craft beer, open bar, cigars, special liquor tastings, football squares, silent and live auctions and Detroit Lions legends teaming up to tackle domestic and sexual violence. WDIV’s Jamie Edwards will emcee the program. For sponsorships call Blanca at 248.322.3703. For tickets ($125 until 10/8, $150 after 10/8; $60 – under 35) go to https://www.haven-oakland.org/events/haven-tailgate.

Save the date for the 20th annual Cookies and Dreams, a cookie contest benefiting Friends of Camp Mak-A-Dream, a cost-free camp for children and young adults touched by cancer. It is 5-7:30. Wednesday, Oct. 24 at Somerset Collection North.

Michigan Supreme Court Justice David Viviano will emcee the fifth annual Friends of Foster Kids Fundraiser, 6-9 pm, Thursday, Oct. 25 at Troy’s San Marino Club. Plans include food stations, cash bar, raffles and a 50/50 drawing. Go to https://friendsoffosterkids.org/events/5th-annual-fall-fundraiser/ for tickets ($100).

Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Dan Loepp is chairing the Alzhimer’s Association’s Chocolate Jubilee Gala - A Night in Havana - Saturday, Oct. 27 at the MGM Grand. Plans include a Pre-Glow at 6:30 pm for donors of $2,500 +, dinner at 7 pm, the chocolate samplings at 9 pm. For sponsorships and more information go to https://alz.org/gmc/events/chocolate_jubilee_gala/.

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