Week of 10.1.18

Women Of Tomorrow Girls On Track

From the moment the 250 guests ($200 & up) picked up their pit pass from the friendly Women Of Tomorrow mentees at the M1 Concourse party tent registration table, the action was on. It began with the moving, conveyer belt table presentations of hors d’oeuvres by Parties by Paula and continued on the track. More than 100 took thrill rides. Among those was WW II bomber pilot Mort Harris who said he loved the ride and was ready for another. When guests weren’t in the Dodge Hellcat with a professional driver they could “ride” the M1 simulator, sip cocktails, savor fare from the Hunter House food truck, get a hand rolled cigar and a photo booth picture, all accompanied by live Motown music. During the program, event co-host Laurie “lead footed” Cunnington profusely thanked the sponsors (see photo gallery) of the mentor and scholarship program founded in Florida in 1999 by Jennifer Valoppi. Both the founder and Florine Mark noted the eight-year-old Detroit chapter’s 97 percent high school graduation rate for the more than 1,200 girls it empowers and the wish for more women to join the other 150 mentors. Emcee Paula Tutman also conducted a brief live auction and elicited more than $50,000 in outright pledges. This brought the event proceeds to more than $200,000 to get girls on the right track to reach their full potential.

JET Annual Gala

More than 600 attended the Jewish Ensemble Theatre Annual Gala chaired by Wendy Kohlenberg and Suzi Terebelo at Temple Israel. It featured a performance by the renowned Capitol Steps, the satirists that puts the "mock" in democracy. The current show, "Make America Grin Again," included material that was literally from that day's news and jabbed both sides of the political aisle. More than 300 of the guests ($180 & up) had gathered before the show for a strolling dinner and to see a rendering of JET’s new home. After 29 years at its location in the Jewish Community Center, JET is moving to Walled Lake (1124 E. West Maple Road) beginning spring 2019. The new space will afford ample parking and the ability to create summer theatre camps, senior acting classes and to host other performing arts. In addition to presenting award-winning equity productions, JET has reached nearly half a million students with live performances of "The Diary of Anne Frank" and its original anti-bullying shows. The Gala netted over $55,000 for JET plus nearly $10,000 in support of student outreach.

Loyola Legacy Gala

The high school founded 25 years ago by the late Malcolm Carron SJ to serve young urban men is going strong as evidenced by the 250 founding members, supporters and alums who convened, first for Mass at Sts. Peter and Paul Church and then for a party at Port Detroit’s Waterview Loft. The guests of honor were Adam Cardinal Maida, Archbishop Allen Vignero and Jesuit fathers Joseph Daoust, Brian Paulson, David Mastrangelo and Kenneth Styles. The program that followed a strolling dinner accentuated the school’s history and bright future, based in part on the fact that for eight straight years 100 percent of the graduating class has been accepted by colleges. To conclude the program current LHS President, Fr. Mark Luedtke, SJ lead a “Quiz Bowl” competition between the founders and the alumni. The latter won the trivia contest in convincing fashion. Motown hits performed by the Larry Lee Back in the Day Band capped off the celebration. The event raised over $100,000 to benefit scholarshipst for the students of Loyola High School

The Children's Center Tour de Fork

Nearly 380 supporters of The Children’s Center ($55, $60, $150-VIP) gathered in Eastern Market’s Shed 3 for the annual Tour de Fork. In addition to plates and pours from Detroit eateries, diversions included games, music and a raffle that offered a two-night stay at the Grand Hotel and raised $4,000. Guests also voted for Brome Eatery to win the Forkie Award. Thanks to generous sponsors like Ford, Cadillac Asphalt LLC, Gentherm, Robert Bosch LLC, Varnum Law, Federal-Mogul Powertrain and PCO Engineering the casual evening netted more than $75,000 to help fund the comprehensive services TCC provides annually to 7,500 families.

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

Birmingham House Tour

Hospice of Michigan’s SPEED – A Chandeliers Event

The Community House Movie Marathon

Camp Casey Gold Rush Gala

Rochester Area Neighborhood House 50th Anniversary

Hickory Sticks Evans Scholar Fundraiser

Parade Company Distinguished Clowns Grand Jester’s Reception

100+ Millennials Who Care Launch

Hall and Hunter Habitat for Humanity Estate Sale

The Community House SIP Food & Wine Classic

New Day Foundation for Families Hope Shines Gala

Karmanos Partners Night

American Cancer Society Cattle Baron’s Ball

Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber Vine & Dine

Habitat for Humanity Design Challenge

Variety Feeds Kids Luncheon

MOT Gala

Yatooma Foundation Champions for the Kids

AHEAD FOR SOCIAL LIGHTS

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 Furniture Bank’s 9th Annual Comedy Night fundraiser is Thursday, Oct. 11, 6:00 – 9:00 PM at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle in Royal Oak. Plans include a full buffet dinner, 50/50 raffle live auction and main act - Jeff Nease, a Midwestern-bred comic with a global following. For sponsorships and tickets ($50) go to www.events@furniturebank.org.

Linda Dresner, Elle Elder, Elyse Foltyn, Andrea Morganroth, Gregory Parkinson, Terese Reyes, Nedda Shayota and Jane Schulak are the host committee for the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit’s annual Gala + Art Auction 7 pm, Friday, Oct. 12 at the museum. It will honor the memory of Julie Reyes Taubman. Plans include valet parking, “Lust for Life” attire, cocktails, a silent auction, seated dinner, remarks by Bobby Taubman, entertainment until midnight by Detroit DJ Norm Talley . For tickets ($1,000 & up) call 313-832-6622 or go to www.mocadetroit.org/gala.

Marla Feldman, Mike Jackson and Lisa & Alex MacDonald are chairing the CARE House Care Night, Saturday, Oct. 13 at the Townsend Hotel. It will honor Jerry and Pat Wagner. Plans include valet parking, cocktails, dinner, a live auction and entertainment by Bluewater Kings Band. For sponsorships and tickets ($250 & up) contact Chad at 248-332-7173 or cozias@carehouse.org.

The annual Homes for Autism Ring of Hope Dinner is 6 pm, Saturday, Oct.13 at the Village Club. It will pay tribute to the late Bob Wangbichler and honoree Fr. Joseph Dailey, Karen Swietlik and Mike Evola. Plans include cocktails, dinner, a silent auction and music by String Theory. For tickets $250; $400 per couple) call 586-477-0493.

Beth Ann Richardson is chairing Lakeshore Legal Aid’s Annual Event 5:30 – 7:30 pm, Thursday, Oct. 18 at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant (461 Piquette St, Detroit, MI 48202.). Plans include free self-parking, live music, hors d'Oeuvres, a hosted bar, networking and antique cars, to celebrate Lakeshore’s impactful legal work with seniors and low-income clients in 47 Michigan counties. For tickets ($75, $50-student) go to https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/LakeshoreLegalAid_1/annualevent.html.

Jennifer Wheeler is chairing Baldwin Library’s Novel Wine Tasting 6 – 9 pm, Friday, Oct. 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. The beer tasting is sponsored by Griffin Claw Brewing Company and the wine tasting is sponsored by Uptown Market. Proceeds will help fund the expansion and renovation of the Youth Room. Silent auction donations are welcome. For sponsorships and tickets ($75, $65 for ages 65 and older) go to www.baldwinlib.org/booksandbites.

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.

The Community Foundation of Greater Rochester eighth annual Tailgate Party is 6 pm, Thursday, Oct. 25 at the Royal Park Hotel. It will celebrate the football season and the Foundation’s 35th anniversary as well as launch the new Community Enhancement Fund. Plans for the casual event include fan attire, tailgate-style food, cash bar, self-parking and performances by local high schools. For sponsorships and tickets $65) go to www.cfound.org. To become a Community Enhancement Fund 35th Anniversary Donor contact the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester at 248-608-2804.

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/.

The Opening Night of the OUR TOWN Art Show and Sale is Thursday, Nov. 1 at The Community House.

The Habitat for Humanity Oakland Fall Extravaganza is Thursday, Nov. 1 at the Troy Marriott. For sponsorships and tickets ($185, $265) call 248-338-1843 or go to https://www.habitatoakland.org/6th-annual-fall-extravaganza/.

The House of Providence Wishes Gala is 6 pm, Friday, Nov. 2 at the Royal Park Hotel. Plans include strolling hors d’oeuvres, dinner and a program emceed by Chuck Gaidica, Go to https://www.thehofp.org/wishesgala for tickets $125). Proceeds benefit girls in foster care.

Julie Pietrosante and Annette Royce are chairing Christ Child Society Night of Angels Saturday, Nov. 3 at Bloomfield Hills Country Club. Plans include a revival of the old-fashioned Feather Party with cocktails at 6 pm, dinner, BINGO and dancing at 7:30 pm, plus raffles, live and silent auctions. For ticket ($175) go to www.ccsdetroit.org.

Judson Center Rewind Gala Saturday, Nov. 3 at the MGM Grand. For tickets and sponsorships go to Events at www.judsoncenter.org.

Mary Beth Castorri, Lauren Eaton and Carol Quigley are chairing the Sky Foundation 10th Anniversary Celebration 1 pm, Sunday, Nov.4 at the MGM Grand. Plans include hors d’oeuvres, lunch, program emceed by WXYZ’s Alicia Smith, a wine pull raffle, live auction and a performance by NUCLASISCA. For tickets ($135 and up) call 248-385-5143 or go to www.skyfoundationinc.org.

The Julian Boivin Courage for Cures Foundation 8th annual Brave Knight Benefit for pediatric brain tumor research is Saturday, Nov. 10 at the Townsend Hotel. Plans include a seated dinner, silent and live auctions, raffle prizes and dancing. Proceeds of the 2018 Brave Knight will fund research grants at U-M's Chad Carr Pediatric Brain Tumor Center and The DIPG Collaborative. To donate an auction item, become a sponsor, or inquire further, call (248) 790-2350.

South Oakland Shelter Dancing with the Detroit Stars is 7 pm, Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Townsend Hotel. Plans include strolling food stations, open bar and watching as five couples compete for the winners’ trophy based on the decision of celebrity judges. For tickets ($200) and sponsorships go to https://my.southoaklandshelter.org/dancing/.

Emilie Mardigian Fitch and Nanette Drouillard are chairing Grace Center of Hope’s Night of Hope 7 pm, Friday, Nov.30 at the Townsend Hotel. Plans include valet parking, strolling dinner stations, live music and dancing, silent and live auctions, photo booth and stories about the children whose lives have been impacted by the children's programs at Grace Centers of Hope. For tickets ($95-dinner, cash bar; $135 – VIP dinner & cocktails) and sponsorships call Kim Wehner at 248-334-2187 ext 1140 or Olivia Jones at ojones@gracecentersofhope.org, (248) 334-2187 ext. 1142 or go to http://weblink.donorperfect.com/NightofHope.

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