Barbara Hendel: Boxing club program, fund-raiser aims to 'knock out' Parkinson's disease

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Jun. 10—Fund-raisers and parties just for fun are popping up all over.

THE Knock Out Parkinson's Disease fund-raiser presented by the International Boxing Club at Stone Oak Country Club on June 3 raised approximately $43,000 for the Knock Out Parkinson's Program, which is free for participants who suffer from the brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination.

A social hour and silent auction was followed by a sit-down dinner, a live auction, and speeches by special guests Bruce Gradkowski, the former professional quarterback who played college football at the University of Toledo; Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini, a former professional boxer; and Bryant Perrella, another boxer who competes in the welterweight division.

Tom Runnels, a former infielder, coach and manager in Major League Baseball, as well as husband of emcee Chrys Peterson, was also there.

Among the more than 200 attendees were Barrie and Bob Howell, event chairman; Sam and John Tharp, former Lucas County sheriff; Carol and Tim Stansfield; Ann and Pat Giammarco; Darcy and Randy Mann; Pixie and Phil Noble; Karen Jarosz and Mike Bell, former mayor of Toledo; Connie and Don Warner; Scott and Kathi Prephan; Laura and John Oehlers; Duane Horst; Cindy and Mike Farrar, and Harry Cummins, IBC founder and coach for at-risk kids.

A BRINGING Home the Bacon Fund-raiser and Scavenger Hunt Ride presented by Signature Harley-Davidson and the Glass City H.O.G. Chapter 3753 was June 5 at the Perrysburg dealership. The $2,364.44 raised, which includes the $1,000 match from Signature Harley-Davidson, benefited the SeaGate Food Bank of Northwest Ohio's F.I.R.S.T. Program (Families in Recovery Sticking Together) to help feed more than 500 plus families each month via the program, according to Jo An Matney, board president.

After the ride, participants returned to the Signature Harley-Davidson for refreshments at We Be Ribs Food Truck.

Prizes were gift cards from Signature Harley-Davidson. The rider/team with the most accumulated points received $100; second place, $75; and third place, $50.

SeaGate Food Bank is Ohio's only independent food bank. One hundred percent of donations stay right here in our community. Food is distributed to more than 400 pantries and programs that serve individuals, and a senior program delivers more than 5,600 food supplements each month as well. The bank also provides food to more than 1,100 veterans' families. There are only 11 full-time staff, but hundreds of dedicated volunteers and sponsors who all share in the commitment to eradicate hunger.

JUST for fun were the giant golden "97" balloons flying high at Manhattan's Pub 'n Cheer brunch on Sunday on D-Day in honor of Nancy Gilmore's birthday. Everyone in the place made a special point to stop by to congratulate the birthday gal that looks more like 79.

Mrs. Gilmore, known to many as Aunt Nancy, grew up in Birckhead Place in Toledo and graduated from Scott High School. She's a big "go blue" fan since her alma mater is the University of Michigan. She has outlived two husbands and one son, but she keeps on trucking with her smile and positive attitude. Her D-Day birthday is significant because she served in WWII in the WAVES, which stands for Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, military unit, established on July 30, 1942, as the U.S. Navy's corps of female members. She's still going strong and loves to get out and about. When she departed the restaurant, staff and guests gave her a standing ovation. Happy Birthday, Aunt Nancy!

Barbara Hendel is The Blade's society editor. Contact her at bhendel@theblade.com or call 419-724-6124.