Barbara Hendel: United Way eyes the future, while Schedel Gardens fete celebrates the present

Jul. 25—FACING west as the sun set on a picturesque view of Lake Erie from the Catawba Island home of Ed and Shirley Carlson, United Way of Greater Toledo held one of its quarterly Tocqueville Talks for the organization's major donors and some key Ottawa County residents.

United Way of Greater Toledo Tocqueville Society members are an exclusive group of influential and philanthropic minds to invest in long term positive community change. The society is named for Alexis Charles-Henri de Tocqueville, who in the late 1830s noted that advancing the common good means creating opportunities for a better life for all. There are multiple levels of membership ranging from $10,000 to $249,999.

While guests were treated to hors d'oeuvres and desserts from Bistro 163, paired with an excellent selection of wines, the focus of the July 14 evening's conversation was sharing updates and community impact data, particularly around the new request for proposals process that was just completed in Lucas, Wood, and Ottawa counties. The nonprofit social service organizations and programs approved for the next funding cycle will collaboratively address the most pressing needs in each county in the areas of health, education, financial stability and housing, all with the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion.

The full guest list included Kevin Gilmore and Linda Hillstrom, United Way of Greater Toledo's newest Tocqueville Society chairmen; Jill Kegler, United Way of Greater Toledo board chairman, and hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Carlson.

Also, Diane and Hal Hawk, Stu and JoJo Goldberg, Eric Croak and Charine Mourad, Tim Croak, Chris Singerling, Nick and Jenna Gerber, Ken and Jean Lovejoy, Cindy Staudt, Marsha Bordner and Harold Brown, a former Tuskegee airman; Tyson and Katie Smith, and Elaine Canning and Dan Kory.

United Way of Greater Toledo staff were there, too: Mary Fedderke, vice president, resource development; Jill Bunge, senior director, community impact; Jessica Singerling, United Way of Ottawa County donor relations manager; Chad Rutkowski, senior development officer; Scott Schultz, director of development and corporate relations; and Olivia Barhorst, development officer.

NEARLY 60 Life and Schedel Society members and other benefactors of the Schedel Arboretum & Gardens in Elmore braved the early evening thunder showers to attend the Directors Reception on July 15. The annual event, held in appreciation of those invested in the mission of the non-profit 17 acre botanical garden, was forced to move inside, but the rain didn't dampen the festivities.

"All of our investors are very important and special to the thousands of beneficiaries that are able to enjoy unique opportunities for the study and appreciation of nature and the arts provided through your generosity," noted Rod Noble, executive director of the Schedel Foundation. "But, you folks are extra special for your support of special projects and continuing to make significant investments, particularly during these tough times," he added.

Recognized for recent Life Membership were Dick and Judy Kuhlman of Elmore and Mike and Carol Fahle of Point Place. The Fahles were also thanked for their major gift this year toward the establishment of a daylily demonstration garden on the grounds and they provided the daylilies from their extensive personal home collection.

In between showers, guests viewed the new daylily garden and toured the recently opened Blair Museum of Lithophanes, the only museum of its kind in the U.S. exhibiting the largest collection of the 19th century artform in the world, according to Mr. Noble.

Guests enjoyed cocktails and gourmet appetizers by Three Dudes & Dinner from Tecumseh, and musical entertainment by Chris Buzzelli of Bowling Green.

Seen were Ed and Laura Harmon of Perrysburg, Tom and Mary Noe of Genoa, Joe and Brenda Stearns of Fostoria, Bob and Mary Jane Gibson of Port Clinton, Frank and Gail Lazzaro of Woodville, and Mark and Nancy Reilly of Port Clinton who was celebrating her birthday.

Also attending: Bob and Sue Savage of Toledo, Scott and Kathy Prephan of Perrysburg, Milt and Lee Hakel of Bowling Green, Sue and Bill Horvath, a board member, of Toledo, Kathy and Dick Faist of Sylvania, Blair Miller of Elmore, a former board member, Pat McAlear of Rossford, and others.

The Schedel is at 19255 W. Portage River South Road in Elmore. For information visit schedel-gardens.org.

The next big event is the annual Schedel Garden Party, 2- 5 p.m. Sept. 12. For reservations see the website or call 419-862-3182.

VOLUNTEER Aug. 1 at the 40th annual Sylvania Triathlon, duathlon, aquabike and relay at Olander Park and they'll feed you, too! No experience required. Choose your spot by visiting the online signup platform at Sylvania TriathlonVolunteer where options are listed for what type of jobs are open and when. There is everything from packet pickup, and marshalls to security, water safety, refreshments and more.

Groups, teams and families are encouraged to volunteer together. Volunteers get event T-shirts, refreshments, a meal, beer and lots of hi-fives and verbal gratitude, plus the satisfaction of giving in support of others.

This year's charities are Olander Park and the Sylvania Community Action Team.

Sponsors include Dave's Running Shop, Skylight Financial Group, Yark Nissan, Run Toledo, CycleWerks, PT Link Physical Therapy, and Safe Splash and Swim Labs.

For questions, call Michelle at 419-494-7377.