Assistance League Mistletoe Marketplace Kerri Vizena chaired the Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan’s 15th annual holidaythemed fundraiser that brought more than 760 supporters ($85 ticket) to the Palazzo Grande. Shopping at the 29 vendor booths was a big attraction. An appealing silent auction, two cash raffles, an extensive basket raffle and the for-sale centerpieces provided other “shopping” opportunities before the sit-down luncheon. The program had highlights. ALSM President Nancy Troyer put all the chapter’s community programs in the spotlight. Honorary chair Fox-2’s Monica Gayle spoke movingly about ALSM’s Operation School Bell clothing distribution program. Her sentiments were echoed from firsthand experience by the principal and a widowed father from a beneficiary school. Speakers from two other beneficiaries also thanked the donors for “…making a real difference in the lives of thousands of children and their families.” The annual event raised more than $113,000, making significant inroads on the chapter’s $388,000 annual philanthropic budget. Each year it helps clothe, feed, educate and comfort 20,000 residents (infants, children, adults) in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. FAR Friends and Fa-La-La For the past 18 years, one of the happiest events on the calendar occurs in the Seligman Performing Arts Center at Detroit Country Day School the night FAR showcases some of its 1,300 members with special needs. The singing and dancing, including the parent-child ballroom dance scene, evokes ear-toear smiles and rousing applause. This year about 550 ($75 ticket) were in the audience that also applauded when FAR president Pamela Ayres honored Variety, The Children’s Charity and Hero Awardee Steven Teich , and when music therapist Renea Murphy presented Ron Piotrowski with the Volunteer of the Year Award. Before the show, event chairs Cynthia Lutz and Julie Kowalik greeted the 120 reception Silver Circle guests ($150 ticket) who sipped and supped at a reception and at the Afterglow where the performers high-fived their fans. The evening raised $85,000 for FAR’s therapeutic arts and recreation programs. Supporters will gather again at the Townsend on April 12 for downtownpublications.com
Ladies of Charity Friendsgiving Luncheon
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1. Tom Panico (left), Mia Materka (standing) of Bloomfield and Denny Dinan-Panico of Troy. 2. Lois Fredericks Thornbury (left) of Bloomfield, Paul Diehl of Dearborn, Marcia Fredericks McGratty of Warren, NJ. 3. Kathi Tauscher of Troy, Patricia Montemurri of Dearborn. 4. Mary Jo Johnston (left) of Birmingham, Rose Obloy of Bloomfield. 5. Sue Andrews (left), Mary Sue Everly and Donna Delacourt of Bloomfield, Maureen Kowal of Beverly Hills.
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Assistance League Mistletoe Marketplace
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1. Monica Gayle (left) of W. Bloomfield, Kerri Vizena and Nancy Troyer of Rochester Hills. 2. Daralene Laskowski of Rochester Hills. 3. Kathryn Ambrose (left) and Jennifer Andries of Birmingham. 4. Dee Berry (left) of Troy, Diane Masternick of Rochester. 5. Gaye Carson (left) of Auburn Hills; Cindy Walsh of Rochester Hills.
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