pancreatic cancer survivor Sheila Kasselman’s project to find an early marker for pancreatic cancer gathered at the Townsend Hotel to hear the latest research news. The program emceed by WXYZ’s Alicia Smith included presentations by Gazala Kahn, MD; Timothy Frankel, MD; and Clare Thibodeaux, PhD. Their messages combined to offer knowledge and hope. The cocktail hour gathering also garnered nearly $30,000 for SKY Foundation research grants. HAVEN’s Blossom Gala Here’s betting the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market never looked classier than the evening 440 HAVEN supporters ($200, $500, $75 tickets) gathered there for the agency’s spring fundraiser. While more than 100 convened briefly for the VIP reception, most perused the extensive silent auction of 124 items displayed around the room’s perimeter or bought raffle cards while Detroit Circus artists performed. Paula Tutman emceed the dinner program which had highlights: presentation of the Heart of HAVEN award to Jeff and Jennifer Farber following a video that illustrated HAVEN’s impactful new, Farber Family Pet Center which they donated; abuse survivor Kelly Mays’ powerful saga of her long journey to independence inspired by her daughter’s threat (“...you leave or I will”); energetic pledging led by auctioneer Jim Alban that raised a record $69,825; and the live auction of eight great items that raised $25,150. Thanks also to sponsors, the Blossom Gala raised a new record total of $384,083 for HAVEN’s programs to end domestic violence and support survivor empowerment. Alzheimer’s Association Spring Soiree We always consider it a sign of an organization’s vitality when there are lots of new faces amid the loyalists at a charity event. Such was the case at the AA Spring Soiree which drew more than 215 ($75 and up tickets) to Neiman Marcus to sip, savor and shop before Mother’s Day. In addition, guests also bought more than 170 raffle tickets ($50 each) for the chance to win four seasons of NM shoes. During the very brief program, 12 caregivers who were invited to enjoy a well-deserved evening out were saluted. Rachel and Christian Adenaas, Tara and Steven Grekin, Tammy and Joe Haney, Danielle and Andrew Petcoff, Lori and Lawrence Rapp, Amie and Daniel Stern and Whitney and Eliot Weiner comprised downtownpublications.com
HAVEN’s Blossom Gala
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1. Honorees Jeff & Jennifer Farber of Bloomfield. 2. Board members Carole Winnard Brumm (left) of Bloomfield and Lara Phillip of Rochester Hills, Catherine Fetsco of Rochester. 3. Pat Hardy (left) of Bloomfield, Jimmie Brown (aka rapper Supa Emdee) & keynote speaker Kelly Mays of Westland. 4. Sponsor Kelly Services’ Steven & Sarah Green of Rochester Hills. 5. Jerry & past board member Marja Norris of Birmingham.
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Alzheimer’s Association Spring Soiree
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1. Steven (left) & Tara Grekin of Bloomfield and Tammy & Joe Haney of Grosse Pointe. 2. Whitney & Eliot Weiner of Birmingham. 3. Michelle (left) & Nathan Mersereau of Birmingham, Amie & Dan Stern of Bloomfield. 4. Lori (left) & Larry Rapp of Bloomfield, Jennifer Leppard of Royal Oak. 5. Danielle & Andrew Petcoff of Birmingham.
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ORT and the City
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1. Stephanie Freedman (left) of Bloomfield, Deborah Rosenthal of Franklin and Julie Rothstein of W. Bloomfield. 2. Jolie Altman of Birmingham. 3. Nate Forbes (left) of Franklin, Michelle Blau of W. Bloomfield, Veronika Scott of Detroit, Erika George of Birmingham. Photos: Jay Dreifus Photography.
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