Diamonds and Denim a Glittering Success

Tom and Traci Schwann take a spin at Diamonds and Denim.

There are countless facets on the gem of gratitude the Toledo Opera Guild has for everyone who came to the recent Diamonds and Denim fundraiser and who helped make it such a glittering success.

The event Dec. 8 at the Toledo Club netted nearly $24,000 for the Toledo Opera, including $1,700 that will help bring Opera on Wheels to three more schools in the Toledo area.

Auctioneer Richard Leonard and his crew raised $1,700 for a mink-trimmed black leather trench coat donated by Roth Furs and $1,000 for the president's suite at a University of Toledo basketball game donated by Shirley Joseph. Mr. Leonard made the night extra exciting by enticing folks to dig into their jeans pockets and outdo each other with cash donations. Hundred dollar bills started flying and generous donations in the thousands of dollars were made, totaling $12,000.

ICE in ice.

Hot tickets among the silent auction merchandise in the Grand Lobby included gift certificates to area businesses and a vintage Harley Davidson motorcycle helmet. Co-chairmen Shelli Jacobs and Traci Schwann appreciate everyone's generosity and give special thanks to Kelly Rechtenwald for making the tables look so festive.

The handsome wine auction tables presented by "stellar cellar" ladies Barbara Baker and Diane Rusk transformed the Centennial Room into a rustic winery in the heart of France. They offer a toast to Marcy McMahon for her help and to the generous donations of bottles from Toledo Opera Association board members, guild members and wine connoisseurs. Great Lakes Lighting did a great job illuminating their efforts.

Congratulations to Paula Hudson, of ShapeMyJeans, whose flute of champagne from Soto Signature Loft and Spa contained the real loose diamond from Jeffrey Mann Fine Jewelers.

Grand Lubell Photography captured guests' imaginary cruises astride a custom Chopper motorcycle loaned by Charlies' Automotive. Owner Charlie Ferhrenbach is now qualified for the circus after the stunning ride of faith he took off the photo stage at the end of the evening. It's not every day that one sees a motorcycle rolling through the club.

I <3 Toledo Opera.

The buffet tables were laden with delectable dishes from Chef Michael Rosendaul, including burger sliders, savory meatballs, grilled cheese-bacon-apple sandwiches, spinach cream-filled phyllo cups, boursin cheese-filled deep-fried mushrooms, pita and hummus, crudites with blue cheese dip, and dessert of chocolate truffles, carrot cake and berry tarts. In the middle of it all was a stunning ice sculpture from Ice Creations featuring the logo of ICE Restaurant and Bar.

Guests danced the night away to the toe-tapping tunes of Calvin Hughes Jazz Band and to the hip-shaking rock 'n' roll of Second Wind.

Parting gifts included a diamond-topped bottle opener, chocolate-dipped spoons from Toledo SOUP, magnetic clips from Charlies', and promotional material and discount coupons from ICE, Soto, ShapeMyJeans and Metroparks of Toledo. Perhaps the most endearing, if not enduring, souvenirs were the temporary tattoos from Kodi Klo of Toledo Tattoo Company of music notes, flowers, diamonds, and a heart declaring love for the Toledo Opera.

Many thanks to event co-chairmen Bonnie Milano and Rebecca Conklin Kleiboemer and the rest of the committee, which also included Cindy Niggemyer, Mary Beaber, Barb Bettinger, Patty Etue Stephens, Linda McBee, Carol Sizemore, Judith Conda, Susan Conda, Barbara Brown, Lexie Schwann, Laura Draheim, Judith Landry and Eleanore Darmofal.

Blade society editor Barbara Hendel's write-up of the event can be found here, and Girl in the Glass City's photo gallery can be found here.