A sold-out crowd of more than 350 people filled Guy’s Party Centre in Akron on March 7 for the 31st annual luncheon, style show, silent auction and raffle presented by the Women’s Board of Catholic Charities of Summit County.
The fundraiser generated nearly $17,000 -- about $2,000 more than the 2018 event, said Lori Limbacher, event chair.
“We had to turn people away,” Limbacher said, adding the fundraiser also attracted a record number of sponsorships.
“We will distribute $16,500 for camperships at Camp Christopher, hot meal programs at Blessed Trinity and Visitation of Mary parishes in Akron and counseling programs,” Limbacher said. The disbursements were approved earlier this month by the Women’s Board.
In addition to the silent auction, there was a fashion show with spring clothing and accessories from Chico’s in Hudson modeled by members of the Women’s Board. Luncheon attendees could purchase stickers for $10 that would purchase three meals in the Catholic Charities hot meal program at either Blessed Trinity or Visitation of Mary.
Auction items included sculptures, modern artwork, designer bags from Kate Spade, Vera Bradley and more, many gift certificates to local eateries, golf courses, the Akron Civic Theater, Akron Zoo and more. Limbacher said the 50/50 raffle had a record-setting split of $750.
The sewing ladies contributed a variety of homemade bakery items that were sold at Grandmas Kitchen to raise money to purchase yarn and supplies for their projects. The group makes and donates knitted items that are placed in the Women’s Board’s Bags of Love which are distributed at Christmas time. Last year, the Women’s Board adopted 35 needy families that were identified by Catholic Charities, Summit County and provided Christmas gifts for them.
Limbacher said the sewing ladies also help the Christ Child Society of Akron by making burp cloths, clothing and other items for layettes that the Christ Child Society provides to new mothers in need.
“The ladies also help with hats and scarves for people at the Catholic Charities meal programs in order to meet their needs,” Limbacher said.
The luncheon featured VIP waiters – men from the community and husbands of board members – who served drinks at each table.
Limbacher said the event committee is hoping to reconfigure the room to add more seats for next year’s fundraiser.
There are about 42 active members of the Women’s Board, which was organized in 1968.
“They are a wonderful group of women. We all have different skill sets and everyone is willing to step up and share their expertise, to do whatever they can to help,” Limbacher added.
