Photo by Evelyn Cairns
Artist Joe Scott holds one of the paintings he donated for the silent auction at the Southern Great Lakes Symphony Backstage Pass IV fundraiser March 15 at Crystal Gardens. Looking on are the symphony’s music director, Charles Greenwell, and SGLS President Debbie Nykiel. The event, which raised $28,000, was attended by 130 symphony supporters.
By Evelyn Cairns
One hundred thirty supporters of the Southern Great Lakes Symphony gathered at Crystal Gardens in Southgate March 15 for the symphony’s Backstage Pass IV, a gala fundraiser that included music by symphony members, live and silent auctions and dinner.
The event raised approximately $28,000, according to auction co-chairman Cliff St. Pierre, who said the auctions, a raffle and donations alone raised about $9,000.
Among the live-auction items were airplane and boat trips. The 65 live-auction items included paintings, jewelry, dinners, wine, gift baskets, beauty and dental services and food.
Patrick Paddock was chairman of the benefit. Committee chairmen and co-chairmen were George Gullen, Joe Hoshaw, Debby Mitek, Robert Malone and Kevin Ryan.
Plans are under way for symphony’s next concert on April 21, to be followed by an afterglow at Fratello’s restaurant.
Law Center forum slated
A forum for prospective foster or adoptive parents will be held April 8 in Lincoln Park under the auspices of the Michigan Children’s Law Center and the city’s Ministerial Association and Exchange Club.
The forum, titled “Foster Parenting and Adoption: A New Beginning for Abused and Neglected Children,” will begin at 6 p.m. at the Bethel Assembly of God Church, 2984 Fort St. Refreshments will be served.
Presiding Judge Christopher D. Dingell of the Wayne County Juvenile Court will join child attorneys and adoption and foster-care specialists to discuss and answer questions about related rules and procedures. Adoptive and foster parents will be present to talk about their experiences.
According to Fred Gruber, executive director of the Michigan Children’s Law Center, there are at least 300 children in Michigan waiting to be adopted, and there is a need to find more than 300 new foster homes. For additional information, call Gruber at 734-281-1900 or go to www.miclc.org.
Save the date . . .
March 30 — Bassant spring recital; 6:30 p.m. at the Costick Center, 28600 11 Mile Road, Farmington Hills; tickets are $15 and $25 in advance; $20 and $30 at the door; for more information, call the Chau-ladevi Institute of Dance and Yoga at 248-661-3580.
April 5 — Opening reception for The Detroit Society of Women Painters & Sculptors’ “Celebrating 110 Years” Art Exhibit; 6 to 8 p.m. in the main gallery of the Downriver Council for the Arts at the James R. DeSana Center for Arts & Culture; 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte; the exhibit will continue through April 26; for additional information call 734-720-0672 or go to www.downriverarts.org.
April 5 —Overture Society of the Southern Great Lakes Symphony benefit for the symphony; “Welcome Spring” performance by banjoist Bill Jackson & Friends; 7 p.m. at the Grecian Center, 16300 Dix-Toledo Hwy., Southgate; for tickets, $20, call Gloria King, 313-386-9305 or 313-690-3644 by March 29.
April 27 — Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center fund-raiser, “First Impressions” Spring Fashion Show; 11:30 a.m. at the Grecian Center, 16300 Dix-Toledo Hwy., Southgate; for tickets, $35, and more information, call 734-771-7945 or go to www.dypac.com.
May 3, 4, 5 — Art Ambience Fine Art Exhibition and Miniature Show, with opening reception on May 3; no admission charge; the application deadline for art works is April 15; for more information, call Judy Nelms at 734-634-4800 or Maureen Keast at 734-777-6109.
May 31, June 1, 2 — Thirty-first annual country-music celebration: WYCD Downtown Hoedown; at Comerica Park; for tickets, $20 per day, go to www.Ticketmaster.com, the Fox Theatre or Joe Louis Arena box offices, or call 800-745-3000 (three-day passes are already sold out).