Fundraiser Information

ART & AUTISM

On Thursday, August 30, 2012, Top Chef Masters contestant Celina Tio will demonstrate her award-winning skills in a unique, collaborative fundraising benefit on behalf of The Arts Commission and the autism programs of the Toledo Children’s Hospital. This event is held in the private home of Barbara Steele and Alan Kimpel in Perrysburg, Ohio. Last year’s event raised almost $300,000 for the two organizations. This year, organizers hope to raise $1 million to support local programming.

Ms. Tio will be joined by Chef Chris Jones, Moto Restaurant, Chicago; and Chef Sameh Wadi, Saffron Restaurant, Minneapolis. Numerous local restaurants and caterers also support the event with their signature creations. Those restaurants are: Fifi’s Reprise, Mancy’s Steakhouse, Mancy’s Bluewater Grille, The Beirut, Byblos, Bar 145, Burger Bar 419, Rosie’s Italian Grille, Poco Piatti, Evans Street Station, Georgio’s Café International, Veggie U, Koto Buki, Petit Fours Patisserie & Café, Chef Marcel Fine Catering, Cynthia’s Catering, Rachel Michaels Gourmet Popcorn, Registry Bistro and Artisanal Pastries/Karyn Hajjar.

Artwork for the invitation, signage, and other promotional materials was adapted from a floral painting by a five-year old who is autistic. Amick Olsen, the child of Brooke and Lars Olsen, did the original oil painting in a workshop in the spring. B-creative studios graphic designer Brent Lohmann adapted the design for the materials.

The evening will feature an auction of unique experiences and artworks by regional and national artists. Apprentices in the Young Artists at Work program will create three custom garden benches based on works painted by children with autism. The public may bid on auction items online in advance of the event.

Entertainment will be provided by Eliot Lewis. Eliot, an independent artist and multi-instrumentalist, has been performing sold out shows all over the world for several years as a band member of Daryl Hall & John Oates. Eliot is also a featured musician on the award-winning web series and now weekly TV show "Live From Daryl’s House."

Event Chairs: The event is chaired by Rita N.A. Mansour, a long-time supporter of both organizations. Honorary chairs are George and Leslie Chapman.

Sponsors as of 4/16/2012: Kevin and Sandra Sauder, Document Management Solutions, Health Care REIT, Inc., Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Girrbach and Barnes Team, PNC Bank, Lima Memorial Hospital, Kingston Healthcare, Rudolph/Libbe and GEM, Emergency Physicians of Northwest Ohio, Palmer Energy Corp, The University of Toledo, Ms. Marianne Balla/Ballas Buick GMC, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Napoli, Dr. and Mrs. Allan Rubin, MGI Companies, Dunbar Mechanical, Toledo Radiological Associates, Laibe Electric/Technology, Lathrop Company, Credit Adjustments, Inc., Cooper Kowalski, LPA, Iron Mountain, Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Webb, Seneca Medical, Inc., Ms. Mary Martin, HCR Manor Care-Heartland, Lance Tyo/Joe Mathias and The Tyo Team, Metamora State Bank, First Merit, Mr. Bob Chirdon, and Hart Associates

Visit www.artandautism.org for the most current information on this event!

CONTACT:

Marc D. Folk, Executive Director, The Arts Commission

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , 419-254-2787

Molly Long, Executive Director, Toledo Children’s Hospital Foundation

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , 419-291-5679