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Fun, food, friends and funds at ‘Celebrity’ dinner

The spirit of Grace was in the air Saturday, April 25 at a benefit dinner for the Grace Care Center. More than $12,000 was raised as VeAhavta volunteers and friends gathered to celebrate the release of “But For the Grace: Profiles in Peace From a Nation at War.”

Held in South Lyon, Michigan, the event also acknowledged the four years of commitment born during the “South Lyon to Sri Lanka” fund-raising campaign launched in the wake of the December 2004 tsunami.  The small town’s connection with Grace included middle school teacher Erin Lowery, who first visited the orphanage in August 2005, and James Mitchell, whose post-tsunami visit was the first of four trips made while researching “But for the Grace.”

Held at Abbey Park at Mill River in New Hudson, Michigan, the dinner was initially planned by Erin and Tamra Ward, director of the Abbey Park senior residence. The party theme featured VeAhavta volunteers, South Lyon supporters and friends serving as waiters to tables of colleagues; a friendly competition was held for who could collect the most “tips” for VeAhavta. Tamra’s enthusiasm and professionalism played a large role in the night’s success, and VeAhavta thanks the staff, owners and management of Abbey Park including Joseph Norber, Ed Rosenbaum, and Dr. Benjamin Stein.

Our celebrity waiters included Denise Rohde, Peg Fogelsonger, Elaine Ezekiel, Gina Amalfitano, Diane McLaughlin, Tamra Ward, Michele Cash (who raised the most “tips” at just over $1,000), Cindy Heberlein, Doreen Hannon, Robin Linkowski, Cheryl Huckins, Lynn Helland, Tara Kohler, Keith Kohler and Ray Dryer. (Ray was ably assisted by his daughter, Jennifer, who four years ago made the first contribution to the “South Lyon to Sri Lanka” fundraising effort.) Volunteers from the Lyon Area Rotary Club made sure the kitchen was busy and plates were filled.
VeAhavta would like to thank U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, who donated for the night’s silent auction an American flag that had flown over the Capitol.  The impressive collection of auction items included “The Biggest Loser” t-shirts worn by South Lyon’s Ron and Mike Morelli, contestants on the reality show.

The spirit of Grace filled the night, as the legacy of a community campaign continued a connection born during an earlier crisis, yet needed now more than ever. VeAhavta would like to thank all who participated and contributed.

Grace veterans Keith and Tara Kohler, Erin Lowery and Diane McLaughlin enjoy the presentation at the “Evening of Grace” dinner.


“But For the Grace” author James Mitchell with Tamra Ward, Director of Abbey Park.