Tuxedos and tennis shoes were the proper attire for the ninth annual Basket Ball Gala held Saturday evening at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn. Jeannine Marks chaired the benefit for United Disability Services.
Jennifer Towell and Alex Vukoder worked with North Coast Theatrical Inc. to turn the Hilton ballroom into a carnival atmosphere, with balloons, circus peanuts, cotton candy and lollipops decorating each table.
Jeannine and Steve Marks greeted guests while their 15-year-old daughter, Brady, took photos. Lana Stryker and Tim Naples sold Mardi Gras basketball beads for the Heads or Tails Game, while Maddie Thomas modeled a chocolate diamond necklace and offered chocolate martini chances to win it.
Barb Strayer sported sequined tennis shoes as she enjoyed the event with George and Diane Sarkis and her husband, Steve. Elizabeth Banasiak found tennis shoes to match her striking flowered gown, while Hal and Jackie Horton added basketballs to their athletic shoes.
As guests munched popcorn and looked over the silent auction, Kathy Kirk and Alicia Thomas tried their luck at shooting baskets, assisted by MyAhna Davis, and Sandy Palmer offered face-painting to guests.
Danielle Marino offered treats from the REACH lollipop garden. Marino said REACH, which stands for Recreation, Education, Arts, Community and Health, was launched in February to offer arts and crafts and health and fitness programs to people with disabilities and their families.
Emcee Dave Osterland noted this year’s Basket Ball didn’t coincide with the Final Four, so he would not be giving scores throughout the evening. John Kovatch, chairman of the board of directors, said the Hilton holds a special place in his heart: He and his wife, Carolyn, honeymooned there 25 years ago.
President and CEO Gary Knuth thanked guests for supporting United Disability Services, and announced it was a bittersweet moment as community relations director Phyllis Boerner would retire this year after 22 years with the nonprofit.
Spotted in the crowd were Bob and Karen Mueller, Tom and Lisa Mandel, Brook and LaVerne Cline, Becky Considine, John and Janice Zimmerman, Brian and Jordye Joyce, Gary and Laurie Knuth, Kevin and Carmen Thompson, Cliff and Kim Wallace, Nathan Saracino, and Jonathan and Jamie Dombrady.