Shelly Wangler, New Clevelanders, Erica Miller, Transplant House, Elaine Turley, Transplant House, and Debbie Garnaut, New Clevelanders.

Almost 150 New Clevelanders and members of the surrounding communities came together in April at Crystal Brook Farm in Bainbridge Township for a charity event generating $30,000 for the Transplant House of Cleveland.

New Clevelanders is a non-profit club dedicated to helping women new to the east side of Cleveland (including Chagrin Falls, Solon, Hudson, Aurora and more) get acquainted with the area, network with others in similar situations, and provide them with opportunities to connect with the community. For over two decades, the group has been sponsoring charity events.

“Our Cirque du Cleve event in 2014 was so successful we decided to build on the same idea by bringing in new entertainment and welcoming local corporate sponsorship,” said Shelly Wangler, Co-Chair and President of New Clevelanders.

Volunteers who worked during the event came from all around the area and as far as Bowling Green and Columbus.  Students from Chagrin Falls High School assisted at the event with great enthusiasm and at the end of the evening, they donated all of their tips to the cause.

Normandy Catering supplied a wonderful array of food during the evening ,which paired well with a handmade cocktail from the Magic Mojito Bar.

Party-goers enjoyed many opportunities to bid on amazing silent auction items, (including four vacation properties), purchase tickets for various raffles, participate in games, and even take home a souvenir caricature.

Armed with his mind blowing sleight of hand tricks, Drew Murray Magic welcomed the crowd with his magnetic personality and skill. The show-stopper of the evening was the much anticipated 30 minute stand-alone show. He had the audience laughing, gasping, and begging for more!

To close out what was ultimately New Clevelanders’ most successful fundraising event in its 30-year history was one of Cleveland’s favorite classic rock bands, “Everything Must Go.”

“The tireless efforts of our New Clevelanders committee members and the support we received from local businesses who donated goods and services enabled us to not only enjoy a spectacular social evening, but also to give back to such a worthy cause,”  said Debbie Garnaut, Co-Chair of the event.

“Truly, we were not expecting such a shower of support. This gift is more than enough to meet the Lifebanc Challenge of 2016.” Lifebanc will present an additional $10,000 to the Transplant House. “New Clevelanders understand that the families staying at Transplant House of Cleveland are New Clevelanders, too”, explained Elaine Turley, Executive Director of the Transplant House of Cleveland.  “The group’s show of support and members’ thoughtful volunteerism have been part of a perfect partnership.  For that we are very grateful.”

Special Thanks to These Sponsors:

The Berwyn Group, Harvest CEO, University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, Tim Lally