Saturday March 25 was a memorable day in the Lake Orion and Oxford area. In spite of high winds, forceful rains and downed power lines, Christ the Redeemer’s third annual Raise a Glass to Raise a Roof benefit for Habitat for Humanity was a huge success.
The evening featured appetizers, wine, beer, desserts and a silent auction and was sponsored by Great Lakes Wine & Spirits, Strategic Partners, Powers Distributing Co. Inc. and Thomas and Cynthia Vella.
Despite eight of the participating restaurants? power outages, most provided food. Ed Klimek of Italia Gardens in Oxford was found grilling his fabulous ribs in the dark while wearing a head lamp flashlight. Catering by Diane and Christi’s Bar and Grill also did not let a minor thing like not having power get in their way. Carrie Lee’s and Olive Garden also provided extra food to replace items from restaurants that were forced to close.
In addition to the above, the following restaurants from the area donated appetizers or desserts for the evening: G’s Pizzeria, Kings Court Castle, Southern Tsunami, Sweet and Savory Bake Shop, Harvest Time, Achatz Handmade Pie Company, and Trader Joes.
Janet Lumetta, Jeff and Becky Sorrell and Lucinda Smith also provided desserts.
The silent auction featured a wide variety of items and services from many local businesses and talented parishioners.
Live music was provided by Jeff Slavick and the evening was emceed by State Representative Jim Marleau.
Christ the Redeemer Church is building a Habitat home this summer in Pontiac as part of The North Oakland Circle of Faith. The coalition consists of Lutheran, Presbyterian, Non-denominational, Methodist and Catholic churches in Ortonville, Waterford, Lake Orion, Oxford and Clarkston.