The Maritime Academy of Toledo Foundation and The Toledo Club Host Titanic Commemoration
Published: Sunday, March 4, 2012 7:00 am
By: The Maritime Academy of Toledo
Toledo, OH – Have you ever wondered what it might have been like to enjoy the first-class dining experience aboard RMS Titanic? Your chance to experience it will happen at The Maritime Academy of Toledo Foundation and The Toledo Club’s “An Evening on the RMS Titanic," featuring the Second Annual Admiral’s Ball and Charity Auction.
On April 14, 2012 — the 100th anniversary of Titanic’s sinking — The Toledo Club will join with The Maritime Academy of Toledo Foundation to commemorate the most famous ocean liner in history. As part of the evening, the last dinner enjoyed by first-class passengers aboard the luxury liner on that fateful night will be re-created.
“The Toledo Club seemed a natural setting for such a commemoration,” said Richard Rothrock, event chair at the Club. “Our Main Dining Room evokes that very era and probably comes as close as you can get in Northwest Ohio to being aboard the actual ship.”
The nine-course dinner will be prepared by four-star chefs — Mr. Michael Rosendaul of The Toledo Club and Mr. Ed Gozdowski of The Maritime Academy of Toledo. Each course will feature a selection of wine.
The First-Class menu starts with a Hors D'oeuvre of Garlic and Herb Encrusted Scallops served in the half shell, along with Chablis. The Second Course is Cream of Barley Soup, finished with Bushmills Whiskey and Cream. The wine selection is Sherry. The Third Course is fish — Poached Salmon with Mousseline Sauce, Cucumber, and Fresh Dill served with Dry Rhine. The Fourth Course is the entrée of Filet Mignon Lili, topped with Foie Gras and Truffle and drizzled with Cognac, Potatoes Anna, and Vegetable Marrow Farci. A Red Bordeaux will be served with this course. The Fifth Course is a palate cleanser of Punch Romaine. Roast Breast of Squab on Wilted Cress will make up the Sixth Course, and feature a Red Burgundy. The Seventh Course is Asparagus Salad with Champagne-Saffron Vinaigrette. The Eighth Course is Sweets featuring Sliced Peaches served with Chartreuse Jelly and French Ice Cream and includes Chocolate Painted Éclairs. Sauterne will be served with the Eighth Course. The Ninth Course is Dessert with an assortment of Artisanal Cheeses accompanied by Delicate Slices of Fruit, served with Port.
A special string quartet will reproduce the sound of the ship’s orchestra and provide musical accompaniment during the dinner.
“The history of Titanic is not just one of tragedy,” said Renee Marazon, CEO, The Maritime Academy of Toledo Foundation. “To commemorate Titanic, you have to look at the big picture which included its ambiance and romance. That’s why we chose to feature the first-class dining experience.”
The evening will also have somber moments including a moment of silence for the more than 1,500 people who lost their lives 100 years ago after the ship struck an iceberg on her maiden voyage and sank. There will also be a ringing of the bell in remembrance. Captain David Brown, world renown Titanic Storyteller and author of several maritime books, will speak about Titanic and her legacy.
The Special Guest for the evening will be Mr. John McMurray, Meteorologist from WJR Radio. Mr. McMurray is a graduate of the New York State Maritime College, where he received his Third Mate’s license (Ocean’s Unlimited, any gross tonnage) and his Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology in 1964. He then served aboard the SS Santore (a Bethlehem Steel ore carrier) for five months. Mr. McMurray, through his own weather consulting company, has provided forecasts for WJR listeners for more than 20 years.
The evening is also a major fund-raising event for The Maritime Academy of Toledo Foundation. The money raised benefits The Maritime Academy of Toledo, a grade 5 – 12 college-prep school with a nautical-theme environment. Nearly 80-percent of the students who attend The Maritime Academy of Toledo are at or below the U.S. poverty level.
Among items up for bid are a 14-foot Plank Teak Boat handcrafted by students in the boat building lab at The Maritime Academy of Toledo; A seven-day Great Lakes freighter cruise; Chef’s dinner for six in your home; Reunion weekend for up to 50 guests including meals and 28 guest rooms for overnight accommodations; Fitness and pool party for 12; Fourth Of July picnic for 30 with river view for Downtown Toledo fireworks display; One year of dinners at fine dining restaurants; Movie theater party for 12; Four one-day Orlando Disney passes; Golf packages; Sporting event tickets / packages; Sports memorabilia; Paul LaMarre Jr. watercolors & inks; Restaurant and theater tickets; Sea glass jewelry, Nautical arts and crafts; and much more.
For information on corporate and private sponsorships, or to donate to the auction and silent auction, please contact Ms. Carly Draeger at The Maritime Academy of Toledo, 419-244-9999, Ext. 2107.
The cost for the evening is $125 per person or $200 per couple. Reservations for tickets are available by calling 419-254-2981. For additional information visit www.themaritimefoundation.us or contact The Toledo Club at 419-243-2200.
