Good Shepherd Children & Family Services

Volunteers from Cricket Wireless, Rebuilding Together St. Louis, and Good Shepherd Children and Family Services will be rehabbing Good Shepherd's home for expectant teen mothers from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 2.

While the work is going on people can stop by and donate items for the pregnant women and the babies.

Good Shepherd Children & Family Services is at 1340 Partridge Ave. 63130. To learn more about Good Shepherd and other ways to help, go to http://goodshepherdstl.org/

Habitat

Habitat for Humanity St. Louis will host is 4th annual Habitat Hall of Fame fundraiser at 4 p.m. Sept. 29.

Tickets range from $100-$5,000, with those who buy at the $100 level getting autograph and photo opportunities with former Cardinals, a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium and admission to a cocktail party.

Registration and more information is available at http://habitatstl.org/hof.

Butterfly House

According to a recent news release, "The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House seeks volunteer docents to teach structured programs to students in pre-school through eighth grade and to provide informal learning opportunities for visitors. No prior teaching experience is required."

What is asked of a docent: At least one two-hour shift a week, with a minimum commitment of one year (no classes are held during holiday breaks and summer vacation).

There is not cost for training, but docents will pay for the volunteer shirt. For information, call Jessica Deering at 636-530-0076, ext. 12, or email [email protected].

The Butterfly House is at 15193 Olive Blvd. at Faust Park in Chesterfield www.butterflyhouse.org

St. Louis County Library

The St. Louis County Library Foundation will award the second Sidney Johnson award to Lora Hakanson at its Starcatchers Gala on Sept. 24. Lora, a recent graduate of Pattonville High school, will receive a $1,000 savings bond and gift cards to several local business.

Hakanson volunteered at the Bridgeton Trails Branch of St. Louis County Library and has been a founding member of the Teen Advisory Group. In that capacity, she helped make blankets for a local animal shelter and plan the new teen center.

Hakanson attends Missouri State University in Springfield. The Sidney Johnson Learning award recognizes library service by a teen in memory of Lewis & Clark staff member, Sidney Johnson, who was killed in 2007.

The Starcatchers dinner will begin at 6 p.m. at the County Library Headquarters. Tickers ($175) includes cocktails, dinner and gift bag. An oral auction will be part of the event, and Pulitzer Prize winning author Rick Bragg will speak. For tickets, call 994-3300 ext. 2156.

Bone marrow

DKMS, the world's largest bone marrow donor center, is working with Anheuser-Busch, the St. Louis Cardinals and Cardinals Care on a campaign, Cure Kara, to find a cure for 18-year-old Kara who has blood cancer.

On Sept. 9-11 at Busch Stadium, Cardinals fans can register and getg swabbed with DKMS before and during the ames against the Atlanta Braves. Those who aren't attending the games and would like to help can register online at www.CureKara.org.

Wits Inc.

A group calls Wits Inc. helps to supply computers to needy families and schools. It is holding a sale and free electronics event Sept. 10 and 11 to raise funds for its Christmas giveaway of 500 computers

The giveaway does not include computers, which start at $40. People can also bring in unwanted and nonworking items (computers and electronics) to swap them for other electronics. All this takes place from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at 647 E. Holly, 63147. For information, call 314-382-1650.

Community Against Poverty

The Community Against Poverty coalition is holding its Fourth Annual Volunteer Fair on Sunday, Sept. 18 at The Heights, 8001 Dale Ave. in Richmond Heights. More than 30 local organizations that need volunteers will be present and the day will feature a keynote address by Bridget Flood, Executive Director of the Incarnate Word Foundation.

According to a press release, the volunteer fair will give people "an opportunity to talk with representatives from area not-for-profit agencies to learn about their work and to learn about volunteer opportunities that are available. There will be a broad range of agencies present, with volunteer positions for all ages, interests and abilities."

The Community Against Poverty coalition, a coalition of faith-based and civic organizations, was convened in 2008 by the Jewish Community Relations Council and is dedicated to addressing the issue of poverty through education, advocacy and service. Those attending are asked to bring a donation of food to support area food pantries.

Agencies participating include APPNA Health Clinic, Beyond Housing, Bread for the World, Bi-Lingual International Assistant Services, Casa de Salud, Circle of Concern, Doorways, Employment Connection, Family Health Care Centers, Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition, Immigrant and Refugee Women's Program, International Institute, Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis, Jewish Family and Children's Service, Kids Place, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Lydia's House, National Council of Jewish Women-St. Louis Section, Neighborhood Houses, Operation Food Search, Ready Readers, Redevelopment Opportunities for Women, Safe Connections, St. Louis County CASA, St. Louis Crisis Nursery, St. Louis NORC, UrbanFuture, Volunteers in Medicine and Voices for Children.

For more information, go to www.jcrcstl.org or www.communityagainstpoverty.org.

9/11 Day of Service

On Saturday, Sept. 10, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 11, from 2-5 p.m., more than 3,000 people are needed to volunteer for the 9/11 Day of Service & Remembrance. United Way of Greater St. Louis has organized dozens of projects throughout the community for the 10th anniversary of 9/11 to pay tribute to those who were lost and those who rose in service.

Some people will work to cleanup and beautify the community. Others will work on crafts or letterwriting. In short, all sorts of talents are needed. Everyone in St. Louis city and county as well as St. Charles, Madison and St. Clair counties who wants to find out about specific projects and sign up should go to the United Way-sponsored site at www.stlremembers.org or call 314-539-4296.

And if weekends do not work for you, the span from Sept 6 through Sept. 16 is being designated as the region's 9/11 Week of Service and Remembrance. It "aims to inspire and equip individuals throughout the region to identify projects within their communities, mobilize volunteers and resources and make a positive difference," according to a press release.

Multiple Sclerosis Society

Sometimes emails that come in say all that is needed. Here are portions of a recent one:

"I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 22 years ago. As much as it has affected me, it has really had an impact on my three sons. They were only six, four and one when I was diagnosed. ... They have been real troopers throughout the years though. Their strength amazes me and in turn has made me stronger because of it.

"My youngest son, Kyle Andrews, who is 23 now, is having his "1st Annual Dancefest for M.S." event. It will be held at the Casa Loma Ballroom on Sept. 10 from 7 p.m.-11 p.m. There will also be a silent auction and 50/50 ticket drawings. The band 'Covertrax' will be playing. They play disco, Motown, country, classic and pop rock.

"Kyle has already had two "Rock out for M.S." events within the past few years and was able to raise quite a bit of money for the M.S. Society. All proceeds from this event will also go directly to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Gateway Area Chapter.

"Kind Regards,

"Sherri A. Stanczak"

Burn Camp

It's fashion with a purpose as Saks Fifth Avenue hosts "Let's Give Burns the Boot!," which will feature boots, shoes, accessories and Fall fashions 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 22. The event will be held in Saks' Designer Salon at Plaza Frontenac.

The fundraiser benefits the Missouri Children's Burn Camp, "where summer camp memories heal bodies, hearts and souls," Sheri Sherman, event chair, says in a press release.

Saks will donate 10 percent of the proceeds from all merchandise purchased throughout the day to the burn camp.

The event includes a wine and light bites reception, a runway fashion show, beauty consultations, flash makeovers and a raffle.

Ticket prices start at $60. To RSVP or find out more about the event call 314-997-2757 or email [email protected] Please use the Saks Fifth Avenue Clayton Road entrance for the event.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

You can find something different at many of the Schnucks stores on Aug. 27. Each of 25 local Schnucks story will host its own fundraisers throughout the day to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Light The Night Walk. According to a press release, "Each store will be hosting a unique fundraiser. Fundraisers include anything from BBQ's and live bands to bake sales."

The actual walk will be on the evening of Sept. 23 in Forest Park. And all money raised will help local blood cancer patients and researchers. For more information on the walk go to http://www.lightthenight.org/gat/

Raising Walls

Join Women Build from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 24 to help area women help themselves out of substandard housing by "raising walls" at the second annual Women Build auction. Live and silent auctions and appetizers are all part of the event at Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust St. (at 21st), 63103. Tickets may be purchased through http://www.habitatstl.org/supportus/womenbuild/events/ for $25 or at the door for $30. You can check out some of the auction items on Facebook.

Bioscience

At "BioScience Day at the Ballpark" Aug. 28 at Busch Stadium, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and more than a dozen St. Louis organizations in the bioscience sector will step up to the plate to fight hunger with the Cardinals. Business and organizations will be in Ford Plaza prior to and during the game to explain their work amd ow bioscience brings new jobs.

A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit World Food Day Commemoration on Oct. 14-15 hosted by the Danforth Center. For more information visit, http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com.

Cardinals fans who sign up at Busch on Aug. 28 to volunteer to package food at Danforth Center's World Food Day Commemoration on Oct. 14 & 15 will receive a voucher for a discounted ticket to a future game. In addition to putting together nutritious rice/soy protein meals for people facing critical food shortages in sub-Saharan Africa, the volunteers can learn about the work that is being done at the Center.

Cancer Radiothon

Tune in to KTRS (550 AM) from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday Aug. 24 and take part in the St. Louis Men's Group Against Cancer Radiothon.

While any donation is welcome, anyone giving $100 will be eligible to receive four loge reserved tickets to the Sept. 20 Cardinals-Mets game.

Other sports items will be auctioned, including throwing out the first pitch at that Sept. 20 game, four plaza level seats for a Blues game and four prime level tickets to the Rams-Saints game.

Proceeds go to more than 20 cancer-fighting organizations.

Animal Protective Association

Are you looking a little shaggy? Has your poof lost it's puff? It's obviously time for a hair cut. And we just learned of an event that is reason enough to forsake your standard, reliable stylist for just one time.

A hair guru from Kansas is setting out to set a record by giving 50 haircuts in 50 states in 50 days.

Patrick Lomantini will be St. Louis on Aug. 22, where he will be cutting hair at J'labii Hair Design, 7355 Forsyth Blvd. in Clayton. The cost? A minimum donation of $20, with all proceeds that day going to the Animal Protective Association. And the chance to benefit the animals that need homes is the reason you're finding this blurb here.

So if you're a starting to resemble the uncoifed sheepdog down the street, and your Shih Tzu is better groomed than you, now's the time to act. Just call J'labii to schedule your appointment: 314-727-1330 or email [email protected] for more information.

'School Supplies = Chocolate!'

The word chocolate is a sure-fire attention getter in my inbox. So what's this?

The Kakao shop at 2301 S. Jefferson Ave. is offering to match in chocolate what you pay for new school supplies you donate. But the deadline is this Saturday, Aug. 20.

The supplies will go to the St. Louis Office for Developmental Disability Resources. According to the press release, it supports agencies that "provide a variety of services ranging from life and job skills coaching to learning how to get along with others."

The release also says, "If you bring some new school supplies (with receipt) in to Kakao on Jefferson ... by Saturday, August 20, we’ll give you the equivalent amount of chocolate. Free.

"Yes, we’ll give you the equivalent amount of chocolate, rounded to the nearest dollar.

"But the school supplies have to be new, and you have to give us the receipt. Crayons, kid scissors, pocket folders, #2 pencils, glue sticks, notebooks, markers, highlighters, 12-inch rulers, blue/black/red pens, colored pencils, backpacks and supply boxes. And note that because the DDR is in St. Louis City, this offer is only for Kakao on Jefferson."

Independence Center

Young Friends of the Independence Center are hosting Summer Fusion 2011 with food, music and drink that fuses Americana and Motown. The Aug. 28 event starts with cocktails at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 and music by Brothers Lazaroff and Fresh Heir. It will be held at the Independence Center, 4245 Forest Park Ave.

In a press release, Independence Center describes itself as an "organization that helps people with severe and persistent mental illness live and work successfully in the community. Chef Bethany Budde of SqWires along with chefs from two other participating restaurants will prepare the evening’s “fusion” dinner and desserts with the assistance of Independence Center members.

Tickets -- $40 in advance and $50 at the door, with VIP tickets available for $60 -- are available at www.independencecenter.org or by calling 314-880-5404.

KidSmart

The Charter and Papa John’s program to collect school supplies for KidSmart, a non-profit organization that ensures children in the St. Louis area have the basic school supplies they need to learn is winding up this weekend.

According to a press release, Charter customers donating five or more new school supplies will receive a coupon for a free large, one-topping Papa John’s pizza and a coupon to watch any new release movie On Demand from Charter for just one penny. School supplies will be collected through Aug. 21 at Charter Customer Sales and Service Centers throughout the St. Louis area.

Donations help stock the shelves of KidSmart’s Free Store with basic school supplies, which are then distributed to teachers who provide them to economically disadvantaged students in their classrooms.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will hold its third annual FestivAle and Poker Tournament on Sept. 17. The beer tasting portion goes from 3-6 p.m., with the poker tournament starting a 6 p.m. Both events will be at the Bottleneck Blues Bar inside the Ameristar Casino.

August Brewing, Growler's Pub, Charlesville Microbrewery, Highlands Brewing Company, Schlafly, Cathedral Square Brewery and Urban Chestnut Brewing Co. will be supplying the brew. And people can try them out for $45 in advance or $50 at the door. Reserved seating is also available for $65 in advance. Along with beer, tickets include a 5 oz keepsake tasting glass, appetizers including a wing bar, a silent auction and a raffle.

Poker players can buy into the tournament for $100 or purchase admission into both the poker tournament and FestivAle for $125.

For advance tickets, go to http://gateway.cff.org/festivale or call the Gateway Chapter office at 314-733-1241. All proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Women's Place

Lifted straight from the Maplewood alert: Woman's Place is sponsoring the 6th Annual Gaelic Concert at The Focal Point, 2720 Sutton on Sunday, Sept. 11. from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. RSVP by Sept. 2. Tickets are $50 and benefit Woman's Place. For more information www.womansplacestl.org

Classic cars and CHADS

The Second Annual Route 66 Classic Car Cruise will go from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 13 and will benefit CHADS Coalition.

People can register (day of event registration is $20, cash only) and check in their classic cars between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Crestwood Court -- corner of Watson and Sappington. Viewing and judging will take place between 1 and 2 p.m.

Special events for youngsters, games and entertainment will take place throughout the afternoon. Awards will be given out starting at 6 p.m. and a concert by Sh-Boom will kick off at 7 p.m.

CHADS Coalition works to advance knowledge about and prevention of adolescent depression and suicide through awareness, education, family support and research. CHADS is an acronym for Communities Healing Adolescent Depression and Suicide.

Energy assistance

As hot weather continues and the number of people who have died from heat stroke rises, we hope people know about two programs specifically set up to help people with energy problems and bills.

Though one is formally titled "Heat Up St. Louis," it has a Cool Down St. Louis program as well.

Another is EnergyCare, a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1983 by the late Sr. Patricia Kelley.

Both are looking for donations of working window air conditioners. Cool Down St. Louis will not take anything older than two year old. And Energy Care asks that the units that come to it be 110-volt, 8,000 BTUs or smaller.

Both groups accept cash contributions.

To reach Cool Down St. Louis go to www.heatupstlouis.org/index.html

For Energy Care, the phone number is 314-773-5900 and the email is www.energycare.org.

Therapeutic Horsemanship

Bring a picnic, or pop for the VIP tent as you enjoy a Benefit Polo Match. No, Prince William isn't promised, but the match promises to be good. And the Therapeutic Horsemanship Benefit will include explanations and information about the game of polo as it unfolds.

According to a press release, "Family activities include pony rides, a kid's crafts table, the traditional half-time "stomping of the divots", and a mini polo match played with golf carts."

Gates open at 3 p.m. Sept. 10, with play beginning at 4 p.m. at McGhee Polo Field, Spirit Valley Farms, 17879 Wild Horse Creek Road, Chesterfield.

The cost is $20 a carload in advance or $25 at the gate. For field tailgate parking, the cost is $40 a carload. And the VIP tent, with wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres is $60 a person.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.thstl.org or by calling 636-332-4940.

Missouri Botanical Garden

If you have a passion for nature, education, history and the Missouri botanical Garden, we may have volunteer opportunities for you.

According to a recent release that came our way, "If you love nature and enjoy working with children, consider becoming an outdoor Volunteer Educator at the Litzsinger Road Ecology Center in Ladue, or teach informative school programs as a Volunteer Instructor at the Missouri Botanical Garden in south St. Louis. If you are a budding history buff and love interacting with people, the Garden is also seeking Tower Grove House Interpreters. Free training is provided for each position, and volunteers are needed throughout the 2011-2012 school year. For more information, visit www.mobot.org/volunteer or call 314-577-5187."

Luminary Center for the Arts

The Luminary Center for the Arts will be holding its annual fundraiser over two days Aug. 12 and 13 at the Temtor Building, 8125 Michigan Ave. The FORM Contemporary Design Show will feature 70+ architects, interior designers, furniture makers and artists.

Aug. 12 is the VIP preview from 7-11 p.m. The tickets -- $40 in advance and $50 at the door - includes food and drinks, a DJ, keynote speaker Zoe Ryan, curator of architecture and design at the Art Institute of Chicago and a silent auction.

On Aug. 13, the doors will open at 11 a.m. For $10 in advance and $15 at the door, you can buy directly from designers and attend presentations and panel discussions. The first 1,000 people will also get gift bags.

For more information go to http://formdesignshow.com.

Lupus Foundation

The press release says that a WolfRide GranFondo will be going on Saturday morning Aug. 6, kicking off at 8 a.m. at the Bolm-Schuhkraft Park in Columbia, Ill.

So what's a GranFondo? It is a "big ride" or in this case "a long-distance non-competitive ride/race, where all participants' ride times will be recorded." Each person has a choice of riding 56 or 112 miles "with rest stops and SAG support every 10 miles." Riders can look forward to their day ending with a pasta dinner from Joe Bacardi’s Ristorante.

Last year's ride raised almost $20,000. To register -- $75 -- and learn more, go to www.LFAHeartland.org.

Nurses for Newborns

Nurses for Newborns' is marking its 20th anniversary with a Roaring '20s theme for the annual Boogie for Babies fundraiser.

And if you're heading back in time to dance and enjoy an evening in St. Louis, the perfect place is the Casa Loma Ballroom, 3354 Iowa Ave. The party takes place there from 7-11 p.m. Aug. 27.

The cost is $65 a person or $600 for a table of 10. Included are food, drinks and the music of "Spontaneous Nugent." Plus, if you want to dress in your best flapper or gangster outfit, you could win a costume contest.

For more information or to register, contact Elisa Reeves at 314-544-3433 or [email protected]

Joplin

The need and the response continue in Joplin. Day after day individuals continue to work with and for residents of that community. We cannot begin to cover all the efforts. But you can check in with the Salvation Army and United Way  to see some of the efforts. The United Way site includes a list of volunteer opportunities.

Not everything that needs to be done revolves around cleaning up, repairing and rebuilding the physical damage. The heart and spirit of the people of Joplin also can use a lift. To that end, groups such as Circus Flora are stepping up. Twenty percent of ticket sales toward the end of this year's run went to send the Flying Wallendas to perform at Carousel Park in Joplin this Friday.

Call Carousel Park, 417-626-7710, for more information about the Wallendas' performance on July 1.

Support dogs

As a general rule, we don't include trivia nights in the Fun and Fundraising reports because there are so many of them. But we stopped at the subject line of an email "Support Dogs To Host Ninth Annual Trivia Night."

What are the dogs going to be doing?

Well, the first sentence says "Support Dogs, Inc. will host its ninth annual trivia night on Sat., Aug. 6 at the Moolah Temple," 12545 Fee Fee Rd. Doors open at 6 p.m.; trivia begins at 7 p.m.

The importance of those little letters i-n-c.

Still it got our attention. so if you want to give financal aid to a group that provides service dogs, an animal-assisted therapy dog program called TOUCH (Therapy of Unique Canine Helpers) and a Paws For Reading program that places dogs in school classrooms, this is the trivia night for you.

Reservations are required. Participants must by 21 years old. Tickets are $25 a person. Information: 314-997-2325 or www.supportdogs.org.

Forest Park Forever

Forest Park Forever has been serving the area by enhancing one its greatest treasures for 25 years. What better way to celebrate than to invite people into the park?

On June 24, the organization will hold a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of the "Wheels and Heels" dual path loop. This event, with the mayor presenting a proclamation that it's Forest Park Forever Day will run from 11:15 a.m.-noon at the visitor center. That leaves you plenty of time to just enjoy the park or go over to the History Museum, Art Museum, Planetarium or Zoo.

Come back to the visitor center on June 25 and attend the North Star Ice Cream Social from 1:30-3:30 p.m. As you might expect, free ice cream and music will be available.

Then on Sunday, June 26, you can give back by participating in the I Love Forest Park 5K. The 5K run/walk and half-mile youth fun run kicks off from 7:30 to 10:00 a.m. and winds through the eastern end of Forest Park, starting and finishing at the Upper Muny Parking Lot. Proceeds from the 5K will benefit the maintenance of Forest Park $8-$25 (plus services charge). To register, click here.

Siteman prostate research

This Father's Day you can celebrate with a bike ride on the Katy Trail that will also benefit prostate cancer research at the Siteman Cancer Center.

According to an email notice, "Participants can begin the ride between 6 and 10 a.m. at several starting points along the Katy Trail. The ride ends in Defiance, Mo., at the newly completed path that takes riders through the town in a continuous loop."

$10 in advance; $15 day of the ride. For more information or to register, go to http://www.fathersdaybikeride.com/ and follow the prompts.

Crisis Nursery

The St. Louis Crisis Nursery will host its fifth annual Wine and Martini Soiree from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at Quintessential Dining & Nightlife, 149 N. Main St. in St. Charles. Tickets and sponsorships range from $25 to $125 for the event, which features signature martinis and wine tastings complemented by hors d’oeuvres, musical entertainment and door prizes.

Proceeds will support the programs and services Crisis Nursery provides to families in crisis.

Zoofari

What sounds more interesting than "Tigers at Twilight"? That's the theme for this year's Zoofari, the "creative" black-tie fundraiser. Throw out ideas of stodgy cumberbunds and think cheetah print (at the very least).

The event takes place from 7 p.m.-midnight on June 17. (The Zoo will close to the public at noon that day to get the place ready to party.)

Providing the entertainment will be The O’Jays, along with The Fabulous Motown Revue, Charles Glenn Duo, Electric Soul, Groove Thang, Griffin and the Gargoyles, and DJ Andrew Mullins.

Bring your appetite as you'll be expected to "graze" on specialty food and desserts -- and all sorts of drinks will be available.

Reservations -- $225 a person for non-members; $175 a person for Zoo Friends members -- are required. Reservations and merchandise can be purchased online at www.stlzoo.org/zoofari or by calling 314-646-4771. Reservations are held by name at the Zoo’s south entrance.

tornado aid

Police Women and First Responders of the St. Louis area are sponsoring a 5K Race and 1 mile fun run June 18. The O’Fallon Police Department,in conjunction with the American Red Cross, are working to aid local victims of recent tornados.

Registration will start at 7:30 a.m. at the TR Hughes Ballpark, located at 900 TR Hughes Dr., O’Fallon, Mo. The 5K race kicks off at 8:30 a.m.

The entry fee, which is $25, includes a T-shirt, and more. To register, visit Big River Running’s website www.bigriverrunning.com/

For further information we can be contacted through our Facebook Page: Run To Rebuild.

CHADS Coalition for Mental Health

CHADS Coalition for Mental Health and the St. Louis Aces professional tennis team are working together to raise awareness for youth depression and suicide.

“We’re happy to support a group like CHADS,” St. Louis Aces President Dani Apted Schlottman said in a news release. “Their commitment to promoting mental health is commendable, and we’re happy to help them raise funds and awareness for such a great cause.”

According to a news release, they will be co-hosting “A Match For Mental Health” tennis event on Wednesday, July 6, at the Dwight Davis Tennis Center in Forest Park at 5:30 p.m. The event will be followed by the season’s opening match between the Aces and the Sacramento Capitols at 7:15 p.m. The event is $50 per person or $100 a couple, which includes admission to the match and a cocktail party.

All proceeds raised will go toward the mission of CHADS.

“Sports such as tennis and other physical activities are great vehicles teens can use to help them overcome depression,” CHADS Executive Director Marian McCord said in a news release. “We’re excited to partner with the Aces this year to help us spread that message. You are not alone and there is hope!”

This match opens the 36th season of the World Tennis Team Pro League (WWT), and the St. Louis WWT spotlight is Lindsay Davenport. She was a former world number one and is a three-time Grand Slam singles champion, among her many other tennis accomplishments, according to a news release.

---Allison Prang

Crisis Nursery

St. Louis Crisis Nursery will host its fifth annual Wine and Martini Soiree from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at Quintessential Dining & Nightlife, 149 N. Main St. in St. Charles.

Tickets and sponsorships range from $25 to $125 for the event, which features signature martinis and wine tastings complemented by hors d’oeuvres, musical entertainment and door prizes. Proceeds will support the programs and services Crisis Nursery provides to families in crisis.

For information, contact Bonnie Define at 636-940-0748 or [email protected]

Botanical Garden dance

The Missouri Botanical Garden is hosting a Midsummer Night's Dance from 6-10 p.m. June 17 at the Spink Pavilion in the garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd.

How do you dress for such an event? The press release says, "Take part in a classic summertime tradition by dressing in your best all-white or ivory garden party attire. Dinner will be served buffet-style inside the renovated Spink Pavilion. Dine overlooking the Garden's central axis with lit reflecting pools, landscaped display garden beds and the iconic Climatron dome. Dance the night away to tunes performed by Power Play."

The ticket -- $70 a person or $60 for garden members -- includes dinner, a drink ticket and gratuity; a cash bar will also be available.

Advance reservations are required: call 314-577-9570 or visit www.mobot.org/events/midsummer to register.

Nail for flood relief

MCA Recording artist and Missouri native David Nail will headline a flood relief benefit concert to raise money for Southeast Missourians who have been pushed out of their homes.

The benefit concert will be at 7 p.m. May 27 at the Sikeston High School Fieldhouse, 200 S. Pine Street.

"I think it's human nature to want to help out anytime you see those struck by the devastation that the recent weather has caused in parts of the southeast and Midwest," said Nail in a press release. "Being from southeast Missouri, obviously their struggles have hit me the hardest. This show will hopefully rally the spirits of those affected!"

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling 1-800-821-3093 or going to www.semofloodrelief.com.All money raised at this flood benefit concert will be dispersed by the Semo Health Network.

Circus Flora

On May 27, you can experience the Big Top in a different manor as FloraDora raises money to support Circus Flora.

The press release asks,"You've never experienced the imaginarium of FloraDora? Well, when you've spent the evening dancing with Nino the Clown, clinking glasses with flying gymnasts, and trading stories with the Cossack riders you'll wish you were a vagabond yourself. ... Spend an evening under the Circus Flora big top with performers from generations-old circus families enjoying a magic summer's night with cocktails and nibbels from some of St. Louis' top restaurateurs.

The fun starts at 7 p.m. on May 27, and no ending time is listed. The release does say this is a 21+ event.

Tickets, $100-$150, are available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/169468

Diversity Awareness Partnership

The Diversity Awareness Partnership, in collaboration with Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C., is hosting a Legal Diversity Summit. The event is an opportunity for members of the St. Louis legal community to discuss incorporating new diversity and inclusion objectives in the St. Louis legal sector.

The event takes place from 7:30-9:30 a.m. May 24 (refreshments provided) at the AT&T Auditorium in the Data Center at 801 Chestnut St.

The cost of $150 a ticket will help support the work of the Diversity Awareness Partnership. And attendance at the summit will earn 1.8 general Missouri hours of CLE may be awarded.

To get information and make reservations contact Reena Hajat Carroll, executive director at 314-436-7628.

Tenth Life

Tenth Life, a nonprofit organization that rescues and adopts out special needs cats in St. Louis will hold a fundraiser at The Foundrie, 219 Chesterfield Mall. From noon-5 p.m. May 21 you can join MADE Collective and the Craft-O-Matic Craft Show staff to make your own stuffed animal on the spot.

For a small donation, you can make a plush and get an "adoption" certificate from Tenth Life. You can even cuddle a few adoptable kitties while you're there.

Grand Center Arts Academy

As its first year is ending, the Grand Center Arts Academy is planning its first major fundraiser. "Arts Infusion 2011" will be held June 4 at Third Baptist Church, 620 N. Grand Blvd.

The event includes dinner at 5 p.m., a concert at 7 p.m. featuring students and professional artists, a silent auction for student work and donated art as well as raffle items.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids 14 and under, which includes dinner and the concert. Reservations are required for dinner, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Go to www.grandcenterartsacademy.org, or www.brownpapertickets.com/event/173993 for reservations. Tickets to the concert may be purchased in advance or at the door for $10.

For information, contact Mindy Carney, 314-757-3103 or [email protected].

Benton Park and Trailnet

Yikes! The press release says "Grab your spandex, we're reclaiming the '80s! The Benton Park Neighborhood Association invites runners and walkers alike for a totally awesome '80s inspired 5K and Kids Fun Run. ... participants (and pets) are also encouraged to sport their best '80s costume for a chance at prizes."

It may benefit two worthy nonprofits: Trailnet and the Benton Park Neighborhood Association. And it may include live '80s music by Frankie Says Relax and break dancers.

But spandex? No.

The event is set up for both competitive and casual runners, leisurely strollers, pet owners and parents.

The 5K steps off at 9 a.m., with the Kids Fun Run following at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 14.

A festival will go from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. at Benton Park Go to South Jefferson Avenue and Arsenal Streets. The cost is $20 for the 5K registration until May 12 and $25 after that. The kids can go for $10.

For more information and to register go to www.bpnastl.org/20115k

Crohn's & Colitis

The Centene Foundation has pledged $10,000 to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s Saint Louis “Take Steps Walk” on May 7, at Forest Park.

But you don’t have to be a large corporation or foundation to help. Registration for the walk starts at 4 p.m. May 7 and you can get moving at 5. Follow the signs in Forest Park to Langenberg Field across from the Visitors’ Center.

For more information about becoming involved in Take Steps for Crohn’s & Colitis, visit www.cctakesteps.org/stlouis or contact Katie LoRusso, Walk Manager at 314-863-4747 or [email protected]

Cosmetologists help cancer patients

The American Cancer Society is looking for volunteer licensed cosmetologists for the Look Good ... Feel Better program. The volunteers help cancer patients enhance their appearance using a 12-step program developed especially for women undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. The cosmetologists show women how to use makeup, wigs and other accessories to look like themselves again -- to restore their self-image, confidence and sense of control.

Look Good ... Feel Better is a program of The American Cancer Society, Personal Care Products Council Foundation and the Professional Beauty Association/National Cosmetology Association.

If you are a licensed cosmetologist interested in volunteering, call Latrisa Morgan, at 314-286-8154. For cancer information, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

Thurtene and Belle Center

The Belle Center, a nonprofit organization that supports children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families, will be the charity partner of this year’s Thurtene Carnival. Held on Washington University’s campus, the carnival will run Friday, April 15, through Sunday, April 17.

According to its press release, the Thurtene Carnival is the nation’s oldest and largest student-run carnival. It’s supported by more than 50 student groups.

Food, drink and ride tickets may be purchased at the carnival with cash only. Parking is available in the Sam Fox School of Art Parking Lot. For more information about the carnival or for the history of the ThurteneE Honorary, please visit www.thurtene.org.

The Belle Center serves more than 300 children and their families. For more information about The Belle Center, please visit www.bellecenter.com.

Diabetes Association

The Designing Block, 7735 Clayton Rd., is holding a Girl’s Night Out shopping event from 4-8 p.m. April 1 to benefit the American Diabetes Association and Forest Park Forever.

According to a press release, the event will feature haute couture hats and fascinators by local milliner Dianne Isbell, jewelry by dian malouf and the latest in home furnishings and accessories from The Designing Block.

Girl’s Night Out includes delicious hors d’oeuvres, wine and other beverages, plus door prizes.

“We’re thrilled to partner with these terrific designers and Forest Park Forever to offer St. Louisans a fun and creative shopping experience,” said Cathy Hartmann, executive director of the American Diabetes Association. “We hope to see lots of mothers, daughters, sisters and girlfriends come out to support us.”

For more information about Girl’s Night Out, contact Cathy Hartmann at the American Diabetes Association, 314-822-5490 ext. 6823; Susan Block at  The Designing Block, 314-721-4224; or Lucie Springmeyer at Forest Park Forever  [email protected].

Teen suicide prevention

A Battle of the Bands - starting at 7 p.m. April 16 at the Old Rock House in Soulard - will raise money for teen suicide prevention. Hosting the event are The Kaitlin Harris Foundation and the Unwritten Letters Project, with the support of College Femme online magazine. Tickets will be available through MetroTix and cost $12.

Six Missouri bands -- Six Gun Salute, hereafterthis, If Tomorrow Ever Comes, Sleeping in Cars, Gateway Getaway and Walls Between -- will play. After the battle, Mike Apirion and Dirty Pop will appear for an after-show performance.

The Unwritten Letters Project will feature a wall display of letters at the event written by attendees to survivors, family members or victims of suicide. College Femme online magazine is hosting an International Songwriting Contest in honor of the event and will publish a feature article about the winning band.

Please visit www.kaitlinharrisfoundation.org/, unwrittenlettersproject.com/ or www.collegefemme.com/ for further information and event updates. There also is a public event on Facebook titled "Battle of the Bands Benefit Concert."

Parkway South

Parkway South High School holds a Festival of Foods and Silent Auction from 5-8 p.m. April 11 to support an alcohol and drug free, all-night graduation party for the high school's graduating class.

More than 20 local restaurants will provide samples of house specialties. This year's participating restaurants include Bravo, Macaroni Grill, Red Robin, Elephant Bar, Corner Pub and Grill, Krieger's, Pasta House, Chick-fil-A, Casa Gallardo, Callier's Deli, Dairy Queen, Mi Lupita and The Melting Pot.

Each ticket purchased comes with a free chance to win one of several raffle gift baskets; additional raffle tickets may be purchased throughout the evening. Tickets are $10 per person and will be available at the door.

Parkway South High is located at 801 Hanna Road, 63021.

Joe's Place

Anna Stasis's film, "Joe's Place: The Documentary," tells the story of a community and the Maplewood-Richmond Heights school district coming together to address the issue of homeless youth.

The film will be shown at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 2 at 7:00 p.m. in the MRH High School theatre, 7539 Manchester Road, Maplewood. An optional wine reception following the screening will take place at Sunnen, 7910 Manchester. The cost for the film is $10; a combined film and reception ticket is $35. Funds go to support Joe's Place.

According to a press release, "Joe's Place is staffed by qualified house parents" who get "room and board and a small stipend in exchange for serving as house parents five days a week. Students check into the house on Sunday evening and out on Friday. Local churches and area restaurants provide evening meals two days a week. The other days, house parents and students cook meals together. Community volunteers serve as mentors and tutors for the residents of Joe's Place."

St. Louis Artist's Guild

The St. Louis Artists' Guild's Collectors Choice events are set for this spring. For $150 ($165 after March 31), two people will be admitted to two parties and will get to take home a piece of artwork.

If you're interested in another work, the guild will be raffling off (tickets are $10 each or three for $25) an original print by Ernest Trova.

At the opening party on May 20, ticket holders and artists can come to a reception at the guild, 2 Oak Knoll Park in Clayton, from 6-7 p.m., which will be opened to the public from 7-9 p.m. The artwork donated by local and regional artists will be on display at this time and will remain on show until the selection party on June 12.

Doors will open to the selection party at 11 a.m., with art selection beginning at 1 p.m. As names of ticket buyers are chosen at random, the people will get to choose their art

To order tickets, call 314-727-6266.

Society for the Blind & Visually Impaired

The St. Louis Society for the Blind & Visually Impaired will celebrate its 100th Anniversary with a gala VIP reception and awards dinner on April 9, at the Arch View Ballroom at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, 1 South Broadway.

With a theme of "Celebrate a Century: EnVISION the Future," the event will feature a champagne and cocktail reception, gourmet dinner with wine and desserts, a "Box of Air" auction, live music and presentations awards for commitments to eye research and community service.

The black-tie optional event begins at 6 p.m., with dinner starting at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $175 a person, which includes free parking. For reservations or sponsorship information, please call the Society at 314-968-9000 or visit the website http://www.SLSBVI.org.

Zoofari - spring fashion

The second annual Spring Fashion Soiree will take place from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. March 30 at Saks Fifth Avenue in Plaza Frontenac. The event featuring cocktails, shopping and a fashion show to benefit Zoofari 2011, the St. Louis Zoo's June 17 creative black-tie fundraiser. Tickets to Zoofari will be available for purchase at the Soiree.

The fashion show will include Leifsdottir, Rebecca Taylor, Alice & Olivia, Tibi Vince, Tehroy, Nanette Lepore, Jimmy Choo, CHANEL, Scotch & Soda, Diesel, Michael Kors, Burberry, Versace, True Religion and Seven.

With a suggested donation of $15 to the Zoo, guests will get a 15 percent off Saks Fifth Avenue shopping pass good for that night only plus complimentary drinks and appetizers.

To RSVP, please send an e-mail to [email protected] For more information about the Spring Fashion Soiree, please visit www.ALIVEmag.com.

Women of Achievement

The Women of Achievement organization has announced the volunteers who will be honored in 2011. They are

Lisa Boyce, Youth Enrichment, St. Louis

Karen Castellano, Community Service, Town and Country

Margo L. Deloch, Humanitarian Concerns, St. Louis

Diane Katzman, Creative Philanthropy, Ladue

Becky Kueker, Volunteer Leadership, Maryville, Ill.

Lisa Nichols, Youth Dedication, Chesterfield

Pam Toder, Women's Health, Ladue

Corinne Walentik, MD, Health Leadership, University City

Carol Weir, Senior Health Advocacy, St. Louis

Fran Gelber Zamler, Community Betterment, Olivette

According to a press release, f"or more than 56 years, Women of Achievement has recognized women who have a record of leadership in volunteer service to the greater St. Louis community, including Illinois." The awards luncheon will be held on May 10 at the Ritz-Carlton.

To make a reservation for the 2011 luncheon, please contact Jenny Besser at MAC Meetings at 314-421-2005. Tickets are $60.

Confluence clean up

Want to get wet and dirty for a good cause?

We can't guarantee the weather, but we can guarantee a feel good experience for those who join in the third annual Confluence Trash Bash.

Volunteers can meet at 8:30 a.m., March 26 at either the Missouri entrance to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, 10950 Riverview Drive, 63137, or Creve Coeur Park, 2143 Creve Coeur Mill Road, 63146.

Those who join in will remove trash and debris from selected sites throughout The Confluence. Just bring enthusiasm and wear sturdy shoes – work gloves might also be a good accessory. The morning of work will end with a lunch – and volunteers will get a Trash Bash t-shirt.

According to a press release, artists will be sifting through the trash collected and will turn it into art as part of the bash at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge site.

To volunteer go to confluencegreenway.org or call Natalie Johnson at 314/436-1324 x123.

Ornaments for Officers

Ornaments for Officers kicks off its 2011 fundraiser to benefit the BackStoppers. On March 4, according to a press release, Parkwood Elementary School will present the ornaments collected during its holiday drive to Chief Ron Battelle of BackStoppers, Chief Carl Wolf of Hazelwood Police Department and Ryan Schratz of Pulaski Bank will be in attendance.

In 2010, Ornaments for Officers raised more than $5,000 for Backstoppers. Ornaments are collected, sorted, and distributed to various locations, where each is sold for $3. At least $2 of which goes to provide for the families of police, firefighters, and EMTs killed in the line of duty.

To learn more about Ornaments for Officers go to www.ornamentsforofficers.com or, to participate call 314-681-0401.

Food Search Idiotarod

The Downtown St. Louis Idiotarod replaces dogs with people and sleds with shopping carts as teams of five people race through downtown St. Louis, stopping at checkpoints and completing challenges to continue and win prizes.

One of the challenges includes collecting "virtual" food for a local charity: Operation Food Search, which benefits from the event. Teams must have a theme that is reflected in their sled and costumes. The race will be run on Feb. 25 (corporate) and 26 (open). And "like the Alaskan event, the race will go on regardless of rain, sleet, snow, wind or even a bright, sunny day." Or so says the press release.

The teams can check in at the Old Post Office Plaza, 801 Locust, starting at 11 a.m. each day, and the races will kick off at noon.

Last year, more than 35 teams, with such names as Scooby Doo & The Mystery Machine and Mad Max & Speed Racer, raising more than 7,500 for Operation Food Search.

Registration, which closes at 5 p.m. Feb. 23, costs $100 for a corporate team and $50 for an open team. Participations must be at least 21.

City Academy's Art Dash

City Academy will host its third Art Dash from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, at Preservation Hall in Soulard, 1921 South 9th Street. People can enjoy drinks, appetizers and live music while admiring the work of up to 125 local artists. At the end of the evening, each couple or person will "dash" to claim a favorite piece of original art to take home.

Tickets are $250 a couple, $150 a person and includes refreshments as well as a piece of artwork. In addition to the art that can be grabbed at the end of the night, there will be a live auction of work by such artists as Eva Lundsager, Andrew Millner and William Kohn.

The City Academy scholarship program will also benefit from a preview party featuring singer and songwriter Erin Bode from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25. Tickets for the Bode event are $25 a person.

Couples interested in participating in Art Dash or the Art Dash Preview Party, should contact Nancy Ritzel at 314-382-0085, ext. 104, or [email protected] For more information, visit www.cityacademyschool.org.

Habitat

The magic number is 25 for Habitat for Humanity St. Louis. It's holding a 25th anniversary celebration, called "Jump & Jive for 25" on, appropriately enough Feb. 25 from 6:25-8:25 p.m. at Jive & Wail. The dueling piano bar has recently relocated from Maplewood to 1227 Washington Ave. downtown. Tickets -- $25 or $50 -- will benefit Habitat's efforts to eliminate substandard housing in the St. Louis area.

For $25, a person gets appetizers, 2 drink tickets and entertainment.

The extra $25 adds free valet, an open bar from 6:25-8:25, preferred seating and a Habitat for Humanity St. Louis 25th Anniversary commemorative item.

Tickets may be purchased at www.habitatstl.org/jive25, or by sending a check payable to Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis to 3763 Forest Park Avenue, St. Louis 63108. For more information, contact Habitat at 314-371-0400.

Minds Eye & Lighthouse

Tis the season for Mardi Gras themes to show up in fundraisers. And such is certainly the case with a Feb. 25 dinner to benefit Minds Eye Information Service and Lighthouse for the Blind-St. Louis. Soiree pour la Vue - An Evening for Sight, kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at Point of View, on the 30th floor of 720 Olive St.

The food will be Cajun and the music by The Funky Butt Brass Band can be sufficiently bluesy.

For $75 a person, celebrants will get free parking, reserved table seating, open bar access until 9 p.m., a signature cocktail (The Soiree Hurricane), buffet service from 7 until 8:30 p.m., coffee and dessert, plus live music and dancing until 10:30 p.m., Silent and spoken auctions are also part of the evening's activities.

For reservations please call Minds Eye Information Service at 618-394-6221 or call Lighthouse for the Blind-St. Louis at 1-800-542-3697 or 314-423-4333 ext.125, or inquire via email at [email protected]. 

Opera Theatre

Raise a glass from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 11 in support of Opera Theatre's professional development programs. The event at the Sally S. Levy Opera Center in Webster Groves includes wines, imports and microbrews, plus hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction.

Grey Eagle Distributors provides support, as brewmasters explain their magic. Wines will be provided from Big Sky Cafe, Calistoga Cellars, Garland Wines, Niche, Onesto, Robust and more. And hors d'oeuvres will come from Companion, Eleven Eleven Mississippi, LoRusso's Cucina & Catering, Ricardo's Italian Cafe, Serendipity Homemade Ice Cream and SqWires.

A fitting end -- or beginning as your tastes dictate -- will come from Kaldi's Coffee Roasting Co. and .Kakao Chocolate.

Tickets range from $75 and go up $500, part of which is tax deductible. To reserve your tickets, call 314-963-4223 or email [email protected] for more information.

Business attire is recommended. And valet parking will be available.

Mercantile Library

The St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri St. Louis will honor two authors -- Ron Powers and Charles F. Lehman -- at a dinner at the library, starting at 6 p.m. Feb. 5. The event will benefit the Herman T. Pott National Inland Waterways Library and will include a special exhibition from the John Hartford Collection of river history at the library.

Dinner tickets start at $75. According to a press release, a silent auction will include such things as six Blues Cruise tickets on the riverboat Becky Thatcher and a one-way trip from St. Louis to New Orleans on a working towboat courtesy of AEP River Operations.

Powers, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, will receive the 2011 Captain Donald T. Wright Award. He, like the subject of his most recent book, Mark Twain, was born in Hannibal.

Charles F. Lehman, who has worked on boats since the Korean war, will receive the 2011 James V. Swift Medal. His book "A Riverman's Lexicon" was published in 2009.

The Mercantile Library is in the Thomas Jefferson Library Building on the north part of the UMSL campus. For more information or to RSVP call 314-516-7240 or visit: umsl.edu/pott/about/Wright-Award-Swift-Medal.html

Ranken Jordan

Ranken Jordan, a pediatric specialty hospital, will be host "The Crystal Ball" this Saturday at the Kemp Auto Museum, 16955 Chesterfield Airport Rd.

The ball, set up as Caribbean Carnivale will take place from 6-11 p.m. and will feature cocktails, dinner, dancing and a silent and live auction. There will also be complimentary valet parking.

As its website explains, "For children with complex medical conditions such as brain injuries, congenital defects or complications due to premature birth, Ranken Jordan  specializes in bridging the gap between traditional hospital treatment and going home."

Tickets are $200 per person or $1,800 for a table of 10. Contact Ranken Jordan for additional event information or to purchase tickets at 314-872-6414.

Virtual Learning Center

True confession: I saw the subject line of a recent email and thought Jimmy Buffett was coming to St. Louis.

Well, he is in May. But as I read more, the actually information in this email said Peter Buffett is coming to benefit the Virtual Learning Center of Cooperating School Districts.

“Life Is What You Make It: A Concert & Conversation with Peter Buffett,” 7 p.m. Feb. 16 at the St. Charles Convention Center, combines a cello-accompanied live piano/vocal performance with video clips of his film, TV, and philanthropic work.

For more information about the show and to watch a short clip, visit www.peterbuffett.com/liwymi-cc. The cost is $30 in advance, $35 at the door / $25 for college students with valid student ID For more information and tickets, go to http://www.csd.org/pbuffett

According to the press release, this performance is a companion to Buffett's book “Life is What You Make It: Find Your Own Path to Fulfillment.” As Peter explains in the book, “the only real inheritance handed down from his parents was a philosophy: forge your own path in life.”

Walk Run 'n Roll

The Center for Autism Education, The Center for Head Injury Services, Community Living, Inc., Emmaus Homes, Giant Steps, Life Skills, Pathways to Independence, the Pujols Family Foundation, Rainbow Village and TouchPoint Autism Services and teaming up to raise funds and increase public awareness for people who have cognitive and developmental disabilities.

Together, they will host the Walk Run ‘n Roll on May 7 in Creve Coeur Park, starting at the Tremayne Shelter, on the lakefront.

In a press release, Wendy Sullivan, president of Life Skills, said, “We believe that through joining together we can create more awareness about people with cognitive and developmental disabilities and their contributions to our community.”

The Walk Run ‘n Roll day includes live music, activities for kids and a free resource and health fair, during which organizations offering services for people with cognitive and developmental disabilities will provide information.

Visit www.walkrunnroll.org or call Allison Hershberger at 618-920-8116 for more information.

Center for Hearing & Speech

The Center for Hearing & Speech turns its fundraising Musical Mayhem to Harrah's St. Louis Hotel & Casino on Feb. 25.

Sponsors will join with "Pit Boss Patrons" ($125) for a cocktail hour starting at 6:30 p.m. with the Just in Time band. At 7:30 p.m., the "Jackpot Jewels" ($75) will joy the fun of food, music, live and silent auctions and casino-style To purchase tickets contact Chelsey Brown at 314-968-4710 or [email protected]

The Center for Hearing & Speech works to reduce the impact of communication disorders on the health and wellbeing of individuals.

Soles4Souls

From Jan. 24 and 28, people can bring gently worn shoes to Fort Zumwalt West High School. The school is working with national charity Soles4Souls.

"We can use the shoes taking up space in your closet to change the world one pair at a time," said founder and chief executive of Soles4Souls, Wayne Elsey in a press release. "We need our partners in O'Fallon, to help us change the lives of more than 300 million children worldwide who do not own a pair of shoes. We are grateful to our partners who have helped us distribute 10 million pairs of shoes, but the need is greater than ever," he said.

People and companies interested in donating can visit the organization's website at www.giveshoes.org.

'Pistons & Pearls'

The 2011 St. Louis Auto Charity Gala "Pistons & Pearls," will benefit such local charitable organizations as Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club, Operation Foodsearch, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Team Activities for Special Kids, the St. Louis Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation and the St. Louis Crisis Nursery.

The "Pistons & Pearls" gala will be 7-10 p.m. Jan. 29 at the America's Center. Guests will have after-hours access to the St. Louis Auto Show (Jan. 27-30), gourmet hors d'oeuvres, a carving station, cocktails, live music, a silent auction and more. Guests also can attend the After Party at Cielo Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel in Downtown St. Louis. VIP admission is $100 and general admission is $40. All donations are tax-deductible. For more information or to order tickets, http://www.stlautos.com/around-town/charity-gala

MLK and JCC

"A Celebration in Song," will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Jewish Community Center-Staenberg Family Complex-Arts and Education Building, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, in Creve Coeur.

"This program," said Batya Abramson-Goldstein, executive director of the JCRC in a press release, "will enable us, through words and music, to celebrate and commemorate the legacy of Martin Luther King and to reflect on its enduring relevance."

James H. Buford, President and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, will open the program at the 22nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration sponsored by the I.M. Millstone Jewish Community Campus. Rabbi Mordecai Miller of Congregation Brith Sholom Kneseth Israel will be the closing speaker.

Participating choirs include the Confluence Academy-Old North Choir, the Saul Mirowitz Day School/Reform Jewish Academy Choir and the Solomon Schechter Day School of St. Louis Choir.

The program is free. Those attending are asked to bring a can to donate to the Jewish Food Pantry.

Cardinal Glennon and music

Celebrate the season with an afternoon of music at Webster Records (117 W. Lockwood) on Dec. 19.

Three talented St. Louis artists perform live that afternoon to raise money for Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. Vocalist/pianist Anita Rosamond and saxophonist Jim Stevens play at 1 p.m. Guitarist Steve Schenkel and vocalist Kiersten Rose perform at 2 p.m. Trumpet player Jim Manley and keyboardist Lupe will play at 3 p.m.

All the musicians will donate a portion of sales of their CDs that day to Cardinal Glennon -- and Webster Records will add a donation from those CD sales as well. Webster Records will be open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Dec. 19. For more information, call 314-961-4656.

Neighborhood Houses

Alive magazine and Neighborhood Houses are hosting a champagne tasting at the December "Sips in the City" happy hour at Culinaria. This month's event features champagnes from Moet & Chandron Imperial and Veuve Cliequot Ponsardin and beer from Stella Artois, Hoegaarden and Leffe.

The event takes place Dec. 17 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at Culinaria Wine Bar 9th & Olive - 2 hours free parking in garage with grocery store purchase (5 p.m. or after).

With a $5 donation to Neighborhood Houses, guests receive two complimentary drinks and appetizers provided by Culinaria. According to a press release, "Neighborhood Houses strengthens children and families through life-changing educational programs that help create hope, health and independence." Neighborhood Houses will also be collecting new and gently used children's books (ages 6 weeks - 12 years) at the event.

Fighting hunger - Walmart

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have begun a campaign on Facebook that could bring money to fight hunger in St. Louis.

As part of an overall $18 million holiday campaign, it wants people to vote for the community that will receive $1 million; the five cities with the next highest voting support will get $100,000 each.

St. Louis is one of the 100 cities nationwide that is included. Its food hardship rate – made up of families who cannot afford to buy regular meals – is pegged at 16.3 percent, compared with a national average of 9.2 percent.

As of Friday morning, St. Louis ranked ninth in the campaign. Anyone who wants to boost its standing can go online to cast a vote at http://fightinghunger.walmart.com .

On Monday (12-13) , Frank Finnegan from St. Louis Area FoodBank will appear at the Maplewood Walmart to discuss the problem of hunger in the St. Louis area. - Dale Singer

Spring ArtWalk

No, it's not too early to plan to wander around St. Charles and enjoy the shops and art. St. Charles Riverfront Arts has issued a "Call For Entry" for its "Spring ArtWalk" event, which will be held April 29, 30 and May 1.

The Spring ArtWalk features juried artists at various businesses along Main Street. The businesses provide display space for the artists and assist in attracting customers and sales.

There is no entry fee and no commission on the artists' sales for this "artist-friendly" event.

Work must be submitted no later than Feb. 1, 2011.

For more information about the 6th Spring ArtWalk, contact Sandy Kolde at [email protected], or visit the Saint Charles Riverfront Arts website at www.saintcharlesriverfrontarts.com.

Children's Home & Aid

The Edwardsville Dairy Queen, 400 S. Buchanan will host Santa with his live reindeer and free carriage rides on Dec. 11 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. to benefit Children's Home & Aid, the leading child and family service agency in Illinois.

People are asked to bring a new unwrapped toy to receive a free ride down the streets of old historic Edwardsville. All of the monetary donations will benefit Children's Home & Aid.

Children's Home + Aid provides programs and services that focus on child abuse prevention, healthy child development and strengthening families. It has provided continuous services for more than 100 years.

Red Cross

Those who need the kindness of others to survive have to be inventive in findings way to tap into that kindness. The American Red Cross has developed a "movile giving program" through which people can use their cell phones to donate.

Between now and Dec. 31, just text GIFT to 90999 and you'll be making a $25 donation to Red Cross.

"Over three million people made a $10 donation via text to help the people of Haiti last January. We are now asking them to help the work of the American Red Cross down the street, across the country, and around the world by making a holiday gift of $25 by text," said Peggy Dyer, chief marketing officer of the American Red Cross, in a press release.

For more conventional ways to support the Red Cross, check out www.redcross.org/gifts.

ArchCity Defenders

The ArchCity Defenders, a new nonprofit that works to break the cycle of revolving-door justice in the area, represents indigent St. Louisans who have been charged with a crime and cannot afford an attorney.

It will celebrate its first anniversary with a fundraiser at the The SideBar, 1317 Washington Ave, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 9. Currently, the organization is made up entirely of volunteers, and the hope is that enough can be raised to hire staff. The work goes beyond court appearances. According to one of the founders, Thomas Harvey, “Because 80 percent of indigent defendants have a mental health or substance abuse problem (or both), the ArchCity Defenders seeks to help our clients address the underlying causes of their criminal behavior by coordinating care with social service providers in the area. In short, we hope to treat the whole person, addressing their legal and related non-legal needs.”

For more information about the Defenders, go to www.archcitydefenders.org.

Lafayette Square Parlor Tour

Usually, the items in Fun and Fundraising are simply reworked press releases that tell about an upcoming event. And such could very well have happened when I opened an email that began, "Please join us for a wonderful afternoon touring the beautiful homes of historic Lafayette Square for the 36th Annual Holiday Parlor Tour. ... There will be carriage rides, carolers, pictures with Santa in the plaza and much more!"

I had to smile because I've gone on that tour, I've worked that tour and my house has been on that tour. My late husband was almost the Santa one year. He was asked to be Santa, but ... Capt. Morgan rum offered to make a contribution if we had someone dress up as the Captain (this was long before the recent spate of commercials). Santa morphed into Capt. Morgan, which actually looked like a jolly Capt. Jack Sparrow.

The second time we were on House Tour, our home had a dining room with a 30-foot ceiling. Jim would anchor the tree (in the largest stand I've seen) to a window and the fireplace with wire, and I'd use an extension ladder to decorate. Watching people's eyes go up and up as they walked from the front parlor into the dining room never got old.

Now I've downsized, and the people who bought that house built a room above the dining room. So, I can promise you that you won't see that room or have a chance to say hello to me. But I can also guarantee that you'll find something to smile about on the Lafayette Square House Tour and you'll find a lot of my neighbors who are happy to share their stories.

When? 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 12. Pick up tickets at the Park House at the corner of Lafayette and Mississippi. They are $15 in advance; $20 day of the tour; $12 for groups of 20 or more and are available to buy at www.lafayettesquare.org , which is also where you can find more information.

Women of Achievement

Women of Achievement is accepting nominations for its 2011 class of honorees.

“We are looking for women from the St. Louis Metropolitan Region who have made an outstanding or extraordinary contribution in one or more areas of volunteer service over and above their professional responsibilities,” says Alice S. Handelman, president, in a press release.

On May 10, 10 women will be honored for leadership in volunteer service to the area. People can submit nominations by going to www.woastl.org and completing the form online. To receive a hard copy of the nomination form, send a self addressed stamped envelope to: Women of Achievement, c/o MAC Meetings and Events, 801 North 2nd Street, Suite 302, St. Louis, Missouri 63102. The deadline for submission of nominations is Jan. 14, 2011.

If you've nominated someone previously who was not selected, you are encouraged to try again. Nominations are not kept from previous years.

--Donna Korando