It seems more so now than ever before that organizations across the board are reaching out for help. Despite all of the "doom-and-gloom" being reported on in the news, I consider myself to be a fairly positive person with an optomistic outlook on life. However, reality tends to sink in a little when you find that local mainstays within your hometown are being threatened. These times of "crisis" are when charity organizations and community support foundations see a significant spike in demand for their services. Every week there are events being held to raise money and awareness for various causes that will likely relate to every person at some point in their life. This week, I stumbled upon a handful of various causes to consider. Whether you enjoy shopping, a night of great food, a pint of beer with friends or a day out in the sunshine with other people, you should be able to find one of these events "beneficial" to attend. 

Tonight!!

People Reaching Out: Art of the Kitchen
Benefitting: People Reaching Out
The goal of PRO is to promote a healthy community by empowering youth to make healthy choices, strengthening families to guide their children away from drugs and violence, and forming effective partnerships working together to build a strong community.

Food and one-of-a-kind art are on the menu. This is a celebration of all good things that go in and come from the kitchen. Enjoy cooking demonstrations by some of the areas top chefs. Also featuring one-of-a-kind art pieces by Steve Memering, Michael Kennedy, Yuko Carson, Viki Asp, Clare Bailey, Kristin Hoard, Arbo Barnarnd, and many more.

Where: Lounge on 20 (20th & K St); Time: 6:00-9:00pm
Tickets: Tickets are $100, five for $500
Info Phone: (916) 576-3300

S.O.S.- An Evening With the Dancers & Silent Auction
Benefitting: The Sacramento Ballet

The first ever Dancer organized event!- The Vizcaya Mansion has generously donated their space for a night of entertainment, wine, food, live music, games, a special performance by the Dancers & a silent auction. Local businesses are contributing items for the auction and if you have anything that you would like to contribute, email us at: saveoursacballet@gmail.com. Some of the auction items include: vacation packages, family packages, dance lessons, ballet tickets and much more!

Where: Vizcaya Mansion & Pavilion (2019 21st Street); Time: 7:00pm
Tickets: $10 Advance, $15 Door
Info Phone: (916) 552-5800 ext. 102

Saturday

Huge Rummage Sale Fundraiser
Benefitting: Effie Yeaw Nature Center's Pioneer Ranch Living History program

The weather is going to beautiful this weekend! What better reason to get outside with the family than to shop, play & learn together! Check out the bargains and enjoy the history exhibits and activities at this huge rummage sale. If you have items to donate, the donation drop off deadline is Friday, April 24th. **They request to please donate items in good/working condition** Call for a complete list of items they will be accepting.

Where: Ancil Hoffman Park (6700 Tarshes Drive Carmichael, CA) ; Time: 10:00-7:00pm
Info Phone: (916) 489-4918

March For Babies
Benefitting: March of Dimes 
The March of Dimes uses 77 cents of every dollar you raise in March for Babies to support research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. And your funds are used to bring comfort and information to families whose baby was born too soon, or sick.

It's America's favorite walking event! When you walk, you give hope to the families of babies born too soon or sick. The money you raise supports programs in your community that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. And it funds research to find answers to the serious problems that threaten our babies. We've been walking since 1970 and have raised an incredible $1.8 billion to benefit all babies.
The March of Dimes uses 77 cents of every dollar you raise in March for Babies to support research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. And your funds are used to bring comfort and information to families whose baby was born too soon, or sick.

Where: California State Capitol Park (10th & L St); Time: Registration- 7:30am, Start Time- 9:00am 
Tickets: Free, Donations welcome!! 
Info Phone: (916) 922-1913

Women and Brewing
Benefitting: W.E.A.V.E. (Women Escaping A Violent Environment)

Each year, the Rubicon Brewing Company honors women in the brewing industry by inviting women and the beer they brew to Sacramento for a showcase day! This event celebrates women in the brewing industry. Special "brewed by women" beer, along with traditional Rubicon beers, will proudly be poured. There will be a silent auction featuring prizes donated by local businesses and supporting breweries.
This event is not only another chance to taste amazing guest beers but both the event and silent auction benefit W.E.A.V.E. A representative will be present at both events to take donations for their Safe House and answer questions about their organization. All proceeds from the day are donated to W.E.A.V.E.

Where: Rubicon Brewing Company (2004 Capitol Ave); Time: 10:00am-Midnight
Info Phone: (916) 448-7032
 

Sunday

Walk MS - Sacramento 2009
Benefitting: National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The National MS Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS now—to move together toward a world free of multiple sclerosis. MS stops people from moving. We exist to make sure it doesn't.

This event will once again be held at the West Steps of the State Capital building. The route will take you on a stroll through the beautiful, tree-lined streets of downtown and mid-town Sacramento. You have a choice of a 5k or 10k route. Meet new friends on our party route and then celebrate with old friends at the finish line while we walk, give and volunteer to create a world free of MS. The April 26th Sacramento Walk MS promises to be bigger and better than ever. Join us for fantastic food and fun finish-line festivities all while enjoying live music from On Air, a local band, another amazing performance by Jodette’s Belly Dancers and the Ben Ali Shrine Clowns. Dogs are welcome, so bring your canine friend with you. 

Where: California State Capitol- West Steps (10th & Capital); Time: Registration- 8:00am, Walk- 9:00am
Tickets: Free (donations gladly accepted!!)
Info Phone: (415) 230-6677

Kaboom! Playground Build
Benefitting: The Salvation Army Playground at the Roy Robinson Oak Park Community Center  

It all starts with a playground. Three hundred volunteers are needed to join CaliforniaVolunteers, The Salvation Army of Sacramento County, organizers from KaBOOM! and residents of the community to build a new, safe playground at The Salvation Army. The new playground’s design is based on drawings provided by children who attended a “Design Day” event in March. The new playground will provide thousands of children in the community with a safe place to play. Currently, the children have only outdated equipment to play on, which will be removed to make way for the new playground. This playspace project is one of seven sponsored by CaliforniaVolunteers this year to celebrate the legacy of Cesar E. Chavez. Since 2007, CaliforniaVolunteers has sponsored 20 playspace builds constructed by more than 6,000 volunteers and supported 77 after-school service clubs in Title I middle schools across the state. These done-in-a-day play spaces are dramatic, inspirational events that people come back for again and again.

Where: Ray Robinson Oak Park Community Center (2550 Alhambra Blvd); Time: 8:00am-5:00pm
Tickets: Free
Info Phone: (916) 447-7063 x344

All of these events can be found at Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events. For more information and details about the venues and organizations involved, click on the title of the events or visit www.Sacramento365.com.