November 6
Wine and Beer Tasting
A benefit for Twin Cities Women’s Choir. For the ticket price of $40, enjoy a two-hour wine and beer tasting, sponsored by Cellars Wine and Spirits, light appetizers, and a chocolate fountain. St. Paul. Tickets available at www.twincitieswomenschoir.org. Contact Pat at sing@twincitieswomenschoir.org or call 612-333-8292.
November 6
Fall Wine Dinner
A benefit for the Animal Humane Society. Be part of the Twin Cities premier dining experience while enjoying exceptional courses prepared by six of the top chefs in the area, expertly paired with fine wines from The Cellars Wine & Spirits. Live auction and Fund-A-Need. St. Paul. Contact Bobbi at bmorris@animalhumanesociety.org or 763-432-4842. • www.animalhumanesociety.org
November 7
25th Anniversary Celebration Choral Arts Ensemble
Top off an evening of fine dining with a special Choral Arts Ensemble concert and featured artists CANTUS! Rochester. Contact Carolyn at 507-252-8427. • www.choralartsensemble.org
November 7
Annual Lourdes Auction
A benefit for Lourdes High School, Rochester. Hundreds of items up for sale at this silent and live auction: vacations, jewelry, furniture,and gift and gourmet baskets. Call Barbara at Rochester Catholic Schools Development Office at 507-424-1817 or bdecramer@rochestercatholic.k12.mn.us for more information.
November 7
Dawn of a Dream
A benefit for pediatric cancer research at the University of Minnesota Cancer Center. Has it dawned on you to put an end to childhood cancer? The 29th annual gala features a reception, dinner program, high-profile live entertainment, live auction, and new interactive experience. Minneapolis. For more information, call 952-224-8497.
November 8
Music for Medicine
A benefit for Neighborhood Involvement Program (N.I.P). This benefit chamber music concert features members from the Minnesota Orchestra. Proceeds are used to help fund programs offered by N.I.P. for women, men, and children in need of healthcare and social services. Minneapolis. Contact Rachel at 612-746-8546 or nip@neighborhoodinvolve.org. • www.neighborhoodinvolve.org
November 10
It’s Time to Talk: Forums of Race
A benefit for YWCA of Minneapolis. Be part of building community through eliminating racism. Join 1,000-plus diverse individuals and be inspired by Valarie Kaur, writer and award-winning filmmaker. Engage in a professionally-facilitated dialogue about racism at your table and commit to take action. Registration required. For more information, call 612-215-4124 . • www.ywcampls.org/itt
November 11
Designer Yeohlee Close-up
A benefit for the Goldstein Museum of Design. Join us for a special opportunity to have cocktails with talented designer Yeohlee and see a selection of her new designs. Time: 5:30- 7 p.m., $50/ticket, limited tickets available. St. Paul. Contact Barbara at 612-624-7434 or gmd@umn.edu. • http://goldstein.design.umn.udu/visitus.html
November 12
Signature Chefs Auction
A benefit for March of Dimes, dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. The Signature Chefs Auction includes top local chefs presenting their signature dishes in a tasting format, great wines, and live and silent auction packages. Minneapolis. Contact Danielle at 952-835-3033 or dprenevost@marchofdimes.com. • www.marchofdimes.com/minnesota
November 14
Book Arts Festival
A benefit for Minnesota Center for Book Arts nonprofit education and artistic programs. The eighth annual Book Arts Festival will celebrate the art of the book in Minnesota and beyond! Over 40 local artists, thousands of handmade items, artist demonstrations, and free family artmaking activities for all ages. Minneapolis. Contact Flora at 612-215-2520 or mcba@mnbookarts.org. • www.mnbookarts.org
November 14
Animal Adoption Day
A benefit for Second Chance Animal Rescue. Lovable cats, kittens, dogs and puppies will be available for adoption at Petco in Roseville (north of Highway 36 off Fairview Avenue). All animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, heartworm or FeLV/FIV checked, and dewormed. The adoption fee includes a free ID tag and vet exam. Help save a life. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Contact Nancy at 651-771-5662 or www.secondchancerescue.org.
November 14
Little Red Ball
A benefit for Children’s Home Society and Family Services. Little Red Ball is a gala that celebrates family, a vital part of CHSFS mission. Children and adults of all ages are invited to participate. The evening includes a family-friendly dinner, fun activities, entertainment and more. This year’s event celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Little Red Stocking campaign. 6:15 p.m. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul. Contact Kate at 651-255-2316 or kblessing@chsfs.org. • www.chsfs.org
November 14
Fiesta Latina MEDA Gala
A benefit for Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA). The 24th annual MEDA Gala is the premier benefit and networking event for entrepreneurs of color in the Twin Cities. This event not only connects a unique network of business owners and professionals, but also provides critical funding to support MEDA’s programs and services. Minneapolis. Contact Ellen at 612-259-6562 or eorndorf@meda.net. • www.medagala.net
November 14
Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis
A benefit for the Southwest Minnesota Arthritis Foundation North Central Chapter. Get into the spirit this holiday season at the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis. Hit the nation’s pavements, pathways and parks this winter to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. Marshall. Contact Liz at 651-644-4108 or etruax@arthritis.org. • http://southwestmnjbr09.kintera.org
November 14
Wild about Wine
All proceeds benefit conservation programs at the Minnesota Zoo. Join us for the fourth annual Wild about Wine event and enjoy an exotic evening of appetizers, music, and wine in a unique zoo setting. Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley. Contact Judy at 952-431-9257 or judy.thompson@state.mn.us. • www.mnzoo.org
November 19
Arts of the Holidays
A benefit for the Minnetonka Center for the Arts. Over 100 local and regional artists will display their work in the Laura H. Miles Gallery. A juried show of unique art and fine crafts selected for holiday gifts. Free admission. Wayzata. Contact Bruce at 951-473-7361 ext. 12 or bcamp@minnetonkaarts.org. • www.minnetonkaarts.org
November 19
So You Think You Can Be CEO?
A benefit for Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest. This hands-on business strategy tournament consists of an online interactive simulation based in the year 2035 where teams of four battle against each other in the maufacturing of a futuristic product. The event is geared toward corporate employees. Prizes and bragging rights are at stake. Contact Kari at 651-255-0052 or kari@jaum.org. • www.jaum.org
November 20
Home For the Holidays 2009
A benefit for Children’s Hospital Association. This event sets the stage for the holidays! Beautifully decorated homes on display, boutique, and luncheon. North Oaks Golf Club. Tickets $25/each. Luncheon is $20 with reservations. Contact Marge at 651-484-4589 or cindy.schweizer@childrensmn.org. • http://www.northoakschaguild1.org/
November 20
Festival of Trees Style Show and Luncheon
A benefit for HealthEast Emergency Care and HealthEast Medical Transportation. The 25th annual style show features women’s and men’s fashions set amidst a winter wonderland of designer-decorated trees and wreaths. Silent auction and holiday items for sale. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. St. Paul RiverCentre. Contact Mary at 651-232-4808 or mekaase@healtheast.org. • www.healtheast.org/foundation
November 20
Festival of Trees Winetasting and Creative Cocktail
A benefit for HealthEast Emergency Care and HealthEast Medical Transportation. The 25th annual winetasting includes wine, hors d’oeuvres and wandering through a winter wonderland of designer-decorated trees and wreaths. Silent auction of trees, wreaths, and more. 6:30 -10 p.m. St. Paul RiverCentre. Contact Mary at 651-232-4808 or mekaase@healtheast.org. • www.healtheast.org/foundation
November 21
60th Annual Ball
A benefit for Children’s Hospital Association. Dinner, dancing, silent and live auctions, and a raffle for a 1956 Ford Thunderbird! Crowne Plaza Hotel, St. Paul. Contact Cindy at 651-220-6176. • www.cha-stpaul.org
November 21
Bullfrog Bash
A benefit for the Jeremiah Program, creating a future of hope as they transform families from poverty to prosperity. “Step out” for a party with a purpose—featuring an evening of fine dining, auctions, and dancing, and “step up” to create a future of hope. The Depot, Minneapolis. Contact Angie at awoodhouse@jeremiahprogram.org or 651-332-5010. • www.jeremiahprogram.org
November 21
Fraser Annual Benefit
An annual fundraising benefit to celebrate Fraser, serving children and adults with special needs through comprehensive education, healthcare, and housing services. Enjoy a delicious three-course dinner, exciting silent and live auctions, cocktail reception, and entertainment. Corporate and individual sponsors, table hosts, and patron guest tickets available. Minneapolis. Contact Lori at 612-798-8313 or lorid@fraser.org. • www.fraser.org/calendar
November 21
Festival of Trees Gala
The Gala evening features dinner and live and silent auctions set amidst a winter wonderland of designer decorated trees and wreaths. A festive kick-off to the holiday season. St. Paul RiverCentre. Contact Mary at 651-232-4808 or mekaase@healtheast.org. • www.healtheast.org/foundation
November 21
Voices from the Heart Gala
A fundraising event to raise awareness about children in foster care who need permanent families, in support of all adoptive families. Help us celebrate the efforts of those who strive to ensure that every child has a permanent, loving family. The evening features a live and silent auction, reception, gourmet dinner, entertainment, and lively awards program. West St. Paul. Contact Nancy at nancyviking@nacac.org or 651-644-3036 ext. 16. • www.nacac.org
November TBA
Leadership Speaker Series
Learn from top Twin Cities’ business and community leaders as they share their leadership stories and advice to connect the dots between our economy, our community and you. Free for United Way Community Builders and Emerging Leaders (who give $500 or above), $20 per person for non-members. 6-7:30 p.m. Graves 601 Hotel. www.unitedwaytwincities.org/eleaders
November – December
Stories of Light
Take part in this annual, eight-week campaign with funds going directly to grant the wishes of 50 children throughout Minnesota during the holiday season. Media sponsor is Cities 97, and a portion of the Cities Sampler proceeds support this campaign. For more information, visit www.wishmn.org or call 612-767-9474.
