September 5
Miles for Smiles
A charity motorcycle event to benefit Smile Network International, a global, nonprofit humanitarian organization providing life-altering, reconstructive surgeries and related healthcare services to impoverished children and young adults in developing countries. Ride your motorcycle to predesignated stops on a specified route where you’ll draw a playing card in the hopes of collecting the best poker hand at the end. Stop at Canterbury Park, Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club, the Narrows Saloon, Sport Wheels, and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds for a wrap-up party and concert. Tickets are $35/person (early registration fee). Contact Gina at gina@smilenetwork.org or call 612-377-1800. • www.smilenetwork.org
September 9
9 Ways to Live United in 2009
A benefit for the Greater Twin Cities United Way. The United Way’s mission is to unite caring people to build pathways out of poverty, creating opportunity for all. Enjoy a day of local music, food, and celebrities to kick off corporate campaigns. We will highlight how to be engaged in the community and make the most of your giving. Time and location TBA. www.unitedwaytwincities.org
September 11
Married Alive!
A benefit for Central Lakes College Foundation Scholarships. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and Central Lakes College Foundation bring you Married Alive— a very funny, truthful yet touching musical focusing on the trials, joys, and defeats found in contemporary marriage. Tickets available at www.ticketworks.com. $75/person. Contact Diane at 218-855-8129 or dscearcy@clcmn.edu.
September 11
Children’s Theatre Company’s 20th Annual Curtain Call Ball
As CTC’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds help create extraordinary theatre experiences that educate, challenge, and inspire young people. Enjoy a night filled with dramatic elegance and theatrics. Tickets $125-$300. Visit www.childrenstheatre.org or contact rkoep@childrenstheatre.org or 612-872-5314 for more info.
Septmber 11-13
Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities
A benefit for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter. Embrace a personal challenge of spirit and strength while making an important difference in the lives of people living with MS. Choose a two-day, 30-mile route or a three-day, 50-mile route. Minneapolis. Contact Allison at 1-800-582-5296 or specialevents@mssociety.org. • www.ChallengeWalk.org
September 12
Tail Waggin’ Dinner
A benefit for Helping Paws, Inc. An evening with a puppy chow reception including live music, cash bar, and silent auction followed by a Big Dog’s plated dinner with a live auction. Proceeds support the Helping Paws’ mission of furthering the independence of individuals with physical disablities through the use of service dogs. Marriott Minneapolis Southwest, Minnetonka. Contact Pam at 952-988-9359 ext. 12 or panderson@helpingpaws.org. • www.helpingpaws.org
September 12
Silent No More Walk/Run for Ovarian Cancer
A benefit for Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA). This year MOCA is celebrating 10 years of success. Join us for a 5K Run, 2K Walk, and Kids Fun Run in Edina’s Rosland Park. Registration fee includes a T-shirt and snacks. Prizes awarded to the top fundraisers and runners. Special guest emcee is Evan Farmer, host of HGTV’s “Freestyle.” Pre-register at www.mnovarian.org. Contact Constance at 612-822-0500 or cwhite@mnovarian.org.
September 12
2009 Home and Art Tour
A benefit for Cedar Riverside People’s Center. Visit four fabulous Minneapolis homes featuring outstanding private art collections. Come alone or bring friends for amazing and inspiring art and architecture. Tickets: $50. Contact Doris at 612-305-1311 or rubensteind@peoples-center.org. • www.peoples-center.org
September 12
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.
September 12
Ride ‘n Roar
The annual Ride ‘n Roar event is a motorcycle rally for species survival. Proceeds from the event support education and conservation programs at the zoo and nation-wide. Enjoy a 115-mile ride, picnic, and entertainment. www.mnzoo.org
September 12
Rochester Memory Walk
A benefit for the Minnesota-North Dakota Alzheimer’s Association. Every dollar raised in this national event helps those coping with Alzheimer’s and related diseases. Rochester. Contact Ashley at 952-830-0512 or Ashley.snell@alz.org. • www.alz.org/mnnd
September 13
Taste of the Nation
Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation is the nation’s premier culinary benefit dedicated to making sure no kid in America grows up hungry. Each year, the nation’s hottest chefs and mixologists donate their time, talent, and passion at more than 55 events across the United States and Canada, with one goal in mind: to raise the critical funds needed to end childhood hunger. Since its inception more than 20 years ago, Taste of the Nation has raised more than $70 million. Graves 601. Contact Dina at 651-295-6814 or dinavaynerman@gmail.com. • www.tasteofthenation.org/minneapolis
September 14
BurnAid Golf Classic
Proceeds fund programs and services benefiting burn-injured children and families and enable the Regions Burn Center to offer unique, far-reaching programs to those touched by burns. 11 a.m. lunch, noon golf start. North Oaks Golf Club. Contact Angela at 651-254-2376 or angela.k.kingsley@healthpartners.com. • www.regionshospital.com
September 14
Golf Tournament for HFMD
A benefit for the hemophilia community, hosted by the Hemophilia Foundation of Minnesota/Dakotas (HFMD), to help meet the needs and enhance the quality of life for people impacted with hemophilia and related genetic bleeding disorders and their complications. The 13th annual golf tournament will take place at Indian Hills Golf Club in Stillwater. Contact Jim at 651-406-8655 or jamesp@hfmd.org. • www.hfmd.org
September 15
A Celebration of Sorts
Volunteer with United Way and Arc’s Value Village to prepare the 2009 Halloween Boo-tique™. Help sort and tag donated Halloween costumes and accessories for kids and adults. Your efforts and the proceeds from Arc’s Value Village help fund programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Volunteers must be high school age or older. Time TBA. Southdale Center, former Mervyn’s space.
www.unitedwaytwincities.org/caringconnection
September 15
Mankato Memory Walk
A benefit for the Minnesota-North Dakota Alzheimer’s Association. Every dollar raised in this national signature event helps those coping with Alzheimer’s and related diseases. Sign up to walk with us because, together, we can MOVE a nation. Mankato. Contact Ashley at ashley.snell@alz.org or 952-830-0512 • www.alz.org/mnnd
September 17
Friends of the Goldstein Evening Out
A benefit for The Goldstein Museum of Design. Spend an evening at the beautiful home of the president of the University of Minnesota, and enjoy libations and hors d’oeuvres plus a designer showcase featuring Minnesota Fashion designers. 4-7 p.m. There is no charge for this event, but space is limited. St. Paul. Contact Barbara at 612-624-7343 or gmd@umn.edu. • http://goldstein.design.umn.udu/visitus.html
September 17
Fall Festival of Hope
A benefit for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Guests at the ninth annual Fall Festival of Hope Restaurant Extravaganza sample some of the finest cuisine from 20 of the Twin Cities best restaurants while supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Tickets – $200; table of 10 – $2,000. Minneapolis. Contact Amanda at 952-893-0442 or amanda.cahow@stjude.org. • www.stjude.org/fallfestivalofhope
September 17
John Lloyd Leonard Memorial Golf Tournament
A benefit for Children’s Hospitals and Clinics Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Parent-to-Parent Support Group and the cardiovascular research program.The eighth annual John Lloyd Leonard Memorial Golf Tournament will take place at Riverwood National Golf Course in Otsego. 1 p.m. shotgun start. $100/person ($50-dinner only). Contact Anne at 651-855-2825 or www.golf4kids.org.
September 17
Leadership Speaker Series
Greater Twin Cities United Way invites guests to hear Dave St. Peter, president of the Minnesota Twins, as he shares his leadership experiences with the Twins organization and discusses community impact. Free for United Way Community Builders and Emerging Leaders ($500 or above), $20/person for non-members. 6-7:30 p.m. Graves 601 Hotel. www.unitedwaytwincities.org/eleaders
September 17
Women’s Leadership Council Luncheon
Celebrate the successes of Greater Twin Cities United Way Women’s Leadership Council. Come learn more about the Council and the investments they are making in early childhood education to ensure all children are fully ready for kindergarten. Lunch provided. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Jackson Room, Travelers Foundation. www.unitedwaytwincities.org/womensleadership
September 18
Swing For the Children
A benefit for Children’s Hospital Association. The fifth annual charity golf tournament and gala will take place at the Tartan Park Golf Course in Lake Elmo. Contact Cindy at 651-220-6176 or cindy.schweizer@childrensmn.org. • www.cha-stpaul.org
September 18
Bridging’s Annual Gala
Annual fundraiser to help support Bridging programs—providing the economically disadvantaged in transition with quality furniture and household items free of charge. Gala, featuring silent/live auctions, raffle (win a new car!), dinner and entertainment, is from 6:30 – 11 p.m. Casual attire. Minneapolis Marriott Southwest, Minnetonka. Contact Char at 952-888-0745 or char@bridging.org. • www.bridging.org
Sept. 18-20, 2009
Leukemia Cup Regatta
The event weekend includes up to five races on White Bear Lake. Register your boat for $75. www.leukemiacup.org/mn
September 19
Alexandria Fun Run
The largest fundraiser for the Lakes Area Humane Society. Events for the morning include a 5K and 10K run, one mile scenic dog walk along the lake, and a 1K kids run. Advanced registration is preferred and available on the website – www.alexandriafunrun.com. Contact Wendy at 320-815-3092 or whyatt@fsbkensington.com.
September 19
Jack’s Run for MPS
A benefit for the National Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) Society. MPS and related genetic diseases are caused by the body’s inability to produce certain enzymes. Affected individuals can have mental retardation, speech and hearing impairment, heart disease, hyperactivity, depression, or pain. Have fun and exercise with the family while supporting the MPS community during the fourth annual 5K run/walk, one mile family walk/run, and kids’ courage dash at Round Lake Park in Eden Prairie. There are several kids activities, a silent auction, and live music. Heather at aldenpope@msn.com or 612-781-5128. • www.jacksrunformps.org
September 19-20
North Oaks Guild II Rummage Sale
All proceeds fund programs at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. The eleventh annual rummage sale will include household items, clothing of all sizes, jewelry, books, camping and sporting equipment, bikes, furniture, antiques, toys and strollers. Shoreview Ice Arena. Contact 651-482-1128 for more information.
September 21
2009 CMAA Challenge
A benefit for nonprofit organizations Bridging Inc. and The Club Foundation. The Upper Midwest Chapter of the Club Managers Association of America, consisting of over 70 professional managers in private country, city, university, yacht and town clubs, is dedicated to professionalism, continuing education, and community involvement. Tickets are $200 per player and include golf, cart, range, prizes, lunch, and dinner. Sponsorships available. Silent auction. Scramble or regular play. Brackett’s Crossing Country Club, Lakeville. Contact Steve at 612-816-3775 or sgilles@mvccgolf.com.
September 22
Spare Key Golf Benefit
A benefit for Spare Key, a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to provide assistance to Minnesota homeowners with critically ill or seriously injured children by making a mortgage payment on the family’s behalf, allowing parents to spend time with their family. Enjoy a great day on the course and support a good cause. Willinger’s Golf Club, Northfield. Contact Rae at 952-406-8872 or rae@sparekey.org. • www.sparekey.org
September 26
2009 Duluth Start! Heart Walk
Join thousands of walkers and survivors as they gather in Duluth to inspire healthy changes in others, create hope for a world without heart disease, and celebrate the successes in medical research. Form a team and help us raise funds for cardiovascular research. Contact Liz at liz.huesman@heart.org or 701-306-8310 or www.americanheart.org/start
September 26
Jeans to Gems Benefit Gala
A benefit for Opportunity Partners, empowering people with disabilities. Jeans to Gems shows how people with disabilities transform their skills to be in and of the community. Join us for dinner, fun, and live and silent auctions. Minneapolis Marriott Southwest, Minnetonka. Tickets $100; sponsors welcome. Contact Sara at smaaske@opportunities.org or 952-912-2492 • www.opportunitypartners.org
September 26
MMC Annual Gala
A benefit for Minnesota Masonic Charities (MMC), an organization created by the Masons of Minnesota to provide charitable services to its members, their families and the public. The fifth annual gala will include a festive evening for friends and supporters of the many philanthropies of MMC. Contact Sara at 952-948-6202 or sara.beddow@mnmasonic.org • www.mnmasoniccharities.org
September 26
Arthritis Walk – Twin Cities
A benefit for the Arthritis Foundation North Central Chapter. This annual nationwide event raises awareness and funds to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. Help improve the lives of the 46 million men, women and children physician-diagnosed with arthritis on a one or three mile walking route. Rosland Park, Edina. Contact Lindsey at 651-644-4108 or lkumlien@arthritis.org. • http://twincities2009.kintera.org
September 26
Brainerd Memory Walk
A benefit for the Minnesota-North Dakota Alzheimer’s Association. Every dollar raised in this national signature event helps those coping with Alzheimer’s and related diseases. Sign up to walk with us because, together, we can MOVE a nation. Brainerd. Contact Ashley at 952-830-0512 or Ashley.snell@alz.org. • www.alz.org/mnnd
September 26
Dusk2Dawn
Benefit two powerful organizations—Open Arms (locally) and Arm in Arm (South Africa)—who are making a difference in the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS. The walk starts and stops at St. Joan of Arc Church in Minneapolis. Routes are either seven or ten miles with rest stops and snacks along the way. A midnight celebration awaits walkers at the finish line. Contact Nancy at 612-872-1152 or nancy@openarmsmn.org. • www.dusk2dawn.org
September 26
Made in the Shade Walk, Run & Roll
A benefit for the following disability organizations: Community Involvement Programs, Homeward Bound, Lutheran Social Service, Midway Training Services, Opportunity Partners, Partnership Resources, Inc., TSE, Inc., and Wingspan Life Resources. Run, walk, bike, stroll, or roll during this non-competitive event at Thomas Beach on Lake Calhoun. Contact Dan at 612-331-2075 or dmcalister@partnershipresources.org. • www.madeintheshade.org
September 26
Opera Gala 2009
A benefit for the Minnesota Opera. Gala attendees will be transported to exotic Ceylon with Georges Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers, a passionate story of love, friendship, and betrayal. Attendees will enjoy fine dining, shopping, and entertainment. Includes dinner, a live reverse auction, silent auction, dessert reception, and cast party. James J. Hill Reference Library, St. Paul. • www.mnopera.org
September 26
PACER’s HOT Party, COOL Cause
A social event of the Friends of PACER Advisory Board, supporting PACER’s work for children with disabilities. Help benefit PACER Center while dancing to the funky beats of Christy Love, with former members of Boogie Wonderland. Call 952-838-9000 or email pacer@pacer.org. • www.pacer.org
September 26
Service to Humanity Gala – 25th anniversary
A benefit for the Peter J. King Emergency Care Center at United Hospital. Get ready for a fabulous evening complete with a reception, silent auction, dinner, and dancing to The Seville’s. The grand prize of a live auction and raffle is a Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic from Sears Imported Autos. Event honorees include Merry DeCourcy and Dr. Todd Hess. Sponsorship opportunities available. St. Paul. Contact David at 651-241-8025 or David.Byrd@allina.com. • www.unitedhospital.com/unitedfoundation
September 26
Spirit of the Heart Gala
A benefit for the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, supporting cardiovascular research and education programs. The 27th annual gala will feature keynote speakers Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones, and Dr. John Lesser. The Depot, Minneapolis. Contact Toni at 612-863-3844 or tknorr@mhif.org. • www.mplsheart.org
September 26
Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes
Proceeds raised will support diabetes research, information, and the advocacy work of the American Diabetes Association. Set your own goals and walk or run either one mile or 3.2 miles along campus trails. Enjoy a morning of exercise, food, and family-friendly fun. $100 fundraising minimum. General Mills World Headquarters, Golden Valley. Additional Step Out Walks scheduled in Brainerd, Mankato, St. Cloud, and Stillwater on Oct. 3. Contact Ryann at 763-593-5333 x6598 or rrathman@diabetes.org. • www.diabetes.org/stepout
September 26
Twin Cities Memory Walk
A benefit for the Minnesota-North Dakota Alzheimer’s Association. Every dollar raised in this national signature event helps those coping with Alzheimer’s and related diseases. Bloomington. Contact Ashley at 952-830-0512 or ashley.snell@alz.org.
September 26
Whisker Whirl: A Party for People and Pups
A benefit for the Animal Humane Society. Where else can you bring your dog to a party?! Come join us to celebrate the human-animal bond and to raise funds for those that are less fortunate than the animals with whom you share your homes. Enjoy the big-tent ambiance, sit-down dinner, silent and live auctions, and fund-a-need. Humane Society in Golden Valley. Contact Bobbi at 763-432-4842 or bmorris@animalhumanesociety.org. • www.animalhumanesociety.org
September 26
Winona Area Memory Walk
A benefit for the Minnesota-North Dakota Alzheimer’s Association. Every dollar raised in this national signature event helps those coping with Alzheimer’s and related diseases. Winona. Contact Ashley at 952-830-0512 or ashley.snell@alz.org. • www.alz.org/mnnd