Don’t just dine out; give back—and check in throughout the month as Sue Z. updates her list.
Tea Time
WHAT: Mrs. Kelly’s Tea Tasting
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1; Sunday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE: Grain Belt Brewery Warehouse, 77 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis (with free parking)
WHY: You can choose from more than 100 fabulous tea blends and accessories, all while raising funds for the Kids Cafe, of the family-focused after-school program Perspectives, and the South Anoka County Food Shelf with $3 or a food donation.
INSIDER INFO: Blend your own tea flavors or choose from their old blends, such as Crimson Harmony, Peppered Periwinkle, and Pancakes ’n’ Bacon. Other locally sourced gift items: Muddy Paws Cheesecake, Ames Farm honey, plus nuts, pottery, soaps, art, plants, and more. Learn more.
Holiday Train
WHAT: Canadian Pacific Holiday Train in St Louis Park
WHEN: Tuesday, December 11, 5 p.m.
WHERE: Liberty Lane and West Lake St., Historic Walker Lake
WHY: To raise hunger awareness and collect food and cash donations for STEP, St. Louis Park’s food shelf. Also to gather with your neighbors around a real, decorated train that chugs into St. Louis Park. Buy food, enjoy musical entertainment, and check out the inside of the train.
INSIDER INFO: Super fun for the kids. Starts at 5 p.m., with food and entertainment by DJ Bob. At 6 p.m., the train arrives. The concert takes place from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. Learn more.
Light Up the Night
WHAT: Hennepin Healthcare Foundation (HCMC) Annual Fundraiser
WHEN: Friday, December 7, 6 p.m.
WHERE: Minneapolis Armory, 500 S. Sixth St.
WHY: To raise needed funds for patient care, community health, medical education, and innovation at Hennepin Healthcare hospitals. This gala publicly launches the campaign for the Center for Family Healing, the nation’s first program to address two-generation healthcare between parent and child by acknowledging historical trauma brought on my poverty, racism, abuse, mental illness, homelessness, and other adverse childhood experiences.
INSIDER INFO: Doors open for games at 6 p.m., and dinner starts at 7:30 p.m., with a “speakeasy social” after 9 p.m. It’s $300 per person. Learn more.
Check back every month for more philanthropic food events picked by Sue Z.
