Video snapshot, by Lauren Beaubaire
Art for Everyone
What: The 23rd Annual Auction at MCAD to Support Dreams
When: Friday, May 31, 7-10 p.m.
Where: The Minneapolis College of Art and Design, 2501 Stevens Ave. S., Minneapolis
Come to the campus, meet the student artists, and have a chance to purchase their works to help support the MCAD scholarship fund. Also: live and silent auction with live auctioneers; delicious food by chef Michael Rankin (Mercy), Mill Valley Kitchen, and Benedict’s; and DJ music to dance to by Tricky Miki. Learn more.
Humanitarian Music
What: Cubano Gallery Benefit Concert
When: Saturday, June 1, 7 p.m.
Where: Cubano Gallery, 5101 Olson Memorial Hwy., Golden Valley
Nachito Herrera plays a piano concert, showcasing photos from Cuba by photojournalist Barbara La Valleur, to support Cuban artists and humanitarian work. Enjoy complimentary Cuban hors d’oeuvres, mojitos, Cuba Libres, wine, and dessert—plus a live auction. Learn more.
Horse-Racing for a Cure
What: Fillies Race for Hope
When: Sunday, June 2, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Canterbury Park, 1100 Canterbury Rd., Shakopee
The signature fundraiser for Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation consists of thoroughbred and quarter-horse racing, a raffle, a silent auction, a celebratory “Salute to Survivors,” food, face painting, pony rides, and more. To volunteer at the event, click here. Learn more.
Purposeful Pop-Up
What: Women Who Really Cook
When: Wednesday, June 5, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Next to Cafe Latte, 850 Grand Ave., St. Paul
Come meet members of Women Who Really Cook, a networking organization (which I founded!) for local women in the food business. Taste and buy their locally made food products (nut mixes, spices, cookies, granola, kitchenware, artisan beverages). Admission is free. Also learn about Perspectives Family Center’s programs and Kids Cafe. Learn more.
Illuminighted
What: The Firefly Sisterhood: Illuminight
When: Wednesday, June 19, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Machine Shop, 300 Second Ave. SE, Minneapolis
Celebrate connecting women facing breast cancer with inspirational survivors to help light the way. Come share your glow and stories. Bring friends and loved ones to Illuminight to celebrate five years of lighting the way. Your support ensures that no woman in our community faces a breast cancer diagnosis alone. Enjoy great food from local chefs, including Ari Baker-Kern and Elizabeth Mullin (Chowgirls), Erica Strait (Foxy Falafel), Tracy Figueroa (Cooks of Crocus Hill), Shannel Winkel (Fire and Whiskey), Janene Holig (Hot Indian Food), Patti Soskin (Yum), and more. Learn more.
No Kid Hungry
What: Taste of the Nation Hotlist
When: Thursday, June 20, 7-9:30 p.m.
Where: Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power St., Minneapolis
Through the No Kid Hungry campaign, this event helps end childhood hunger. Just $50 will give 500 meals to kids in Minnesota. Come for unlimited tastes of food by local chefs and restaurateurs—all for a great cause. Learn more.
Solstice Soiree
What: Solstice Soiree: Gala in the Garden
When: Thursday, June 20, 5:30-9 p.m.; after-party, 9:15-10:30 p.m.
Where: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Enjoy a night of special appetizers and cocktails, silent auction, live music by Jeff Goldstein Trio, followed by an al fresco dinner with emcee Belinda Jensen, a dessert by the Lynhall’s pastry chef Katie Elsing, and a live auction. Also: a gala after party with music by Connie Evingson, a coffee bar, and sweet treats. And don’t forget to wear garden party attire. Learn more.
