Educate!’s 3rd Annual Hike for Africa: Joining Forces Across Continents is Aug. 27

Saturday, August 27, 2011
8:30 am (registration begins at 8:30 am, hike begins at 9:45 am)
at Green Mountain in Boulder

Educate!'s 3rd Annual Hike for Africa celebrates the powerful connection between Educate!'s U.S. supporters and its Ugandan students as participants in Boulder and Kampala, Uganda trek to the top of a peak, symbolizing the common goal of empowering the next generation of socially responsible leaders. The money raised will go directly to support education programs in Africa and empower Educate!’s 1,400 students in Uganda to transform their communities.

For those who are not up for the hike, feel free to join Educate! just for breakfast and live music. Socialize with fellow Colorado supporters, hear updates about Educate! students’ work in Uganda, and enjoy live music by Lost Angel Station. There will be coffee, snacks and refreshments, as well as face-painting and coloring for kids. Dogs welcome but must be leashed at all times. Educate! is going Green this year so please bring your water bottles.

WHERE: Flagstaff Mountain to Green Mountain and back. Family-friendly hike with a two-mile option or challenging four-mile option.

COST: $15 Pre-sale and $20 after August 1st. Free for kids 12 and under. Pre-registration necessary.

REGISTER: http://www.experienceeducate.org/hike-for-africa

This event is sponsored by Vic’s Espresso, Lost Angel Station, Eldorado Water, Honest Tea

ABOUT EDUCATE!

Educate! unlocks the potential of African youth to solve the greatest challenges facing their communities. Educate!'s model is exponential empowerment––investing long-term in youth so they can positively impact many others. Educate! provides a proven mix of a social entrepreneurship and leadership course, long term mentoring, and an alumni program that helps high school students start enterprises. Today, Educate! is working with 1,400 diverse youth across Uganda and developing a model that can be replicated across Africa.

Visit the Educate! website for more information about this and other events.

ABIDE at Dougfest 2011

A benefit show for Nederland's favorite "dude," Doug Guthrie.
15 bands for $15 bucks!

WHERE: The newly renovated Nederland Community Center
WHEN: May 14, 2pm-12am



This showcase of Nederland's world class talent features the reunion of Runaway Truck Ramp, Vince Herman and friends, Ethereal Plan, Black Dog, the Zydecoasters and many, many more. With the NEDER-HAZE PERCUSSION PROJECT, a giant drum experiment to be recorded and produced by Sweetwave Audio. So, if you have a drum "Brang it-Bang it". Family friendly (kids 12 under free), parking lot bowling, great raffle prizes, dude look alike contest, white russians and be on the look out for an impromptu percussion parade.

A STORY OF SURVIVAL

Doug Guthrie (an on and off again resident of Nederland) was paralyzed in a car accident last August. His story of survival is miraculous. He died twice on the scene of the accident and then awoke from a coma hours before he was to be taken off life support. With the abiding love and tireless efforts of friends and family, Doug made his way from a mangled car wreck in Texas to Craig hospital in Denver, one of the top spinal injury facilities in the world.

He did not have insurance, though, and desperately needs funds to continue his therapy. For more information on Doug's story go to www.thedougabides.com.

Time to Gear Up for The Women's Wilderness Institute's 2011 Gear & Cheer Fund-raiser

Gear & Cheer to benefit
The Women's Wilderness Institute
Dairy Center for the Arts
March 16, 6-9pm

The Women's Wilderness Institute is gearing up for its 9th annual Gear & Cheer fundraising event to be held March 16 from 6 - 9 p.m. at the Dairy Center for the Arts in Boulder. The event benefits The Women’s Wilderness Institute’s Girls Wilderness Program, and is traditionally one of Boulder’s best parties of the year for outdoor enthusiasts and Front Range residents who value supporting programs that improve self-esteem, self-efficacy, and leadership skills in today’s girls.

Gear & Cheer features live entertainment, local beer, wine and food tasting, as well as an amazing auction of high performance outdoor gear, great local services, and excit¬ing trip packages. The Women’s Wilderness Institute’s goal is to raise $40,000 from the event.

“We are thrilled to begin ‘gearing up’ for our 2011 Gear & Cheer, and are eager to welcome Front Range outdoor enthusiasts and trendsetters to this fun-filled event,” said Laura Tyson, executive director of The Women’s Wilderness Institute. “Our Girls’ Wilderness Program is the heart of the Institute’s mission, and we have never turned a girl away due to financial reasons. Community, corporate and private support, as well as our fundraising events such as Gear & Cheer, are all imperative to continue to provide girls with these nurturing experiences.”

For 13 years, The Women’s Wilderness Institute’s Girls’ Wilderness Program has used the challenge of wilderness experience to help girls discover the power of their own voices and build the personal and interpersonal skills to successfully navigate the challenges of their lives. Girls’ Wilderness Program courses are designed specifically to help build progressive wilderness skills and outdoor techniques that lead to a lifetime of adventure for girls. Courses are fun, challenging and full of discovery. Last year, 93% of The Women’s Wilderness Institute’s girls' program participants reported improvement in self-esteem, self-efficacy, or leadership skills.

Gear & Cheer is sponsored by Rally Sport and the Boulder Daily Camera. For more information, and to register for Gear & Cheer, visit The Women's Wilderness Institute website.

About The Women’s Wilderness Institute
The Women's Wilderness Institute (TWWI) is a nonprofit organization with the mission of strengthening the courage, confidence, and leadership qualities of girls and women, through the support and challenge of wilderness and community-based experiences. Girls are taught to make thoughtful, life-enhancing choices – the basis for a fulfilling and empowered life.

"Honoring Our Heroes" Balinese Gala Benefit for Fourmile Fire Fighters is Dec. 3

A Spectacular Evening of Balinese Music and Dance

Benefits Boulder's Fourmile Fire Fighters

Friday, December 3, 7pm
First United Methodist Church
1421 Spruce St., Boulder

The allure of the Indonesian island of Bali comes to Boulder!

Shimmering metallophones...stirring gongs and drums...exquisite costumes, sets, and dances..."Honoring Our Heroes" Balinese Gala is a wonderful way to start the festive season.

This spectacular evening of Balinese music, dance and cuisine honors Boulder's Fourmile Fire Fighters, and features a rare appearance by the mythical Barong lion for a processional/ purification ceremony and the popular Barong dance.

Proceeds will go to help rebuild the four mountain fire departments devastated by the Fourmile Fire (Fourmile, Sunshine Canyon, SugarLoaf and Gold Hill). Volunteer firefighters also provide the first medical response to emergencies in the mountains. Your support of these heroes is greatly appreciated and needed!



Gala ticket includes:

* Concert with preferred seating * Reception with Indonesian cuisine * Live music by Boulder's Musha Marimba ensemble * Meet the Artists and Firefighters. Gala tickets are $40/Adult; $30/Students & Seniors; $20/Children 12 and under and must be purchased by Tuesday, November 30.

Concert Only tickets are also available in advance and at the door, and are $15/Adult, $10/Student, Senior and Children 12 & under.

Purchase tickets online at Gamelan Tunas Mekar's website, or call 303-433-3782 to make reservations by phone.


A FESTIVE FAMILY EVENT

The concert features new and traditional dance pieces with guest Balinese dancers Ni Ketut Marni, Luh Made Didik Dwi Wahyuni, and I Putu Tangkas Adi Mayena and Boulder dancers Linx Selby and Jeanna Del Vecchio.

A special highlight will be the Lion Barong appearing in a traditional Bala Ganjur processional which is believed to clear negativity and assist in purification and rebirth.

The four mountain fire chiefs and the firefighters who lost homes have been invited to lead the processional as the Barong dances down the aisle to the stirring sound of gongs. Residents whose homes were destroyed and other firefighters will be invited up front to form the "villages" to which the Barong will bring blessings.

Dance and instrumental pieces will be performed on the gamelan angklung instruments, imported from Bali in 1976.

A Gala Reception will follow, featuring the festive music of Boulder's Musha Marimba, along with traditional Indonesian cuisine including Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce, Vegetarian Lumpia (Indonesian egg roll), Perkedel (corn fritters), Kue Singkong (gluten-free Kasava cake) with Shredded Coconut, Pisang Gorang (fried, batter-dipped bananas) and more. The artists and guest firefighters will also be available to meet with Gala attendees.

With prices starting at $10, "Honoring Our Heroes" Balinese Gala is a wonderful family event.


NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

"When our daughter Linx decided to return to Boulder this fall for her senior year, she started dancing with a world-renowned Balinese music ensemble," says Linda Jade Fong. "Her first performance was at an international benefit just after we returned to our still-standing house after being evacuated for over a week during the Fourmile fire. So it gave me the idea of asking the group, named Tunas Mekar, if they'd come to Boulder, bring their spectacular color, music and dance, and do a Fourmile Fire benefit.

They enthusiastically agreed to help us and even bring the magnificent Barong lion (pictured top right) in a rare appearance. Not only is Linx a Fourmile Canyon resident, but several other members of Tunas Mekar are from Boulder, so they will be performing for neighbors and friends who lost their homes."

TICKET PRICES

Gala Ticket - includes preferred seating and Gala Reception: $40/Adult, $30/Seniors & Students, $20/Children 12 and under

Concert-only Ticket: $15/Adult, $10/Student, Senior & Children 12 and under

Purchase tickets online at the Gamelan Tunas Mekar website or make reservations by phone using the Tunas Mekar ticket hotline: 303-433-3782.

ABOUT GAMELAN TUNAS MEKAR

Tunas Mekar performs the indigenous music of the island of Bali, Indonesia. Modeled after typical village groups found throughout Bali, and learning by traditional methods under the direction of Artist-in-Residence I Made Lasmawan, Tunas Mekar provides audiences with a glimpse of one of the world's most fascinating cultures.

Gamelan Tunas Mekar is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is sponsored in part by the University of Denver Lamont School of Music.

MARCH OF DIMES SIGNATURE CHEFS AUCTION OFFERS CHANCE TO SUPPORT HEALTHY MOMS AND BABIES

Tickets on sale for gourmet food tasting and auction

In an average year in Colorado, 70,772 babies are born. Of these, 10,403 are born to moms who receive inadequate prenatal care; 8,580 are born too soon (premature); 6,292 are born too small (low birthweight); and, 416 will die before their first birthday. Improving the odds for moms and babies and helping them be healthy is the mission of the March of Dimes. Right now, Boulder residents can make a delicious difference.

Tickets are on sale for the annual March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction, an evening of gourmet food sampling featuring the area’s top toques as well as music, an inspiring program and an auction of dining, travel, recreation and other packages. On the menu also is a special opportunity to further the cause through Fund the Mission. Signature Chefs Auction will be held on Thursday, October 21 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Omni Interlocken Resort (500 Interlocken Boulevard in Broomfield). Individual seats are $150 and corporate tables (which include ten seats) may be purchased for $2,500. Reservations may be made by calling the March of Dimes at 303-692-0011 or by visiting the website.

Featured chefs are: Samir Aniba–Magnolia; Michael Drazsnzak–Colterra; Fabio Flagiello–Bácaro Venetian Taverna; Chris Hansen–Tahona Tequila Bistro; David Harker–Meritage; Tony Hessel–Brasserie Ten Ten; Matthew Jansen–Radda and Mateo; Eric Johnson–The Greenbriar Inn; Kevin Kidd–Salt; Jaime Martinez–Aji; Marcus McCoy–Restaurant 4580; Laurent Mechin–Jill’s; and, Alexander Porter–Flatz.

Event sponsors include Jackson National Life Insurance Company, the Omni Interlocken Resort; Frederic Printing and the Daily Camera.

Signature Chefs Auction (which has a $150,000 fundraising goal in Boulder) benefits the March of Dimes and its ongoing efforts to help moms and babies be healthy. Through research, services, education and advocacy, the March of Dimes works to prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. This year in Colorado, the March of Dimes will fund $2 million in programs. Of every dollar raised by the March of Dimes in Colorado, 87 cents goes toward mission programs.

Three other Colorado communities also are hosting Signature Chefs Auction events in 2010: Colorado Springs (Thursday, October 14), Grand Junction (Saturday, October 23) and Denver (Tuesday, November 9).

About the March of Dimes

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. Learn more about programs and activities in Colorado and get valuable health information by visiting the website.

New Bosom Buddies Calendar Honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month

A unique and beautiful calendar, featuring 11 breast cancer survivors baring nearly all, is now available at the HealthLinks Foundation website, HealthLinks Clinic and other outlets throughout Boulder.

“We want to raise awareness about breast cancer and celebrate our health, happiness, and hope for the future,” says Valerie Gillon Griffiths, who had the idea to create the Bosom Buddies calendar and is Ms. January.

Every month features a stunning portrait of a survivor naked from the waist up, strategically holding an item that was significant to her during her cancer treatment. Each calendar girl has written or quoted a message of inspiration for the month.

“We hope that the calendar will reassure people currently going through cancer treatment that it is possible to emerge from it all with a healthy body and a healthy sense of fun,” Griffiths says.

Local photographer David Schlatter donated many hours of his time to create the calendar. Proceeds from calendar sales will support HealthLinks Foundation, providing grants to people at HealthLinks Clinic in Boulder who have cancer, Parkinson’s disease or other chronic illnesses.

Founded in 1999 and directed by Trudy Turvey, MSPT, HealthLinks Clinic offers comprehensive services including physical and exercise therapies, nutritional guidance, psychological counseling, massage, yoga and Pilates. The clinic is staffed by five highly trained therapists who provide compassionate, supportive care to many Boulder county residents.

For further information visit the HealthLinks Foundation website, or call 303-443-1937.

"Fall Family Portrait Days" benefit The Community Foundation of Boulder

Need a family portrait? Fall Family Portrait Days are a wonderful opportunity for stunning family portraits, and they benefit The Community Foundation serving Boulder County! Offered by Boulder-based photographer Michelle Maloy Dillon, the donation days are Saturday, Oct. 9, and Sunday, Oct. 17, at outdoor locations in the Boulder area.

Session fees are $65 for 20 minutes and include a customized photo session and a private website of the photos, so that families can place their order for prints or for holiday cards. Session fees will be 100 percent donated to The Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to improve the quality of life in Boulder County and to build a culture of giving.



"I have worked in the Boulder community for many years taking photos of special events and portraits of kids and families," Dillon says. "I feel honored to have the opportunity to use my photography talent to help such a wonderful nonprofit organization. The Community Foundation is an organization that addresses hundreds of needs throughout Boulder County in the arts, health and human services, the environment and education. Boulder is my home and where I chose to raise my family. It’s important to me to give back to my community.”

Reprints are available after sessions from a set of four wallets for $19 to an 8x10 for $65 and a 20x24 for $219. Custom cards, books and framing are also available. To make an appointment, e-mail michelle@mmdphotography.com or call 303.499.0787.

About Michelle Maloy Dillon Photography

Specializing in people photography in an unobtrusive and photojournalistic style



For nearly 20 years, Michelle Maloy Dillon has been documenting the moments and events of people's lives through the meticulous craft and creative art of photography. Based in Colorado, Michelle is a photojournalistic event and portrait photographer, working in a candid and unobtrusive documentary style. Versatile and experienced at her craft, Michelle is very active in the Boulder and Denver area, shooting portraits on location and in environments where her clients feel comfortable. Although she has shot in the digital format for years, she worked for more than a decade in traditional fine art, black and white film photography, and brings that experience to the pictures she takes.

She has traveled all around the state of Colorado and beyond to photograph weddings, bar mitzvahs, parties and special events and has been awarded The Knot Best of Weddings for the last three years.

Clients include Denver Mayor John W. Hickenlooper and family, former presidential candidate Howard Dean, University of Colorado, BSW Wealth Partners, Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, KGNU Public Radio, Heart Center of the Rockies, National Business Officers Association, Arapahoe/Douglas County Mental Health Network, Starz Entertainment and Sunflower Preschool. For more information and a portfolio visit Michelle Maloy Dillon Photography's website.



About The Community Foundation

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Boulder County and to build a culture of giving. The Foundation is the place where giving is informed and inspired to have the greatest impact on the vision of a better Boulder County. To learn more or make a gift, please visit The Community Foundation’s website or call 303-442-0436.

2nd Annual ROCK THE HOUSE! Event is Oct. 22

Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley is excited to present its 2nd annual ROCK THE HOUSE! event, to be held on Oct. 22 from 6:30-11pm. It will be an evening of rock n’ roll, good food, door prizes and a silent auction.


Sponsors, including Amgen, First MainStreet Insurance, Longmont United Hospital, Guaranty Bank and Longmont Dairy Farm, are helping to raise funds in support of Safe Shelter’s domestic violence programs. Join them for this concert by Wendy Woo at the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1548 in Longmont – where there is more room to get your move on! Tickets are $35 in advance and $50 at the door. Please RSVP to Liz@safeshelterofstvrain.org or call 303-772-0432 ext 104.

Safe Shelter provides safety, support and resources to individuals affected by domestic abuse. It promotes empowerment through direct services and community education, advocating for the right of every individual to live a life free of intimidation, exploitation and abuse.

Left Hand Brewing to hold "Fire Fundraiser" September 22

Longmont's Left Hand Brewing Company is hosting a fundraising event for victims of the Fourmile Canyon Fire.

Left Hand's ‘Fire Fundraiser’ will be held Wednesday, September 22, from 6-9pm, at 1265 Boston Avenue in Longmont.

Local musicians Kort McCumber, Tom Cornwell, and Travis Bush will perform that evening, even donating their tips that night to the cause. Kort McCumber and his family are canyon residents who were evacuated as a result of the fire.

A silent auction will also be held that evening, featuring authentic local artwork and crafts, local handmade quilts and paintings, gift certificates for Longmont businesses, Left Hand Brewing beer and merchandise, and a “Brew Day at Left Hand Brewing.”

“We personally know several people who were chased out by the fire and are now homeless,” says Eric Wallace, President of Left Hand Brewing, “and we want to help anyway that we can.”
All donations, cover charges, earnings from the silent auction, tips for the band, and $1 per pint sold will go directly to the Foothills United Way Fourmile Canyon Fire Relief Fund, which is designed to address unmet immediate needs, as well as provide for long-term recovery for fire victims and the community.

For more information about the event contact, please contact Joshua Goldberg at Left Hand Brewing Company, or Pat Monacelli at Foothills United Way.

Whole Foods Fundraisers for the United Way Fourmile Canyon Fire Relief Fund

On Friday, September 17, the Whole Foods Baseline store will be hosting two events to help provide funding for evacuee needs*

1. A 5% Community Day benefiting the Foothills United Way’s Fourmile Canyon Fire Relief Fund.

2. An outdoor grilling event in front of the beautiful Flatirons from 4-7 pm:

• a. The Baseline team members will be grilling hotdogs and veggie dogs, plus providing 365 teas, for a donation request of $3 per meal. Please note: We will not be requesting donations from evacuees, firefighters, and volunteers.
• b. Rocky Mountain Bakehouse is donating 288 5” Berry Explosion pies and Cherry pies (donation request: 1 for $3 or 2 for $5, retails $5.99)
• c. Colorado’s Performing Arts Publications donated 2 sets of performance tickets for to be auctioned in a drawing (amount TBD)

• i. One pair is to the Arvada Center for the performance of “Sunset Boulevard”
• ii. Second pair is to the Colorado Symphony Orchestra

• d. For those in need, Baseline’s Whole Body Team will be handing out New Chapter’s Super Critical Antioxidants, originally named Smoke Shield, as a gift from New Chapter’s President Tom Newmark. This formula is noted for its ability to rid the body of toxins accumulated from extensive smoke exposure.

3. From 11:30 am – 2:30 pm outside the Baseline store, the Network Family Wellness Center will be providing free computerized spine scans. For an additional $20 donation, they will offer full evaluations in their office: X-rays, computerized tests, and an adjustment (a $250 value).

*100% of proceeds will support local victims.

One week ago, in response to the worst wildfire in Boulder County’s history, Foothills United Way established the Fourmile Canyon Fire Relief Fund. The response from the community has been tremendous, and today donations made to the fund are already being put to work in the community.

Administered by Foothills United Way working in collaboration with service providers in the community, the Fund is designed to help with unmet immediate needs, and to provide for long term recovery for victims of the fire and the community.

Applications for assistance from the Fund for unmet immediate needs are being processed by Boulder County Housing and Human Services caseworkers. An example of such needs: a family whose home-based business was destroyed - along with their home – was able to get funds to purchase basic, necessary items to get their business operating again.

Long-term recovery needs addressed by the fund will include such items as temporary and transitional housing and medical and health needs. Additional long-term recovery items will be included, as the eventual scope of the fire is revealed.

THOUGH AN OCEAN DIVIDED, THROUGH A COMMON CAUSE UNITED

Educate!'s 2nd Annual Hike for Uganda Will Raise Awareness of Ultimate Aims for Education

On August 28, 2010, Educate!'s 2nd Annual Hike for Uganda will be held from 8:30 a..m. until 1:30 p.m. at Green Mountain in Boulder, Colo. The event celebrates the powerful connection between Educate!'s U.S. supporters and its Ugandan students as participants in Boulder and Kamapla, Uganda will trek to the top of a peak, symbolizing the common goal of empowering the next generation of socially responsible leaders.

"We're joining cultures and communities," said Eric Glustrom, who founded Educate! in 2002. "The Hike is a chance to unite our incredible students and the generous individuals who make that education possible. We will all be standing atop a mountain, cheering for a common cause."

Educate! believes the solutions to Uganda's problems with poverty, disease and environmental degradation will come from within the Ugandan communities themselves. The organization works to unlock the potential within African youth and empower future generation of leaders. The Hike will raise awareness and funds for education programs in Africa; all of the money raised will directly support Educate!'s 830 Ugandan students as they work to transform their communities.

"The Hike is a great opportunity to socialize with other Educate! supporters and hear updates about the Educate! students' work in Uganda," said Maya Ellman, Director of Communications for Educate!. "The funds we raise will make a significant difference in the lives of our students."


The event offers two distance options, four-miles and two-miles, catering to varied fitness levels. Hikers will also enjoy music by local Boulder band, Lost Angel Station, whose unique bluegrass sound is infused with flavors of old time, modern rock, reggae, folk and Celtic influences. Bagels, snacks and other refreshments will be available. Vic's Espresso will provide coffee and hot chocolate to rev up eager participants.

Kids too will enjoy themselves with face-painting and music. The shorter hiking option allows families to participate in the event together.

Registration, breakfast, kids' activities and live music will go from 8:30-9 a.m. The kick-off is at 9:15 a.m., and the hike begins at 9:30 a.m.

Tickets are available for $10 pre-sale and $15 after August 25, 2010 as well as on the day of the event. Kids under 12 are free. Dogs on leashes are also welcome and Educate! will provide plastic bags and treats.

Directions: Drive west on Baseline Rd. in Boulder past Chautauqua and wind up Flagstaff Mountain. At the top you will see Educate! signs directing you to the registration area and Hike start point. A map will also be available on the Educate! Hike for Uganda web page.

The Hike for Uganda is sponsored by: Vic's Espresso, Third Avenue Eye Care, Honest Tea, Sunflower Preschool and Lost Angel Station.



ABOUT EDUCATE!

Educate!, founded in 2002, empowers students across Uganda to drive the social, political and economic development of their communities. We teach a two-year curriculum on how to lead social change, provide long term mentoring, and create a life-long, national network that equips students with the skills and confidence necessary to transform their communities. Educate! students create locally-grown, market based initiatives that solve the challenges of poverty, disease, and environmental degradation.

Today, Educate! is empowering 830 young leaders at 24 high schools across Uganda and has impacted over 15,000 people. A recent winner of the Champions of Quality Education in Africa competition, a collaboration between Ashoka’s Changemakers and The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Educate! was also recognized by Entrepreneur magazine as one of 100 Brilliant Companies in 2009, by DoSomething as an organization started by one of America's top five change-makers under 25 and by the Echoing Green fellowship, recognizing the highest potential start-up social change ventures worldwide.

Educate! Mission: To educate and empower the next generation of socially responsible leaders in Africa. For more information, visit Educate! online.

View more photos of last year's event on the Educate! Flickr photostream:

http://flickr.com/photos/educateorg/page4
http://flickr.com/photos/educateorg/page5
http://flickr.com/photos/educateorg/page6

Boulder’s Hottest Kitchen Tour Returns: The Twelfth Annual Kitchens On Fire Tour

BOULDER, CO – The 12th annual Kitchens On Fire tour to benefit the Dairy Center for the Arts will take place June 11th and 12th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. This year's focus is on downtown living areas, highlighting remarkable Boulder kitchens in private residences, offering an insider’s peek into select professional restaurant kitchens, as well as displaying a few key urban properties for sale. Save the date to tour kitchens at the The Walnut, Arête, Onyx, Happy (formerly The Happy Noodle House), The City Club, and upscale residential kitchens designed by CPWest, Harvey M. Hine Architecture & Interiors, and more. Sample fare from the restaurants and enjoy an inspiring voyeuristic journey into any chef’s dream kitchens.

New to the event this year are new commercial kitchen partners, Happy and the City Club, and receptions scheduled for the end of the day on Friday and Saturday, giving tour participants the chance to mingle, try light Hors d'Oeuvres, and taste local wines. These relaxing receptions will allow participants to enjoy the spectacular view from one of Boulder's most luxurious condos on Friday and visit the exclusive City Club, seeing their newly remodeled kitchens, tasting some food, and enjoying beautiful gardens and Saturday.

“Kitchens On Fire has a long history in the Boulder community and we’re very excited to focus this year’s event on urban living,” Board Chair Richard Polk said. “We’re able to partner with some of Boulder’s most exciting designers, developers, and restaurateurs, to show a new, emerging side of Boulder that hasn’t gotten much attention in the past.”

• What: Two-day kitchen tour to benefit The Dairy Center for the Arts
• When: June 11 & 12, 2010; 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with end of the day receptions from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. on Friday and 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday
• Where: Downtown Boulder and the surrounding area
• Admission: Tickets are available for $18 in advance or $20 at the event (cash or check only for ticket sales at the tour)

Tickets for Kitchens On Fire are available through The Dairy Center for the Arts box office, 303-440-7328, or can be purchased online at www.thedairy.org.

ABOUT THE DAIRY CENTER

Founded in 1992, The Dairy Center for the Arts is housed within the former Watts-Hardy Dairy, a 42,000-square foot facility that once operated as a dairy storage and processing plant. Converted by individuals who recognized the immediate and growing needs of Boulder County for a premiere arts and performance space, the Dairy Center for the Arts began with only a handful of art-focused organizations, and has since grown into Boulder's largest interdisciplinary civic arts center. Now hosting 15 arts and services organizations, the Dairy Center for the Arts is one of the only places in Boulder, Colorado to experience dramatic theater, live music, dance performances and visual arts all under one roof.

Eat Pizza (then work it off) and Help the Animals, May 6!

PROTO'S PIZZERIA BENEFIT MAY 6

Dine at any of the Proto's locations in Boulder, Broomfield, Lafayette or Longmont on Thursday, May 6 and help the orphaned and injured animals in the care of Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. 10% of all food proceeds from both lunch and dinner will be donated to Greenwood.

FLATIRON'S PILATES WORKOUT FOR WILDLIFE BENEFIT, Month of May

During the month of May, all classes at Flatiron's Pilates are a special reduced drop-in rate of $7, $2 of which goes directly to help animals in the care of Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. For more information on classes and times, visit the Flatiron's Pilates website.

Register on-line now for Greenwood's Wild Night for Wildlife 2010

Wild Night 2010 will be held on Friday, September 10 from 5:30-10:00 PM at the Glenn Miller Ballroom in the CU Memorial Center. You can win getaways to the YMCA Camp in Estes Park, Maui, Vail, and Keystone along with a great selection of art and gift certicates at your favorite local businesses. The event features an open bar with wine, beer and spirits, a buffet dinner, and a silent auction followed by a live auction. Purchase tickets online at here.

Educate's! "Annual Ball" For the Future of Uganda with special musical guest FACE, Feb. 6

Saturday, February 6th
5:30-11p.m.
Rembrandt Yard Art Gallery & Event Center, Boulder, Colorado

Educate!, a Uganda and Boulder-based organization, will hold their Annual Ball to raise money for students in Africa. The money raised from the Ball will go directly to empower Educate!¹s 830 Scholars in Uganda to transform their communities.

The Ball is for all ages with dancing, live music by the nationally-recognized Boulder-based band FACE, a great silent auction and speech scheduled by Congressman Jared Polis. Also enjoy wine from Superior Liquor, beer tastings from Asher Brewery (Colorado's 1st all organic brewery) and food provided by Whole Foods, Bay Window Catering and BJ's Pizza Grill and Brewery. Besides being a wonderful time, the Ball is a benefit event to empower youth across Uganda to transform their communities by addressing poverty, disease, hunger and ignorance.

The event will be held at Rembrandt Yard Art Gallery & Event Center, Boulder, Colorado on Saturday, February 6. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Ball goes until 11 p.m.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

7-7:45 - Educate! presentation with co-founder, Eric Glustrom, Educate! staff, and Congressman Jared Polis
8-845 - FACE performance
915-945 FACE performance

VISUALS: Colorado Educate! supporters socializing, learning about Educate! and working to create a better future for students in Uganda; dancing and performance by FACE.

ABOUT EDUCATE!:

Educate!, founded in 2002, empowers students across Uganda to drive the social, political and economic development of their communities. We teach a two-year curriculum on how to lead social change, provide long term mentoring, and create a life-long, national network that equips students with the skills and confidence necessary to transform their communities. Educate! students create locally-grown, market based initiatives that solve the challenges of poverty, disease, and environmental degradation. Today, Educate! is empowering 830 young leaders at 24 high schools across Uganda and has impacted over 10,000 people. A recent winner of the Champions of Quality Education in Africa competition, a collaboration between Ashoka¹s Changemakers and The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Educate! was also recognized by Entrepreneur magazine as one of 100 Brilliant Companies in 2009, by DoSomething as an organization started by one of America's top five change-makers under 25 and by the Echoing Green fellowship, recognizing the highest potential startup social change ventures worldwide.

GET MORE:

• Visit the Educate! website
• Follow Educate! on Twitter
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Educate! Scholars at Mbale High School hold seedlings that they will be planting at their school compound.

It's Benefits and Fundraisers Weekend!

Ok, that's not official. But there ARE a number of fundraising events throughout Boulder County this weekend. Choose your party, choose your cause and help out these local non-profits who give back to the community year-round.

Animal Affair, Oct. 24
This year’s big benefit for the Longmont Humane Society features the chance to win naming rights to LHS’s new retail store. Also featured are wine and beer tasting, live and silent auctions, dinner, and much more. Oct. 24 at 5:30pm at the Radisson Conference Center, 1900 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont. 303-772-1232.

Annual Gala for Women’s Health, Oct. 23
The Gala is a wonderful evening of food, wine, live music, and a fabulous silent auction. Proceeds support the programs and services of Women’s Health. This year, the Gala will be held at The Stadium Club at Folsom Field on the University of Colorado campus. 7pm. 303-440-9320.

E3: Empower. Effect. Educate., Oct. 24
Boulder Quest Center hosts E3: Empower. Effect. Educate. for October Prevent Domestic Violence Month on Saturday, Oct. 24. Events include a women’s yoga class at 9 am, a women’s self defense seminar from 4-6 pm, and a Think Humanity fund raiser starting at 9:30 am with jewelry made by refugee women living in IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) in Uganda, available throughout the day. The Boulder Quest Center is located at 1200 Yarmouth Avenue (1/2 block east of Broadway) in North Boulder. 303-440-3647.

La Fiesta!, Oct. 24
Boulder County’s biggest intercultural party is also the largest fundraiser for Intercambio de Comunidades, a nonprofit that helps reduce language and cultural barriers for Spanish speakers through English classes, public workshops and social events. The 2009 La Fiesta!–with food and drink, music, and silent auction—is Oct. 24, 7pm at the Boulder Elks Lodge, 3975 28th St. 303-996-0275.

Pizazz! 2009, Oct. 24
The theme for the annual benefit for HospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield counties is “FUNOPOLY: Investing in Compassionate Care from Park Place to Pearl Street.” Oct. 24 at the Omni Interlochen Resort, Broomfield from 6pm-Midnight; call or check the website for more information. 303-449-7740.

Souper Bowlder, Oct. 21-Nov. 8
Buy a bowl, handcrafted and donated by local potters (or paint your own at Color Me Mine, 20th and Pearl streets) from Oct. 21-Nov. 8. On Nov. 6 from 6-8pm, fill your new bowl with homemade soup made by the artists of the Boulder Arts and Crafts Cooperative. 1421 Pearl St. 303-443-3683.

Thorne Ecological Institute Natural Night Out 2009, Oct. 23
Thorne’s third annual fundraising event, with a silent auction and awards ceremony, is Oct. 23 at Rembrandt Yard, 1301 Spruce St. Visit the website for updated details or call 303-499-3647.

Additional events are coming up next week. Visit the GetBoulder Boulder County Benefits & Fundraisers page for a complete listing of fall fundraisers.