In this issue: be drug-free, go gluten-free, get to know water, eat meat for kids, celebrate cancer survivors, work with beads, help artists and animals, run against child abuse and hear the chorale.
This column includes announcements of seminars, workshops, community events, fundraisers and other programs for which there is an admission charge, a donation expected or you are otherwise expected to spend money, such as shopping events. Advance registration is required at some these events, so you might see them listed here weeks before they are scheduled to occur.
If you are looking for programs or activities where there is no charge for admission, you can check my weekly "Free Things To Do" column (it comes out every Monday), or check the monthly calendar of recurring annual events.
Events are presented here in date order.
What: Live ABOVE the Influence
When: Friday, April 20, 2012 at 4:20 p.m.
Where: Skateland in Mesa and Red Mountain Center, 7550 East Adobe, Mesa
April 20 is a day commonly associated with illegal marijuana use across the county. The Mesa Prevention Alliance is putting a positive twist on combating this mixed message by offering two fun events for youth. Both events are scheduled to be held on 4/20 and starting at 4:20 p.m. As part of the national movement that encourage youth to "Live ABOVE the Influence" of drugs and alcohol, the Mesa Prevention Alliance will offer these events in Mesa to offer healthy alternatives and local resources for youth. Free food, music, raffle prizes, and memberships to youth programs. Live music, a rock climbing wall and video game center. Youth under 18 who participate in the rock climbing only need $1 to participate along with a waiver signed by an adult. These forms are accessible online to download and print. For more information call Marc Beasley at (480) f644-4803.
What: Gluten-Free Expo
When: Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Paradise Valley-Scottsdale
Parking is free. Tickets are $5 per person pre-paid and $7 at the door. Learn about the gluten-free lifestyle through this vendor-driven event sponsored by Celiac Disease Foundation, Greater Phoenix Chapter.
What: Water Wonders
When: Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Rio Vista Recreation Center, Peoria
Explore the mysteries, science, and wonders that we can drink and sail ships. Investigate the properties of this valuable resource. Discover how we use it for so many different purposes and how we can conserve it. Taught by an experienced Arizona Science Center instructor, students engage in projects and educational activities geared to stimulate interests in science, technology, engineering, and math. Course #69278. Ages 9-13 yrs. Course #69278. $40 Peoria Residents / $47 Non-Residents. Registration deadline 4/23/12. To register call 623.773.7137.
What: Junior Achievement Benefit Dinner
When: Thursday, April 26, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Fogo de Chão, 6300 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
In honor of Financial Literacy Month, Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão will host Junior Achievement for a benefit dinner, proceeds of which will support Junior Achievement of Arizona's economic and financial youth education programs. The evening, priced at $50 per person (a $75 value) and $25 for children ages six to 10, will feature: unlimited servings of 16 cuts of fire-roasted meats; gourmet salad bar featuring more than 30 items including smoked and cured meats, imported cheeses and vegetables; one glass of wine from the award winning wine list or one cocktail, such as the authentic Brazilian beverage, The Caipirinha; unlimited non-alcoholic beverages; dessert. Reservations are required and must be made by calling 480-377-8500. Seating is limited.
What: Relay for Life Benefit Concert
When: Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 2:30 p.m.
Where: Peoria Sports Complex
Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, will honor those who have both survived and lost the battle with cancer. A benefit concert featuring Matt Farris and special guest Shari Rowe will take place on the stadium field prior to Relay for Life that evening. Gates open at 1 p.m. Tickets are on sale for $17; $15 of each ticket will be donated back to Relay for Life of Peoria. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event at Peoria Stadium Box Office. Parking is free and concessions will be available in the stadium.
What: Beaded Jewelry Design For Beginners
When: Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Rio Vista Recreation Center, Peoria
Create beautiful, sophisticated, jewelry to wear yourself or as a special gift for someone else. Learn concepts of design, how to use tools and findings, beading and wire-wrap techniques while creating a multi-piece set of custom-designed jewelry to take home. Experienced jewelry designer, Jill Turrentine shares tips, techniques, and provides all the materials you need for your hands-on learning projects. $20 supply fee due to instructor. Course #69278. Ages 18+. Course #69411. $23 Peoria Residents / $30 Non-Residents. To register call 623.773.7137.
What: Artists-For-Animals Fair, Silent Auction and Buffet
When: Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, 7415 E. Elbow Bend Road, Carefree
Free admission to Artists Fair and Silent Auction, free parking. All-you-can eat Mexican Fiesta Buffet $35. No registration required, but purchase of Buffet tickets recommended as only 100 tickets will be sold. All proceeds will benefit the Hope Emergency Animal Rescue (HEAR), a non-profit, all volunteer organization devoted to enriching the lives of animals through rescue, care, healing and education. Dozens of artists and vendors will be participating and there will be many interesting silent auction donations for your bidding.
What: Water Wonders
When: Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Rio Vista Recreation Center, Peoria
Explore the mysteries, science, and wonders that we can drink and sail ships. Investigate the properties of this valuable resource. Discover how we use it for so many different purposes and how we can conserve it. Taught by an experienced Arizona Science Center instructor, students engage in projects and educational activities geared to stimulate interests in science, technology, engineering, and math. Course #69278. Ages 9-13 yrs. Course #69278. $40 Peoria Residents / $47 Non-Residents. Registration deadline 4/23/12. To register call 623.773.7137.
What: Childhelp Run the Course Arizona
When: Sunday, April 29, 2012. 7 a.m. Check-In, 8:15 a.m. Start time for 5K, 8:30 a.m. Start time for 1 mile, 9 a.m. Festival
Where: McCormick Ranch Golf Club 7505 E. McCormick Parkway, Scottsdale
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and Childhelp Run the Course is a 5K/1m fun run/walk, presented by Leslie's Pool Supplies, aimed at building awareness about the issues of child abuse and neglect, while raising critical funds to support the lifesaving services of Childhelp, headquartered in Scottsdale. Participants have the opportunity to raise money via their personalized online fundraising page prior to the event, and are given a bracelet representing an actual Childhelp child at the course. The run/walk takes place on the cart path of McCormick Ranch Golf Club and ends with a fun and safety festival to celebrate and educate. Activities will include family-oriented fun like face-painting, live music. $20 registration fee per entrant, which includes t-shirt and fun festival. Individual fun festival tickets are $10.
To register pick up a brochure at any Leslie's Pool Supplies store or register online. Registration also available at the race.
What: Sonoran Desert Chorale performs Passages to Far Horizons
When: Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 15 E. First Avenue, Mesa; Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 3 p.m. at Valley Presbyterian Church, 6947 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley.
Exciting rhythms, haunting melodies, and rich musical traditions from around the globe. Tickets are $15 for adults/$12 for seniors, children and groups of 10 or more. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 480-305-4538.
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If you've arrived at this page and find that the event dates have past, check my recent blog entries for more fundraisers, seminars and programs happening around town.
If you have an program or event that is open to the public that you'd like me to consider for this column, complete this form and submit it to me at least 8 days prior to the event (or registration deadline, if applicable).
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.
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