As the fall season approaches, there are lots of opportunities to attend events that support some really wonderful causes. Here are just a few great ways to have a great time for a great cause.
On Wednesday October 14th, all you have to do is dine out in the Mission to raise money for Mission Graduates. This is the seventh annual Food for Thought event, and more than 20 Mission District restaurants are participating. Each participating restaurant agrees to donate 20 to 50 percent of their proceeds from that night to the Mission Graduates program, so all you have to do is eat. The participating restaurants include Bissap Baobab, Cease & Desist, Destino, Foreign Cinema, Panchita’s Pupuseria, Southpaw BBQ, and Hog & Rocks. Plus, there is a rockin’ raffle, with prizes ranging from vacations to tickets to local cultural institutions. Raffle tickets are $10 each, three for $25, or six for $50. Locations and prices of individual meals vary by restaurant.
Well, this is a kick-ass celebration of girls and women you won’t want to miss. Girls Inc. of Alameda County, an organization devoted to offering academic achievement programs and community service for girls in underserved areas, is throwing a benefit gala on Saturday October 24th called Taste 2015. Many of the Bay Area’s best female chefs have come together to create a four-course dinner, with a side of female empowerment. Participants include Julya Shin (Pizzaiolo), Preeti Mistry (Juhu Beach Club), Sophina Uong (Revival Bar & Kitchen), and Jen Biesty (Shakewell). There will, of course, be beverages at the event too. Tickets start at $300 per person, with VIP options available. The event begins at 5pm and is being held at the Simpson Center for Girls, 510 16th St. at Telegraph, Oakland, 510-357-5515 ext. 233.
The National Kidney Foundation is hosting its Annual Authors Luncheon on Saturday October 24th at the Marriott Marquis. Authors include chef Daniel Humm and Will Guidara of New York’s Eleven Madison Park and Nomad and non-food authors like Diana Nyad and Yeonmi Park, plus it’s all emceed by KQED’s Michael Krasny. The luncheon is from 10am-3pm. Tickets are $135 per person, tables begin at $1,200, and sponsorships begin at $2,500; register here. Proceeds benefit the National Kidney Foundation. 780 Mission St. at 4th St., 415-543-3303 for sponsorship information.
Some of the strong young ladies served by Girls Inc. Photo from Facebook.
