Fund-raisers in Chicago

Yes, donations can be made online or by snail mail to various charities. But these local fund-raisers allow donors to speak directly with board members and party with a purpose. Please check back weekly for more updates.

October

Friends of St. Jude 11th Annual Harvest Moon Help end pediatric cancer by filling up on hors d'oeuvres and spirits from local restos and bars including Ra Sushi, Armand's Pizzeria and Chicago q. Gallery 1028, 1028 N Hooker St (harvestmoonstjude.org). Oct 12 8pm–midnight; $150. If available, tickets may be purchased at the door.

Bearcat Ball Local actors perform musical numbers at this black-tie and Broadway-themed gala. Other highlights include casino-style gambling, food, libations and silent and live auctions. Proceeds help support the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's Pediatric Charity Care Program, which affords prosthetic devices and specialized treatment to children with disabilities whose families can not expense this care. Chicago Cultural Center, Yates Gallery, 78 E Washington St (ric.org). Oct 13 8pm–midnight; $150.

Red Cross's Auxiliary Society Mixer The evening kicks off with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. After the reception, tour the regional headquarters to hear about how the organization responds to local disasters. Interested parties may register for volunteer opportunities. Rauner Center, 2200 W Harrison St (america.redcross.org). Oct 16 5:30–7:30pm; free.

Chocolate and Wine for a Charitable Time There will be chocolate and wine. Need we say anything else? Wash down cocoa creations made by Francesca chef Jorge Avalos with a glass of red or white. Proceeds from ticket and raffle sales benefit A Silver Lining Foundation. Since 2002, the charitable agency has worked to provide cancer resource information, treatment options, and support and mammogram services to people in Chicago and nearby Rockford. Francesca Bellezza, 75 S LaGrange Rd, LaGrange (asilverliningfoundation.org). Oct 18 6:30–9:30pm; $25.

Envision Billed as Chicago's longest running fashion show, the Rush Women's Board 86th annual fashion show (7:30pm) helps fund cutting-edge mammography technology, allowing Rush University Medical Center radiologists the ability to set higher standards in screening and diagnosis. Palmer House Hilton, 17 E Monroe St (thefashionshow.org). Oct 18 5:30pm; $325, VIP $500.

Street-Level Youth Media's 2012 Annual Benefit & Auction Imbibe on limitless Revolution brews and house wines. A couple beers should ease any pending stage fright. Now you're set to embarrass yourself by belting out a few karaoke tunes for a worthy cause. Tiny Cover Band backs your vocals. Revolution Brewing, 2323 N Milwaukee Ave (street-level.org). Oct 23 6:30–9:30pm; $60.

November

2012 Power Gloves Tournament Chicago Youth Boxing Club isn't going down without a fight to save inner-city youth and their communities. In addition to teaching children good sportsmanship, team unity and self-respect, the program trains members 8–15 in basic boxing techniques. Watch them in action at this annual fund-raising tournament. Proceeds go to the club. Chicago Youth Boxing Club,  2300 S Millard Ave (773-521-9555, chicagoyouthboxingclub.org). Nov 9–10 6pm; $8–$15, two-day pass $15–$25, kids under 6 free.

A Taste of Wine and Chocolate Reds, whites and cocoa-based treats. Yes, please. The delectables are supplied by Delicious Foods, Three Elegant Wines and Divine Chocolates. A silent auction, raffle and performance by dance company Perceptual Motion Inc. are also on the agenda. St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church, 5649 N Sheridan Rd (773-549-3958, perceptualmotiondance.com). Nov 10 7–10pm; $50, advance $40, advance two tickets $70.

Greyhounds Only 2012 RAVE Glowsticks not required. The acronym RAVE stands for raffles, auctions, vendors and excitement. Proceeds support Greyhounds Only's mission to find homes for retired track dogs. DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Rd (greyhoundsonly.com). Nov 10 9am–3pm; $8.

Health and Hope for Africa Concert Gala Help make a difference. This year's GEANCO Foundation benefit features an African banquet, an open bar and live music performances. Chicago Bear legend and NFL Hall of Famer Richard Dent chairs. Proceeds go to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable in Nigeria, starting with the development of world-class hospital Augustine Memorial in the Nigerian state of Anambra. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S Lake Shore Dr (geanco.org). Nov 10 6pm; program and concert $75, general admission $250, VIP $500. 

HighSight Fall Fling Support HighSight's commitment to providing academic and social support to Chicago high-school students. All you have to do is participate in the cash raffle and hit up the open bar. Easy breezy, right? Rock Bottom Brewery, 1 W Grand Ave (312-787-9824, highsight.org). Nov 8 6–8pm; $40, a pair $70.

Intuit's Visionary Ball This annual gala supporting Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art features cocktails, dinner, a raffle, silent auction and dancing. Intuit's former executive director, Cleo F. Wilson, receives this year's Visionary Award. Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, 20 E Chestnut St (312-243-9088, art.org). Nov 2 7:30; $250.

Lighting Up Lives The L21 associate board invites you eat, drink and be merry. Comedian Prateek Srivastava brings the funny. Proceeds go to the Indo American Center, whose mission is to facilitate the integration of South Asian immigrants and foster appreciation for their heritage. Bombay Spice Grill & Wine, 111 W Illinois St (312-477-7657, bombayspice.com). Nov 4 5–8pm; $50. 

Science of a Cocktail Party From the brains behind adult science labs Chemistry of Chocolate and Brewed Awakening, the Illinois Science Council hosts its second fund-raiser. DIRTT Environmental Solutions, Green Learning Center, 325 N Wacker Dr, penthouse suite 1000 (illinoisscience.org). Nov 10 8–10pm; $85, advance $70.

Solarbration Concerned citizens and environmental advocates from the Illinois Solar Energy Association and other orgs mingle in the swanky, ecofriendly digs over cocktails, food, a silent auction and a powwow on advancing renewable energy in Illinois. DIRTT Environmental Solutions Penthouse, 325 N Wells St (illinoissolar.org). Nov 29 6–9pm; $50–$75. 

YLS Festivus Millennials from United Way's Young Leadership Society are too immersed in their humanitarian efforts to be sidetracked by woes of underemployment. Meet with these Gen Yers for networking, drinks, apps, a split-the-pot raffle and silent auction. Money raised helps fund their community-impact plan. Hotel Allegro, 171 W Randolph St (312-906-2475, uw-mc.org). Nov 30 6–9pm; $55, YLS members $40.

December

Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade For 35 years, Toys for Tots has collected and distributed toys for the holidays. Check the website for drop-off sites and a list of in-demand, permissible, new and unwrapped gifts. Dan Ryan Woods, 83rd St and Western Ave (773-866-8697, chicagolandtft.org). Dec 2 9:30am; new parade members $15, renewing members $10.

IACC-Midwest Christmas Party Bid and binge at the Union League fund-raiser. The evening's menu is courtesy of Isola, Quartino's, Phil Stefani's, Redhead Piano Bar, Italian Village restaurants and A Tavola. Auction competitors may take home prizes from Howl at the Moon, Hotel Allegro, Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, the Old Town School of Folk Music and more. All proceeds go to the Italian Chamber of Commerce's Midwest chapter. Union League Club, 65 W Jackson Blvd (312-553-9137, ext 15, iacc-chicago.com). Dec 4 6–9pm; $55, IACC members $45.  

Pozolada 2012 Grab one of 200 handmade bowls to fill with either a red, green or vegetarian posole prepared by neighborhood restaurants, chefs and residents. Best recipe wins a trophy. Diners get to keep the uniquely designed dish. The event marks the announcement of Pro Arts Studio's new name. Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S Morgan St (312-226-7767, prosarts.org). Dec 1 6–10pm; $35, advance $30, $12 kids under 12.

Santa Hustle 5K See you at the finish line. This year, organizers from Adrenaline Sports Management coolified the race with a new wheelchair division and a kids' 100-yard dash. Variety Children’s Charity is a local nonprofit that helps sick, impoverished or disabled kids throughout Illinois. Soldier Field, 1410 S Museum Campus Dr (santahustle.com). Dec 1 9am; $45, advance $40.

Vital Bridges' 2012 Holiday Brunch The number 23 has become synonymous with perfection (at least in this town). Ensure that this 23rd annual fund-raiser is a slam dunk. Proceeds benefit Vital Bridges' mission to help Chicagoans affected by HIV and AIDS. Four Seasons Hotel, 120 E Delaware Pl (773-271-9161). Dec 2 11am–3pm; $250.

From Lake Shore to Jersey Shore A group of local performers does its share to help victims of superstorm Sandy. All donations go to the Food Bank of Ocean and Monmouth Counties. Beers will cost you, but the food is on the house, thanks to a couple of East Coast businesses operating in Chicago, Piece Brewery and Pizzeria (New Haven, CT) and Monti's (Philadelphia). Prop Thtr, 3502–4 N Elston Ave (773-401-0714). Dec 9 6–9pm; $10.

The Goulden Touch fund-raiser It’s a bye week for our Monsters of the Midway. Fans can sneak in some NFL action by kicking it with the Chicago Bears' Robbie Gold. He's raising money for his charity, the Goulden Touch, which funds local Chicago causes. Play the raffles, have some buffet chow and watch the New England Patriots vs. Houston Texans on the flat-screens. AJ Hudson’s Public House, 3801 N Ashland Ave (gouldentouch.org). Dec 10 7–9pm; $50.

Green Festivus Throwing a killer party seems to be the new outlet for raising money. The President's star-studded campaign shindigs are a testament. This evening, take up with young professionals from the nonprofit Illinois Environmental Council. Pause to hear information about the org's mission and annual fund-raisers. Then, resume taking advantage of that open bar. The Charleston, 2076 N Hoyne Ave (217-544-5954, ilenviro.org). Dec 11 6:30–8:30pm; $40, advance $35.  

Green Soapbox At this schmooze and booze session, leading professionals in the green industry discuss their latest projects over Revolution brews, food, trivia and raffles. Revolution Brewing, 2323 N Milwaukee Ave (312-554-0900, delta-institute.org). Dec 12 6:30–9:30pm; $30, advance $25.

Latin Dance Fund-raiser And one-two-three-four. Receive dance instruction from Latin Rhythm's school and get your money's worth at the open bar and buffet. All proceeds go to the Illinois chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America. National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W 19th St (312-648-6053, lupus.org). Dec 14 7–11pm; $55 open bar, $35 under 21. 

January

BAC New Year's Eve Party The fund-raiser is serving up funny with Second City Touring Company's satirical Dysfunctional Holiday Revue, Southern staples from Wishbone and an open bar. Proceeds support the center's arts programs and exhibitions. Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W 111th St (773-445-3838, beverlyartcenter.org). Dec 31 7–1am; $80, BAC and 555 Club members $60–$70.

Eve of the Eve Ball A black-tie party at the local Amtrak station sounds odd. But this isn't some deplorable hub. It's the stunning Great Hall, a premier location designed by "Make no little plans" architect Daniel Burnham. Proceeds benefit education nonprofit HighSight’s scholarship program. Union Station, 225 S Canal St (312-7849824, highsight.org). Dec 30 8pm; $140, advance $125, VIP $150.

New Year's Eve Benefit At this end-of-the-year Roaring Twenties–themed bash, have your photo taken with Al Capone. The party has some cool music guests including the Prettiness, Ayana Contreras and John Herdon. Proceeds help fund the nonprofit org's upcoming exhibitions and concerts. Heaven Gallery, 1550 N Milwaukee Ave (773-342-4597, heavengallery.com). Dec 31 8pm–3am; $50, students $25.

Soup & Bread Martha Bayne's worthy cause has helped raise more than $30,000. Wowza. This fifth season kicks off with a couple of tweaks. Soups must be prepared using a key ingredient, which isn't some fake surprise as on Iron Chef America. Integral additives are posted on the website. Today's stew essential is greens. Hideout, 1354 W Wabansia Ave (soupnbread.net). Tuesdays, beginning Jan 2 through April 10; free.