Cupcakes for a Cause at The Fresh Market, Saturday, May 18th

Specialty Grocer Hosts Cupcake Decorating Event to Support No Kid Hungry GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Fresh Market stores nationwide will host a cupcake decorating event this Saturday, May 18 from 10:00am-3:00pm. Customers will be able to purchase and decorate a delicious cupcake from The Fresh Market’s in-store bakeries for a donation of $3. The Fresh Market will donate 100 percent of the money raised to No Kid Hungry to support its efforts to end childhood hunger in America by connecting kids in need with nutritious food and teaching their families how to cook healthy, affordable meals.

WHO: The Fresh Market, the Greensboro, North Carolina-based neighborhood specialty grocer and Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign, which is working to end childhood hunger in America by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need, every day. Customers are invited to purchase and decorate a delicious cupcake to benefit No Kid Hungry.

WHEN: Saturday, May 18th, 10 a.m-3 p.m. at The Fresh Market, All 131 stores nationwide.

For more information on this event, please visit The Fresh Market on Facebook and Twitter.

About The Fresh Market, Inc.

Founded in 1982, The Fresh Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: TFM) is a specialty grocery retailer focused on providing high-quality products in a unique and inviting atmosphere with a high level of customer service. The company currently operates 131 stores in 25 states, primarily located in the Southeast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and West Coast, with plans for continued expansion throughout the country. The Fresh Market is an equal opportunity employer.  For more information, please visit www.thefreshmarket.com.

About SHARE OUR STRENGTH’S NO KID HUNGRY CAMPAIGN

No child should grow up hungry in America, but one in five children struggles with hunger. Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® campaign is ending childhood hunger in America by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need, every day. The No Kid Hungry campaign connects kids in need to effective nutrition programs like school breakfast and summer meals and teaches low-income families to cook healthy, affordable meals through Cooking Matters.  This work is accomplished through the No Kid Hungry network, made up of private citizens, public officials, nonprofits, business leaders and others providing innovative hunger solutions in their communities. Join us at NoKidHungry.org.

Sacramento Zoo King of Feasts Ticket Giveaway!!

The Sacramento Zoo King of Feasts is on June 23rd from 6-9pm! Enter to win a pair of tickets over on cavegrrl.com!

Cupcake War at the 10th Annual Celebrity Chef Challenge is Seeking More Contestants!!

Calling all Sacramento area amateur and semi-pro bakers! Are you ready
for a sweet challenge?

This year's Cake War at the 10th Annual Celebrity Chef Challenge is
Battle Cupcakes, and we're looking for three contestants to
battle it out against three cupcake pros.

But to join the battle, we want to see what you've got! Why are your
cupcakes the best? Show and tell us by making a 3-5 minute video and
uploading it to YouTube!

We have received some great entries, but we are looking for more!
And this time, we're extending the video contest to include bakers who
also bake as a side business, but do not yet have a store front.

To give you an idea of who and what we are looking for, here are two
of the entries we have already received:

First, the lovely Kyle Lane of East Sacramento, and her partner in
cupcake, John Goddard!


And presenting Jennifer Urias and her cupcake companion, Michelle Duncan!



Great job ladies!!

OK, if you want to show Sacramento who makes the best cupcakes, you
have one more month to get those entries in! Then we'll all vote for
our favorites and choose the final contestants for the Cupcake War on
June 23rd!

Please note, this is an audition for the Cake War at the Sacramento
Chef Challenge and NOT the Food Network Cupcake Wars program.

If you have links to other photos or a Facebook page that show off
your work, please send the links to me at cakegrrl 2007 at gmail dot
com.

You must be 21 or older to compete. Video submissions will be accepted
now through May 10th. At that time, we will upload our favorite
videos to the Sacramento Chef Challenge website and ask the public to
choose their favorite!

Three of the finalists will be selected to compete at the
Sacramento Chef Challenge.  Finalists will be notified by June 10th.

Fine print:
1. You must be available on June 23rd for most of the day (to set up)
and the evening (to compete).
2. You must be able to prep and provide all your own ingredients
(though you will be able to prepare your frostings on site).
3. There will be one secret ingredient you must use in your cupcakes.
4. There will be a theme for your display.
5. You will need an assistant, please make sure they will also be
available on the day of the competition, and that they appear in your
video.
6. You must make enough mini samples for the audience to try (about
200), so they can vote on their favorite.
7. You must be able to construct/buy & build your cupcake stand that
will reflect the theme of the competition (this will be the same theme
for the Chef's Challenge to be announced in the near future).

Along with your video submission, please send an email to cakegrrl
2007 at gmail dot com with the answers to these questions.
1. Name:
2. Age:
3. Phone Number:
4. Location (Where do you live in the area?):
5. Why do you want to be a contestant?
6. When did you start baking?
7. What is your level of training? (Did you go to culinary school?)
8. What sets your cupcakes apart from the rest?
9. Do you have a specialty cupcake?
10. Have you ever won any awards/contests for your baking? If so,
please list them.
11. Please list 3 adjectives that best describe you.
12. Are you competitive?
13. How do you handle stressful situations?
14. Who is your partner/assistant you would bring to the competition?
15. Are you available for most of the day and evening on June 23rd, 2012?

Competition will be held during the Sacramento Chef Challenge on June
23rd from 4-9pm at the INALLIANCE Sacramento Campus, 6950 21st Ave,
Sacramento, CA 95820.

For more information, please feel free to call Jessica Bean at (916)
381-1300 or email me at cakegrrl 2007 at gmail dot com.

To buy tickets to the event, please click here. All tickets include:
• the Chef Challenge
• Gourmet food sampling from local restaurants, caterers & specialty food shops
• Five free beer/wine tastes from regional breweries & wineries
(additional tastes may be purchased for $1 each)
• Cake War presented by Cakegrrl.com
• Live Music

About the Sacramento Chef Challenge:
Professional chefs compete head to head in a live culinary competition
and you decide who wins! Challengers have three hours to prepare and
serve a specialty menu based on a surprise theme. Guests will have the
opportunity to sample each item and determine “whose cuisines reigns
supreme!”

As chefs battle for culinary glory, guests sample from over 100
restaurants, wineries and breweries while enjoying live music, raffle
and silent auction!

About INALLIANCE
The Sacramento Chef Challenge is a benefit for INALLIANCE, a nonprofit
that provides support for people with developmental disabilities.
All proceeds from our event go to enhancing the vital programs
INALLIANCE provides the community. Learn more at www.inallianceinc.com

Raise Pints to Raise Hope on Saturday, April 28th 8pm-Midnight

Mornings On Fire is proud to present Raise Pints to Raise Hope, a Sacramento bar crawl for a cause (literally) close to our hearts.

On Saturday, April 28, 2012, join other fun-loving, charitable individuals for Raise Pints to Raise Hope, an event benefitting Save Ourselves, Sacramento's very own breast cancer organization. 

Print your ticket at home (or download the Eventbrite app on your smartphone!) and bring it to any of the participating bars between 8pm and midnight to get access to drink specials offered exclusively to Raise Pints to Raise Hope participants.

Raise Pints to Raise Hope participants are encouraged to wear pink to the bar crawl to show your support and get recognized by other bar crawlers!

Specials at Participating Businesses

Sac Town Hopper
$5 unlimited rides through downtown all night
Sac Town Hopper is the newest treasure to Sacramento nightlife and is every bar hopper's dream. This bus loops from East Sacramento near CSUS to many convenient locations downtown. Sac Town Hopper is offering 50% off unlimited rides to Raise Pints to Raise Hope bar crawlers. Visit their site for more information about the bus schedule.

Blue Cue (28th and J)
$3 beers and 10% off food
A restaurant and bar with pool tables and comfy couches! Always a fun and lively atmosphere.

Golden Bear (24th and K)
$1 off beers, $1 off wells, $1 off house cocktails. This upbeat bar is a local favorite with a diverse clientele! The front patio offers a compelling view of Midtown nightlife.

Level Up Lounge (25th and J)
$3.50-$4 draft and premium beers, $3.50 well drinks, $6.50 top shelf selections, reduced price food specials-- Ask for a happy hour menu! Enjoy Level Up's urban vibe and masterfully mixed drinks! You may find yourself shaking your stuff on the dance floor!

River Rock Tap House (24th and J)
$4 craft beers, $3 well drinks, $2 off menu items
This dynamic neighborhood bar boasts over 50 craft beers on tap! You may fall in love with a new brew!

Monsoon (16th and K)
$3 draft beers, $4 well drinks and house wines, reduced price food specials-- Ask for a happy hour menu! This restaurant and bar combo offers alluringly delicious drinks and contemporary Indian cuisine! You'll love the fun and sophisticated atmosphere.

Cafeteria 15L (15th and L)
$4 well drinks, $5 wines, $6 martinis, reduced price food specials-- Ask for a happy hour menu!
From 9 to 11pm, enjoy delectable drink and food specials in Cafeteria 15L's animated environment and stunning decor! Protip: Check out their bathroom for a fun surprise!

Hoppy Brewing Co (63rd and Folsom)
$3.50 pints and $12 pitchers, 50% off appetizers after 10:30pm
Try some amazing beers, bottled and brewed by Hoppy Brewing Company! Hoppy Brewing Co is located in East Sacramento and is right next to a Sac Town Hopper bus stop!

Pour Your Heart Out, a Mended Little Hearts Wine Tasting Fundraiser on February 18th

Pour Your Heart Out, a Mended Little Hearts of Sacramento Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, February 18 at 6:00pm at the Carvalho Family Winery in the Old Sugar Mill, 35265 Willow Avenue, Clarksburg, CA.

The fundraiser includes wine tasting, silent auction, and live music! You must be 21 to order ticket(s) and attend - ID will be checked at the venue.

Tickets are $45 through January 31st, $50 from February 1st-to event date, and $55 at the door.
To purchase tickets, and for more information click here. If you wish to donate to the event, you can contact Lorie Walton at mendedlittleheartsgrants at gmail dot com.

Proceeds will go toward buying AED (Automated External Defibrillator) machines for local schools. Also, there will be a "wall of wine" and all raffles will win off that wall!

Elk Grove Hampton Inn & Suites is offering special room and shuttle rates for Pour Your Heart Out guests. To book your accommodations, you can click here. You have until February 5th to book the special rate. 

The event is sponsored by Carvalho Family Winery, Clarksburg Wine Company, Kobasic's Candies, Old Soul Co, Better Foods Deli, Colby Red, the UC Davis Health System, Sutter Children's Center, and Pinnacle Capital Mortgage.

Mended Little Hearts Fundraiser Set for Saturday, December 10th

 

Mended Little Hearts of Sacramento presents "Party Like a Heart Star" on December 10th, from 9:30am to 3:00pm.

Shop from over 20 "Home Party" based consultants all benefiting Mended Little Hearts of Sacramento.

The event will be held at Brandman University, 3001 Lava Ridge Court (off Eureka Road and Douglas Blvd across from Kaiser Roseville. 


Bring your unwanted gold and silver! Get a check on the spot and use the extra money to do your holiday shopping from the party consultants. 

To view the participating consultants and for more information about the event, you can go here.

You can find Mended Little Hearts of Sacramento on Facebook here.

Pink October! Lodi Pink October Race for Awareness is this Saturday, October 15th

Online registration is closed now, but I want to tell you about the Pink October Race for Awareness this Saturday in Lodi!!

The race begins at 8:00 AM, so get there at 7:00am to complete your registration! I know I have some Stockton and Lodi readers, too, so let's get moving, ladies!!

Meet me at the Geweke Toyota/Scion Dealership: 1020 S. Beckman Rd Lodi, CA

The registration is $30 on race day, or you can do a team registration for $100 for up to 8 people.

All proceeds from Pink October events benefit the Geweke's Caring for Women Foundation. The Foundation helps local women who are struggling financially due to breast cancer by helping to pay their bills.

 

Parking on race day is available at Geweke Toyota Scion and nearby areas. The race route is flat and goes through East Lodi. The run is competitive, walk non-competitive. Awards will be given out at the pancake breakfast after the race. Please visit www.pink-october.org for more information. 

 

 

The Lodi Kiwanis Club of Greater Lodi and F & M Bank help to make this event for Pink October great fun each year. Each participant receives a t-shirt, goodie bag from local merchant donations and our signature "Pink Pancake" breakfast provided by Lodi Kiwanis Club of Greater Lodi. 

 

Pink pancakes!?!? OMG! :)

 

The GEWEKE CARING FOR WOMEN FOUNDATION focuses on creating awareness for the need of early detection for breast cancer. The foundation directly helps women who are in the fight for their life and struggling financially to stay afloat. 

 

All money raised through Pink October events will go towards helping Breast Cancer Survivors who are struggling with financial needs. 

The Geweke's Caring for Women Foundation began in 2006 in Yuba City. The foundation has helped breast cancer patients buy firewood to heat their home, pay rent, funeral expenses, car repairs, mortgage payments, PG & E bills, medication and so much more.

This year the foundation will be working closely with our partners, the Ben Schaffer Cancer Institute, Delta Sierra Hematology and Oncology, St. Joseph's Medical Center, Hospice of San Joaquin, Community Medical Centers, Woodbridge Medical Group, and American Cancer Society to help identify patients that have financial needs. The assistance will be immediate and support will be more important than ever this year. 

The Geweke's Caring for Women Foundation's Facebook page is located here.

I hope you will join me for the race this Saturday!

Sax on The River, this Saturday, October 8th from 4-10pm

The Sax on the River fundraiser for the Karla J Williams Foundation, hosted by Petri Byrd, featuring Tom Braxton and Andre Delano, with special guests Joeseph Tolliver, Omari Williams, Cecil Ramirez, Tessa Evans, and Yarone Levy, is this Saturday, October 8th from 4pm-10pm.

In its 3rd year, the event was created by Trisha Friend to promote awareness of women’s cancers and to give back to a non-profit organization, the Karla J Williams Foundation, an organization that helps female cancer patients and their families. Trisha wanted to share her love of jazz, particularly the saxophone, with all her friends and fellow jazz lovers in the Sacramento area. 

Proceeds to Benefit:

The Karla J Williams Foundation

Karla J Williams passed away in 2006, you can click here to read her story in her own words.

Ticket Prices:

$50 per person, $450 for a table of 10,

VIP tables are $850, $1000
To buy tickets, please click here.

Location:

Private residence of Barbara Walker and Chuck Kelley: 10215 Garden Hwy, Sacramento, CA 

Schedule of Events:

4-10pm No-Host Bar

4-9pm Silent Auction

5-7pm Elegant Barbecue Dinner including Tri-tip, Chicken, pasta, salads, and bread.

5:30-6:30pm Tessa Evans 

7-10pm Sax on the River featuring Emcee Petri Hawkins (Byrd), Tom Braxton, Andre Delano, Omari Williams, Cecil Ramirez, Joseph Toliver, Yarone Levy, Briana Lee, Tessa Evans with surprise special guests.

For more information, you can visit the Sax on the River website or their Facebook page here.

Homeward Bound Goldens Fundraiser set for this Saturday, October 8th

Kibble & Bids™ is the premier fundraising event for Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc. This year, the event will be held at the Heidrick Ag History Center from 5-9pm, with a sponsor reception from 4-5pm.

Guests will be greeted by friendly Goldens and sip premium wines and brews and taste samples from some of our area's outstanding restaurants and caterers while they stroll through the exhibits and down the aisles of the fun and fascinating Hays Antique Truck Museum, a part of the Heidrick Ag History Center in Woodland. The center with its two museums and event center is just a short few minutes past the Sacramento International Airport. Live bands will perform both inside the museum and on the spacious patio while guests peruse our silent auction offerings, take chances on terrific raffle items, see what surprises our amazing vendors have to offer, have their photos taken with friendly golden greeters, or take in the exhibits.

The event will feature live music from two great bands: Home For Supper (an all acoustic Bluegrass/Country/Folk band), and Rivergate (a classic rock band mixing country, folk and pop). The bands will perform both inside the museum and on the spacious patio.

This year, the silent auction will include great getaways, wonderful wines, dining gift certificates, fun dog-related items, and more, and the Kibble & Bids raffle will have some great prize opportunities!

There will also be plenty of fabulous food and premium beer and wines for you to enjoy; our list of participating restaurants continues to grow!

Food and Restaurants scheduled to appear: Andy Nguyen, Angus Mutton BBQ, Baja Burrito, Cracchiolo's Market Deli, Cupcake Craving, Dos Coyotes Border Cafe, Emma’s Tamales, Hagen's Freeze, Hoppy Brewing Company, Kelli's Gourmet Cookies, Ludy's Main Street BBQ, Mom's California Salads, Opa! Opa!, Parkers Hot Dogs, River City Brewing Company, Silvina's Basket, Serritella's Red Devil Italian, Tazzina Bistro, and Zinfandel Grille   

Beverages by: Albeno Munari Winery, Bogle Winery, Carvalho Family Wines, Chatom Vineyards, David Girard Vineyards, Hoppy Brewing Company, Lava Cap Winery, Michael-David Winery, Mutt Lynch Winery, Nine Gables Winery and B&B, Oakstone Winery, Pedroncelli Winery, Pyramid Alehouse, River City Brewing Company, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Vignette Wine Country Soda, Vintner's Cellar Custom Winery, Wente Family Estates, Zucca Winery

Vendors: Allie Cat Jewelry, Di Seta Personal Products, Dog Mom’s Bakery, Homeward Bound Merchandise, J. Brian’s Valley Harvest, Nature's Select, Timberlake Gems, We Olive, and Yates Iron Art.

Kibble & Bids 2011 tickets are available here, for $50.00 per person in advance ($60.00 at the door).

For more information, you can visit the event page here. 

Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc. is a volunteer organization which rescues and heals displaced, abandoned, and homeless Golden Retrievers and Golden/Labrador mixes throughout Northern California, no matter their age or health. Homeward Bound secures safe, loving, homes through a comprehensive adoption program and also provides sanctuary for Goldens who cannot be adopted. Homeward Bound provides education on proper animal care and on the benefits of, and need for, rescue and sanctuary. Homeward Bound will continue to serve as a model rescue organization, which addresses animal welfare needs throughout California and neighboring states. Due to HBGRR's leadership in rescue, sanctuary, and education, all Golden Retrievers and other dogs will be well cared for, living in safe, nurturing, and loving homes.

This Saturday, Oct 1st, Curtis Park Celebrates its 21st Wine Tasting & Silent Auction

On Saturday, October 1st from 4-7 pm, more than twenty of the areas finest restaurants, fifty wineries, and a dozen breweries will be sampling their culinary treats and beverages to nearly six hundred enthusiasts within the halls of the historic Sierra 2 Arts & community Center. Attendees will spend an indulgent three hours sampling food and drink, vying for high-end auction items and ‘experiences’, and socializing with other guests. In addition to the usual tasting rooms and outdoor pavilion, the event features an outdoor Craft and Belgian Beer Garden sponsored by Pangaea Two Brews Café, brought back after the overwhelmingly successful introduction last year.

“I was really pleased by the response at last year’s event and I’m even more excited about the projected turnout this year”, enthuses Rob Archie, owner of Pangaea Two Brews Café and Bottleshop. “Since we opened our bottle shop recently, we have been able to introduce people to a lot of different beers. The growing business shows how excited people are about craft beers and Belgian beers”.

The Wine Tasting & Silent Auction committee has confirmed some of its favorites will return again, like Tower Café, Chops Steakhouse, Aioli Bodega, Espresso Metro, Taylor’s Market, American River College’s Oak Café, and Freeport Bakery. Adding to the already stellar line-up are newcomers Matteo’s/The Supper Club, Lucca, Hot Italian and Enotria. Scott’s Seafood will also be returning with their fabulous oyster dish. This year, the participating restaurants get an added perk: inclusion in a special event cookbook featuring recipes from their establishment complete with a suggested wine pairing! The cookbook will be part of the raffle and silent auction and will be sold throughout the year in the office of Sierra 2 Center.

Patron Arlene Krause has attended the event for the past six years, and has no trouble explaining why this is such a popular event. “You can go alone and run into all kinds of fun people to talk with. Tower Café is my favorite restaurant at the event, but I also love tasting food from restaurants that I would probably never think to go to.”

On the beverage front, Dick Ebert, wine guru at Taylor’s Market, is again coordinating the more than fifty wineries to bring the palate to a perfect state of seduction. There will be no shortage of ways to pair the food options with the beverages flowing from table to table, with representatives on hand to answer questions and provide suggestions. For the beer drinkers in the crowd, the Craft and Belgian Beer Garden is returning bigger and better than ever. Rob Archie, owner of Pangaea Two Brews & Bottleshop on Franklin Boulevard, is bringing his worldly insight of the beer market back to the event as the sponsor and coordinator of the Pangaea Two Brews & Bottleshop beer garden.

As tantalizing as the gustatory elements might be, they’re not the only aspects of the event that patrons look forward to. Each year over one-hundred fifty items are put up for bid on silent auction or included in a raffle. The raku pottery, whitewater rafting, ceramic sculpture, “green building” consultations, fencing lessons, and ukulele have no problems finding bidders. But the items that cause the most stir are the experience-based packages and the group dinners. These ‘experience packages’ combine the best in educational and cultural outings, culinary and gustatory adventures, and outdoor recreation experiences. In addition to the art, entertainment, and service donations, we have lined up such things as Date Night for a Year, Private wine tastings in Napa, Cut your own organic Christmas Tree outing, Create the flavor of the month at Gunther’s Ice Cream and more. Italian language classes packaged with Italian delicacies and Chianti, Date-night for a year including restaurant and entertainment vouchers for twelve months, private wine-tasting experiences, and the opportunity to create the ‘Flavor of the Month’ at Gunther’s Ice Cream are small representatives of what will be offered this year. Not to be missed!

One of the most fun and unique aspects of the Curtis Park Wine Tasting & Silent Auction event is the ‘neighborhood dinners’—privately hosted, themed events for six or more people, donated to SCNA for individual seat purchase by neighbors. This year we anticipate more than a dozen of these ‘dinners’, to include themes such as Running of the Bulls with food from Spain, southern-style Kentucky Derby Day brunch, a Backyard Pizza Party, French and Indian cuisine and more.

The Sierra 2 Center for the Arts and Community is a charming, Andalusian Spanish Revival-style stucco building built in 1923 as an elementary school. Located on three lushly landscaped acres in the beautiful Curtis Park neighborhood within easy reach of midtown and downtown Sacramento, the historic site was saved from demolition by SCNA in 1979. SCNA's members and community volunteers renovated the school, transforming it into a non-profit center for artistic, cultural and educational activities.

Included as a beneficiary of the event in 2011 is Sacramento Children’s Home, a Curtis Park neighbor and one of the original beneficiaries of this community fundraiser. The Sacramento Children's Home is committed to helping build strong families; to opening doors to the future; to maximizing potential; and ending the cycle of child abuse. They provide care to the most vulnerable children and families in the Sacramento community. Established in 1867, the Sacramento Children's Home has always been deeply committed to the care of children and families through community-based, residential and educational programs that address the issues of children, newborn to 21, and range from prevention of child abuse and parenting education, to acute trauma treatment.

Additionally, local school Bret Harte Elementary has been gifted with $24,000 since 2003 for its participation in the event. Each year the SCNA Wine Tasting & Silent Auction donates a percentage of its proceeds to the sixth graders at nearby Bret Harte Elementary to help fund their trip to the Sly Park Environmental Education Center. Renee Smith, lead sixth grade teacher at Bret Harte, has incorporated the Wine Tasting event as part of her yearly fundraising efforts. 

“Ninety-five percent of the students who want to attend Sly Park simply cannot afford the $265 price tag. We’ve set up a student store on our campus, where students work for forty-five minutes and receive a $5 credit towards the trip. But at $265, that’s lot of store time.” The SCNA event is a lifesaver to Smith. “The kids aren’t at the event, of course, but the parents help with set-up and tear-down. One year a mom worked for days to make baskets that held raffle items to be auctioned, and earned $150 towards the trip. Without this opportunity, her child would never have been able to go.”

The remainder of the event proceeds go to the upkeep and restoration of the Sierra 2 Center, and to support SCNA initiatives such as the operation of the Senior Center at Sierra 2, hosting neighborhood gatherings such as Music in the Park and children’s playgroups, the art festival Curtis Fest, and addressing neighborhood concerns.

Cook Realty is the presenting sponsor of this event and a provider of outstanding real estate services in the Sacramento area since 1974, has been supporting this event at a high level for nearly all of the 21 years and continues to give back to the community through events such as the Curtis Park Wine Tasting & Silent Auction and with the activities of the Cook Realty Charitable Foundation.

Pangaea Two Brews and Bottleshop, a neighborhood gathering place in Curtis Park, has joined the sponsorship group by sponsoring the Belgian Beer Garden and coordinating the breweries who will be participating. Founded in 2008, Pangaea’s Two Brews and Bottleshop prides itself on serving the finest brewed coffees and beers in the world, as well as tasty eats that complement each other. In August, Pangaea’s opened its Bottleshop where neighbors and friends can purchase Belgian beers and quality beers from all over the world. Owner Rob remarks, “Now more than ever, we all appreciate the importance of community, and Pangaea’s goal is to foster ours with the best products and services available!”

New to the sponsorship group this year is Capitol Mechanical. Capitol Mechanical sells, installs and services air conditioning and heating systems, blown-in insulation, seamless rain gutters and custom sheet metal products. Founded in 1988, Capitol Mechanical is a proud partner with SMUD’s Home Performance Program, an innovative, whole-house approach to helping customers save energy. 

Owner Gary Albert states, “Our top goal is to have our technical staff provide exceptional customer service, coupled with the highest quality products at a fair, honest price.” Additionally, Joseph Eschelman, CIMA, Managing Director—Investment Officer with Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, is a supporting sponsor.

To purchase tickets or receive more information on the Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association’s 21st Annual Wine Tasting & Silent Auction, please call the Sierra 2 Center at (916) 452-3005.

The event is presented by: Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association. Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association’s 21st Annual Wine Tasting & Silent Auction presented by Cook Realty, will directly benefit Sierra 2 Center for the Arts & Community, Sacramento Children’s Home, and Bret Harte Elementary School.

Sierra 2 Center is located at 2791 24th Street, Sacramento 95818. The event runs from 4 - 7 pm, and tickets are $45

Fabulous 500 Gala Takes Place on Saturday, August 27th

You won't want to miss the party of the year!
The Fabulous 500 Gala will be Saturday, August 27, 7:00pm at Willis Estate in Granite Bay.

Gala guests will have the opportunity to bid on amazing auction items, enter exciting raffles, sample the finest local restaurants, enjoy top-shelf cocktails and dance to live music - all while enjoying the ambiance and impressive view at this exclusive estate.

Tickets are now $250 per person
an incredible value for the impressive venue, top named entertainment,
best of the best restaurants, and all the local who's who.

*Special Discount - buy two for $300 or $150 each for two or more*


The theme this year is "Fly Me to the Moon". The gala committee is thrilled that Mark S. Allen has recently agreed to support the "Fly Me To The Moon" gala as the guest auctioneer. Emmy Award winner, Mark S. Allen is well known for his work with "Good Day Sacramento," Mark@TheMovies and NOW 100.5 FM.

Restaurants set to appear at the Gala are Source Tapas, Sienna Restaurant, Crush 29, Mas, Chocolate Architect, Pete's, Cupcake Craving, California Caramel Company, Outback, Land and Ocean, Paul Martin's American Bistro, and Vaiano Trattoria.

NEW Benefit For Gala Sponsors:
Sponsors $5,000 and above receive private VIP limousine transportation to and from the event in addition to four tickets, signage recognition, web site promotion and advertising visibility.

All event proceeds help the FUTURE Foundation of Sacramento.

Your support will help provide volunteer mentoring and scholarship funding to local underprivileged students in support of their college education. In addition to providing each student a multi-year college scholarship, FUTURE provides eight years of guidance through mentoring. (FUTURE is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.)

To learn more about the gala, and learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.Fab500.org

RSVP and purchase your tickets now!

You can find the FUTURE Foundation of Sacramento on Facebook here.

Photos from last year's event are courtesy of Tia Gemmell of Riverview Media Photography.

The Fabulous 500 Gala is brought to you by MGE Events.

Off to the Races takes off on Saturday, August 20th at The Pavilions

Off to the Races food and wine tasting promises delectable hors d'oeuvres, wine, and entertainment.

Race for the Arts celebrates 13 years, and “Off to the Races," the Race for the Arts’ premiere event, continues its tradition in the beautiful garden setting of The Pavilions on Fair Oaks Boulevard in Sacramento.

As TALK1530 KFBK's Kitty O'Neal emcees, guests will be treated to entertainment provided by Suzuki and a performance by Sacramento Theatre Company, along with a sampling of wines from Amizetta Estate Family Wines, Andis Winery, Barefoot Winery, Borjon Winery, Elevation10 Winery, Karly Wines, Mount Aukum Winery and Perry Creek Winery. An assortment of scrumptious hors d’oeuvres will be prepared by some of the area’s top restaurants – Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Piatti Ristorante, Fabian's Italian Bistro, Land Ocean, Lemon Grass, Roxy Restaurant, Sienna Restaurant, Star Ginger Asian Grill and Noodle Bar, and Sutter Street Steak House. Guests will unwind and capture the essence of the Arts.

Shop any of the stores at Pavilions until August 20 and enter to win a $1,000 shopping spree for you and $1,000 for your designated arts organization!! Drawing will take place during Off to the Races - must be present to win.

Off to the Races is the Race for the Arts premiere event and takes place on Saturday, August 20, 2011 from 5:30-8:00 pm at The Pavilions Shopping Center, Fair Oaks Blvd, (east of Howe Avenue) in Sacramento. Tickets are $40. For more information call (916) 933-4056 or visit www.raceforthearts.com. Tickets will also be available at the door. 

You can find Race for the Arts on facebook here and on twitter here.

Race for the Arts details:
5 km Run/Walk and Children's Fun Runs
Saturday, August 27, 2011 at William Land Park, Sacramento. Registration opens at 7:00 A.M.

More than a run — it's an experience! Live music, interactive booths, exercise, and post-race refreshments. 100% of pledge monies go to your designated nonprofit arts organization or school music, drama, or art program.


8:30 A.M. - 5 km RUN/WALK (3.1 miles)

9:30 A.M. - KIDS' FUN RUNS


440-yard run for ages 6 and under

1/2 mile for ages 7-9

1 mile for ages 10-12

Starting Line: 15th Avenue and Land Park Drive, Sacramento

Armed Services Alliance Program Event on August 22nd featuring Ava Lemert

The Armed Services Alliance Program is hosting their annual charity golf/banquet fundraiser on Monday, August 22nd at the Lincoln Hills Golf Club – followed by a banquet event being held at the Thunder Valley Casino Resort. This year's theme is Technology for Military.

Special guests include ‘CaddygemZ’ for valet/caddy services (at the golf course) and Ava Lemert, “The Singing Saxtress” (click to hear Ava singing "America, The Beautiful") during opening and closing ceremonies (at the banquet). There will also be many other vendors and special services (e.g. free massages) at the event.

Special guest speakers to include John Zachman, The Founder of Enterprise Architect.

Come support the efforts that create a stronger military and a prepared veteran. To register for this event, click here.

Golf Itinerary7:00 am - 8:30 am Check in / Golf Range / Warm up massages
9:00 am - 2:00 pm Golf: Shotgun / Best Ball (no requirements)
1:00 pm - 2:45 pm Social Period @ Thunder Valley Casino Resort
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Banquet ...followed by Social with live music!

Banquet Itinerary2:45pm: Seating
Welcome
Introductions
Acknowledgements
Special Recognition
Speaker (to be announced)
Silent Auction prizes
Speaker: Dr. John Zachman, Founder of Enterprise Architect
Conclusion
5:00pm: Social Networking with live music!

Armed Services' Alliance Program (ASAP) is a Readiness Program that provides clarity and direction towards the future of a veteran -before the enlistment process begins. To learn more, click here.

July 21st is the 3rd Annual Bag Lady Dessert & Game Night Presented by Soroptimist International of Roseville

Soroptimist International of Roseville invites you to their 3rd Annual Bag Lady Dessert & Game Night

The event takes place on July 21st, 2011 from 7:30pm-9:30pm at Sierra View Country Club. There will be a a chocolate fountain, dessert buffet, a no host bar, as well as a handbag raffle and prizes galore.

So grab your girfriends and join the Soroptimist for an awesome Girls Night Out bar!

Admission is $25, and tickets are presale only. All proceeds will benefit programs that make a difference the the lives of local girls. For tickets call Kathy Smith at 782-7234.

For more information on you can go to their Facebook page here or their website here. The International club is also on twitter here.

Sip and Stroll to Cool Jazz at the Fountains at Roseville on July 16th

The Sip and Stroll Summer wine tasting event features 15 Placer County wineries and several local artisans. Stroll the beautiful outdoor setting of the Fountains, taste local wines and listen to the cool jazz music of Shadia.  
The vintners tasting is from 6-8pm. The concert and wine bar runs from 6-10pm.

The Fountains at Roseville is located at 1013 Galleria Blvd, Roseville, CA.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. All tickets include wine tasting from 6-8 during the free concert and a souvenir wine glass. The $30 VIP Ticket includes the additon of "preferred concert seating" and one complimentary glass of wine from the PCVA Wine Bar. BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW CLICK HERE!

A portion of the proceeds go to support Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Sacramento Area. For more information on Placer County wine events click here.

Participating wineries are: Bonitata, Casque, Cristaldi, Dono dal Cielo, Fawnridge, Lone Buffalo, Mt. Vernon, Pescatore, Popie, Secret Ravine, Rancho Roble, Vina Castellano, Wise Villa

Luxe for Life is August 13th, Win a $500 Pavilions Gift Card Just for Purchasing Tix on July 14th!

July 14th only! Please join me at Hamilton Jewelers at Pavilions on Thursday, July 14 from 6-8pm for a fabulous hosted “Pre-Luxe for Life Event” to benefit the Sacramento Children’s Home! Come taste Scott Harvey Wines and wonderful nibbles from Bella Bru Catering.

Enter to win a $500 gift certificate from the Pavilions Shopping Center to be chosen at 8pm on July 14th at Hamilton’s!

Purchase your “Luxe for Life” event tickets ($85 each) on July 14th and your name will be entered into the $500 drawing! You must be present to win!

Please forward this email to your friends and family and have them join us on July 14th and they will also be entered to win the $500 Pavilions Gift Certificate with purchase of a Luxe for Life Event ticket!

The $500 gift certificate can be used at the following participating stores located in the Pavilions Shopping Center: Hamilton Jewelers, Julius, Piatti Ristorante Bar, Trumpette, The Market At Pavilions, Calla Lilly, Madam Butterfly, Daitaro, and Ventana Art Gallery.

More on the Luxe for Life Event: 

On August 13th, the Aerospace Museum at McClellan Park will be transformed into a hip, trendy "Las Vegas" nightclub ~ Surround yourself with Sacramento's elite – top business and community leaders alike ~ View vintage aircraft and step into a flight simulator to "fly" your own plane.

Evening includes:

cocktails

Tasty nibbles by Sacramento's finest restaurants

"Objects of Desire" silent and live auction

Dancing to live music

All proceeds from Luxe for Life benefit the Sacramento Children's Home and its wide array of programs and services.

Ticket Information: 

$85 per person – includes cocktails + tasty nibbles provided by the hottest local restaurants

$300 Jet Set Couple Package – 2 tickets, plus access to Pre-Luxe Event at Hamilton's Jewelers and VIP Celebrity Reception

$2500 First Class Boarding Pass – 6 tickets, plus access to Pre-Luxe Event at Hamilton's Jewelers, VIP Celebrity Reception, and VIP group seating with signage. 

To purchase tickets, click here.

King of Feasts at the Sacramento Zoo, June 25th, 6-9pm ENTER TO WIN TICKETS!

One of my favorite summer events is the Sacramento Zoo’s King of Feasts. Now that summer has finally showed its face, come out and celebrate at this one-of-a-kind outdoor event.

Break out your luau attire and prepare for a unique evening of international aloha-flavor for adults. Relax with entertainment and food. The evening will include Ukulele players, Polynesian dancers, a hula-hoop contest and three silent auctions featuring one-of-a-kind items.

The party takes place on Saturday, June 25th, from 6 pm to 9 pm and will feature a wide selection of local beers, wines, premium spirits and mouth-watering specialties offered by the Sacramento region’s finest restaurants.

Some of the restaurants providing delicious samples include: 4th Street Grille, Chops, Cupcake Craving, Giovanni's Pizza, Grateful Bread, Just 4 U Catering, Kru Restaurant, L and L Hawaiian BBQ, The Melting Pot, Mochii Yogurt, Mulvaney's B&L / Culinary Specialists, Piatti, Pyramid Alehouse, Red Lotus Kitchen and Bar, Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill, Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, Taste of the Wild Catering, Taylor’s Kitchen and Vic’s Ice Cream. New this year, Food Trucks - Drewski’s Hot Rod Kitchen is confirmed with possibly more trucks on their way.

Breweries, wineries and beverages include: Amador Cellars, Boeger Winery, Bacardi, Barefoot Wine and Bubbly, Bogle Winery, Heringer Estates Winery, Hoppy Brewing Company, James David Cellars, Lost Coast Brewery, Michael-David Winery, Oakstone Winery, Renwood Winery, River City Brewing Company, Rominger West Winery, Scribner Bend Vineyards, Sudwerk, Terra d'Oro Winery and Twisted Rivers Wines.

This is the tenth consecutive year for the event, which draws hundreds of participants annually. Because of this fundraiser, the Zoo will close early at 1:30 p.m. that day to prepare for the Luau. Tickets may be purchased in advance for $45 for Zoo members, $50 for non-members or $60 at the door. Adults only, please. Visit the King of Feasts website here, or call 916-808-5888 to purchase tickets. Proceeds from this event benefit Zoo improvements, education programs and wildlife conservation.

If you’re on twitter, follow the Sacramento Zoo, and let’s talk about King of Feasts leading up to and at the event! Use the hashtag and phrase: #saczooKOF

For a chance to win tickets to King of Feasts, leave a comment on this post and tell me which restaurant or winery you love most and why, or which one you are excited to try. (You must be 21 or older to win).

Two Events––Party on the Patio & a Fundraiser––set for next Saturday, June 18th

There are two great reasons to be in the Roseville/Rocklin area on Saturday, June 18th.

Reason Number One:
AJ's Casual Eatery in Roseville will be holding an outdoor party (sectioning off their patio and part of their parking lot for an even bigger and better shindig than last year) to kick off summer during the afternoon and evening of Saturday, June 18th. There will be live music, and of course the awesome BBQ for which AJ's has become known!! Call 916-772-2888 for more information.

Reason Number Two:

That same evening, from 6-9 P.M, a fundraiser for Wynspring Family Resource Center organized by Tamara's House of Hearts will be held at Rocklin Stay Bridge Suites 6664 Lonetree Blvd. Rocklin in their lobby and courtyard area.


Guests can enjoy two different live bands, FREE wine-tasting, a no-host bar, delicious appetizers, and seeing some amazing community leaders be recognized.

It will be a great opportunity to network, as well as be part of a good cause….the event is free, but your donations (see below) are welcome.

Please note: 100% of all proceeds go to abused, neglected, abandoned kids in the Sacramento Community (Wynspring Family Resource Center) and all of the treats, music, auction items and venue have been donated by the amazing people in our community (Thank you!!!)

The organizers of the event still need: WINE, food, (appetizers), and silent auction gifts. Please contact 916-259-4396 if you can help. You can also follow Tamara Dorris on twitter if you need more information on the event or want to donate.



I will definitely be party-hopping to support both AJ's and the fundraiser. See you on the 18th!