Now through May 31

STEP-UP
Your company can help build a stronger regional workforce for our knowledge-based global economy. Hire young, qualified people for meaningful paid summer internships through STEP-UP, the City of Minneapolis summer jobs program.  STEP-UP provides work-readiness training and talented interns, and your company and other top local companies provide summer jobs, professional connections and mentoring support.  The program connects businesses with the next generation of talented and diverse workers and provides critical hands-on job skills for young people.  Sign up now to be part of this effective and exciting program.  Go to AchieveMPLS.org to learn more.  

February 24th

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Minnesota
Their annual gathering is Friday, 2/24 at Hennepin Technical College, 9000 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Park.  Over 350 Latinas - 14 to 19 - from over twenty four area high schools will participate in a day of leadership and motivation from professional women.  In partnership with the Girl Scouts - HCCM will provide breakout sessions related to a wide variety of careet options.  To become a sponsor and prepare Minnesota's future workforce, go to HispanicMN.org.

February 25th

Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools
You are invited to Taste of Eden Prairie on Saturday, February 25th at the Minnesota Vikings Winter Park. This year’s theme is Wild West so dress casually.  Presented by and for the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools, proceeds support innovative grants to teachers and staff that have a direct and measurable impact on student learning.  Visit FoundationforEPSchool.org for tickets or more information.

GiGi's Playhouse
The 1st ever 'i have a voice' Cocktail Party fundraiser is February 25th at 7pm at Pinstripes, 3849 Gallagher Drive, Edina.  This event will help bring a GiGi's Playhouse - a nonprofit Down syndrome education and awareness center - to the Twin Cities. Enjoy live music, an incredible silent auction, heavy hors d'oeuvres and cash bar!  You can help open this much needed resource for people with Down syndrome and their families in the Twin Cities!  Visit GiGisPlayhouse.org and click on 'i have a voice gala' to learn more, register, sponsor or donate to the event. You can buy $50 tickets at the website or at the door.

Junior League of Saint Paul.
The fifth annual Blue Jeans and Bling! event – an evening of denim and diamonds, food and music – is at Saint Paul’s timeless landmark the James J. Hill Reference Library on Saturday, February 25th from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm. Tickets available at JLSP.org .  Proceeds support the Junior League of Saint Paul in their work as one of the city’s premier volunteer organizations.

February 26th

The Aegis Foundation
While the movie stars walk the red carpet and accept their awards in Los Angeles, Twin Cities party-goers will put on their gowns and break out their bow ties to walk the red carpet in Minneapolis.  This the ideal night for film aficionados, fashion fanatics and anyone who’d like to indulge in an exciting Hollywood-themed evening and maybe win prizes - all for a great cause.  Aegis is an all-volunteer run organization and 100% of proceeds go to the Smile Network and the Education Department at the Cowles Center.  Clear Channel Outdoor Presents 2012 Twin Cities Official Oscar Party on Sunday, February 26th at The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts, Minneapolis.  Go to CowlesCenter.org for more about the event.

March 2nd

Breast Cancer Awareness Association
It's time for you to get to the Breast Party In Town on Friday, March 2nd at 6 pm at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Minneapolis. This will be an awesome evening of music, food and friendship and help raise funds for the annual BCAA Living With Breast Cancer Education Conference. Visit BCAAMN.org to register or call 651-487-3578 with any questions.

March 3rd

The Arthritis Foundation
Let’s JAM for a cure!  The 14th annual Juvenile Arthritis March (JAM) is Saturday, March 3rd from 7 – 10 a.m. in the first floor Sears Court at Mall of America. Did you know kids get arthritis too? Juvenile Arthritis affects 6,000 children in Minnesota alone and there is no cure.  Help fight this devastating disease by walking with at JAM.  To register and learn more visit JAM2012.kintera.org or call 800-333-3108.

WorldSavvy
The World Savvy Challenge is an academic program that engages middle and high school students in solution seeking around the global theme of "Sustainable Communities." Students create a Knowledge-to-Action plan and engage in collaborative discussions about existing strategies for addressing a problem related to the theme.  All community members welcome, free admission.  March 3rd, 9 am-4 pm at Macalester College, 1600 Grand Avenue, St. Paul.  Contact mailto:kk@worldsavvy.org or visit WorldSavvy.org for more information.

March 10th

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Join thrill seekers and fitness fanatics at the Tundra Challenge - it promises to take you to new heights.  On March 10th at Trollhaugen, you will run, crawl, balance and weave through 3.5 miles of winter obstacles - all to help JDRF fund research to cure, treat and prevent diabetes.  Registration fees are $55 until March 1st ($65 after). For more information and to register for the event go to TundraChallenge.com/jdrf

March 27th

MN Recruiting & Staffing Association
The MN Recruiting & Staffing Association Job Summit is 9am – 2pm on Tuesday, March 27th at the MN School of Business Richfield Campus.  Free for all, the summit features a staffing and recruiting job fair, practice interview sessions, resume reviews and speakers sharing job search tips - including a nationally recognized speaker on using social media for your job search and a panel on how some of the largest MN employers use staffing and recruiting companies to fill positions at their companies.  For more information and to register to attend please visit MNrsa.org  or email info@mnrsa.org.

March 31st

Cheerful Givers
Celebrate Cheerful Givers Day at “The Great Minnesota Birthday Party” on Saturday, March 31 from 1-3 pm at Mall of America. You'll help raise awareness and funds to provide toy-filled birthday gift bags for Minnesota children living in poverty. Special guests will fill the 500,000th birthday bag since the organization began.  Interactive event includes  Knowledge Quest kiosks, Build a Birthday Bag Lego Station, Scavenger Hunt, Join the Party and more. More at http://www.cheerfulgivers.org/.  This is a free event – but donations encouraged.

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Minnesota
HCCM provides training, technical assistance, college and careers pipeline, homeownership counseling, financial literacy, college scholarships, mentoring and other resources to Latino individuals, students, families and entrepreneurs.  Join them for their 11th Annual Gala on Saturday, March 31st at Northland Inn.  The cocktail hour will include incredible appetizers and dinner will impress you (click on the link to see what's on the menu) There will also be silent and live auctions.  To suppor their work as they help prepare Minnesota's future workforce, sign up now at  HispanicMN.org or call Val at 612-312-1692. 

April 1st to April 30th

The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
Online registration for The 5th Annual ACVO/Merial National Service Dog Eye Exam Event is from April 1 through 30.  Eligible service animals across the country and in the Minneapolis area are invited for a free eye exam by volunteer veterinary ophthalmologists.  Go to ACVOEyeExam.org for more information and to register a service animal.

April 30th

The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2012 awards. The Barron Prize honors young people 8 to 18 who made a significant positive difference to people and/or our planet. Each year, ten national winners each receive $2,500 to support their service work or higher education. The nomination deadline is April 30th. Visit BarronPrize.org for more information and to nominate.

My 3rd - May 6th

Festival of Nations
Celebrating 80 years, Festival of Nations returns to the Saint Paul RiverCentre on Thursday, May 3rd through Sunday, May 6th.  This family-friendly festival features world-class entertainment with performances all four days. Through exhibits, food, music, dance, and personal connections, Festival of Nations provides a look into the traditions, history and journey of over 90 ethnic groups, and sheds light on how each one contributes to the American cultural landscape. Go to FestivalOfNations.com for tickets and more information.  

May 5th

Pacer
Earth, Wind & Fire – one of  America’s top-selling musical groups of all time – brings its soul-funk fusion to PACER Center’s 30th Annual Benefit on Saturday, May 5th at the Minneapolis Convention Center.  Buy your tickets at pacer.org/benefit or call 952-838-9000. In addition to Earth, Wind & Fire, PACER’s benefit includes silent and live auctions. Proceeds support PACER Center programs for children with disabilities and their families and PACER’s Bullying Prevention Center.

May 6th

Friends of the Orphans
The 6th Annual Cinco de Mayo 5K Run/Walk is Sunday, May 6th at 9 a.m. in a scenic Highland Park neighborhood in St. Paul. This is a fun family run that includes a kids' race at 8:30 a.m. The 5K run benefits Friends of the Orphans, a local non-profit that raises money for a group of orphan homes in Central and South America called Nuestro Pequenos Hermanos. To register and more information, go to FriendsoftheOrphans.org or call Mackenzie at 651-482-1703.

August 30th

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Minnesota
You are invited to help young adults succeed...just by golfing!  HCCM's 11th Annual GOLFiesta at Oak Marsh Golf Course will raise money for La Beca (scholarships), the Latina Program and HCCM general operations.  The Best Ball tournament has a noon Shotgun Start and will include a Latin BBQ Luncheon, a Tequila Hole, Tamales at the Turn and fantastic raffle items including airfare vouchers.  After golfing, network with others at the cocktail reception, dinner and awards ceremony.  It's $130 per golfer/$520 for foursomes.  Sign up now at HispanicMN.org or call Luke at 612-312-1692. 

on-going

The American Cancer Society
When you travel far from home for cancer treatment, the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge can help. The Hope Lodge provides a comfortable, nurturing environment where you and your caregiver can stay for free…allowing you the chance to focus on getting well. for more information on the hope lodge in Rochester or the Twin Cities, call your American Cancer Society at 800.227.2345.

Transportation is a struggle for many cancer patients trying to get to and from life-saving treatment. You are needed to join the team of volunteer drivers who help people here in the Twin cities. You'll donate your time and use your ownvehicle to escort patients who need help. If you have a safe driving record and a serviceable vehicle, please help. To get a ride, or to drive, call 800.227.2345.

Arc Greater Twin Cities
Autos for Arc can take old vehicles off your hands, give you a tax deduction and you'll help programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Autos for Arc accepts cars and trucks of any model and condition and other vehicles including boats (with trailers), RVs, ATVs, golf carts, personal watercraft, motorcycles and snowmobiles. If you have questions or would like more details, visit AutosForArc.org or call 1-877-778-7709.

Be The Match
Join the Be The Match Registry and give thousands of people with life-threatening diseases hope for a chance to live. Only 30 percent of patients are able to find a match in their family, others depend on the registry and people like you. Join the Be The Match Registry with 9 million others who have pledged to help save a life. Take the first step at BeTheMatch.org.

Bolder Options
Bolder Options is an innovative program focused on healthy youth development. Uniting one-on-one mentoring with goal setting, physical activity, tutoring, and leadership opportunities the program builds confidence, maximizes potential, and encourages healthy life skills. Change the life of a youth for the better. Change your life for the better. Get involved today! Learn more at BolderOptions.org or call 612.379.2653.

Gilda's Club Twin Cities
Gilda's Club is named in honor of Gilda Radner, who died of ovarian cancer in 1989. Gilda dreamed that all people affected by cancer, as well as their families and friends, would have access to the same kind of emotional and social support that she received during her illness. That's why their mission is to ensure all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community.  Learn how you can help at GildasClubTwinCities.org

Greater Twin Cities United Way
United Way addresses our community’s most critical issues in three key areas: Basic Needs, Education and Health. They attack poverty on multiple, interconnected fronts to achieve lasting change by collaborating with business, government and nonprofit organizations.  This helps to create solutions and carry out their call to action to LIVE UNITED.  Give. Advocate. Volunteer. Visit UnitedWayTwinCities.org for more information.   

Hope Chest for Breast Cancer
You help raise money to fight breast cancer when you buy furniture, clothing and more at the Twin Cities Hope Chest retail stores. They're at 571 Snelling North in St. Paul, (651-642-2850) and at 3850 Shoreline Drive, Orono/Navarre. (952-471-8700). The stores are registered with the State of Minnesota as professional fundraisers.

Imgettingbullied.com
Imgettingbullied.com is a place for young people to let it all out, anonymously. The goal is to create a public forum for the victims and even provide an opportunity for bullies to confess or apologize. Some of the pages will allow kids to share their identity so if they make a cry for help, the website can instantly connect them to supporters in their area.

Learning Ally
If your child struggles with a reading disability like dyslexia or visual impairment, there is hope.  Thousands of students are reading and succeeding with Audiobooks from the non-profit organization Learning Ally .  For information about affordable family memberships, visit LearningAlly.org. 

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Thanks to research—funded by participants like you in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training Program—cancer patients have a fighting chance.  You can train for a full or half marathon, cycle event, triathlon or hike adventure.  You’ll receive expert training, share great times with your teammates and meet patients whose courage will inspire you.  Help save lives, one mile at a time! Visit teamintraining.org.

Make-A-Wish Foundation
Help them make wishes come true for children with life-threatening medical conditions because people like you donated unused frequent flier miles. To help grant the wishes of more, please donate your frequent flier miles here or call toll free 1-866-571-WISH (9474) Donate your frequent flier miles and help share the power of a wish.

Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota
When you become a mentor, you offer friendship to a young person. Research shows that mentors play a powerful role in reducing drug and alcohol abuse and youth violence, while greatly enhancing a young person’s prospects for leading a healthy and productive life. Visit MPMN.org and enter your zip code to find a quality mentoring program near you.

The Rape and Sexual Abuse Center
You should know: 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will be sexually assaulted in his or her lifetime. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, you’re not alone. Women and men come to the Rape and Sexual Abuse Center to find a place of openness and understanding. They find confidential, low-cost individual, group, and couple’s counseling. For more information, call the 24 hour help line at 612-825-HELP.

RSVP of the Greater Twin Cities
RSVP of the Greater Twin Cities connects adults over 55 with meaningful volunteer opportunities.  They also provide assistance to help dedicated older adult volunteers contribute their skills and experience for local non-profits.  For more information, call 952.945.4165.

The Smart Giver/Charity Navigator
For tips on how to be smart when giving to a charity and to search a list of charities to see if they meet accountability standards, go to smartgivers.org/ or charitynavigator.org/ .

Tamarisk, Inc.
Volunteers are needed to help create a caring presence and a safe haven for individuals and their families who endure life threatening illness. During home visits, Tamarisk volunteer caregivers socialize, play cards and other games, share a movie or listen to music with the companion. They might prepare a light meal, run errands, shop for groceries, help with housekeeping tasks or read quietly to the companion while he or she rests. To volunteer, contact Rachel Leshovsky here Rachel@tamarisk.org or 763-300-9621.

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs
The mission of the DVA is to provide Veterans the world-class benefits and services they have earned.  If you’re a GI and planning to use the Post 9-11 GI Bill to attend school anytime this year, you need to take action to make sure you get your benefits. Find eligibility and benefits information and apply for the education benefits you’ve earned at GIBill.VA.gov or text GI Bill to 99702. And thank you for your service to our country.

The words "homeless" and "Veteran" should never be used together,  That's why there is a place where Veterans can go to get help. The Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to connecting our nation's former servicemen and women with the resources and support they need. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-877-424-3838, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for hands-on assistance with healthcare, employment, access to education, and housing. All calls are confidential.