Giving back

Send news about your fundraising events to lbailey.charlotteobserver@gmail.com. Please send notices at least two weeks in advance.

Compiled by Lauren Bailey

The Remi Group

Food drive success: This fall, the Remi Group decided to make Dove’s Nest the beneficiary of their annual company charity drive.

The Dove’s Nest is Charlotte Rescue Mission’s new live-in program for women trying to get back on their feet. The Remi Group collected 7,355 items for the women and children of Dove’s Nest.

Road to Home and Whole Foods

5 percent Day: Whole Foods is partnering with Road to Home Canine Rescue Dec. 4 and giving 5 percent of the day’s net proceeds to benefit Road to Home’s Elders Fund. This fund supports older rescued dogs with medical needs. The cost associated with one senior dog can average $1,200 annually. Shop at Whole Foods, 6610 Fairview Road, 7a.m.-10 p.m. Dec. 4 and support the cause. Learn more: www.roadtohomerefuge.org.

Caroline Calouche & Co.

Winter show: Caroline Calouche & Co., the area’s only nonprofit aerial and contemporary dance company, will perform their winter show, “Clara’s Trip: A Nutcracker Story,” 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 8, and 2 p.m. Dec. 8 at Booth Playhouse in Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 North Tryon Street. The show will feature hip-hop, contemporary and aerial dancing accompanied by music from “The Nutcracker.” Tickets are $20-$30 at www.blumenthalarts.org.

KinderMourn

Holiday services: KinderMourn will hold a Holiday Remembrance Service Dec. 2, 2-3:30 p.m. at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Road. The afternoon will begin with a remembrance art project followed by a candle lighting ceremony. KinderMourn also will hold its annual Holiday Memorial Service for Bereaved Parents 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place. All bereaved parents are welcome. Each family is asked to bring a candle in a holder that they will light from the KinderMourn candle in memory of their child. A nursery for young children will be provided. Email Jill Shipp with questions at jill@kindermourn.org.

CBCC

Puppies for Patients: The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas is recruiting blood donors to take part in the eight annual Puppies for Patients program through Dec. 31. Donors who give blood during this time can sign a tag that will then be attached to a stuffed animal puppy and delivered to children in area hospitals and care facilities during the holidays. CBCC relies on volunteer blood donors to help fulfill the need for blood for local patients. Anyone over 16 and at least 120 pounds is encouraged to donate blood. If you are interested in hosting a blood drive, call Kim Jones at 704-972-4727. Individuals can donate at a community blood drive or at a CBCC donor center. Sign up at www.carolinadonor.com. Details: www.cbcc.us.

Scholarship program: High school and college students can earn a “Holiday Heroes Scholarship” from the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. To qualify, students must choose a blood drive location in their community, select a date Dec. 22-Jan. 6, recruit friends, family and neighbors to donate blood, and collect a minimum of 25 units. CBCC also will award a $1,000 scholarship to the student who collects the most units. Details: Kim Jones, 704-972-4727 or kljones@cbcc.us.

Bednar Cosmetic Surgery

Toy drive: Bednar Cosmetic Surgery is partnering with the Salvation Army to collect toys for impoverished children in our area to open on Christmas. Through Dec. 16, the company will serve as a Salvation Army Magical Toy Drive drop-off location for new, unwrapped toys at 439 Wendover Road. Toy donors also will receive a $25 gift certificate from Bednar Cosmetic Surgery for Botox or Juvederm. Details: www.drbednar.com.

Total Nutrition Technology

Toys for Tots: Total Nutrition Technology, a company specializing in helping people manage their health, is currently holding a Toys for Tots drive through Dec. 14 at all five Charlotte-area locations. New and unwrapped toys for children up to age 16 can be dropped off at the stores. To find a location near you, visit www.tntgetfit.com or call 704-549-9550.

Shepherd’s Center SouthEast

Adventures in Learning: Shepherd’s Center SouthEast Charlotte will hold six Adventures in Learning classes at St. Stephen United Methodist Church beginning Jan. 16, and six at Central United Methodist Church beginning Feb. 7. Cost for all six weeks is $25. Proceeds will benefit the programs and services of Shepherd’s Center SouthEast. Class topics include Bible study, travel, art, health, history, and authors. Details: SCSE at 704-321-0325 or www.sceast.org.

Gold’s Gym

Food drive: Gold’s Gym EpiCentre at 210 East Trade St. will collect nonperishable food items through Dec. 15 with all donations going to the Charlotte Shelter for Battered Women. By donating, you can attend a group fitness class for free. Details: 704-688-9959 or visit United Family Services’ website at www.UnitedFamilyServices.org.

24 Hours of Booty

Registration open: Registration for the 12th annual 24 Hours of Booty presented by Levine Cancer Institute will begin 10 a.m. Dec. 4. The non-competitive charity cycling event takes place in Myers Park on July 26. Registration typically fills up in one day. Cost is $65 per rider and a minimum of $400 fundraising goal. Visit www.24hoursofbooty.org to register. Funds support the LIVESTRONG Foundation and local cancer charities.

The Arc of Union County

Casino night: The Arc of Union County, an advocacy agency that serves individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, is holding their fifth annual Casino Night fundraiser 7-11 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Rolling Hills Country Club, 2722 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased at www.thearcofunion.com. The Arc is also seeking corporate sponsors. For more information, call 704-261-1550 ext. 203 or email casinonight@thearcofunion.com.

Carolina Waterfowl Rescue

Help needed: Carolina Waterfowl Rescue will need help every day 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 31-Jan. 10 to build their new barn. Please email the dates you can help to info@cwrescue.org or call 704-668-9486. Food is also needed for the volunteers. Individuals, families, churches, scout troops and restaurants are encouraged to sign up to provide meals. Lunches and snacks are most needed, along with drinks. Donation receipts will be given. To help in this way, please email help@duckrescue.org or call 704-668-9486.

Easter Seals

Moonlight and Martinis: Easter Seals will host a new event called Moonlight and Martinis 7-11 p.m. Dec. 13 at CenterStage in NoDa, 2135 N. Davidson Street. Guests can expect a 1960s night club atmosphere. There will be a silent auction, food and taste themed martinis. Tickets are $30 for one, or $50 for two. They can be purchased at http://charlottemartinis.eventbrite.com/. All proceeds benefit Easter Seals lifelong programs and services.