Giving back

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

Compiled by Lauren Bailey

Autism Society of NC

New position funded: The Ireland Family Foundation recently pledged $100,000 over three years to fund a new Clinical Director position at the Autism Society of North Carolina. The position is designed to give families affected by autism increased access to clinical expertise in behavior planning and management. Details: www.autismsociety-nc.org.

Bednar Cosmetic Surgery

Collection: Bednar Cosmetic Surgery is collecting food, cleaning and toiletry items for the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte from now until Feb. 28. Each person who brings a donation will receive a $25 gift certificate. Drop off items at 439 N. Wendover Rd. Details: 704-366-6700.

March Forth with Hope

New website: The March Forth with Hope Foundation, a nonprofit providing financial assistance to families battling cancer or other life-threatening diseases, recently unveiled a new website: http://marchforthwithhope.com. The March Forth with Hope Foundation was established by Stuart and Shelby Stout in memory of their daughter Hope, who lost her battle with cancer when she was 12.

CBCC

New Years challenge: The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas is recruiting blood donors to take part in the New Years Challenge.

Donors are encouraged to give blood two times between now and June 30. CBCC relies on volunteer blood donors to help fulfill the need for blood for local patients. Sign up at www.cbcc.us.giveblood2x. Details: www.cbcc.us.

Union Symphony

Fundraising event: The Union Symphony will host a black tie fundraising event, Up Close and Personal, a night for romantic dining and dancing 6 p.m. Feb. 9 at Monroe Country Club, 1680 Pageland Hwy, Monroe. Reservations are $100 per person or $1,000 for premier tables for eight. Reserve your tickets by Feb. 4 by calling 704-283-2525 or unionsymphony.org. Proceeds benefit Union Symphony Orchestra and Union Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

Annual gala: Bechtler Museum of Modern Art will hold its annual gala 7-11 p.m. Feb. 15 to benefit the museum. The theme, “The Game of Modern Love” celebrates the rapport, ardor, enduring partnerships and passionate affairs of modern artists. There will be cocktails, live music, a silent auction, amusements, hors d’oeuvres and chef-prepared small plates of paired ingredients. Cocktail attire. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased by calling 704-353-9200 or online at https://purchaseonline.bechtler.org/public/. Sponsorships also available.

Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte

eBay Class: The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte will offer a class teaching seniors how to buy and sell on eBay Jan. 28, 30 and Feb. 1. The three-day class will run 9 a.m.-noon each day at Southminster Retirement Community, 8919 Park Road. Cost is $20 for booster club members, and $30 for others. Call 704-365-1995 for reservations.

Adventures in Learning: The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte will begin weekly Adventures in Learning classes Jan. 28 through March 4. Classes include culinary adventures, bridge, creative writing,

violin, acting, natural history, yoga, dancing and poetry. Cost is $40 for all six weeks, or $30 if

in the booster club. Details: www.shepherdscharlotte.org, or call 704-365-1995. Registration

required.

Knights of Columbus

Charlotte Ultra Run: The Knights of Columbus of St. Thomas Aquinas Church will host the annual Charlotte Ultra Run 50K and 10K charity race Feb. 2 beginning at Countryside Montessori School and continuing along the Mallard Creek Greenway. Details: www.charlotteultrarun.org. Registration deadline is Jan. 31.

Autism Society

Autism conference: The Autism Society of North Carolina’s annual conference, Autism Grows Up, will take place Feb. 8-9 at the Hilton University Place in Charlotte. The conference will address the challenges and transitions for children with autism into adulthood. It is an opportunity for families to learn and share with one another. Details: www.autismsociety-nc.org or call 800-442-2762.

Shepherd’s Center SouthEast

Valentine Tea: Shepherd’s Center SouthEast Charlotte will host its annual authentic English Tea 3:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at St. Stephen United Methodist Church, 6800 Sardis Rd. The cost is $25 with limited reservations. Call 704-321-0325 to reserve your spot by Feb. 1. Proceeds will benefit the medical transportation program and services the center provides for Charlotte senior citizens.

Adventures in Learning: Shepherd’s Center SouthEast Charlotte will hold six Adventures in Learning classes 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: 704-321-0325 or www.sceast.org.

Teen Health Connection

Stand Up and Get Down: Teen Health Connection invites the public to Stand Up and Get Down for Teens 6:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at The Fillmore, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. The event admission will include dinner, beverages and entertainment by comedian Shaun Jones. Single tickets are $100, with other packages available for larger groups. Proceeds to benefit Teen Health Connection. Purchase tickets at http://teenhealthconnection.eventbrite.com.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Bowl for Kids: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte is recruiting teams for its annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake on Feb. 23 at 10 Park Lanes. Each team of five bowlers is asked to raise $625 to support the agency. Contributions help to match at-risk youth with caring adult mentors. Contact Joseph Butler at joseph.butler@bbsclt.org or 704-910-1301 ext. 1017 for more information.