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

LAWA

Carnival 2013: The Latin American Women’s Association (LAWA) will hold its annual Carnival 6 p.m-midnight Feb. 9 at the Hilton Charlotte Center City, 222 East 3rd St. Cost is $150. Dress in your own Carnival costume or wear your best evening dress. Register at www.lawanc.org by clicking on “Carnival Charlotte.” Proceeds help Hispanic youth achieve their dreams of a college education.

Zion UMC

Pancake supper: Zion United Methodist Church in Monroe will host an ash Wednesday pancake supper 5:30-7 p.m. Feb. 13 to raise money for their youth program. Donations will be accepted at the door. Zion is at 1521 Old Fish Road, Monroe. Details: John Howard at 704-753-1068 or visit www.zionumcmonroe.com.

Bednar Cosmetic Surgery

Collection: Bednar Cosmetic Surgery is collecting food, cleaning and toiletry items for the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte until Feb. 28. Each person who brings a donation item will receive a $25 gift certificate. Drop off items at 439 N. Wendover Road. 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 responsively designed 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. 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.

Women’s Guild

Card and Game party: The Women’s Guild of St. Vincent de Paul Parish will hold their annual Card and Game Party 6:30-9:30 p.m. Feb. 6 in the Msgr. Pharr Activity Center of the church on Old Reid Road. Cost is $7. Attendees are encouraged to bring friends and card tables or games. Details: Lisa Ayers at llayers4211@live.com or 704-643-7662.

Cabarrus Habitat for Humanity

Mardi Gras fundraiser: Cabarrus Habitat for Humanity is holding its second annual Mardi Gras fundraising event 7 p.m. Feb. 9 at Gibson Mill, Concord. There will be a ‘Best Jester’ contest where three Jesters will compete to raise the most money for the event. Details: 704-455-1070 ext. 50916.

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. 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

Excel class: The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte will offer a Microsoft Excel class Feb. 13, 15 and 18, 9 .m.-noon each day at Southminster Retirement Community, 8919 Park Road. The three-day class will teach spreadsheet skills. Cost is $20 for booster members and $30 for nonmembers. To register, call 704-365-1995 or visit www.shepherdscharlotte.org.

Intro to computing: The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte will offer an Introduction to Computers class 9 a.m.-noon or 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Feb. 19-March 14 at Southminster Retirement Community, 8919 Park Road. Cost is $45 for booster members and $55 for others. To register, call 704-365-1995 or visit www.shepherdscharlotte.org.

Autism Society

Autism conference: The Autism Society of North Carolina’s annual conference, “Autism Grows Up,” will be Feb. 8-9 at the Hilton University Place in Charlotte. The conference will address the challenges and transitions for children with autism into adulthood. To register, visit www.autismsociety-nc.org or call 800-442-2762.

Shepherd’s Center SouthEast

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, authors and much more. 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.