Fundraisers

To submit your listing, e-mail ntwohey@dailyherald.com, or fax (847) 427-1301 at least two weeks prior to the event.

News of the week

On-line auction: District 214 Community Education on-line auction: starting Feb. 1, go to CE214.org for a preview of the items and to connect to the link on eBay to place your bid. Items and packages $25 and up. For questions, call Mary at (847) 718-7708.

January

Fairygodmother Foundation: Fairygodmother Foundation Table of Twelve fundraiser: 7 to 10 p.m. today; The Signature Room at the 95th, John Hancock Center. $80 at the door. Cocktail attire.

"A Toast to the Town": Mount Prospect Historical Society and Vino 100 host "A Toast to the Town," a champagne and sparkling wine tasting: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, 110 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. Hors d' oeuvres and light snacks. Adults over 21 only. $10 at the door. Benefits the operation of the Mount Prospect Historical Society. (847) 392-9006.

Alivio Medical Center: Alivio Medical Center's 2008 dinner celebration: Thursday, Renaissance Chicago Hotel, 1 W. Wacker Drive, Chicago.

"Laughing for Literacy": The Literacy Connection "Laughing for Literacy" fundraiser: 7 p.m. Saturday; Heritage Ballroom in The Centre, 100 W. Symphony Way, Elgin. For information or tickets, (847) 742-6565.

The Artistry in Music Foundation: The Artistry in Music Foundation benefit concert: 8 p.m. Saturday, Friendship Village, 350 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Classical music. $15 for students; $25 for adults. For tickets, e-mail lmgstrings@comcast.net.

Spaghetti dinner and Italian fun fest: Community Presbyterian Church spaghetti dinner and Italian fun fest: 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, 407 N. Main St., Mount Prospect. Pasta, salad, garlic bread and dessert will be served. Includes entertainment, raffle. $7 for adults; $3.50 for ages 4-12; free for children under age 4. (847) 392-3112.

Kohl's "Step-Up for Kids": Children's Memorial Hospital's 11th annual Kohl's "Step-Up for Kids" stair climb: 8 a.m. start time Sunday, Aon Center, 200 E. Randolph, Chicago. Registration $45 (children age 12 and under free). (773) 880-6936 or www.childrensmemorial.org/stepup. No race day registration available.

Catholic Charities wine tasting fundraiser: Catholic Charities 7th annual d'Vine Affair: A Tasting of Fine Wines, 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago. $100 before Friday; $120 after. To register, visit www.catholiccharities.net/dvine or call (312) 655-7912.

Wheeling Township Democrats: Wheeling Township Democrats fundraiser with Congressman Jan Schakowsky: 3-5 p.m. Sunday at La Chicanita restaurant, 200 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Donations $25 per person, $40 per couple. Sponsorship levels: $100, $250 or $500. For reservations, wheelingtownshipdems@yahoo.com.

Chili Cook-off: Trinity Lutheran Church Senior High Ministry Group Chili Cook-off: 12:30 p.m. Sunday; 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines. Supports a mission trip to Toronto, Canada. $20 per family, $5 per individual and $3 for children. (847) 827-6656.

Support cancer walk team: Olive Tap of Long Grove and Long Grove Café kick-off fundraiser for "The Beaubifuls," a team of women from Long Grove and Buffalo Grove participating in the 2008 Avon Walk For Breast Cancer: 5 to 9 p.m. Jan. 31, Long Grove Café, 235 Robert Parker Coffin Road, Long Grove. $30 per person before Jan. 20 or $35 per person at the door. For reservations or information, call Renee at (847) 612-0027.

February

District 62 fundraiser: District 62 Foundation "Satire Night Live" Improv Unlimited's show: 6 p.m. Feb. 1; Grazie! Ristorante and Banquets, Des Plaines. Three-course dinner, raffles, silent auction, fun concert show. $40 per person. Benefits learning opportunities for District 62 students.

Silent auction: St. Zachary's Church 15th annual silent auction "Let's Celebrate": 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Feb. 1; Parish Life Center behind the church at 567 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines. Tickets $20. For information, call the parish ministry center at (847) 956-7020.

Tri-Village RC'ers: A swap shop sponsored by the Tri-Village RC'ers will be held beginning 9 a.m. Feb. 2 at the DuPage Country Fairgrounds on Manchester Road, near County Farm Road in Wheaton. Anything radio-controlled can be bought or sold. A percent of the profits will benefit the Schaumburg and Hanover Park food pantries. For information, call (847) 697-1578.

Fat Tuesday pancake dinner: Trinity Lutheran Church Fat Tuesday pancake dinner: 5-7 p.m. Feb. 5, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines. All-you-can-eat pancakes. Benefits a youth summer mission trip to Toronto, Canada. $5 for adults or $20 per family at the door or in advance at the church office.

Sweetheart Dinner Dance: Children's Medical Research Foundation Inc. 13th annual Sweetheart Dinner Dance: 7 p.m. Feb. 8 at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, 160 E. Pearson St., Chicago. Optional black-tie. $225 per person. For tickets or information, call the foundation at (708) 784-0631.

Bread for the Journey: Bread for the Journey, Chicago, Swing dancing fundraiser: 7 p.m. Feb. 8; Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines. $25 per person at the door; $20 in advance. Light food and beverages will be served. Includes raffle, silent auction. Call Diane at (708) 785-7566 for tickets. Visit breadforthejourney.org for information.

Viva Las Long Grove: Congregation Beth Judea second annual Viva Las Long Grove: 7 p.m. Feb. 9; Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. Gaming tables, live and silent auctions, appetizers, noshes, beer and wine and dessert. $45 in advance; $60 at the door. Advance tickets must be purchased before Feb. 2. (847) 634-0777.

White and Red Ball: The Legion of Young Polish Women's 69th annual White and Red Ball: Feb. 9; Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Benefits the Legion of Young Polish Women's charitable and philanthropic endeavors. For information, (847) 420-4321 or (708) 466-6975.

"Cold Hands Warm Harts" benefit: Little Heroes Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation's "Cold Hands Warm Hearts" benefit: 6-10 p.m. Feb. 9; Crobar, 1543 N. Kingsbury, Chicago. $100; $125 at the door. Purchase tickets online at www.littleheroes.us or call (312) 322-0001, ext. 62.

Valentine Fun Bowl: Des Plaines Community Senior Center's 11th annual Valentine Fun Bowl: Feb. 10; Sims Bowl, Des Plaines. For information or to donate raffle prizes, call (847) 768-5944.

Tackle the Tower event: American Lung Association of Illinois Greater Chicago Tackle the Tower and Climb for Clean Air event: Feb. 10; Oakbrook Terrace Tower. Visit www.tacklethetower.org or call (800) LUNGUSA.

Concert/bowling fundraiser: The Academy of Irish Music concert/bowling fundraiser: 2-4 p.m. Feb. 10; Brunswick Zone, 519 Consumer Drive, Palatine. $12 includes two hours of bowling, shoe rental, and two hours of traditional Irish music. Benefits the Academy of Irish Music from the Irish American Heritage Center of Chicago and its planned trip to a music workshop in Limerick, Ireland. For information e-mail Bonnie at cimobonnie@yahoo.com.

Comcast SportsNet Sports Awards: Comcast SportsNet Sports Awards banquet: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11; Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. $300 per person, benefits the March of Dimes. To purchase tickets, call Meredith at (312) 596-4721 or csnsportsawards.com.

Woodfield Women's Connection baby shower: Woodfield Women's Connection baby shower for CARIS, a pregnancy crisis center at Willow Creek Community Church: 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 12. Items most needed are disposable diapers sizes 0-2 and wipes. R.S.V.P. before Feb. 8 by e-mail to wwconnection@msn.com or call Mickey at (847) 490-9881.

Evening in Paradise gala: Palatine Senior Citizens Council's Evening in Paradise gala: 6-11:30 p.m. Feb. 16; Cotillion Banquets, 360 S. Creekside Drive, Palatine. Former Chicago Bear Otis Wilson will be the guest of honor. $125 per person. For information, (847) 991-1112.

Trivia Night: Kappa Delta Chicago Northwest Suburban Alumnae Association's third annual Trivia Night: 6 p.m. Feb. 16; Queen of the Rosary School, Elk Grove Village. Trivia contest, silent auction, raffles, more. Benefits Shelter, Inc. and Prevent Child Abuse America. For information or to register, visit www.kdnwchicagoaa.org.

"A Toast to Remember" benefit: Alzheimer's Association Greater Illinois Chapter sixth annual "A Toast to Remember" benefit: 6-9 p.m. Feb. 21; River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St., Chicago. $75: $85 at the door. Purchase tickets at www.alzheimers-illinois.org/toast/.

Palatine High School VIP Club Dinner Dance: Palatine High School VIP Booster Club 24th annual dinner dance/silent auction: Feb. 22; Cotillion Banquets, Palatine. Live and silent auctions, raffles, dinner and dancing. Donations for auction items are being accepted. To donate or to advertise in the program, call Lyn at (224) 578-2202. For ticket information and reservations, visit www.phs.d211.org, click on VIP.

"Dining with the Stars": Hawthorn Woods Women's Club 42nd annual red carpet charity gala, "Dining with the Stars": Feb. 23; Kemper Lakes Golf Club, Kildeer. $125 per person. Benefits Lake County shelters serving women and children in need. www.hwwc.info.

Eric Elias Foundation: Eric Elias Foundation dinner dance: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 23; Manzo's Banquets, 1571 S. Elmhurst Road, Des Plaines. $55 per person. Ann (815) 397-1055 or Kathy (847) 226-4924.

Wine tasting: Friends of Clearbrook Wine Tasting: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 23; Stonegate Banquet and Conference Centre, 2401 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. The 44th annual event benefits Clearbrook's Employment Services program for adults with disabilities. $95. Call Chrissy at (847) 385-5302 or craddi@clearbrook.org for tickets and information.

Chili dinner: St. John United Church of Christ chili dinner fundraiser: 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. seatings Feb. 23; 1475 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Adults $7; $3.50 for children.

Party-Planning Fair: Sisterhood of Temple Chai annual Party-Planning Fair: 7 p.m. Feb. 24; 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. Meet with nearly 70 vendors, obtain ideas for invitations, centerpieces, entertainment and more. For information, call (847) 913-6869 or e-mail simchashowcase@aol.com.

Art and silent auction fundraiser: Schaumburg A.M. Rotary Club's 16th annual art and silent auction: 6:15 p.m. Feb. 29; Schaumburg Golf Club, 401 N. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. $30 in advance; $35 at the door. Benefits the club's philanthropy endeavors.

March

Monarch Ball: Resurrection Health Care Development Foundation's Monarch Ball: 6 p.m. March 1, Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Darrell Hammond of "Saturday Night Live" will make a special guest appearance. $300 per person. (847) 813-3464.

Clothing/toy resale: Mothers and More children's clothing/toy resale: 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. March 8; DuPage Country Fairgrounds, Manchester Road, Wheaton. Half-price white and blue tag sale from 1-2:30 p.m. No strollers. No children from 8 a.m.-noon. Call (630) 415-0421 for information.

Casino night: Clearbrook Guardians Spring Casino Night: 3 p.m. March 8 -1 a.m. March 9; Getz Workshop, 746 S. Vermont Ave., Palatine. Las Vegas-style gambling. Proceeds benefit children and adults with disabilities. Call the Guardians at (847) 385-5305 for information or visit clearbrook.org.

Passport to Hope: Catholic Charities North/Northwest Suburban 19th annual dinner and auction Passport to Hope: 6 p.m. March 15; Stonegate Conference & Banquet Centre, 2401 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. Benefits the Des Plaines-based Catholic Charities' North/Northwest Suburban Shelter program's New Hope Apartments. $100 per person before March 3. (847) 376-2121.

April

An Afternoon with PAL at the Improv: Clearbrook and PAL (Partners in Adult Learning) afternoon at the Improv: noon-5 p.m. April 6; Woodfield Shopping Center, Schaumburg. $75 per person. Benefits young adults with disabilities. Call Paul Jochim at (847) 609-0029 or pjochim@clearbrook.org for details.

Guardian Medallion Award Gala: Maryville Academy's 2008 Guardian Medallion Award Gala: April 12; Drake Hotel, Chicago. For information, visit www.maryvilleacademy.org/events or call Ellen at (847) 294-1982.

Shining Star Ball: Clearbrook's Shining Star Ball: 7 p.m.-midnight April 25; Four Season Hotel, 120 E. Delaware Place, Chicago. Black tie event benefits children and adults with disabilities. $500 per person. Contact Gloria Drake at (847) 385-5012 or gdrake@clearbrook.org for tickets and event information.

March for Babies: March of Dimes March for Babies: April 27; Chicago lakefront, DuPage County, Lake County, Fox Valley and the North and South suburbs. To find a walk site near you, call (312) 435-4007. Benefits research and educational programs. Marchforbabies.org.

May

Kenneth Young Center's 2008 Walk: Kenneth Young Center's 2008 Walk May 10; Busse Woods. www.kennethyoung.org.

Bulletin board

Caring Hearts Awards: The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago is seeking nominations for its annual Caring Hearts Outstanding Volunteer Awards. All nominees and their works will be celebrated during a gala dinner March 18 at Bristol Court in Mount Prospect. Nomination categories include youth, adult, senior, youth group, corporate award, education, community group and volunteer leadership. For information or to receive a nomination form, call Lynn Neuhengen at (847) 228-1320 or visit www.volunteerinfo.net. Deadline for nominations is Feb. 11.

Buddy shelter: The Buddy Foundation, a nonprofit, no-kill animal rescue organization, has broken ground for a shelter in Arlington Heights and is selling engraved bricks for the shelter's entrance as a fundraiser. If you are interested in purchasing a brick engraved with your pet's name, call (847) 813-7206 and ask for a shelter project consultant. Donations of supplies, manpower and funds are also being accepted.

Crochet, knit or quilt for babies: Stitches From The Heart needs volunteers to knit, crochet or quilt blankets, sweaters and hats for babies in need. These items are donated to hospitals all over the country. Patterns available. Donated yarn is also needed for seniors and children's knitting programs. Call Kathy Silverton at (866) 472-6903 or address e-mail to StitchFrom Heart@aol.com.

Baby Shower project: Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago Baby Shower project: Donate powdered baby formula (Similac with iron is preferred) for families on assistance. Disposable diapers are also needed. To schedule delivery at the Volunteer Center, or for information, call Kathleen, Lyn or Margaret at (847) 228-1320.