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

Volunteers needed to tutor in reading/English: The Literacy Connection will hold a free orientation session from 6 to 8:15 p.m. Thursday at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Volunteers are needed to tutor in basic reading and English as a Second Language. No special education is required. Training sessions will follow from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Jan. 22, 23, 29 and 30 and Feb. 5 and 6, at the same location. For information, call (847) 742-6565.

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.

January

German heritage dinner: St. Peter Community Church German heritage dinner: 4 p.m. Saturday, 2700 Willow Road, Northbrook. $12; children ages 5-12 are $5. Tickets may be purchased at the church office. Call (847) 272-2246 for information.

Playdough Palooza: Children's Memorial Hospital's Wish List Auxiliary Board 24th annual Playdough Palooza: 6-9 p.m. Jan. 18; Rockit Bar & Grill, 22 W. Hubbard St., Chicago. $50 in advance; $60 at the door. (773) 880-4388.

Youth Hunger Opposition in Palatine: Youth Hunger Opposition in Palatine benefit dinner dance and silent auction: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 19; Vittorio de Roma Italian Bistro, 154 W. Northwest Highway, Palatine. $75 per person, benefits the Palatine Township Food Pantry. For information, (847) 342-1720, ext. 3.

Bowling fundraiser: Nicklebee's Nickel Bowl fundraiser: 7-10 p.m. Jan. 19; Seven Ten Lounge, 2747 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. $40 per person. Tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis at www.nicklebee.org.

March the Mart: Special Children's Charities March the Mart event: 8 a.m.-11 a.m. start Jan. 21; Merchandise Mart, Chicago. Proceeds benefit Special Children's Charities, a fundraising arm of Chicago's Special Olympics. (847) 910-0961 or www.marchthemart.com.

"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. Jan. 24; 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.

Purple Moon event: LFAI Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America Purple Moon event: 6 p.m. Jan. 24; Joe's Sports Bar, 940 W. Weed St., Chicago. $50-$75. (312) 542-0002. Latrice@lupusil.org.

Alivio Medical Center: Alivio Medical Center's 2008 dinner celebration: Jan 24; Renaissance Chicago Hotel, 1 W. Wacker Drive Chicago.

"Laughing for Literacy": The Literacy Connection 'Laughing for Literacy" fundraiser: 7 p.m. Jan. 26; 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. Jan. 26; Friendship Village, 350 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Classical music. $15 for students: $25 for adults. For tickets, e-mail lmgstrings@comcast.net or call Lisa at (224) 622-5055.

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 Jan. 27; 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.

February

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.

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.

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.

April

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.

May

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

Bulletin board

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.