A terrific evening of dining, dancing, live and silent auctions, a wine pull and casino gaming awaits guests dressed in denim and diamonds at the annual Hope Dinner presented by Community Storehouse on Saturday, March 23, at the Texas Motor Speedway Club.
The event committee -- led by Jim Carter, Barbara Leonard and Melanie Metzger -- has garnered impressive auction swag, including all expenses-paid, four-night stays in Bermuda and at a Fairmont Resort; two weeks' use of a Harley; golf outings; and a dinner party at the Classic Cafe, to name just a few items.Keeping things moving will be emcees Adrienne Bankert and Tracy Kornet from KTVT/Channel 11. The dance floor will get crowded when Southern Chrome, always a crowd-pleaser, performs country standards and favorite rock 'n' roll hits. Partiers will be busy as they alternate between the casino, wine pull, big board and silent auction while sipping libations and visiting with friends.The money allows Community Storehouse to help children in the Keller and Northwest school districts who are experiencing a crisis such as loss of income to household, sudden death of a parent or a terminal illness."This is a great evening not only to come and enjoy yourself but to show support for the children in KISD and NWISD who otherwise will go without. There is nothing more fulfilling than watching a child succeed," executive director Barbara Board said.Marriott Hotel & Golf Club at Champions Circle is offering a discount stay and shuttle for Hope Dinner guests. Tickets for $75 each can be purchased online at www.hopedinner.com or call 817-431-3340 to make reservations by Wednesday.It's easy being greenBack for a second year after a highly successful 2012 debut, the World's Only Best Maid St. Paddy's Pickle Parade & Palooza will fill the downtown streets of Mansfield on Saturday. The theme of this unique event is "Just Dill With It."Celebrating St. Patrick's Day, the festival will open with a 10K/5K/1-mile run, followed by a festival and a parade and bands performing until 10 p.m.The Pickle Palooza Run begins at 11 a.m. at Katherine Rose Park (Register at 9 a.m.) followed by a downtown parade that rolls out at 2 p.m. and features floats, cars, Wheelie-ing Elvi, a "peck of Pickle Queens escorted by the Pickle Protectors," an honorary St. Patrick and much more.After the parade, there's more fun with a pickle hunt for the kids, pickle eating and pickle juice drinking contests, dancing Pickle Queens, a children's area, a food court, green beer and three great bands: The Trinity River Whalers perform at 3 p.m.; the Party Crashers at 6 p.m.; and the finale, from the band Me and My Monkey, is to begin around 8 p.m.Details at www.mansfieldpicklepalooza.com.Lace Up for Life AIDS WalkJoin the hundreds of folks who faithfully participate in the annual AIDS Walk & Fun Run, which is in its 21st year, March 30 at the Trinity Park Pavilion, 2300 W. Seventh St.The AIDS Outreach Center and a committee including Duane McMichaels, Tripp Miller, Vance Bates, Aubin Petersen, John Corpus, Lance Johnson, Lauren Lucio, Bryne Sotman, Randall Gentry, Mary Scales, and Kelly Smith have planned a day for family, friends, co-workers and even pets to have fun and learn a little about the AOC and the people it serves in Tarrant County.Tripp & Tatti from Mind-Body Play will lead fun warm-up exercises at 8 a.m. before the 9:30 a.m. start for runners and 9:45 start for walkers. A Kids Korner, vendors, a DJ and informal info sessions will give the morning a festival feel. There's even an Easter egg hunt for the youngsters to enjoy.The emcee will be Anna de Haro, Clear Channel radio personality. Exhibitors are ViiV Healthcare (specialists in HIV/AIDS medicines and support); Samaritan House (housing for people living with HIV/AIDS); Betty's Gifts (jewelry) and several others.The individual raising the most money will win two American Airlines round-trip tickets. And there are restaurant gift cards, Rangers tickets and an Omni resort stay, among other cool prizes. Even the top fundraising pooch gets in on the prize action with a $100 gift card to Wag Dog Boutique."This event is not only a fun-filled day, but a day of awareness and hope for all those that AIDS Outreach Center serves," committee volunteer McMichaels said.Registration is $30 per person and includes a T-shirt; $10 per dog for a commemorative bandanna. Register early at www.firstgiving.com/aocwalk.Dinner With the StarsIt's that time of year again when the Fort Worth Opera Festival rolls around, this time with a special event at the City Club, 301 Commerce St., Fort Worth, on April 2."Dinner With the Stars marks the kick-off to our annual festival, and our patrons, performers and staff are always tremendously excited since it means that our grand opening night is only days away," said opera spokeswoman Jen Appleman.The dinner celebrates Puccini's La Bohéme and features sopranos Mary Dunleavy and Rosa Betancourt; baritones Wes Mason and John Boehr; tenor Sean Panikkar; and Derrick Parker, bass. Pianist is Eric Malson.According to Appleman, the evening will be full of energy and celebration and will offer not only a uniquely intimate opportunity to hear the festival's stars perform, but the chance to get to know them before their shows open."Our talented singers particularly love the event because they, too, look forward to spending time with our opera family. The festive spirit, coupled with the sense of anticipation and the love of spectacular music makes this a special night for everyone. You don't want to miss this!"Tickets are $50 per person, and seating is limited. RSVP by March 26 to Appleman, 817-288-1215 or online at www.fwopera.org/events (click on the event on the calendar).Sister to Sister SummitThe Sister to Sister Summit -- hosted by Girls Inc. and Texas Christian University -- is coming up, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 23 in the Tucker Building on the Texas Christian University campus. It's all about helping girls ages 8-12 build a support network of community role models and peers who are dedicated to girls' issues.During the fun morning, TCU Engineering students and staff offer proof positive that engineering is fun by doing numerous experiments, along with offering personal testimonials concerning the avenues open if they choose a career in engineering.Registration, $10 per girl, begins at 8:30 a.m. or register early online at www.girlsinctarrant.org/events.html until March 18. Call 817-465-0306 or email sistertosister@girlsinctarrant.org.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
