Helping Out: Fun-filled fundraisers for Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Mentor Me

MAD HATTER BALL – Annual benefit for Mentor Me Petaluma

Saturday, Oct. 20, 5:30-10:30 p.m.

What’s happening? All things come to an end eventually, and 2018 marks the final Mad Hatter Ball, Mentor Me’s annual fundraiser to benefit the nonprofit’s work providing youth mentoring and youth advocacy. This year, blending a bit of the traditional Alice in Wonderland iconography with a joyous fiesta theme, the event will include a dinner, dancing, raffles, a cantina, an eye-popping array of auction items, and the celebrated hat contest.

Who does it help? Mentor Me Petaluma is a 17-year-old non-profit that works to assist at-risk youth in achieving their goals and doing their best - academically, socially, and in life - by pairing them with one-on-one, long-term adult mentors. For more information, visit WeAreMentorMe.org.

What else should we know? Cost is $75. The event will take place at Cavanagh Rec Center, 426 8th St. Tickets available at WeAreMentorMe.org or by calling 778-4798.

STRIKING OUT CHILDHOOD CANCER – A benefit for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

Sunday, Oct. 21, 1-3 p.m. (bowling bash), 3-7 p.m. (Dinner and auction)

What’s happening? Now in its fourth consecutive year, this fun-filled fundraiser is held to mark the birthday of local “cancer hero” CJ Banaszek, who loved bowling and birthday parties, and raises money to help fight childhood cancers. Following the “bowling bash” at Petaluma’s AMF Boulevard Lanes, a grand dinner and benefit auction takes place at the Elks Lodge 901. CJ’s mom, Heather Banaszek, established the local fundraiser to honor her son’s fighting spirit and cheerful attitude, and to help discover better and safer cancer treatments for children.

Who does it help? Alex’s Lemonade Stand is a national nonprofit that was established in 2004, when 4-year-old Alexandra “Alex” Scott decided to donate the revenue from her neighborhood lemonade stand to cancer research. She passed away in 2004, but what she started has become a major foundation, raising money worldwide to fund research into finding cures for childhood cancers. www.AlexsLemonade.org.

What else should we know? Cost is $125 for bowling and the dinner/auction; $150 for the VIP “Passport to a Cure” party; $100 for the dinner/auction only (no bowling); $25 for children 16-and-under, for bowling only. Dinner will be provided by Lombardi’s Catering, with free refreshments courtesy of Lagunitas Brewing Co., MillerCoors, Trichero Family Estate and Bacardi. Bowling is at AMF Boulevard Lanes, 1100 S. Petaluma Blvd. The dinner/auction is at the Elks Lodge 901, 2105 S. McDowell Blvd. To reserve space and buy tickets, visit StrikingOutChildhoodCancer.org.