Calendar for May 7, 2008 - May 20, 2008
Volunteering
ABCCM Is Looking for Volunteers
ABCCM's Medical Ministry provides a free medical and dental clinic for low-income, uninsured residents of Buncombe County. Volunteers are needed in the following areas: administration, physicians, dentists, hygienists, dental assts. and especially nurses. Info: 259-5339, ext. 319.
• MONDAYS through FRIDAYS, 9am-5pm & MONDAYS, TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, 5-8pm - Volunteers needed to assist in the medical, pharmacy and dental clinic.
Annual Ramp Festival
Each May during Mountain Housing Opportunities' Ramp Festival, volunteers build handicap access ramps for persons with disabilities, who otherwise would not have the freedom to enter or exit their homes. To sign up to volunteer: 254-4030, ext. 119 or david@mtnhousing.org. Info: www.mtnhousing.org.
• SA (5/10) - 14th Annual Ramp Festival.
Ashevillage Institute (AVI)
An emerging urban sustainability center based around permaculture and natural building practices. Come sample any workday. Longer volunteer opportunities and internships are available. Info: www.kleiwerks.org/avi or 225-8820.
• TUESDAYS through SATURDAYS, 9am-5pm - Workdays.
Deaverview Homework Club Needs Volunteers
The club helps kids K-6th grade do their homework, and also offers other academic and physical activities. Info: lindsley.doddridge@bcsemail.org, 232-4291 or 255-2656.
• MONDAYS through THURSDAYS, 2:30-5:30pm - Tutors needed. Some flexibility with hours.
Emma Family Resource Center
The Emma Family Resource Center is a program of Children First that strives to stengthen and empower the Emma community. EFRC is on the campus of Emma Elementary School, 37 Brickyard Rd. in W. Asheville. Info: 252-4810.
• SA (5/17), Noon-3pm - Hands-on work day in the community garden. Open to the public.
Girls on the Run of WNC Seeks Volunteers
Race-day volunteers are needed to help with everything from handing out medals, to serving food, to directing race traffic at the Wondergirl 5K. Six hundred 8-14 year old girls from across WNC will celebrate 14 weeks of character education and running training by running the 5K. Info: www.gotrwnc.org/wondergirl5k.html.
• Through SA (5/31) - Wondergirl 5K.
Guardian ad Litem Program Seeks Volunteers
The Guardian ad Litem Program of Buncombe County seeks dedicated community volunteers to serve as advocates for abused and neglected children whose cases
are going through the court system. Free training prepares volunteers to make a difference in a child's life. Info: 251-6130.
• MO (6/2), 12:30-3:30pm - Daytime training begins. 8 sessions. Call to discuss the program or for an application.
Habitat for Humanity Seeks Volunteers
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity: Come join with community volunteers and Habitat partner families as we work together to build decent, safe and affordable houses for families living in inadequate housing. Opportunities are available at our construction site or in the Habitat Home Store, which helps to fund the houses. Info: 251-5702 or brusso@ashevillehabitat.org.
• 2nd & 4th WEDNESDAYS, 6pm - Volunteer orientations at 30 Meadow Rd.
Headquarters is located at 951 Old Fairview Rd. near Home Depot. Info: 274-4482 or www.buncombedems.org.
• MONDAYS through SATURDAYS, 10am-2pm - Call to sign up to volunteer.
Hospitality House of Asheville
HHA offers rehabilitative support and care to our area's homeless and people in transition to independent housing. Volunteers needed particularly in the mornings, 7 days a week. Info: 258-1695.
• 1st & 3rd TUESDAYS - Volunteer orientation & training.
Literacy Council of Buncombe County Needs Tutors
Give the gift of literacy and change a life forever. The Literacy Council is seeking volunteer tutors for ESL and Adult Basic Education programs. No tutoring experience necessary. Training and materials provided. Info: 254-3442 or literacytutors@bellsouth.net.
• TH (5/15), 6-8pm & TU (5/20), 10am-Noon - Orientation sessions for prospective volunteer tutors. Find out how giving two hours a week can change someone's life.
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Info: www.ncwildlife.org.
• MO (5/12) through TU (5/27) & WE (6/11) through TH (6/26) - Volunteers are needed to conduct field surveys for whip-poor-will and chuck-will's-widow in an effort to map the nightbirds' occurrence in WNC. Participation requires a vehicle, night-time driving, the ability to identify calling nightbirds, a day to set up a route and two late evenings to conduct the survey. Info: 230-1320.
Red Cross Opportunities
The Asheville-Mountain Area Chapter has a variety of volunteer opportunities available. Short and long term opportunities are available to work with your schedule. Schedule, volunteer needs and other info: 258-3888, ext. 205.
• 1st WEDNESDAYS, Noon - Orientation session.
RiverLink Has Plenty Of Volunteer Opportunities
RiverLink is a regional nonprofit organization working to revitalize the French Broad River watershed. Internship positions are available, as well as many volunteer opportunities. Info: 252-8474, volunteer@riverlink.org or www.riverlink.org.
• 1st WEDNESDAYS, 5pm - Volunteer info and training session. RSVP to volunteer@riverlink.org.
Tutor Kids With "I Have a Dream"
The "I Have a Dream" Foundation is a nonprofit organization that motivates and empowers children from low-income communities to reach their education and career goals by providing a long term program of enrichment, tutoring and mentoring and tuition assistance for higher education. Info: pc@ihadasheville.org.
• MONDAYS through THURSDAYS, 2:30-5pm - Opportunities for both one-on-one and group tutoring/homework help sessions.
WNC for Change
Anyone wishing to volunteer with a grassroots organization dedicated to electing Barack Obama as the next president is invited to attend organizational meetings. Discuss ways to spread Obama's message, particularly in WNC. There will also be time for break-out meetings of Action Teams. Info: 231-5496.
• THURSDAYS, 6:30pm - Meets at Hill Street Baptist Church, 135 Hill St. Free.
Animal Compassion Network
ACN is WNC's largest nonprofit, no-kill animal welfare organization. Info: 258-4820 or www.animalcompassionnetwork.org.
Animal Haven of Asheville
AHA offers meaningful volunteer opportunities for people of all ages. Info: 253-5837 or 299-1635.
Another Life Foundation Seeks Volunteer Mentors
Another Life Foundation is seeking volunteers in recovery from mental illness to help mentor others battling depression and suicidal behaviors. Training provided. Free. Info: www.anotherlifefoundation.org.
Asheville Art Museum Seeks Volunteers
For more information about volunteering at the museum, contact the Museum Education Department: 253-3227 or mailbox@ashevilleart.org.
Asheville MS Walk
The Asheville MS Walk will take place on April 6 at the Buncombe County Sports Complex. All monies raised go to support programs for local clients living with MS and MS research. For details on walking or volunteering: janet.coggins@nmss.org or (704) 525-5906. For more info: http://walkncp.nationalmssociety.org.
Be an Advocate for the Elderly
Serve on the Buncombe County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee. Visit with nursing home residents, their families and home administrators. Help educate the public about the needs of nursing homes and their residents. Info: 251-6622, ext. 113.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters
A little time can make a big difference! Traditional Program: Spend time with a youth twice a month for several hours, youth are ages 6-14 from single-parent homes. Enjoy simple, shared interests. Mentors and Matches/After-School Program: Spend time with an elementary student 1 hr./week at the school or after-school site. Help with homework, talk, play educational games, enjoy art. Info: 253-1470 or www.bbbswnc.org.
Blue Ridge Biofuels
Volunteer with Blue Ridge Biofuels to help with their mission to bring local biodiesel production to Asheville. Info: 253-1034 or www.blueridgebiofuels.com.
Bountiful Cities Project Seeks Volunteers
BCP is a nonprofit that creates, manages and, in some cases, owns community gardens on Asheville's urban land. To become a volunteer: 257-4000 or info@bountifulcitiesproject.org.
Business Experience Going to Waste?
Current and former business executives and owners sought to join Asheville SCORE to counsel area start-ups and small businesses. Give back to the Asheville small business community by sharing your business knowledge and expertise. Info: 279-6699 or www.ashevillescore.org.
CarePartners Thoms
Volunteers needed for CarePartners Thoms to assist visitors and family members at the Main Lobby Information Desk, and to support the staff with special projects. Info: 277-4800 ext. 4261 or spearson@carepartners.org.
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site Seeks Volunteers
Can you give four hours a week to help tell the Sandburg story? As an Official National Park Service volunteer you could provide information and help the Park Service better serve our visitors. Info: 693-4178.
Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy
The nonprofit helps families and landowners preserve the land that is important to them and the community. Volunteers welcome. Info: 697-5777, outreach2@carolinamountain.org or www.carolinamountain.org.
Classroom Helpers
Vance Elementary School is looking for volunteers to help in classrooms with individual students, reading and math groups, ESL students, community gardening and special events. Make a difference in a child's life. Info: 350-6600.
Clean Air Community Trust
The mission of CACT is to improve air quality through innovative programs that educate, energize and empower the communities of WNC. Info: 258-1856 or www.airtrust.org.
Council on Aging Needs Volunteers
The COA urgently needs volunteers for a variety of programs to aid the elderly. Info: 277-8288 or joanm@coabc.org.
D.A.N.N. Seeks Volunteers
Differently Abled News Network, Inc. is a nonprofit that publishes information for and about people with disabilities and promotes public awareness, education and community connections. Info: 681-5110.
Dogwood Alliance Volunteer Opportunities
DA is the only organization in the South holding corporations accountable for the impact of their industrial forestry practices on our forests and communinties. Info: eva@dogwoodalliance.org.
Eliada Needs Volunteers
Volunteers needed to mentor, tutor, coach, fundraise and help out with on-site projects. Info: 254-5356 or kbrooks@eliada.org.
Family Visitation Program Seeks Volunteers
A Mediation Center program that provides a safe and comfortable place for parents and children to build positive relationships. Due to divorce, a history of domestic violence, substance abuse or a recent separation many families desire supervised visitations between a child and the child's non-custodial parent. Volunteers are needed to help make this happen. Info: 251-6089 ext. 19 or sboyd@mediatebuncombe.org.
FENCE Seeks Volunteers for Charity Golf Tournament
The Foothills Equestrian Nature Center in Tryon is looking for volunteers to help staff the week-long BMW Pro-Am Golf Tournament May 12-18. To register: www.bmwcharitygolf.org. Info: www.fence.org.
Folk Art Center/Southern Highland Craft Guild
Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 382 (just north of the Hwy 70 entrance in East Asheville). Info: 298-2514, ext. 313 or jim@craftguild.org.
Foster Grandparent Program
Become a mentor, confidant and friend to children in need. Foster Grandparents are 60+ and volunteer twenty hours/week. This Land-of-Sky Regional Council program offers volunteers a stipend that does not affect Medicaid, housing subsidies, or any other assistance. Plus, volunteers receive mileage reimbursement, paid vacation and sick leave. Info: 251-6622.
GLBTQ Youth Nonprofit Seeks Volunteers
GenXY is seeking a volunteer administrative assistant and volunteers for other positions as well. Info: personnel@mail-genxy.org or 296-7383.
Go to Goal Seeks Volunteers
Go to Goal, a nonprofit after-school soccer program for disadvantaged girls, needs help with transportation on Tues. and Fri. afternoons at 4pm, as well as a few select Sat. mornings (game days). Info: ailse7@yahoo.com or 216-4238.
Goodwill Needs Volunteers
Goodwill Industries is looking for volunteers for its Community Access Program, which serves individuals with disabilities by providing employment and assistance. Info: 298-9023 ext. 163 or www.goodwillnwnc.org.
Guardian ad Litem Program
The Guardian ad Litem Program of Henderson, Polk, Transylvania, Rutherford and McDowell Counties is searching for dedicated volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children whose cases are going through the court system. Volunteers conduct independent investigations of the case and make recommendations before the court, focusing on the best interests of the child. Info: 697-4894 or www.galdistrict29ab.org.
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, a program of United Way, makes it easy to lend a hand and help others in our community. Choose the volunteer opportunity that works for you: your passions, your skills, your schedule. Info: www.handsonasheville.org or call 2-1-1 or 252-HELP.
People interested in being a part of Asheville's 3rd Pridefest Oct. 11 are asked to contact the organizers. Info: www.ashevillepridefest.com.
Cancer Centers of N.C. - Asheville is looking for dedicated volunteers to help provide quality services to patients. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities with flexible schedules. Volunteers must complete a short-training course. Info: 254-8232.
Asheville-based Coalicion de Organizaciones Latino-Americanas is assisting undocumented workers and their families during the current anti-immigrant scapegoating. They are seeking a videographer to record "power-of-attorney" workshops. If interested, e-mail adavolkmer@bellsouth.net.
Hearts With Hands School Tools Program
Hearts with Hands collects new book bags, pencils, pens, paper, and notebooks to help supply area school children with basic school resources. Items may be dropped off at the HWH warehouse located at 951 Sand Hill Rd. or at Browns Potter located at 2398 Hendersonville Hwy. Info: 667-1912 or www.heartswithhands.org.
Help Out at the Writers' Workshop
A nonprofit writing center founded in 1985 is recruiting volunteers to assist in various duties: setting up writing classes for adults and children; coordinating a program for at-risk youth and adults; creating special events with visiting authors; office manager; help with landscaping and more. All volunteers receive discounts on workshops. Info: 254-8111 or prez@twwoa.org.
Helpmate Seeks Volunteers
Buncombe County's domestic violence agency is looking for volunteers to help with administrative tasks, community education, childcare, fundraisers and the 24-hour crisis hotline. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed to assist with the hotline and interpretation. To sign up for training or more info: 254-2968 ext. 12.
Henderson County Council on Aging
The agency needs drivers to deliver meals to homebound seniors. Training is provided for the transportation service which requires a current driver's license. Info: 692-3320.
Host Exchange Students
Share a cross-cultural learning experience with an international high-school student eager to experience life in America. AYUSA volunteer host families cultivate lifelong bonds of friendship with young people from more than 75 countries worldwide. Students range in age from 15-18, are covered by medical insurance, and have adequate spending money for personal expenses. Info: 298-8873 or www.ayusa.org.
LAAF Needs Host Families
The Learning And Achievement Foundation is in search of host families for foreign exchange high school students. Students are between 15-18 years of age, are leading students at their home schools, and have demonstrated good English skills. Orientation and assistance provided for host families. Info: 301-0759 or AshevilleLAAF@hotmail.com.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Help LLS in its mission to find cures for blood-related cancers. Event volunteers and office volunteers needed. Info: 253-8772, adrienne.boueres@lls.org or www.lls.org/nc.
Lewis Rathbun Center Seeks Volunteers
This hospital hospitality house in Kenilworth provides lodging and a supportive environment to out of town families with patients in area hospitals. Currently welcoming new volunteers for the Front Desk to train as substitutes for 3-hour shifts available on Saturdays/Sundays. Info: 251-0595 or annlrc@bellsouth.net.
Loving Food Resources
LFR provides food and personal care items to persons living with HIV/AIDS and persons receiving hospice care. Info: 255-9282 or www.lovingfood.org.
MANNA Food Bank
MANNA helps alleviate hunger in WNC by processing donated food for distribution to over 340 member agencies in 16 mountain counties. To sign up, call 299-3663 or (877) 299-3663.
Meals On Wheels Needs Volunteers
Info: 253-5286.
Mountain Sports Festival Needs Volunteers
Volunteers are needed throughout the weekend of May 30-June 1 at Carrier Park on Amboy Rd. Help in all areas of event operations. Volunteers who work a minimum of one four-hour shift will receive a free MSF T-shirt, a beverage voucher and volunteer parking. Info: leah@mountainsportsfestival.com.
Opportunities With Eblen Charities
Info: 255-3066.
Our VOICE Volunteers
Become a volunteer Victim Advocate with Our VOICE (formerly the Rape Crisis Center). Volunteer Victim Advocates provide emotional support to sexual assault survivors, their friends and family members through the 24-hour crisis line and hospital accompaniment. All are welcome, men and under-represented minorities are encouraged to apply. Info: 252-0562, ext. 13.
Quality Forward
Help keep Asheville clean and green. An organization that does plantings, litter sweeps, and stream and river cleanups throughout the year. Volunteers needed. Info: 254-1776 or www.qualityforward.org
Retired Engineers and Scientists Needed
Waste Reduction Partners is a volunteer, technical assistance program of Land-of-Sky Regional Council. Info: 251-6622.
Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club
Looking for something to do with your afternoons? Volunteer with the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club. Love working with kids? Office work more your thing? We've got lots to do and we welcome your ideas and enthusiasm. Info: 255-0266
Senior Companion Program
A paid volunteer program designed for persons who are 60 years of age or older living on limited income. Work 20 hours a week providing assistance to older adults in their home, provide respite to family caregivers and provide other needed services to older adults. In return, receive a tax-free stipend, mileage reimbursement, paid holidays, sick and vacation time. Info: 251-6622 ext. 103.
Southwings Seeks Volunteers
The nonprofit conservation aviation organization needs volunteers to help with a wide range of projects and tasks to support Watchdog aircraft flights for conservation organizations across the Southeast. Info: 225-5949 or www.southwings.org.
Thomas Wolfe Memorial
Thomas Wolfe House is at 52 North Market St. Info: 253-8304 or visit www.wolfememorial.com.
Three Streams Family Health Center
A nonprofit medical mission in Asheville, Three Streams is seeking volunteers for clinical, medical and support staff. They offer compassionate and professional medical care regardless of economic status. Info: 285-9725.
United Way's 2-1-1 of WNC
2-1-1 is a community service info line that links people to health and human services in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties. The service is free, confidential and available 24/7 to speakers of all languages. Whether you want to find or give help, trained referral specialists are available to answer your call and identify the right resources for you. Info: www.211wnc.org or 2-1-1 (cell phones dial 252-HELP (4357)).
Volunteer at ACT
Volunteers are always needed to work in the box office, backstage and in the front of the house as ushers and house managers. Volunteers help to build sets, make costumes, assist directors and stage managers, and find and build props. To volunteer: 254-2939.
Volunteer at Blue Ridge Literacy Council
The BRLC in Henderson Co. teaches adults basic reading and writing and English as a Second Language. All it takes to help is the desire and three hours a week. No teaching experience or knowledge of another language required. Training provided. Info: 696-3811 or info@litcouncil.org.
Volunteer at Children First's Community Garden
At the Children First Family Resource Center at Emma. There will be several work days through next spring. Info: 252-4810.
Volunteer at Open Hearts Center
This nonprofit art education program is dedicated to serving adults with a variety of developmental, mental, physical, and emotional disabilities. Volunteers needed to share their talents with this unique population. Info: 658-8875 or Openheartsart@aol.com.
Volunteer at the Smith-McDowell House
Seeking community members of all ages and backgrounds who are interested in history and working with the public. Info: 253-9231 or www.wnchistory.org.
Volunteer With Working Families Win
Info: 251-2525 ext. 22 (Buncombe and WNC); 447-6640 (Rutherford and Polk); 545-5274 (Haywood and McDowell); 698-8435 (Henderson and Transylvania); or www.workingfamilieswin.org.
Volunteers Needed at Health Adventure
The Health Adventure is a nonprofit family health and science museum for today's families with a mission to improve health awareness, promote wellness lifestyles, and increase science literacy through programs and exhibits. Info: 254-6373 or www.thehealthadventure.org.
Volunteers Needed For Mountain Farm and Garden Tour
The tour features sustainable farms and gardens in WNC and benefits the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association. To get involved: mountainfarmtour@gmail.com. Info: www.carolinafarmstewards.org.
WCU's Teacher Support Program
Western Carolina University's Teacher Support Program is seeking teachers of deaf-blind students to extend free support services to educators who request help. Info: http://ceap.wcu.edu/tsp, 227-3377 or prohn@email.wcu.edu.
Western Alliance Center for Independent Living
Meet new people, share your skills, acquire new talents and feel good about giving back to the community. Western Alliance is located at 30 London Rd. (off Sweeten Creek Rd.) Info: 274-0444.
WNCAP Seeks Volunteers
Western North Carolina AIDS Project has ongoing volunteer opportunities available. WNCAP is a nonprofit United Way Agency whose goals are to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS and to strive to prevent further spread of the disease. Make a difference in someone's life through direct client support, educating the public or helping with fundraising. Info: 252-7489 ext. 15 or wncapvolunteer@bellsouth.net.
Volunteer Water Information Network
The VWIN at the Environmental Quality Institute at UNCA seeks volunteers to collect stream water samples at pre-designated locations throughout Buncombe County for a long-term stream monitoring project. Requires about one hour/month. Info: 251-6823 or mjwestph@unca.edu.
Benefits & fundraisers
Annual Blackhawk Band Car Show
All proceeds will go to support the North Buncombe Band Program. North Buncombe High School is located at 890 Clarks Chapel Rd., Weaverville. Entry info: 216-7435, 645-0083 or bobbymib@gmail.com. $10 to enter ride. Info: www.blackhawkband.com/carshow.htm.
• SA (5/17), 11am-4pm - Car show. Donations accepted for admission.
Asheville City Schools Foundation Benefit
Tickets & info: 275-8373 or www.acsf.org.
• FR (5/16), 7-9pm - Dr. Hilda Hutcherson will give a public talk on new issues in women's health at the Doubletree in Biltmore to benefit the student scholarship program of the ACSF. A wine and cheese reception will precede the talk. $20 for the reception and talk/$10 talk only.
Asheville Humane Society's Yappy Hour
Proceeds support Asheville Humane Society. Info: 236-3885 or www.ashevillehumane.org.
• TH (5/15), 6-8pm - Yappy Hour at Blake House Inn, 150 Royal Pines Dr. A happy hour for dogs and their people, with arf d'oeuvres and doggie daiquiri's for the pooches, as well as vegetarian hors d'oeuvres and beverages for the humans. $10/$5/dogs free.
Asheville JCC Golf Classic
The JCC's first ever gold tournament will be held at Cummings Cove Golf and Country Club, 20 Cummings Cove Pkwy., Hendersonville. Proceeds will benefit the scholarship funds of the Asheville JCC and Jewish Family Services. Info: 253-0701 or www.jcc-asheville.org.
• WE (5/14), 11am - Golf Classic.
Bids for Kids Benefit Auction
Sponsored by a local volunteer group, the Arts and Crafts Connection, the event will benefit Arts For Life, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing the arts to children and adolescents battling cancer and other serious illnesses. Tickets: spolet@aol.com. Info: www.theartsforlife.org.
• SA (5/17), 7-10pm - Bids for Kids will feature chocolates, live music and auction items. The event will be held at the Biltmore Lake Clubhouse.
Children & Friends Charity Golf Tournament
All proceeds will go to develop new enrichment programs for children attending Children & Friends Enrichment Center, the only nonprofit daycare center in the Swannanoa Valley. To sign up for the tournament or for more info: 669-6617.
• FR (5/16), 1pm - The 3rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament will be held at the Black Mountain Municipal Golf Course, complete with door prizes, and followed by a cookout.
Fletcher Flyer Bike Ride
Info: www.blueridgebicycleclub.org.
• SU (5/18) - The ride will start and finish at Fletcher Community Park. Flat to rolling terrain covering 100 miles. There are no climbs longer than a quarter-mile. Proceeds support the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club’s cycling advocacy programs and the WNC Bike Dealers Association’s mountain bike trail development and maintenance programs. $45 day-of the ride.
A fundraiser for Pack Square Park hosted by the Fine Arts Theatre. $50. Info: www.packsquarepark.org.
• TH (5/8), 7pm - The event will feature the documentary film A Man Named Pearl, the unlikely story of a factory worker in Bishopville, S.C. who earned national fame as a self-taught topiary artist. Fryar and his wife, Metra, will attend the event. A reception at Blue Spiral 1 will follow the film screening.
The annual Mac Arnold Cornbread & Collard Greens Blues Festival will benefit the Children's Hospital of Greenville. Info: www.macarnold.com.
• WE (5/7) through SA (5/10) - Bands will play at various venues around Greenville, S.C.
Smoky Mountain Dance Center is participating in the Waynesville Relay for Life to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Join the team for $10. Info: 400-8504.
• FR (5/9), 6pm-6am - Teams will walk the Vance Street Park Track. There will be live entertainment. It is not required to stay all night long.
The school's PTO will host the festival at the Leicester Elementary school field. $3 per adult/$8 per child/$20 for a family of four ($3 per child after that). Info: www.leicesterpto.org/spring.htm or 683-2341.
• SA (5/10), 10am-5pm - The theme of this year's festival is "It Takes a Community to Raise a Child." There will be live music, inflatables, petting zoo, cake walk, artist/craft booths, refreshments and games. Plus live music by Standing Still, Tim Hall and the Buffalo Country, Sun Domingo, Corey Crowder and Laura Michaels.
A fundraiser for an upcoming series of "tiny films" called Animal Pearls. At Jubilee!, 46 Wall St. $7 adults/$4 children. Info: www.littlepearls.org.
• SA (5/10), 3-5pm - The event will feature wildlife tales in film, storytelling and song, along with live raptors and other wildlife. Plus, the debut of the film Wild and Free: a Screech Owl Named Pinkey.
Hosted by the Weaverville PTO at Weaverville Elementary School. The main fundraising event for Weaverville Primary and Elementary. Info: 645-6105 or 645-4275.
• FR (5/9), 4:30-8pm - The festival will feature a live auction with Tammy Jones of 96.5 and music by Vince Junior. Free shuttle bus from Balcrank on Reems Creek Rd. Bring a lawn chair. First 400 kids get a free Asheville Tourists gift.
A benefit for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will be held at Southeastern Fitness and Rehabilitation. Info: 274-2188 or hwelker@southeasternfitness.com.
• MO (5/12), 5:30am-9pm - Workout for St. Jude.
Historic Johnson Farm Benefit
Historic Johnson Farm is operated as a heritage education center and farm museum by the nonprofit Henderson County Education Foundation, and is located at 3346 Haywood Road, Hendersonville. Info: 697-4383 or www.historicjohnsonfarm.org.
• TH (5/8), 2pm & 4pm - High Tea at Johnson Farm. Two settings are offered. All proceeds benefit the farm. $12, includes a tour of the historic home. Reservations are required.
Memory Walk
The event is to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Memory Walk is a noncompetitive walk and a festive event for families, coworkers and friends of all ages. Info: 254-7363, nikole.stankus@alz.org or www.alz.org/northcarolina.
• SA (5/17) - Buncombe Memory Walk. Start a team today.
Spring Tour of Homes in Brevard
A Transylvania Community Arts Council event. Tickets for the fundraiser are $30. Info: 884-2787.
• FR (5/16) - Pre-party for the Spring Tour of Homes. There will be food, wine and music in a special home. $50, funds go to the TC Arts arts-in-schools program.
• SA (5/17), 9:30am-5pm - The homes on this self-guided tour are located in Brevard, Connestee and surrounding areas. Master gardeners will participate with flower arranging demos, and some homes will have artists outside doing painting demos.
WNC Student Peace Alliance Fundraiser
A film and silent auction fundraiser will be held at the W.C. Reid Center in Asheville. Info: 505-0973.
• FR (5/16), 6-9pm - Screening of I Know I'm Not Alone, a film that follows musician Michael Franti's travels to Iraq, Palestine and Israel. Plus, an auction of items and services donated by local businesses and craftspeople. Light refreshments will be served.
Manage the French Broad Food Co-op's parking area for downtown events, Orange Peel concerts and general visitor parking. Nonprofits receive all proceeds for managing the lot. Info: 505-1080.
Community Table Events
The Community Table is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating hunger in the Sylva community. Located at 127 Bartlett Street in Sylva. Info: 586-6782.
