Unique Fundraising Ideas for Schools

Unique Fundraising Ideas for Schools by Vicky

 

What better opportunity can a school have to teach their students about economics than to be faced with budget challenges for programs, events and trips planned for a school semester?
For many years teachers, parents and schools have worked together to organise and utilise unique fundraisers and special events that, in addition to raising needed support and supporters for causes, also help kids prepare for adult life where they will need to join the working world. School fundraisers can use funds garnered not only for important and exciting school activities, but to contribute to worthwhile causes and charities as well. Coming up with those fundraising ideas for schools can present its own challenges such as having to come up with and decide on a winning idea that will generate funds, grab the community's attention and help school age children learn the wider perspectives of business, finance and working together in teamwork.
Schools in different countries have tried a number of fundraising ideas, some based on tried and proven methods, while other fundraising ideas for schools are brainstormed in the classroom. Get your students together for a pow-wow and encourage their creative juices to flow. Kids are natural 'out of the box' thinkers and will come up with some pretty amazing fundraising ideas for schools if you just give them the opportunity to explore and try the new. Once you've come up with a winning idea, which can be anything from a fun fare or carnival to selling lemonade and tea towels at the local farmer's market, you're sure to have loads of adventures that will leave an indelible impression upon the minds and hearts of our next generation.
Fundraising ideas for schools, driven by the need to positively take action, can become one of the greatest learning opportunities our kids have.

AVOID PARTY TENT TENTALS IN PHILADELPHIA

Need to Avoid Party Tent Rental in Philadelphia by Brian Richerd

    (submitted 2011-09-03)

A party tent or else an event tent are necessitated, whenever there is a wedding, a business event, a fundraiser or else a party, which you have planned, in the open. It is due to the fact that you require adequate defense from the elements which is why making arrangements for a gathering area is indispensable. However, there are certain aspects you must keep in mind in order to avert disasters involving Party Tent Rental Philadelphia. There are incidents which involve workers who were unaware of the exact location of overhead in addition to concealed power lines. It is imperative to utilize the services of an insured leasing company which works along with competent and educated staff to ensure that your subsequent event is a secure and a pleasurable one.
If you want to avert major disasters, remember that all the party tents are not necessarily staked inside the ground. There are certain tents which have been constructed in a way which enables them to sustain the powerful wind loads. There are certain Saddle spans, which are also called saddle span tents that are not at all times anchored inside the ground by means of conventional tent stakes. Furthermore, there are certain tents which utilize singular eco-ballast which are essentially colossal used concrete blocks because it acts as an anchoring system and lots of tents make use of water ballast tanks. If they are installed in the approved manner by a skilled crew, these anchor systems can function in an apt manner.
There are certain aspects you must be aware of, so as to avert any disaster, involving party tent rentals. You must necessarily assess how old the tents are and if they have been rated in recent times. Assess if the tent material is Fire Resistant. Evaluate if the framing materials are rated and if they are, assess if they are structurally resistant. It is up to you to determine if the tents will be staked or else if they will be held by means of ballasts. You must inquire if the tents will be examined by the Fire Department subsequent to its setup. You must also ascertain if the tents are rated for snow, wind or else dire weather conditions. Appraise the tent material, as the safest materials are made by Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) plus Polythene (PE). .
It is also beneficial if you can comprehend the diverse tent styles which are obtainable and ensure that you assess their ratings too. The most vital safety decision prior to installing a tent is in the site location as well as the probable underground or else overhead utilities which are inclusive of: power lines, gas lines, sewer and septic lines, fiber optic cables, sprinkler systems, telephone transmission lines. This is an important aspect which must be taken into consideration.
This is why you must make use of Party Tent Rental Philadelphia to ensure that although bad weather is expected, it is still possible to have a thriving event however using competent tent rental firms are advisable as they have a secure track record

Spring into charity events – March 25 – 31

Add a comment Gloria BlakelyPhiladelphia Charity Examiner+ Subscribe FacebookTweet RedditPrintEmailFacebookTweet RedditPrintEmail

GREATER PHILADELPHIA – Women’s History Month events, dance, plays, gala balls, and more bring March to a close. A few of these Philadelphia happenings can be reviewed below. Events, sometimes, are subject to change. Please consult organizers for updates.

Sunday, March 25:  The Howard University Alumni Club of Greater Philadelphia (HUAC Philly) is selling tickets to “FELA!,” which tells the story of the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti whose soulful Afrobeat rhythms ignited a generation. He defied a corrupt and oppressive government by devoting his life and music to the struggle for freedom and human dignity. The time is 6:30 p.m. for stage performance of Fela’s music with the choreography of Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones in the Academy of Music located at So. Broad and Locust Streets in Center City Philadelphia. Tickets cost $75 each and support the HUAC Philly’s scholarship fund. For more info, click here.

Advertisement

Tuesday, March 27:  Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania will show their support for Health Care Reform outside the U.S. Supreme Court while oral arguments are being heard in the morning. The organization says the Affordable Care Act is essential for millions of women. The buses leaving Philadelphia at 4:30 a.m. are full, but there is nothing stopping people from taking other transportation to the rally. PPSP buses will return to Philadelphia between 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. For more info, visit http://ppgoestodc.eventbrite.com.

Tuesday, March 27:  The Philadelphia Black Public Relations Society (PBPRS) invites the public to Milestones: A Celebration of African American Women in the Media. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. and the panel discussion relating to “Beyond the Crisis” starts at 7:00 p.m. in the PECO’ Energy, 2801 Market Street in Center City Philadelphia. Moderating the evening is LiRon Anderson-Bell, Director of Internal Communications Public Affairs at Bristol-Myers Squibb. Honorees are Romona Riscoe-Benson, president & CEO of the African American Museum in Philadelphia; the Honorable Blondell Reynolds-Brown, councilwoman-at-large; Linda Miller, deputy executive director of Philadelphia Parking Authority; MuShay LaRen, midday host 100.90 and founder of Love Yourself; and the recipient of the Karin A. Phillips Excellence Award, Loraine Ballard-Morrill, news and community affairs director at Clear Channel Radio Philadelphia. For more info, visit www.2012milestones.eventbrite.com.

Wednesday, March 28 and Weekend, March 31 – April 1:  “Life and Death Weekend” at Eastern State Penitentiary celebrates the opening of groundbreaking artist installations, dramatic new spaces, and the launch of its speaker series for 2012. Eastern State Penitentiary at 2027 Fairmount Avenue in North Philadelphia was one of the most expensive and modern penitentiaries in the world. It once was home to notorious criminals Willie “Slick” Sutton and Al Capone. The partially restored prison, today, stand as a haunting reminding of past glories. The Hands-On History program presents “The Ruins of Death Row,” “The Operating Room,” and “Families Behind Walls,” as well as art by Lisa Bateman, Tyler Held, Ryan Legassicke, and Judith Schaechter. The Searchlight Speaker Series is a 4-part discussion relating to crime and contemporary correctional issues. Members of the press are invited to the season preview on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. and the public is welcome to opening weekend on Saturday and Sunday. The Press can RSVP Ellen Feist at ef@easternstate.org or call 215.236.5111 ext. 15. The press and public can visit http://easternstate.org/, or the public can call 215.236.3300 for more details.

Thursday, March 29 – Saturday, March 31:  The Philadelphia Orchestra presents Debussy’s La Mer led by Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen and violinist Leila Josefowicz. The 8:00 p.m. concerts on Thursday and Saturday and 2:00 p.m. concert on Friday feature Bartók’s Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celesta; Salonen conducting his own Violin Concerto; and Debussy’s La Mer. Visit www.philorch.org/concert or call 215.893.1999.

Friday, March 30:  Small Miracles Award Dinner & Casino Night benefits the Center for Autism while honoring Sabra Townsend with the Small Miracles Award. Cocktails, dinner, dancing, music, casino games and more take place from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. in the Hilton Hotel at 4200 City Avenue in West Philadelphia. An individual ticket costs $125. Sponsorship ranges from $500 to $10,000. For more info, click here or call 215.878.3400.

Friday, March 30:  4th Annual Masquerade Ball benefits six charities: Life Unchained, Project Twenty1, Aqua Corps, The Doplic Project, Opportunities, and Kevin Layton’s Dominican Republic House Build. A relaxed cocktail hour starts at 7:00 p.m. in the Vesper Boat Club at 10 Boathouse Row in Philadelphia. Catered hors d’oeuvres from Sisters Gourmet Meals & Catering, open bar, professional DJ, professional photographer, and photo booth follow at 8:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Dress up for a lovely evening along the Schuylkill River. Tickets cost $40 per person. For more info, click here or mail check to Life Unchained, 302 Bullock Street, West Conshohocken, PA 19428.

Saturday, March 31 - Sunday, Sept. 30:  New photography exhibit "Run! Super-Athletes of the Sierra Madre" by Diana Molina opens at the Penn Museum, 3260 South Street in University City Philadelphia. View how running is a way of life for the Tarahumara people living in a remote region Chihuahua, Mexico. They must travel on foot throughout the deep Sierra Madre canyons where they live. Races are often day-long events that can exceed 100 miles. However, their way of live is becoming endangered. A book signing and talk by Christopher McDougall, author of Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen takes place on Wednesday, April 11 at 6:00 p.m. in conjunction with the exhibit. Admission to the book signing and talk is $5 or free for Penn Museum members. For more info about both events, visit www.penn.museum or call 215.898.4000 or 215.746.8183.

Saturday, March 31- Sunday, April 1:  Japanese House and Garden opens new Sakura Pavilion on the grounds of the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden at Horticultural and Landsdowne Drives in Fairmount Park. This free weekend celebrates the restoration of 2 former 1876 Centennial Exposition buildings combined with a renovated flagstone patio to create for a year-round multi-use space. Until now the Friends of the Japanese House and Garden operated seasonally. The cherry blossom season is here and both media and the public are invited to witness the breaking of the Sake Barrel ceremony at 11:30 a.m. to start the weekend celebration. Enjoy the “Shofuso Views” photography exhibition, taiko drumming by KyoDaiko, kamishibai storytelling, origami crafts, and more family fun. For more info, visit www.shofuso.com or http://www.facebook.com/Shofuso or call 215.878.5097.

Saturday, March 31:  The African American Museum in Philadelphia presents an afternoon celebration of Women’s History Month for children from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. The event features one woman’s view of East Africa. Glori Ann, author of the award winning e-book, An African Safari Jarvis, shares prose, poetry, and photos of her adventures among lions, elephants, wildebeest, baboons and more. This published journalist and book author is better known as Gloria Blakely. She is joined by the artistic fun of face painting and other kid-friendly activities. The event is free with the general museum admission fee. Museum exhibits on display include the new "Limited Editions: Joseph Holston Prints, 1974 - 2010, A Retrospective." Bold expressions in Holston’s cubist, abstractionist style shape the life scenes in his limited editions. Also showing is “Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia 1776 – 1876,” which visitors can enjoy along with “A Photojournalist’s Legacy – Jack T. Franklin 1922 -2009.” For more info, visit the calendar at www.aampmuseum.org.

The Shofuso House & Garden unveils newly restored 1876 buildings for year-round offerings. Credits:  Shofuso Video: Shofuso at the Museum of Modern Art 1954-1955 Suggested by the author: Spring into charity events – March 12 – 24Charity Clipboard – Looking ahead March 1 – 10Blue Cross Broad Street Run entries exceed original quotaPIDC, looking for new projects to creditAn e-book supports African wildlife Related topics:"The Week Ahead", 2012 Spring ahead, #Philadelphia, 2012 charity events, Gloria Blakely, # free events ReportPrintEmail Gloria Blakely, Philadelphia Charity Examiner

Gloria Blakely is a journalist, book author, and Philadelphia award-winner. A giver at heart, she makes it easy for other givers to have fun with their generosity.

SubscribeFollow me on TwitterRSS FeedBecome an Examiner Comments Next article » Kitsch, handmade in Virginia, Grand opening 2/25-2/26/2012 Advertisement Daily Deal for Philadelphia 52% offBrazilian Blowout

The word "chroma" means the intensity of a distinctive color -- not something we've seen a ton of during the dull gray months...

Buy now$1453 days Join Examiner.com on Facebook Advertisement Don't miss... Get your tournament bracket and the latest news on March Madness.

NCAA tournament updates See what happened on the season 2 finale of 'The Walking Dead.'

Who survived the attack? Peyton Manning has decided to sign with the Denver Broncos.

Will Tebow stay or go? Slideshow: They're not doctors, they just play them on TV.

See these dreamy TV docs See how to welcome spring with fun family outdoor activities.

Enjoying the season Which celebrity will be winning the mirror ball trophy this season?

Dancing With the Stars premiere Jennifer Lawrence compares the Hunger Games film and book.

See the exclusive interview Obama has signed an order allowing control over U.S. resources.

How the order affects us all Follow UsTwitter Gavin DeGraw stiff on dancing debut; performs to ‘I Run to You’ on ‘DWTS’ t.co/qgILSq7p

53 minutes agoSkiing in Klosters t.co/wjMkujit

1 hour agoManitoba health officials warn of presence of blacklegged ticks t.co/AlbS1Hcs

2 hours ago Neighborhoods | © 2006-2012 Clarity Digital Group LLC d/b/a Examiner.com. About examiner.com

Examiner.com is the inside source for everything local. We are powered by Examiners, the largest pool of passionate contributors in the world.

Examiners provide unique and original content to enhance life in your local city wherever that may be. Examiners come from all walks of life and contribute original content to entertain, inform, and inspire.

About Examiner.com Read more about usWrite for Examiner Connect with Examiner.com Become a fanFollow us on TwitterConnect on LinkedInView our RSS FeedsExaminer.com blog Company Links Advertise with usCareer opportunitiesExaminer.com blogMobile siteRSS feedsSitemapToday in photosPrivacy PolicyTerms of Use Partner Links AEG WorldwideFoundation for a Better LifeNowPublic.comWalden Media -->

View the Original article

UAC Gives Help and Hope to Families

Date:  November 21, 2011

For the 28th consecutive year, with the help of many generous donors and volunteers, the Coalition provided Thanksgiving meals to needy families as part of its Annual Thanksgiving Basket Program. "We know we can't feed the entire city, but 6,000 men, women, and children will enjoy a nutritious Thanksgiving meal this season," said Sharmain Matlock-Turner, President of UAC.

Longtime partner, Brown's Family ShopRite and its nonprofit arm, UpLift Solutions, donated all the fixings in conjunction with sponsors Pepsi Bottling Group, Glory Foods, and Wells Fargo. For many, giving of personal time is as valuable as financial giving. Over the weekend, 50 volunteers worked hard to assemble the baskets at ShopRite. On Monday November 21st, at a press conference, the baskets were distributed to 75 community-based agencies who will ensure the meals get in the hands of those who need them the most.

Top donors to the Thanksgiving Basket Program included UAC board members Brian Edmonds of Concordis Real Estate Advisors and Alan Lindy of Lindy Property Management; as well as the Lenfest Group. Over $2,000 was raised from individuals at the 42nd Anniversary Breakfast and UAC staff donated as well. 

Volunteers represented the following organizations and corporations: Wells Fargo; Mastery Charter School; Invazion of the Queenz Motorcycle Club; Penn State; Resources for Human Development; Temple University; and Coalition staff. Volunteers helping to distribute the baskets included individuals from One Day At A Time (ODAAT), an agency that provides services for those afflicted by addiction or HIV/AIDS; Recovery King Sanctuary of God; Philadelphia and Youth Advocates Program-Goal 500. 

Tags:News & PublicationsStrengthening NonprofitsFood Bank Subscribe to our NewsletterFacebookTwitterYouTubeFlickrRSS Feed About UsHistoryPresident's CornerPresident's BioProfileWURD's Financial VoicesInterviews & SpeechesBoard of DirectorsManagement StaffFinancialsFAQOffice Location & DirectionsOur PrioritiesStrengthening NonprofitsBuilding WealthEconomic Development ProjectsServicesCurrent & Past ClientsCommunity & Economic DevelopmentCED CommitteeFAN ClubsPhiladelphia Home•Buy•NowForeclosure PreventionFinancial Education WorkshopsHome ImprovementYouth DevelopmentYouth EmploymentStrategic PartnershipsUAC KEYSPOTOur ServicesComprehensive ServicesCollaborative ServicesFee For ServiceConsulting ServicesPartners & ProgramsDirectoryNews & PublicationsPress ReleasesMedia CoveragePublicationsResourcesAll ResourcesEconomic DevelopmentEducationHealthNeighborhoodWorkforce Development

Copyright © 2011 Urban Affairs Coalition. All Rights Reserved
1207 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
p. 215-851-0110 f. 215-851-0514

Staff LoginPrivacy Policy

View the Original article

Citizens Bank Donates $50,000 to UAC

Date:  March 1, 2012

Citizens Bank Foundation donates $50,000 to Urban Affairs Coalition for youth financial education
Donation funds financial workshops for college-bound students

The Citizens Bank Foundation presented a $50,000 grant to the Urban Affairs Coalition to support its Community and Economic Development Department’s Financial Advancement Network (FAN) Club program. The FAN Club program offers workshops designed to teach people how to improve their money-management habits and pursue their financial goals.

Each FAN Club consists of six sessions, conducted by an expert, on topics such as debt management, improving credit scores, budgeting and saving for tuition. FAN Clubs encourage members to speak up about their progress in reaching personal financial goals.

“Financial education is an important focus for us at Citizens Bank,” said Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, President and CEO of Citizens Bank and RBS Citizens for Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. “Through our support of the Urban Affairs Coalition and its FAN Club program, we hope students learn critical skills that can put them on a path to financial independence and success.”

Fitzpatrick joined UAC President and CEO Sharmain Matlock Turner for the donation at Thurgood Marshall School. They addressed more than 20 eighth graders who are forming a FAN Club.

“The FAN Clubs offer real-life information to help prepare students for the responsibilities that come with being an adult,” said Matlock-Turner. “Knowledge is power, so graduates of our FAN Club programs are well-equipped to deal with an often confusing world.”

UAC will use the $50,000 grant to support the ongoing work of its Community and Economic Development Department, including the further development of its FAN Club program specifically for the youth population. UAC plans to organize six new FAN Clubs for 60 students to test four new tracks developed last year. The tracks include teen parenting; getting, keeping and growing your money; smart shopping; and living on your own. The six FAN Clubs will be hosted by the School District of Philadelphia’s AVID and Gear UP career programs for seventh and eighth grade students.

“A quality education today entails a lot more than reading, writing and arithmetic,” said Thurgood Marshall School Principal Keith Arrington. “Programs like FAN Club give our students a different perspective on life and provide important tools for being financially responsible and successful adults.”

UAC first launched the FAN Clubs in 2004 to meet the financial education needs of low- to moderate-income people. FAN Club groups may be formed by those who share a place of employment, school, church, temple, association, or are receiving assistance from a social service agency. To learn more about UAC’s FAN Club program, please visit www.uac.org/fan-clubs.   

About the Citizens Bank Foundation 

Citizens Bank Foundation is a subsidiary of the Citizens Charitable Foundation, which is a charitable contributions vehicle of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., RBS Citizens, N.A., and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania

Tags: Community & Economic DevelopmentNews & PublicationsBuilding WealthEducation - YouthFinancial Literacy Subscribe to our NewsletterFacebookTwitterYouTubeFlickrRSS Feed About UsHistoryPresident's CornerPresident's BioProfileWURD's Financial VoicesInterviews & SpeechesBoard of DirectorsManagement StaffFinancialsFAQOffice Location & DirectionsOur PrioritiesStrengthening NonprofitsBuilding WealthEconomic Development ProjectsServicesCurrent & Past ClientsCommunity & Economic DevelopmentCED CommitteeFAN ClubsPhiladelphia Home•Buy•NowForeclosure PreventionFinancial Education WorkshopsHome ImprovementYouth DevelopmentYouth EmploymentStrategic PartnershipsUAC KEYSPOTOur ServicesComprehensive ServicesCollaborative ServicesFee For ServiceConsulting ServicesPartners & ProgramsDirectoryNews & PublicationsPress ReleasesMedia CoveragePublicationsResourcesAll ResourcesEconomic DevelopmentEducationHealthNeighborhoodWorkforce Development

Copyright © 2011 Urban Affairs Coalition. All Rights Reserved
1207 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
p. 215-851-0110 f. 215-851-0514

Staff LoginPrivacy Policy

View the Original article

Spring into charity events – March 12 – 24

Add a comment Gloria BlakelyPhiladelphia Charity Examiner+ Subscribe FacebookTweet RedditPrintEmailFacebookTweet RedditPrintEmail

GREATER PHILADELPHIA – So far, winter seems to be closing like a lamb, bringing spring weather ahead of schedule. Favorable warmth provides another reason to get out and enjoy a charity event. A variety of free happenings, fundraisers, concerts and more are listed here for your review. Events, sometimes, are subject to change. Please contact organizers for updates.

Wednesday, March 14:  Free Dance Workshop for Youth starts 4:30 p.m. at the Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine Street in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, Philadelphia. Free workshops are regularly offered on Wednesdays and Fridays for youth in grades 6 -12. No experience is required but RSVP is recommended. Sign up for one program or as many as you like. Workshops are led by professional teaching artists who serve as mentors for youth interested in the arts. For more info, contact Nicole Seamans at 215.557.0455 or nichole@asianartsintiative.org or visit www.asianartsinitiative.org.

Advertisement

Thursday, March 15:  Alliance of Black Social Workers Inc. 15th Annual Local Conference Collective Work and Social Responsibility “in the Village” takes place from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Practice issues are strategic planning, community engagement, ethics, violence prevention, and generational issues at Sharon Baptist Church Conference Center, 3955 Conshohocken Avenue in West Philadelphia. Six CEU’s are available. For more info, visit the ABSW or contact 215.235.1626 or visit Philadelphia Department of Human Resources.

Thursday, March 15:  Women’s Health Source of Jefferson Hospital presents “Its Springtime…it’s Colonoscopy time!” a free discussion of colorectal cancer that kills 1 in 3 people who develop it. Learn about new advantages to preventing the spread of colorectal cancer with a colonoscopy during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. This lunchtime event with Dr. Marianne Ritchie runs from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the 3rd floor conference room at 1100 Walnut Street in Center City Philadelphia. Light refreshments are available. For more info, visit www.jeffersonhospital.org/whs, or RSVP at 800.JEFF.NOW (800.533.3669).

Thursday, March 15:  2012 Women’s Way Ernesta Drinker Ballard Book Prize honors Rebecca Traister, author of Big Girls Don’t Cry: The Election that Changed Everything for American Women. The public is invited to this free dialogue about women and elected office being held 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the Moore College of Art & Design at 20th Street and Ben Franklin Parkway in Center City Philadelphia. The book prize is part of Women’s Way’s Education Initiative Program. For more info, visit www.womensway.org and RSVP Cate Galbally at 215.985.3322 or cgalbally@womensway.org.

Thursday, March 15:  Free PIFVA Film Screening, "Elephant in the Dark: Refractions of the Muslim Identity" features the works of Aggie Ebrahimi Bazaz and Ambarien a. Al Qadar. Preview the trailer for Bazaz's Inheritance by clicking here. Preview the trailer for Al Qadar's The Ghetto Girl by clicking here. This event begins at 6:00 p.m. in the Penn Museum, 3260 South Street in University City Philadelphia. For more info, visit www.penn.museum/culturefilms or call 215.746.4274 or 215.898.400.

Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17:  Dakshina Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company presents a concert dance. Friday’s Family Open Mic night is enlivened by Dakshina in the Asian Arts Initiative auditorium at 1219 Vine Street in Philadelphia’s Chinatown with a reception at 6:45 p.m. before the 7:30 p.m. show. General admission is $5 - $10 on a sliding scale. Saturday’s free performance takes place 3:00 p.m. followed by a dessert reception at 4:30 p.m. in Marshall Auditorium at Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Avenue in Haverford, PA. RSVP is required. Dakshina is in residency at Asian Arts Initiative. The troupe blends traditional Indian dance forms such as Bharata Natyam with modern movement, mirroring complex identities of second generation South Asians. For more info and to RSVP, call 215.557.0455 or visit www.asianartsinitiative.org or click here.

Friday, March 16 – Sunday, March 18:  The Philadelphia Orchestra presents "A Grand Tour" led by Gianandrea Noseda, Italian conductor, and Juliette Kang, concertmaster violinist. Programs, at 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center, 260 So. Broad Street in Center City Philadelphia, feature Rossini’s Overture to William Tell, Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 1, and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3 (Scottish). Visit www.philorch.org/concert or call 215.893.1999.

Saturday, March 17:  Scribe Video and PIFVA host Reaching Your Audience: Community Engagement 101 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Scribe Video Center, 4212 Chestnut Street in West Philadelphia. The workshop, taught by strategists from MOCAMEDIA,  presents an outline for grassroots outreach specific to your film. Each filmmaker must bring a wifi capable laptop computer. Limit is 15 film projects. Advanced registration is required.  Admission costs $25 general addmission and $15 for PIFVA, Reelback, and Scribe members. For more info or tickets, click here.

Saturday, March 17:  The Philadelphia Ballet presents its final performances of Messiah at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. in the Academy of Music located on So. Broad Street at the corner of Locust Street in Center City Philadelphia. Choreographer Robert Weiss creates an enthralling, epic ballet that translates George Fredric Handel’s world famous libretto to the stage. More than 50 scenes convey the emotional spectrum of joy, suffering, passion, and redemption in the music. For more info, visit www.paballet.org or call 215.893.1999.

Sunday, March 18:  Kids Rock for Kids: Benefit Concert lights up the World Café to support medical charities in Philadelphia. Several times each year these concerts feature teenage rock bands from the Music Training Centers’ Rock 101 program. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. to this family-friendly event at 3025 Walnut Street in West Philadelphia, and the music starts at 11:30 a.m. Admission is $7 per child age 1-12 and $10 per patron over age 12. There is a Family Four-Pack Discount of $44 for 4 tickets. Call 215.222.1400 or click here for more concert information. Children’s medical charities may nominate themselves to be beneficiaries at www.musictrainingcenter.com/community.

Thursday, March 22:  Women’s Health Source of Jefferson Hospital presents “Antibiotics: Are They Right for You?” from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the 3rd floor conference room at 1100 Walnut Street in Center City Philadelphia. Find out the dos and don’ts of using antibiotics from William Balas, RPH, Assistant Director of Pharmacy at the hospital. Light refreshments are available. For more info, visit www.jeffersonhospital.org/whs, or RSVP at 800.JEFF.NOW (800.533.3669).

Thursday, March 22:  Lotsa Helping Hands Webinar, Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer's Disease offers the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's disease, information and resources to support yourself and your loved one along your caregiving journey, and tips and features for customizing your Lotsa Helping Community website. The webinar runs from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Register here.

Thursday, March 22:  An Evening with Maya Angelou at Cheyney University offers a benefit lecture at 7:00 p.m. The dinner reception begins at 5:00 p.m. on campus (1837 University Circle in Cheyney, PA) in the Carnegie Great Room. Scholar, poet, author, and Marian Anderson Award winner, Angelou is one of the most renowned and influential voices of this era. Proceeds from her appearance supports the Keystone Honors Academy at Cheyney University, which fosters intellectually enriching experiences to the entire campus through extensive programming, scholarships, learning activities, and more. Although this event is sold out, donations are still welcome. Visit www.cheyney.edu or call 610.399.2154 for additional information.

Thursday, March 22 – Saturday, March 24: The Philadelphia Orchestra presents "Memories of Prague" led by Conductor James Conlon. Concerts, at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday and Saturday and 2:00 p.m. on Friday in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Concert, 260 So. Broad Street in Center City Philadelphia, feature Mozart’s Overture to Don Giovanni, Idomeneo, and The Marriage of Figuero followed by Mozart’s Symphony No. 38 (Prague), and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 7. Visit www.philorch.org/concert or call 215.893.1999.

Friday, March 23 – Saturday, April 1:  The 22nd Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest features a host of musicians and musical styles in a variety of settings. Kicking off the fest are the Jeff Golub Band with Henry Butler plus Berks Horns, The Manhattan Transfer, Dance Hall Docs with Brent Carter, JaZz in Pink, and Gerald Veasey and Friends. The Berks Arts Council has organized more than 130 performances at major venues, clubs, and restaurants across the Greater Reading area in Pennsylvania. Ticket prices vary. For more info, visit http://berksjazzfest.com/.

Saturday, March 24:  Chilly Chili for Paula is an annual chili and cornbread contest and fundraiser for the ALS Association. The contest will be held at the VFW Post, 837 Lincoln Avenue in West Chester, PA from 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Trophies will be awarded to the best chili and best cornbread. Last year this event raised $5,000.  The cost is $40 per person, $10 per chili entry, $5 per cornbread entry. Price includes 50/50 raffle tickets. Attendance is limited to 120 people. For more info, contact Bob Harbison at 484.530. 2804 or bob.harbison@rbc.com or click here. Also view a recent ALS interview at http://www.myphl17.com/shows/in-focus/.

Saturday, March 24: The deadline to register for the 3rd Annual Howard Bus Trip for Greater Philadelphia high school students is March 24. During the trip on April 5, students will get a chance to tour the campus and meet students from the their home turf. The cost of the trip is $65 per person and includes a snack en route to Washington, DC and lunch on campus. Complete payment is also due March 24. To register and make a payment by credit/debit card ore echeck, visit www.wepay.com/events/95580. For general info, contact rochellebeard@alum.howard.edu or call 610.908.6113. For more about the nonprofit Howard Alumni Club of Greater Philadelphia, visit http://www.huacphilly.org/. Donations are always welcome to support programs and scholarships.

Women's Way honors Rebecca Traister, author of "Big Girls Don’t Cry: The Election that Changed Everything for American Women" at fundraiser. Credits:  courtesy of Women's Way Video: What is Asian Arts Initiative’s Youth Arts Workshops Suggested by the author: Charity Clipboard – Looking ahead March 1 – 10An e-book supports African wildlifeHome Depot’s Retool Your School grantsPIDC, looking for new projects to creditSpring into charity events – March 25 – 31 Related topics:"The Week Ahead, 2012 spring forward, Greater Philadelphia, #free philadelphia, 2012 charity events, Gloria Blakely ReportPrintEmail Gloria Blakely, Philadelphia Charity Examiner

Gloria Blakely is a journalist, book author, and Philadelphia award-winner. A giver at heart, she makes it easy for other givers to have fun with their generosity.

SubscribeFollow me on TwitterRSS FeedBecome an Examiner Comments Next article » Signs of Spring: Coming earlier each year ? Advertisement Daily Deal for Philadelphia 52% offBrazilian Blowout

The word "chroma" means the intensity of a distinctive color -- not something we've seen a ton of during the dull gray months...

Buy now$1453 days Join Examiner.com on Facebook Advertisement Don't miss... Get your tournament bracket and the latest news on March Madness.

NCAA tournament updates See what happened on the season 2 finale of 'The Walking Dead.'

Who survived the attack? Peyton Manning has decided to sign with the Denver Broncos.

Will Tebow stay or go? Slideshow: They're not doctors, they just play them on TV.

See these dreamy TV docs See how to welcome spring with fun family outdoor activities.

Enjoying the season Which celebrity will be winning the mirror ball trophy this season?

Dancing With the Stars premiere Jennifer Lawrence compares the Hunger Games film and book.

See the exclusive interview Obama has signed an order allowing control over U.S. resources.

How the order affects us all Follow UsTwitter Gavin DeGraw stiff on dancing debut; performs to ‘I Run to You’ on ‘DWTS’ t.co/qgILSq7p

53 minutes agoSkiing in Klosters t.co/wjMkujit

1 hour agoManitoba health officials warn of presence of blacklegged ticks t.co/AlbS1Hcs

2 hours ago Neighborhoods | © 2006-2012 Clarity Digital Group LLC d/b/a Examiner.com. About examiner.com

Examiner.com is the inside source for everything local. We are powered by Examiners, the largest pool of passionate contributors in the world.

Examiners provide unique and original content to enhance life in your local city wherever that may be. Examiners come from all walks of life and contribute original content to entertain, inform, and inspire.

About Examiner.com Read more about usWrite for Examiner Connect with Examiner.com Become a fanFollow us on TwitterConnect on LinkedInView our RSS FeedsExaminer.com blog Company Links Advertise with usCareer opportunitiesExaminer.com blogMobile siteRSS feedsSitemapToday in photosPrivacy PolicyTerms of Use Partner Links AEG WorldwideFoundation for a Better LifeNowPublic.comWalden Media -->

View the Original article