Philanthro-Party

Friends of St. Jude – Saturday Shuck
Saturday, November 14 – 2:00pm-5:00pm

Join the Birmingham chapter of Friends of St. Jude for the second annual Saturday Shuck at Smith’s Oysters and Steaks in Crestline Park. Smith’s will serve oysters, a low-country boil, grilled cheese sandwiches and gumbo. Guests will also enjoy live music from Jesse Payne, televised football and free beer from Samuel Adams.

Admission to the popular event will be $10 for FOSJ members and $15 for non-members, with proceeds supporting research and treatment initiatives at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For more information about this and other events, or to become a FOSJ member, visit www.friendsofstjude.org/birmingham.

Junior League of Birmingham – The Market
Thursday, November 19 – Saturday, November 21

Put a philanthropic focus on your holiday shopping this year by joining the Junior League of Birmingham for The Market 2009. Browse the booths of more than 75 local vendors and shop guilt-free knowing that a portion of the proceeds from the gifts you share this holiday season will make a difference in the life of someone in the Birmingham community.

Don’t miss The Market’s special events including the Sister Schubert’s Market Morning Brunch and the Beauty & Bauble cocktail soiree. Also, be sure to check out the Community Dish Café and bring the kids for Sweets with Santa. (Details on each special event listed below.)

Daily admission to The Market is $8 in advance or $10 at the door. 3-day passes can be purchased for $16. Also, you can receive a $2 discount if you bring a gently used or new book for the Book Buddies Program. To purchase tickets and to learn more about the Junior League of Birmingham and The Market 2009, visit www.jlbonline.com.

The Market 2009 Hours
Thursday, November 19 – 10:30 am – 7:00 pm
Friday, November 20 – 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Saturday, November 21 – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

The Market 2009 Special Events:
Sister Schubert’s Market Morning Brunch presented by M. Elizabeth Weddings and Events
Thursday, November 19, 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Tickets: $24 each
Be the first to preview The Market and all its fabulous finds! Enjoy a light brunch featuring Sister Schubert’s Homemade Rolls and purchase a copy of her new cookbook.

Beauty & Bauble presented by Southern Beauty Magazine and Diamonds Direct

Thursday, November 19, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tickets: $24 each

Join Southern Beauty Magazine and Diamonds Direct of Birmingham for an exciting evening featuring light hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, a diamond drop and shopping. With each libation purchased from our cash bar, you will be eligible to win a loose diamond valued at $2,500 from Diamonds Direct. A silent auction will feature items from The Market vendors as well as our sponsors. Each guest will receive a swag bag provided by Southern Beauty Magazine.

Sweets with Santa!
Friday, November 20, 8:30 am – 10:00 am
Saturday, November 21, 8:30 am – 10:00 am
Saturday, November 21, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
All Tickets: $12 each (all children over the age of one and adults must have ticket)

Santa Claus is coming to The Market for special events Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21. Children and their parents are invited to enjoy a sweet snack and special time with Santa, Mrs. Claus and his head elf, Jingles (Jingles on Saturday only). Children will do crafts, visit and have a photo opportunity with Santa (Photo not included in ticket price) and enjoy live entertainment by Jim Aycock. Families can also learn how to assemble a healthy snack with JLB’s Provisional Class Project, Kids in the Kitchen.

Dining in the Community Dish Café:
The Market is pleased to introduce Community Dish, a new project by The Junior League of Birmingham. Our frozen entrées, taken from tried and true recipes from our cookbooks, will be available for purchase from the JLB Gift Shop Winter 2010. Sample these entrées in our café. Each day’s selections will include two of the following entrées and one of the soups: Chicken Tetrazzini, Baked Penne with Three Cheeses, Baked Enchilada Casserole Chicken Tortellini Soup or Santa Fe Soup with Tortilla Strips.

Community Dish Café hours:
Thursday, November 19, 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Snack available 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm
Friday, November 20, 10:30 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday, November 21, 10:30 am- 2:00 pm

Be sure to check in weekly for a rundown of upcoming events.  Feel free to send comments and event suggestions to philanthroparty@gmail.com.

With the holiday season right around the corner, now is the perfect time to kick off your holiday shopping… and what better way to do it than by supporting the fabulously philanthropic women of the Junior League of Birmingham and the organizations they serve?

The Junior League of Birmingham’s 2009 Shop, Save and Share card is now available for purchase for a $40 donation to the league. For $40 you’ll get a 20 percent discount at over 500 Birmingham retailers the week of October 22-November 1 – and you’ll be directly supporting local merchants and the work of the JLB in its mission to complete 31 community projects focused on health, financial stability, safety and crisis intervention, and education.

The Junior League of Birmingham is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is improving the lives of women and children by working with community agencies to deliver services and assistance to those in need.

For more information about the Junior League of Birmingham and the 2009 Shop, Save and Share card, visit www.jlbonline.com.

JLB Quick Links:
2009-2010 Community Projects
Purchase a 2009 Shop, Save and Share Card
2009 Shop, Save and Share Participating Retailers

Be sure to check in weekly for a rundown of upcoming events.  Feel free to send comments and event suggestions to philanthroparty@gmail.com.

Clear your schedule… this weekend is packed with events you don’t want to miss!  There are literally too many to list, so I’ve given you the rundown of my favorites for the week/weekend.  Be sure to check out the About Town events calendar for more!

Downtown after Dark
Thursday, September 24 – 5:00pm-9:00pm

Help the Birmingham chapter of Friends of St. Jude kick off their 2009-2010 year with another exciting social in the spirit of fighting to end childhood cancer.  Downtown after Dark will be held at the swanky Café DuPont located in downtown Birmingham.  Guests will enjoy complimentary beer, appetizers, giveaways, and can enjoy football on the big screen.

Admission is $5 for members and $10 for non-members, with proceeds supporting research and treatment initiatives at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  For more information about this and other events, or to become a FOSJ member, visit www.friendsofstjude.org/birmingham.

Drinks Under The Cheeks
Thursday, September 24 – 6:00pm-9:00pm

Join the Autism Society of Alabama’s Junior Board for Drinks Under The Cheeks… Vulcan’s cheeks, that is.  Featuring music by Matthew Mayfield and complimentary drinks and snacks, this outdoor event at Vulcan Park is the perfect way to enjoy a September evening in the ‘Ham.  Make sure your cheeks are looking good for My Scoop’s Cutest Cheeks contest (Come on people… face cheeks!  Get your mind out of the gutter!) and bring an extra $5 for the beer and wine raffle.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and can be purchased from any ASA Junior Board member or online.  Proceeds from the event support the Autism Society of Alabama. For more information, visit www.drinksunderthecheeks.com.

Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival
Friday, September 25 – Sunday, September 27

Don’t miss Birmingham’s coolest arts event of the year!  Dubbed one of TIME magazine’s Film Festivals for the Rest of Us, one of Chris Gore’s Best Vacation Film Festivals in the Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide and a “Best Kept Secret” in MovieMaker Magazine, the 11^th annual Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival is on point to be the best year for Sidewalk yet.

With nine venues located in the heart of downtown Birmingham and a plethora of independent films from all over the country, the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival is definitely a must-attend event for movie buffs and art enthusiasts alike.

For more information about Sidewalk including ticket prices, featured film info, film schedule and information on becoming a member or volunteer, visit www.sidewalkfest.com.

Be sure to check in weekly for a rundown of upcoming events.  Feel free to send comments and event suggestions to philanthroparty@gmail.com.

The Literacy Council’s Scrabble Tournament
Thursday, July 16 – 5:30pm-8:30pm

Show off your Scrabble savviness while showing your support for The Literacy Council this Thursday, 5:30-8:30pm, at the Wine Loft downtown.  Advanced and recreational Scrabblers alike are encouraged to participate in this tournament benefiting literacy services in Central Alabama.

Cost to participate is $10 and includes complimentary appetizers.  For more information, call The Literacy Council at 205-326-1925 or 1-888-448-7323, or visit online at www.literacy-council.org.

Art on the Rocks
Friday, July 17 – 5:00pm-10:00pm

Don’t’ miss the third (and second-to-last) Art on the Rocks of the summer!  Enjoy mixing and mingling in the swanky Birmingham Art Museum complete with scavenger hunts (with prizes from Bromberg’s Fine Jewelers!), live music by Georgia native Tim Brantley, adult art activities in the Sculpture Garden, fabulous finger foods and specialty cocktails a plenty.

Tickets are $15 for museum members/$25 for non-members at the door, or can be purchased online for a $5 discount.  You can also show your ongoing support of the arts by becoming a member of the museum and receive a free Art on the Rocks ticket and future ticket discounts!  Visit online at www.artsbma.org for tickets and more information.

Be sure to check in weekly for a rundown of upcoming events. Feel free to send comments and event suggestions to philanthroparty@gmail.com.

The philanthropy event world is giving everyone a break this weekend  (since it’s Father’s Day weekend, I suppose), so I thought I would take this opportunity to tell you about one of the coolest companies I’ve come across in a long time.  Yes, I know… this is supposed to be a philanthropy event blog, but this is a company with a major philanthropic focus… and that’s totally worthy of a mention.

Tom’s Shoes
Ok, so this organization may not be local, but it’s global, and that’s cool enough for me to write about.  If you haven’t heard about Tom’s Shoes (or seen the cutie-pie founder and Chief Shoe Giver, Blake Mycoskie, in a recent Verizon Wireless commercial), I suggest you get thee to their website immediately (www.tomsshoes.com).

Founded in 2006 in Venice, CA, Tom’s Shoes is a for-profit shoe manufacturer with an incredible philanthropic focus.  Get this… for every single pair of shoes sold, Tom’s donates a pair to a child in need.  In case you missed that, I’ll repeat: that’s one pair of shoes donated for EVERY SINGLE pair sold!

On top of the really cool “One for One” concept, Tom’s has a really neat way of doing things in general.  From outstanding internship opportunities, “vagabond tours” (college campus tours) and “shoe drops” (where folks can actually visit the villages when shoes are donated), Tom’s has it going on as far as innovative, grassroots efforts are concerned.  Not to mention the fact that their efforts are curing and preventing the insanely common occurrence of foot injuries and disease in children.  Oh, and their efforts are allowing kids to go to school where shoes are required.

Now here’s the part where I encourage you to buy a pair.  I’ll admit… the shoes are probably a little quirky for a lot of you out there, but I have my own pair, as do Liv Tyler, Keira Knightley, Brad Pitt, and Scarlett Johansson to name a few.  I highly encourage you to get a pair for yourself (and a little barefoot kid in Argentina).  Visit Tom’s online at www.tomsshoes.com for more information, to watch a shoe drop and to purchase a pair.

Be sure to check in weekly for a rundown of upcoming events. Feel free to send comments and event suggestions to philanthroparty@gmail.com.

Black-Out Cancer Party
Friday, June 12 – 8:00pm-11:00pm

Join the American Cancer Society’s Junior Executive Board for the Black-Out Cancer Party this Friday from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Wine Loft Downtown.  Enjoy free beer, wine, food and music from the Undergrounders.  Attendees are asked to wear all black – dress up or dress down, just wear black.  The festivities continue with an after party at Nana Funks in Lakeview where cover charges will be donated to the American Cancer Society. 

Tickets are $35 each and can be purchased from the following Birmingham merchants: the 3 area Banana Republic, Etc. at Mountain Brook Village, Harrison Limited, Homewood Valley Cleaners, Ivory & White, Manhattan South, Mobley & Sons, Private Gallery, Shaia’s and The Pants Store.  Your ticket purchase also gives you a 20% discount at each of the stores listed above.

For more information, visit the American Cancer Society online at www.cancer.org.

Night Run and Fun
Saturday, June 13 – 6:00pm

Join the Big Brothers Big Sisters Young Advisory Board for the 2009 Night Run and Fun this Saturday starting at 6pm at Veterans Park in Hoover.  The event includes a 4 mile race and fun run followed by an evening of food, live music and activities.

Registration is $35 online at www.bbbs.org or on site the day of the event starting at 4:30 pm.  All proceeds from the Night Run go towards BBBS allowing BBBS to maintain their current matches as well as make new adult/child matches throughout the year.

For more information, visit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham online at www.bbbs.org.

Paint the Town Red
Saturday, June 13 – 6:00pm-11:00pm

Join the Birmingham Area Chapter of the American Red Cross for the city’s first outdoor digital art show and street festival in Birmingham’s loft district this Saturday from 6 to 11 p.m.  Digital art will be projected on to screens and buildings along 2nd Avenue North between 22nd and 24th Streets including digital photography, short animation, short film and still digital art pieces.  Attendees will also enjoy live music and food and beverages provided by street vendors.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under and can be purchased online at www.thebirminghamredcross.org.

For more information, visit the Birmingham Area Chapter of the American Red Cross online at www.thebirminghamredcross.org.

Be sure to check in weekly for a rundown of upcoming events. Feel free to send comments and event suggestions to philanthroparty@gmail.com.

As if you didn’t already know, summer is right around the corner and this weekend has two events that scream, “summer is here!”  Get on your artsy shoes and show your support for the Birmingham arts community at the first Art on the Rocks of the season this Friday night… and don’t worry, the rest of the Birmingham population will be there too.  Then grab your friends and family and head on over to the Open Door Café on Saturday for fun in the sun benefiting the Alabama Juvenile Arthritis Initiative.

Art on the Rocks
Friday, May 29 – 5:00pm-10:00pm

Birmingham’s unique cultural-social event is back for its fifth season.  Enjoy mixing and mingling in the swanky Birmingham Art Museum complete with scavenger hunts (with prizes from Bromberg’s Fine Jewelers!), live music by Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles, adult art activities in the Sculpture Garden, fabulous finger foods and specialty cocktails a plenty.

Tickets are $15 for museum members/$25 for non-members at the door, or can be purchased online for a $5 discount.  You can also show your ongoing support of the arts by becoming a member of the museum and receive a free Art on the Rocks ticket and future ticket discounts!  Visit online at www.artsbma.org for tickets and more information.

Mudbugs and Music
Saturday, May 30 – 2:00pm-8:00pm

Join the Birmingham Bar Young Lawyers for the 5^th Annual Mudbugs and Music crawfish boil this Saturday from 2-8pm at the Open Door Café in Crestline Village. Enjoy $2 beers, crawfish, and live music by Blue Mountain, Sanders Bohlke and Wayne Irby.  There is also a silent auction and activities for the kids.

Admission to the event is $18 online or $20 at the event.  Kids 12 and under get in free.

Mudbugs & Music proceeds benefit the Alabama Juvenile Arthritis Initiative. The AJAI is dedicated to establishing a pediatric rheumatology program in Alabama, juvenile arthritis research initiatives and juvenile arthritis programs. Visit online at www.arthritis.org for tickets and more information.

Be sure to check in weekly for a rundown of upcoming events. Feel free to send comments and event suggestions to philanthroparty@gmail.com.

Rotoract and Magic Moments both have socials this week offering Birmingham young professionals a reason to mix and mingle after the 8-5.   Mark your calendar and head on out for an opportunity to interact with other Birmingham young professionals and learn about these two outstanding organizations.

Rotoract Social
Wednesday, May 20 – 5:30pm-7:00pm

Join Birmingham Rotoract for a social at the Historic Redmont Hotel Rooftop Bar from 5:30 to 7 pm.  Enjoy cocktails and a spectacular city view while networking with Birmingham’s young leaders.

Rotaract is a grassroots level program of Rotary International that attracts and develops Birmingham’s talented young professionals into community leaders.  This club allows Birmingham’s promising young professionals the opportunity to better understand, embody, and promote the characteristics of responsible citizenship and effective leadership.  For more information, visit online at www.birminghamrotaract.com.

Magic Moments Social
Thursday, May 21 – 6:00pm-9:00pm

Join the Magic Moments Junior Board for a social at Otey’s Tavern in Crestline Village this Thursday from 6 to 9pm. Enjoy drinks and dinner in a casual atmosphere while hanging out with friends and other Birmingham young professionals.

Otey’s will donate 10% of all sales from the evening to Magic Moments, so grab your friends and coworkers and join the fun!  Make this your first stop of the evening, or stay all night, but be sure not to miss this chance to socialize for a cause.

Magic Moments is a nationally-recognized 501(c)(3) organization that relies on private donations to fulfill the non-medical wishes of chronically ill Alabama children.  Visit www.magicmoments.org for more information and to learn about ways you can help create a magic moment for one of Alabama’s children.

Be sure to check in weekly for a rundown of upcoming events. Feel free to send comments and event suggestions to philanthroparty@gmail.com.

May 15-17, 2009

Put on your party pants and cocktail dresses… this weekend is jam packed with philanthropy events! From The Phoenix Club’s Sinatra Soiree to Friends of St. Jude Blues Ball and Arty Party benefiting Birmingham AIDS Outreach, this weekend’s events are a sure-fire way to mix and mingle while supporting some outstanding organizations.

Sinatra Soiree
Friday, May 15 – 8:00pm-12:00am

Join Birmingham’s very own league of extraordinary gentleman – The Phoenix Club of Birmingham – for their 5th Annual Phoenix Club Ball. The Sinatra Soiree is Friday, May 15 from 8pm to midnight at The Club high above Red Mountain. Enjoy music by Frankie Velvet and The Mighty Veltones, a full open bar and light hors d’oeuvres along with a spectacular view of the Magic City. Attire is black-tie optional.

Tickets are $60 and can be purchased online at www.birminghamphoenixclub.com or at the door. All proceeds from the event benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Alabama.

Blues Ball
Saturday, May 16 – 8:00pm-11:30pm

Friends of St. Jude, the growing group of Birmingham-based young professionals united in the fight against childhood cancer, will host the inaugural Blues Ball at Ted’s Garage Saturday, May 16 from 8 to 11:30 p.m.

The Blues Ball will feature music by Alabama Blues Machine, a silent auction, cocktails, barbecue and hors d’ oeuvres. Auction items include pearls from Bromberg’s, signed sports memorabilia, vacations, dining packages and more. Attire for the event is cocktail.

Ticket prices are $30 for members/$40 for non-members purchased in advance at www.friendsofstjude.org/birmingham or $50 for everyone at the door. All proceeds will support research and treatment initiatives at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arty Party
Sunday, May 17 – 3:00pm-6:00pm

If you’re looking for a Sunday fun day, head on over to B&A Warehouse 3 to 6pm for the 18th annual Arty Party benefiting Birmingham AIDS Outreach. Featured artist for the event is Mr. Dan Bynum, the honorary chair is Mr. Jeffrey Klinner and guest auctioneer is Mr. Guin Robinson. Guests can shop for a new addition to their art collection in a silent auction of about 200 pieces of art, plus a live auction including 12 to 15 pieces while enjoying heavy hors d’oeuvres, champagne and a cash bar.

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at www.birminghamaidsoutreach.org.

Be sure to check in next week for post-event coverage of the Friends of St. Jude Blues Ball and more upcoming events. Feel free to send comments and/or event suggestions to philanthroparty@gmail.com.

If someone were to make a list of things the Birmingham social scene has to offer… good food, good fashion and good fun would be atop that list. Lucky for us all, each of these things can be found at one particular type of social event – the charity event.

This blog is dedicated to highlighting Alabama-based non-profit organizations and the Birmingham events devoted to raising funds and awareness for those organizations – and of course, it also touches on the fabulous components that make each soiree a success and keep people coming back for more.

Starting next week I’ll fill you in on the details of upcoming events, give you post-event coverage of past events and from time to time I’ll feature philanthropy projects that are just worthy of a mention. Be sure to check in weekly for the rundown of the best parties in town that are sure to show you a good time and leave you feeling good about your social contribution!

If you know of an event that you would like to see featured, email details to philanthroparty@gmail.com.