GameChangers

Ten Fun Events Supporting Worthy Causes This Season

Gatherings where you can run, walk, and even dance to give back to organizations in need.
Casey Cares Foundation's annual Rock 'N' Roll Bash returns October 21. —Courtesy of Casey Cares Foundation via Facebook

10/7: Every Step Counts Autism Walk and 5K Run
Choose between a 5K run, 4K walk, or 1K stroll around the beautiful Centennial Lake and have the chance to win prizes. You don’t want to miss out on the event village, packed with inflatables, circus performers, bubble artists, and refreshments. Proceeds benefit the Howard County Autism Society, working to bring together those with autism as well as their family and friends. Centennial Park, Ellicott City. $25–$35.

10/8: Robert I. Damie Race for Our Kids
Run, jog, or walk your way through either a 10K, 5K, or family walk this October. All race courses will take you throughout Druid Hill Park and around the zoo. Competitors will receive a shirt and a medal. Make sure to save some of your energy, because participants will also receive a free ticket to the zoo! All proceeds from the race will go to the Herman & Walter Samuelson Children’s Hospital at Sinai, Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics Save-A-Limb Fund, Center for Hope, and The Family Tree. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, 1 Safari Pl. $15 –$45. 

10/21: Night to Remember Gala
You’re not going to want to miss out on this black-tie event. Start the night off with a bite to eat (appetizers and sweet treats are included with your ticket price) and then head to the silent auction to scope out some items. End your night on the dance floor, but make sure you don’t miss the (yet to be named) guest speaker. All proceeds go toward BOSSIE Social Enterprises, a seed nonprofit that supports thousands of Marylanders through youth mentoring, minority health initiatives, family/human services, and an entrepreneurial/workforce development accelerator program. 5503 Reisterstown Rd. 8:30p.m. $75.

10/21: Casey Cares Rock ‘N’ Roll Bash
Experience a night packed with rock ‘n’ roll at Rams Head Live, featuring the biggest AC/DC tribute band, High Voltage, and a special surprise band that will be announced soon. Ticket proceeds go toward Casey Cares, an organization that provides services for critically ill children and their families. Ram’s Head Live 20 Market Pl. 6:30p.m.–11:30p.m. 

10/28: Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation Port to Fort 6K
Get in the Halloween spirit and dash your way through historic Fort McHenry on this family- friendly 6K. You will have the chance to win prizes and T-shirts, and afterward, party it up at the best post-race party in the state featuring music, food, contests, and even trick-or-treating. Entry fees will benefit the Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation, which provides hospital and housing services to critically ill children and their families. 1215 E. Fort Ave. 8:30a.m. $20 –$30. 

10/28: Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Walk your way toward a cure for Alzheimer’s and dementia. This walk is open to people of all ages, families, and (well behaved) dogs. All participants will receive a flower in a color that correlates to their relationship with the disease, and if you meet the donation criteria, you will receive a T-shirt. While there is no entry fee, participants are encouraged to fundraise. All proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association which works to find a cure for Alzheimer’s and dementiarelated diseases. 118 Shawan Rd., Hunt Valley. 8 a.m.

10/28: Night at the Grove
Celebrate with the 29th Street Community Center at the Peabody Heights Brewery as part of its annual fundraiser. Start off your night with delicious food and
drink, but make sure to save some time to tear up the dance floor. The 29th Street Community Center works to empower and support individuals by creating welcoming, safe, and accessible spaces and programs to amplify the voices of individuals in Baltimore. Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 E. 30th St. 6 p.m.–9 p.m.

11/1: 11th Annual Men’s Basketball Tip-Off Game
Head out to this event to hear O’s legend Cal Ripken Jr., along with some of the greatest coaches in basketball history, talk all things college basketball. Attendees will receive lunch before the panel starts. Proceeds will go toward the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, which helps America’s most underserved and distressed communities and supports and advocates for children. 700 Aliceanna St. 11:30a.m.

11/4: Shelley’s House Glitz & Glam Roaring Twenties Casino Night Gala
Wear your best to travel back in time 100 years to a night of glitz and glamour at this 1920s themed gala. Test your luck at the casino table or dance the night away to jazzy tunes from the era. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the mouth-watering delicacies, inspired by the ’20s. Proceeds will go toward Shelley’s House, a charity that provides support and services to veterans and homeless and underserved youth. 10431 Twin Rivers Rd., Columbia. 6p.m.–9p.m. $75. 

11/11: Le Diner Bleu
Dress your best at this black-tie optional event (with a splash of “Bleu” required) where you will get the chance to dance the night away after a luxurious dinner. The event is held at a secret location, and will feature a silent auction and entertainment, including a special performance from Grammy- and Oscar-winning artist Regina Bell. Proceeds will benefit the CADE Foundation, an organization that works to help families overcome infertility. Secret Location. $150 –$250.