Sweet Charity - August

AGENDA
If you’re an avid viewer of Downton Abbey, consider stopping by The Seasons on Sunday, August 19 to attend their 3rd annual wine tasting fundraiser, Sip, Savor and Celebrate, an Edwardian-inspired summer garden party featuring a selection of wines, hors d’oeuvres and menu items common to the Edwardian and Jazz age (some were taken from the menu of the Titanic). There will also be a classic car display, an invigorating Jazz Age quartet, cabaret entertainment by Chifferobe, a live auction, raffle baskets and even a Mystery Gift Table.

Guests are encouraged to show up in period clothing. The Seasons, located in East Greenwich, is a non-profit assisted living facility that has served both independent and memory-impaired residents for a decade. $60. 5 Saint Elizabeth Way, East Greenwich, 884-9099, www.theseasons.org.

Registration is open for the 4th Annual Ride ‘Round Rhody bike-a-thon, a one-day event held in Wakefield on August 12 to raise funds for cancer awareness and treatment at area hospitals. In its last three years the event has raised more than $75,000 for local cancer treatment. This year, the goal is to raise $50,000; LIFEcycle, Inc., the non-profit behind the event, anticipates a turnout of 125 riders. The event is suitable for the casual rider to the advanced cyclist as this year’s ride offers three options to choose from – 25, 50 and 75 mile rides, along scenic roads and finishing at Camp JORI in Wakefield. Threshold Cycling, an amateur cycling team from Boston, will be offering support along the ride. Registration is $85 through July 31; day of registration is available for $180 per rider. All riders receive a custom three-pocket zippered cycling jersey to be worn during the ride and kept as a souvenir, along with a water bottle and cinch bag.

Riders are encouraged to set a goal of $250 or more, and are expected to raise at least $100. Teams can compete this year as well, with top teams being honored with a donation made in their name to a local cancer center, which the team members will help choose. To register or to volunteer, go online or email David Arndt at david@lifecycleinc.org. www.lifecycleinc.org.

Grab your dog and join the Rhode Island SPCA for the 9th Annual Marvin Memorial Walk for the Animals at Goddard Park in Warwick, held in memory of the shelter’s mascot, Marvin the black lab, who helped raise $250,000 for the shelter through his service as a therapy dog. Held on August 25, the walk will include vendors, informational booths, obedience demonstrations, pet contests, raffles and more. Walkers can collect pledges to earn prizes, and will be served lunch after the walk. There is a $20 registration fee for walkers who do not register before August 24. 1095 Ives Road, Warwick. 438-8150, www.rispca.com.

On Sunday, August 12, the South Kingstown Land Trust will host its 8th Annual Great Outdoors Celebration & Live Auction, featuring local artists, delicious food, water-based adventures and many wonderful surprises, all to benefit land protection in the town. Many unique items will be auctioned off including a 16-family Purple Martin birdhouse (replicating the SKLT Barn where the event is being held), a week in Tuscany, a half-day sailing adventure and a party for 20 at the Matunuck Oyster Bar. $25. 4-6:30pm. 17 Matunuck Beach Road, South Kingstown. 789-0962, www.sklt.org.

Like to ride your motorcycle on a sunny day? Do it for a cause at the 9th Annual Texas Roadhouse Homes For Our Troops Motorcycle Ride. The ride raises funds to build specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans, at no cost to the veteran. The ride starts and ends at the restaurant, featuring a hearty Texassized breakfast before the run and a legendary Texas Roadhouse lunch after it. The first 300 riders will receive a free t-shirt, so sign up soon. Live entertainment, raffles and prizes round out the day. $30 rider, $20 passenger. Ride leaves at 10am. www.homesforourtroops.org/bikerun

VOLUNTEER
Opportunities to help enrich the lives of those with special needs and disabilities
are abundant through The Easter Seals Rhode Island, a not-forprofit organization that raises money, awareness and caring on behalf of the disabled. Get involved in their upcoming pig roast at Hanson’s Pub in Wakefield on August 5, or make a continual commitment by performing office work, raising funds, promoting awareness of special needs issues, or sharing a unique talent. Volunteer internship opportunities are also available. 284-1000, www.ri.easterseals.com.

Smith and Agli’s Potbelly Manor is a unique adoption center in North Kingstown that specializes in fostering and adopting out pigs – and they always welcome the efforts of volunteers. Whatever your talents, the shelter can make use of them, whether that’s carpentry, fundraising, paperwork, art, farming, or a good oldfashioned love for animals. Visitors are also welcome to come and see the animals (which include rabbits, birds, llamas and cats along with the pigs) to help them socialize. 295-4241, www.potbellymanor.org.