Local events that benefit a charitable cause

When families are dealing with their own challenges and struggles, it is difficult to remember that even in these tough times, there are still great causes out there in need.  Many organizations have been creative in their fundraising efforts and have put together events and promotions to help raise money.  Kids and families can take part in these events and meanwhile donate to a good cause. 

Here are a few family-style programs that help a charitable cause:

Old Navy Stores
Old Navy stores in our area have dedicated a week to give back to our Armed Forces.  June 28th thru July 4th
If you donate an item to the “Troops Care Package,” you will receive a 10% off discount.
If you need a suggestion on what to donate, feel free to call the Rochester Hills location:
Old Navy 5659
248-608-6917
1132 S. Rochester Rd
Rochester Hills, Mi 48307

Charity Pig Roast at Gus O'Connor's

On July 7, starting at 6:00pm, Gus O’ Connor’s is having a charity pig roast.  The roast benefits the Rochester Fire Department and features live music, outdoor dining, prizes and more! 
Some of the highlights include:
• Baddest bike trophy
• Tons of swag!
• Outdoor dining in the Biker Pit!  Live music by Monkey Grinder
• $2 beers
• Free Raffle - Win a 51/50 Kicker Motorcycle (drawing at the end of the year  celebration)

Gus O’Connor’s is located at 324 Main St. in Downtown Rochester.  They can be reached at 248-608-2537, www.gusoconnorspub.com.

Downtown Lake Orion summer Gazebo Concert Series

Relax and enjoy your summer evenings at the Downtown Lake Orion summer Gazebo Concert Series.  The Gazebo Series is made possible by sponsors Renewal by Andersen, Waste Management, Genisys Credit Union, Sherman Publishing, and Oakland County Parks.  For eight Wednesday nights beginning July 8th you can relax on the lawn while the kids play.  Each night will have a special musical theme with raffles and kids activities to match.
The concerts begin at 7 p.m. and will be held rain or shine.  The park is located just off M-24 and Broadway in downtown Lake Orion.
Please bring kid friendly non-perishable food to enter to win Jeepers passes and receive Buffalo Wild Wings Coupons.   The food goes to local food pantry Oxford/Orion FISH.  Suggested items include peanut butter, jelly, healthy snacks, pancake syrup, canned pastas, breakfast cereal and other kid favorites.  We’re also encouraging kids to bring a few of their old toys for a toy trade. 

AMC Summer Movie Camp

Select AMC Theatres in the Detroit metro area offer kids and families a cool way to beat the heat - $1 flicks every Wednesday through August 5. Shows are always $1 and air at 10am. Admission proceeds benefit Variety - The Children's Charity and the Will Rogers Institute. An AMC KidsPack (soft drink, popcorn, and kid-size snack) is available for $3.  Visit the website for participating local theaters. http://www.amctheatres.com/smc
Here's the Auburn Hills AMC (4300 Baldwin Road) schedule for July:
7/8/09 - Tale of Despereaux (G)
Ages: 3-18

7/15/09 - Horton Hears a Who (G)
Ages: 3-18

7/22/09 - The Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)
Ages: 7-18

7/29/09 - Nim's Island (PG)
Ages: 5-18

Senior Center Fundraiser

On Tuesday, July 14, 2009 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, the Madison Heights Big Boy located at 30460 John R. Rd. (just south of 13 Mile) will be donating 20% of all food purchases to Mahany/Meininger Senior Community Center. Please inform the cashier upon check out to ensure proper credit is given to Mahany/Meininger Senior Community Center to assist with raising funds for various activities. Along with Big Boy donating 20% of your checks proceeds, there will also be raffles throughout the night!

Annual Quake on the Lake

July 17-19
Over the past 9 years, “Quake on the Lake” has gained a reputation as one of the premier summertime events in/around Oakland County, Michigan. It has become a “must attend” event for North American Inboard Hydroplane owners and drivers; and since its inception, nearly 300,000 people have witnessed world-record racing performances from the top teams in the business. The event is the proud recipient of 15 American Power Boat Association (APBA) records being set in 5 different racing classes making Pontiac Lake one of the fastest one-mile race courses in the country!

The greatest part of this exciting event remains unchanged. It’s still all about the kids. Not only is the “Quake on the Lake” the perfect summertime event … it continues to be the ONLY charitable race of its kind in the nation. It's a non-profit event which raises money for the Rainbow Connection. www.quakeonthelake.org

Do you know of any events to add?