Big Sunday happily welcomes you to Our Really Big Community Calendar.
We try to include all kinds of volunteering and helping opportunities for all kinds of interests, talents, passions, and ages! As you’ll see, these include volunteering opportunities (one-time and long-term) as well as the chance to support a nonprofit by attending fundraising events. Plus, of course, we include all of Big Sunday’s homegrown events, too! Whoever you are, and whatever you do, there is someone out there who could use your help.
If you have questions about our calendar, or would like to add a listing, please contact calendar@bigsunday.org or submit your event/opportunity via the button below.
COOK WITH NORTH AMERICA’S HOTTEST CELEBRITY CHEFS AT THE SUSAN G. KOMEN CULINARY SHOWDOWN TO SUPPORT THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER
Celebrate Your Inner Foodie While Fundraising; To Be Held October 22 at Loews Hollywood Hotel
Culinary Showdown is a first-time ever event in the United States, an extraordinary challenge giving culinary enthusiasts the opportunity to fundraise for a chance to cook alongside celebrity chefs in the type of team cooking challenge normally reserved for TV. It will be held in Los Angeles by Susan G. Komen Los Angeles County.
The Susan G. Komen Los Angeles Culinary Showdown features an all-star lineup of five Celebrity Chefs, including one of America’s Top 10 Pastry Chefs, Elizabeth Falkner*, and the owner of New York City's Red Rooster Harlem restaurant. Falkner is a huge fan of cooking competitions and has appeared on more than 30 television competition shows either as a competitor or as a judge. Falkner is a multiple award winning chef and James Beard Nominee and author of two cookbooks, Demolition Desserts, and Cooking Off The Clock. The Culinary Showdown will be hosted by John O'Hurley, best known for the role of J. Peterman on the NBC sitcom Seinfeld and who was host of the game show Family Feud and judge on Iron Chef America.
Susan G. Komen is proud to announce event co-chairs Christine Avanti-Fischer who is a best-selling author of Skinny Chicks Don’t Eat Salads and Skinny Chicks Eat Real Food, Certified Nutritionist, TV personality and lifestyle expert and her husband, Jonathon Fischer, co-founder (with Christine) and chairman of the Jonathon D. Fischer Foundation, a non-profit with the mission of helping people around the world.
By participating in the Susan G. Komen Los Angeles Inaugural Culinary Showdown, you will also be supporting the fight against breast cancer that affects 1 in 8 women in their lifetime.
All proceeds go to Susan G. Komen Los Angeles County, supporting the organization's work to ensure all women in the Los Angeles community have timely access to affordable breast health care. Participants who raise the minimum of $1,000 will be treated to a gourmet meal as the celebrity chefs and their teams, comprised of the top fundraisers, take center stage to take part in the thrilling culinary battle.
The showdown starts with Celebrity Chefs School where contestants will be coached on everything from ingredient selection to proper plating. Trade secrets on food preparation, knife techniques, methodology and more will be revealed by top cooking masters – integral for when things heat up in the kitchen during the Culinary Showdown.
The 50 highest fundraisers will be rewarded with the opportunity to put their culinary talents to the test live on stage in tandem with a celebrity chef, as they face off in the Culinary Showdown, a Chopped-style competition at the gala October 22 at Loews Hollywood Hotel. Five teams of 10 will compete under pressure to create three unique dishes, applying the skills mastered during Celebrity Chefs School. Participants will cook each course on the clock, and will be judged by an expert panel on taste and presentation.
To learn more and register, go to www.sgklaculinaryshowdown.org
About Susan G. Komen Los Angeles County
Komen Los Angeles County is the local source for funding programs that provide breast health services, breast cancer education and outreach in their LA county service area. Komen Los Angeles donates 75 percent of net funds raised to vital local breast health services, and dedicates the remaining 25 percent to national research to find the cure. Since 1998, Komen LA County has raised over $11 million for local programs and national research grants. Komen Los Angeles has one clear mission: to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering others, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures. http://komenlacounty.org
This Fall, don’t miss Food Day! Netiya is convening a Food, Faith, and Fieldwork Symposium. The 2016 event will be held on October 23rd, 2-7 pm at the Prince of Peace Episcopal Church in Woodland Hills which boasts a two-acre fruit orchard (installed by Netiya and Seeds of Hope), a community garden, and an interfaith food pantry that feeds 3000 people monthly). Family-friendly. Come and experience a first 'taste' of the upcoming collaboration, Bread & Salt, a series of exhibitions and programs, launching Fall 2017, bringing together numerous Jewish cultural sites throughout Southern California to explore contemporary, historic and ritual aspects of food at the Faith and Field Symposium. Register on the link above! For more info, please visit http://tinyurl.com/jexj6ts. For sponsorship info, visit netiya.org.
Don’t miss the LA Arboretum’s “What's Happening in Gardening” Series!
8 Thursdays, September 15-November 3
9:30am-12pm; $140 for the series; $25 per class
These classes are designed to help you keep up with garden news, trends, tips and pests. Each class begins with an open discussion and plant giveaway, followed by a lecture or hands-on workshop from one of the following speakers:
Sept. 15: Jose & Carrie Hernandez, CJ’s Organic Farm
CJ's Organic Farm grows heirloom vegetables, fruits, and herbs for year-round weekly Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) baskets. They also sell organically grown heirloom vegetables and herb starts for your garden at the CJ’s Organic Farm booth at the Villa Park Farmers’ Market in Pasadena on Tuesday mornings.
Sept. 22: Nancy Bird, Rocks for Your Garden
Nancy Bird, rock expert and owner of NancyRocks, will show beautiful colorful rocks that will compliment your garden. She also will explain the Bureau of Land Management rules and permitting procedures for collecting rocks for free!
Sept. 29: Jill Morganelli, New Gardens & Garden Renovations at the Arboretum
Join Jill Morganelli, the Arboretum’s Horticultural Supervisor, for a discussion about the improvements being made in the gardens to enhance the Arboretum experience for visitors.
Oct. 6: Harold Koopowitz, Fall Blooming Daffodils
Harold Koopowitz currently is first vice president of the American Daffodil Society and editor emeritus for the Orchid Digest, which he edited for 10 years. He is well known internationally for breeding both slipper orchids and miniature daffodils. He is Professor Emeritus of biology in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UC Irvine. He will be signing copies of his new novel, Diamonds and Disas: The Further Adventures of George and Matilda.
Oct. 13: Joe Brosius, Magic Growers
As production manager at Magic Growers, Joe Brosius is responsible for propagating and growing all plant material products. He also is a partner in the nursery and a past president of the L.A. chapter of California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers (CANGC). Joe received his degree in ornamental horticulture from Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo.
Oct. 20: Christine Anthony, Cook Now from Your Garden & Plant Now in Your Garden
A seasonal look at the edibles you're harvesting now and what to do with them, followed by a discussion of what is best to plant now for your meals in the months to come. Christine Anthony, the Renee's Garden Seeds rep to the Arboretum and a UCCE Master Gardener, will share practical tips learned from life long experience in the garden and the kitchen. Please be prepared to share your recipe ideas and gardening tips with one and all.
Oct. 27: Nicholas Staddon, The New American Garden
Nicholas Staddon travels the United States and the world in search of new trends and great plants for American gardens. In his lively and informative presentation, he’ll discuss some of the issues facing American gardeners today: invasive plants, the water situation, the plight of the pollinators, and what the solutions might be. Nicholas also will share some of his very best plant suggestions for our region.
Nov. 3: Leigh Adams: Permaculture: A Gardener’s Perspective
Interpretive horticulturalist and creator of the Crescent Garden, Leigh Adams will give us an overview of her experience working with Permaculture. She will then lead us on a private tour of the garden she created “behind the scenes” at the Arboretum.
"Peoples Live – All Access"
The gala event will take place at the Palm Court of the Alexandria Ballroom in Downtown L.A. in a night of festivities that will include an exquisite cuisine, community awards, and a silent auction in one of Los Angeles' most prestigious & historic hotels.
The night's honorees are:
- Dan Genung Visionary Award – Anthony Tolbert
- Joe Ide Community Spirit – Crystal Gonzalez
Tickets to this year's "All Peoples Live: All Access" Gala are now available here.
On October 30, Bow Wow Beverly Hills presents “A Night in Muttley Carlo” benefiting The Amanda Foundation. Come as your favorite Bond girl, Bond villain, or your favorite Bond!
Are you a Timothy Dachshund? Roger Maltese? Or Sean Collie?!
Enjoy an elegant evening of Black Jack and Casino gambling, view a killer silent auction, dapper doggy costume contest and a special Halloween Cocktail, The Moonraker Martini!
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VIP TICKETS: $200
- General Admission: $60 in advance, $75 at the door
For more information, go to www.amandafoundation.org.
Don’t miss the LA Arboretum’s “What's Happening in Gardening” Series!
8 Thursdays, September 15-November 3
9:30am-12pm; $140 for the series; $25 per class
These classes are designed to help you keep up with garden news, trends, tips and pests. Each class begins with an open discussion and plant giveaway, followed by a lecture or hands-on workshop from one of the following speakers:
Sept. 15: Jose & Carrie Hernandez, CJ’s Organic Farm
CJ's Organic Farm grows heirloom vegetables, fruits, and herbs for year-round weekly Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) baskets. They also sell organically grown heirloom vegetables and herb starts for your garden at the CJ’s Organic Farm booth at the Villa Park Farmers’ Market in Pasadena on Tuesday mornings.
Sept. 22: Nancy Bird, Rocks for Your Garden
Nancy Bird, rock expert and owner of NancyRocks, will show beautiful colorful rocks that will compliment your garden. She also will explain the Bureau of Land Management rules and permitting procedures for collecting rocks for free!
Sept. 29: Jill Morganelli, New Gardens & Garden Renovations at the Arboretum
Join Jill Morganelli, the Arboretum’s Horticultural Supervisor, for a discussion about the improvements being made in the gardens to enhance the Arboretum experience for visitors.
Oct. 6: Harold Koopowitz, Fall Blooming Daffodils
Harold Koopowitz currently is first vice president of the American Daffodil Society and editor emeritus for the Orchid Digest, which he edited for 10 years. He is well known internationally for breeding both slipper orchids and miniature daffodils. He is Professor Emeritus of biology in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UC Irvine. He will be signing copies of his new novel, Diamonds and Disas: The Further Adventures of George and Matilda.
Oct. 13: Joe Brosius, Magic Growers
As production manager at Magic Growers, Joe Brosius is responsible for propagating and growing all plant material products. He also is a partner in the nursery and a past president of the L.A. chapter of California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers (CANGC). Joe received his degree in ornamental horticulture from Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo.
Oct. 20: Christine Anthony, Cook Now from Your Garden & Plant Now in Your Garden
A seasonal look at the edibles you're harvesting now and what to do with them, followed by a discussion of what is best to plant now for your meals in the months to come. Christine Anthony, the Renee's Garden Seeds rep to the Arboretum and a UCCE Master Gardener, will share practical tips learned from life long experience in the garden and the kitchen. Please be prepared to share your recipe ideas and gardening tips with one and all.
Oct. 27: Nicholas Staddon, The New American Garden
Nicholas Staddon travels the United States and the world in search of new trends and great plants for American gardens. In his lively and informative presentation, he’ll discuss some of the issues facing American gardeners today: invasive plants, the water situation, the plight of the pollinators, and what the solutions might be. Nicholas also will share some of his very best plant suggestions for our region.
Nov. 3: Leigh Adams: Permaculture: A Gardener’s Perspective
Interpretive horticulturalist and creator of the Crescent Garden, Leigh Adams will give us an overview of her experience working with Permaculture. She will then lead us on a private tour of the garden she created “behind the scenes” at the Arboretum.
The North American Reptile Breeders Conference & Trade Show welcomes families, students, reptile professionals and enthusiasts to its Pasadena show this November. Attendees will get an up-close view of reptiles of all shapes and sizes including snakes, frogs, turtles, geckos, iguanas, and tortoises – all are available for sale. In addition to viewing exotic and rare breeds, admission to the show includes educational sessions from some of the industry’s most respected experts as they discuss specific species and habitats during various presentations throughout the weekend. Whether you are a reptile aficionado or entering the world of “herping” for the first time, this high quality, captive-bred-only reptile show is sure to entertain.
- USARK Auction Saturday, November 5, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center
Everyone is welcome. Admission is free and includes hors d’oeuvres. All proceeds from the live auction will benefit USARK (the United States Association of Reptile Keepers), a non-profit organization advocating for the practice of Herpetoculture.
For more information, please visit http://narbc.com/Pasadena/tickets_narbc_pasadena.html.
Let’s face it… Alzheimer’s is TOUGH. Let’s face it … TOGETHER! Walk4ALZ brings together local communities in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To register today, sign up as a Team Captain, join a team, or walk as an individual at alzgla.org/walk, then recruit others (i.e. friends, family, and co-workers) to donate or to join your team and raiser awareness and funds for the cause. Raise $50 or more and get a walk4ALZ T-shirt; raise $500 or more and get a Champion Baseball Cap. All funds raised provide local programs & services FREE to individuals and families; 20% supports local research. Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles is the only local full-service, dementia-focused nonprofit with 35 years of experience, 5 locations, and 54 staff. For more info, visit www.algla.org/walk or call 844-HELP-ALZ.
On November 7 at 6 pm, don’t miss Heart of LA’s (HOLA) 26th Annual Holiday of the Heart celebration honoring AEG.
- 6 pm – Cocktail Reception
- 7 pm – Dinner + Entertainment (feat. Mandy Moore and HOLA students)
Please contact Charissa Gonzales at 213-389-1148 ext. 903 or cg@heartofla.org for ticket and sponsorship opportunities.
On November 10, don’t miss the 5th Annual Take a Bite out of Ovarian Cancer Charitable Luncheon benefiting The Ovarian Cancer Circle. To purchase tickets, please visit www.theovariancancercircle.org or email luncheon@theovariancancercircle.org or call 323-842-8100. All proceeds benefit ovarian cancer research; no tickets sold at the door; please RSVP by November 4, 2016.
