Get Involved is a weekly series pointing readers toward community-oriented events, volunteer opportunities, and good causes in Colorado.
Help Out With Hygiene: From April 27 to May 8 donate to GIVE Denver Center’s Spring Showers Hygiene Drive. Aided by Denver Human Services, the center acts as a drop-off and distribution center for donations, which are doled out to foster children, the homeless, veterans, at-risk and disabled seniors, and those living in poverty. If you’re looking to get involved, you can become a sponsor and sign up to have a hygiene collection bin at your work or community space. You can also donate moneyto buy items, or donate the items themselves. Monday to Friday, all day; 1200 Federal Blvd. (visit denvergov.org/give for more drop off locations)
Drink Beer, Trade Gear: Join Adventure Forward on April 28 at the Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery in Denver for a special fun(d)raiser to support the organization, which facilitates leadership development in under-served schools through recruiting and training young leaders. Adventure Forward puts an emphasis on outdoor education, so it makes sense that the fundraiser is built around a gear swap and sponsored by Movement Climbing + Fitness. Participants are encouraged to bring their gently used gear to trade with others as they drink beer, with all the leftover gear and $1 of all drafts purchased going to Adventure Forward. There will also be a raffle with unique prizes, like passes to Movement Climbing + Fitness. If you can’t attend, you can still donate to the cause. Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.; 1139 20th St.
Mercantile’s short rib with carrot pappardelle
Dine Out, Save Lives: Chances are you’re going to go out to eat at least once this week, so you may as well make it Thursday, April 30. On that day, select restaurants in the Denver Metro Area will donate 25 percent of sales to Project Angel Heart, a nonprofit that prepares and delivers meals to those suffering from HIV/AIDS, cancer, kidney disease, heart and lung disease, and diabetes. Some of our Best New Restaurants of 2015 are participating, including Leña, Stoic & Genuine, Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen, and Mercantile Dining & Provision. Thursday, all day; Various locations.
Campout for the Cause: A small three-day gathering with music, permaculture and nutrition workshops, yoga, and SUP clinics, Campout for the Cause has successfully merged getting involved with going to a festival. The annual event, which takes place from May 21-24 in scenic Bond, Colorado, is intended to energize and re-charge patrons while donating all proceeds to three nonprofits: American Rivers, the Eagle Valley Land Trust, and All Hands Volunteers. The musical lineup includes stellar singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov, ethereal folk band Elephant Revival, and rock quintet Fruition. Though Campout isn’t happening for another few weeks, the $129 tickets will likely sellout, leaving you wishing some fine magazine had let you know to buy them early. Thursday to Sunday, all day; 4199 Trough Rd., Bond.
Stand Up To Cancer: Founded by a skin cancer survivor, Cabana Life seeks to raise awareness about skin cancer while providing stylish gear to responsibly protect folks from the sun. In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness month, the clothing line is partnering with Stand Up To Cancer, which funds innovative cancer research, for the Stand Up & PROTECT campaign. The campaign will produce limited-edition rashguards, with all of the net proceeds benefiting Stand Up To Cancer. The limited edition 50+ UV protective rashguards debut on May 1, and will retail year-round from $25 to $48.
Walk MS
Walk for Multiple Sclerosis: The cause of multiple sclerosis—a disease where the immune system eats away at the protective covering of nerve cells in the brain and spinal chord—is still unknown. That makes events like Walk MS, sponsored by the National MS Society, so important. Participants fundraise prior to the May 2 walk, with the funds going directly to people living with the disease through programs, services, and research. Saturday, 7:30 a.m.; City Park
To submit your event or organization for inclusion in 5280’s weekly “Get Involved” column, email getinvolved@5280.com.
-5280 Magazine