Denise Fries is no stranger to philanthropy, and this year she’s doing it bigger than ever. As part of her 50th birthday celebration, Denise Fries of Fries Financial Services has earmarked $50,000 for 21 local charities that applied and were selected to receive a grant; an additional $20,000 was donated by a client who wished to remain anonymous. After the charities complete their required matching fundraisers, they will receive the grants designated for their organization.
Three of those nonprofits will be hosting fundraisers for the matching grants over the weekend and Monday. All events are open to the community and offer a variety of ways for people to show their support for local nonprofits.
Saturday & Sunday: Saint Michael's Garage Sale, Zumbathon & 365DealsForU.com
From 7:00am until 2:00pm Saturday, July 28, shop a huge Garage Sale in the air conditioned gym at Saint Michael's Episcopal School, 2500 South College Avenue, Bryan. Donations of items for the sale are still being accepted by calling the school at (979) 822-2715.
From 6:00pm to 8:00pm Sunday, July 29, join a Zumbathon sponsored by Piranha Fitness Studio, 315 South College Avenue, College Station. Your $10 donation goes toward the matching grant and all ages and fitness levels will have fun learning to Zumba from Piranha's professional instructors. No membership is required to participate. Every participant at the Zumbathon will be eligible for door prizes including a weekend getaway to Galveston and Messina Hof Harvest dinner gift certificates. Call the school at (979) 822-2715; or Piranha Fitness (979) 268-9600, for more information.
Through August 3, make a $25 donation on 365DealsForU.com and receive a $25 credit to spend on any future Daily Deal including local dining, home and garden services, and health and beauty services. All proceeds benefit the Fries matching grant fundraising for Saint Michael's. The direct link for the Saint Michael's 365DealsForU.com matching grant is Give25Get25DealForU.
Saturday: The Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History Butterfly Release
July 28 at 10am, The Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History will present a live, painted lady butterfly release. Butterflies will be pre-sold for $20 each prior to the event. Whoever purchases the most butterflies also receives the honor of naming the Queen Bee in the museum’s new Observation Bee Hive. The event begins at 9am with refreshments, and butterflies will be released at 10am.
For more information and to purchase a butterfly, call (979) 776-2195 or visit www.brazosvalleymuseum.org.
Monday: Brazos Valley Chorale presents Summer Sing
July 30 at 7:00pm, Brazos Valley Chorale will host a Summer Sing event at the Brazos Center. Raffled off at the event will be season tickets for two to the 2012-2013 season of the Brazos Valley Chorale and Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, a $550 value. Tickets are available for $5 online, from a singer, or at the event. Whether you’ve had the urge to test out your singing pipes, or just wanted to see what it’s like to be behind the scenes with Brazos Valley Chorale, Summer Sing will provide an opportunity for the whole community to join in during Summer Sing.
For more information and to purchase raffle tickets, call (979) 776-1776 or visit www.bvchorale.org.
