Nonprofit Social Calendar: November 2010 through April 2011

St. Stanislaus Catholic Church will host its 13th annual Polish Festival on Saturday November 6 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event has always attracted thousands of visitors who come to enjoy authentic Polish foods drinks and a vast assortment of desserts while listening to the Dancing Polka Plus Band of Raleigh. There will be a craft sale live and silent auctions and a variety of entertainment for children. For more information contact the churchs main office at (910) 675-2336.

In April 2001 Willie Stargell beloved Hall of Fame Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman passed away after a lengthy battle with kidney disease. In his honor Stargells wife Margaret Weller-Stargell established the nonprofit Willie Stargell Foundation in 2003. Each year the foundation hosts a golf tournament and auction dinner to benefit those affected by kidney disease who could not otherwise afford their medications. Last years golf tournament and auction dinner marked the 30th anniversary of Willies most successful year in baseball when he led the Pirates to the World Series while winning three prestigious individual trophies: the National League Championship Series MVP the World Series MVP and the National League MVP. He was the only player to ever win all three in a single year. Stargells teammates notable sports figures and friends will gather again to remember Willie and to raise money for kidney related projects and programs. For the weekends scheduled events or to reserve tickets visit the foundations website:
www.williestargellfoundation.org.

The Wilmington Interfaith Hospitality Network (WIHN) Gala is a black-tie optional dinner with music comedy and live and silent auctions. All proceeds go toward WIHNs programs which help needy and homeless families in the Wilmington area transition to independence. In the past the event has raised almost $20 000. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the Country Club of Landfall. Tickets are $100 each and sponsorship is available. For more information contact WIHN at (910) 762-0339 or visit
www.wihn.net.

On Friday November 26 at 7 p.m. the North Carolina Flotilla will kick off its 27th annual party honoring the flotillas boat captains and sponsors. With a live performance by The Four Knights guests will ring in the fun-filled weekend while enjoying great music drinks and appetizers. The festivities will continue on Saturday with the Festival in the Park (at Wrightsville Beach Municipal Park) followed by the magnificent lighted boat procession and fireworks. For more information or to reserve tickets for the party call (910) 256-2120 or visit www.ncholidayflotilla.org

Since 1997 Good Friends of Wilmington has gathered in December to raise money for disadvantaged individuals and families in New Hanover County whose needs are not being satisfied by other organizations. Guests can look forward to lunch and testimonials from two newly designated families in need. Last year more than 600 women attended. The goal is to reach as many families and individuals as possible. The money raised goes directly to those in need. The doors open at 11:30 a.m. with lunch beginning at noon. Open to the public but reservations are appreciated. To save a seat contact Robin Harper at (910) 231-8419.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Domestic Violence Shelters and Services Inc. which has served as the sole domestic violence shelter in Wilmington and New Hanover County since 1986. Come to their annual meeting at Madeline Suites at UNCW to celebrate the community support they have received throughout the year. Free of charge the meeting begins at 8 a.m. and includes a breakfast buffet. The meeting will also highlight the success of the programs and services offered by the shelter in the past year. Seats must be reserved by January 7. For more information call Diane Lomas at
(910) 343-9969.

As one of the main fundraisers for the North Carolina Azalea Festival the pre-festival party kicks off the 2011 Azalea Festival with food fun and music by the band Sleeping Booty. Last year the event was sold out! The party begins at 7 p.m. and will continue to midnight. Ticket prices TBD. For more information call (910) 794-4650 or visit www.ncazaleafestival.org.

In 2011 the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation presents its 11th annual Founders Gala. Last years proceeds paid for a pediatric radiant warmer which helps to warm the baby after birth or in other important circumstances. This year guests will celebrate 11 years of making a difference and enjoy their favorite songs performed by Party on the Moon. This special event will help the medical center raise money for the Betty H. Cameron Womens and Childrens Hospital. Attendance is capped at 500 so reserve your tickets early. For more information call the medical centers main office at (910) 815-5002 or Tracey Kellogg at (910) 815-5042. Visit www.nhrmcfoundation.org for additional details.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death among women. Each year nearly a half million women die from cardiovascular disease. In order to fund outreach activities and health screenings to identify women with risk factors the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation will host its fifth annual Red Dress Luncheon and Fashion Show. The elegant fashion show and raffle is part of the national “Heart Disease Awareness Month ” which educates women about heart disease. Last year more than 340 people attended the event which raised more than $30 000. To reserve tickets or for sponsorship opportunities please call the medical centers main office at (910) 815-5002 or Tracey Kellogg at (910) 815-5042. Visit www.nhrmcfoundation.org for more details.

Every 35 seconds someone dies from cardiovascular disease. The Heart Ball is an annual black-tie event that funds research and raises awareness for cardiovascular disease and stroke the number one cause of death among both men and women. Dinner and cocktails will be served at the event and guests will enjoy live music and dancing. In the past the event has raised more than $100 000 for the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Associations research and education programs. For more information contact Ashley Miller at (910) 538-9270 or email her at ashleymiller@heart.org.

Cape Fear Literacy Council commemorates its 26th year in 2011 and the traditional Mardi Gras Gala is back by overwhelming popular demand. The casino night includes Las Vegas-style games dancing to the music of Category 4 live and silent auctions delicious New Orleans fare liquid refreshments and local celebrities. The games use funny money for raffle prizes (no real gambling) and the auction items range from vacations to local art and gift certificates. The gala will take place from 7-11 p.m. and tickets are $60. The gala brings crucial financial support to CFLCs local adult and family literacy programs. For more information call CFLC at (910) 251-0911 or visit www.cfliteracy.org.

Since 1966 the Historic Wilmington Foundation has successfully saved hundreds of historic properties from demolition. One of its most successful fundraisers is the Home Tour which highlights 8-10 historic homes. Over the last several years the foundation has included houses from a range of different architectural styles time periods and locations to diversify and to appeal to the broader Wilmington area. The tour begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $25 the day of the tours but a discounted price will be given to those who purchase them in advance or online. All proceeds will benefit the Historic Wilmington Foundations efforts to protect and preserve buildings in Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear Region. To reserve tickets call (910) 762-2511 or visit www.historicwilmington.org.