7 Ways to Give Back in 7 Days

Aveda Earth Jam Fashion Benefit (via NID) 

By Mariah West

Grab a drink during Student Success Stores’ Give Back Happy Hour

Tuesday, May 22 @ 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Strongwater Food & Spirits

Franklinton hangout Strongwater Food & Spirits will open their space on Tuesday evening for a philanthropic happy hour event with Student Success Stores, a nonprofit that provides supplies & nutritious meals to local school children in need. Guests to this event will enjoy drinks & refreshments while packaging family hygiene kits & snack packs for local kids to use while on summer break.
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Attend the Aveda Earth Jam Fashion Benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters

Tuesday, May 22 @ 6:30pm
Express Live!

The Aveda Institutes will serve up a philanthropic feast for the senses this Tuesday with their annual Earth Jam Fashion Benefit. This chic event will showcase a variety of avant-garde styled wigs, hair, and clothing created by Aveda students & guest designers in an ultra-creative runway show. Proceeds will go towards Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio’s efforts to mentor & empower youth in the community.
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Network with local nonprofits at the Columbus Volunteer Expo

Thursday, May 24 @ 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Franklin University

The Columbus Young Professionals Club’s philanthropy branch CYP Club Cares will host their fifth annual Columbus Volunteer Expo on Thursday in partnership with Columbus Urban League YPs and United Way’s LINC. For this event, community-minded professionals will have the chance to network with over 25 local nonprofits to learn about their causes & upcoming opportunities to get involved. With efforts that range from childcare & pet welfare to homelessness & hunger, there’s sure to be something that appeals to every attendee.
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Party at a Cause for Canines Fundraiser

Friday, May 25 @ 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Columbus Idea Foundry

Cause for Canines is a volunteer-run animal rescue dedicated to caring and finding adoptive families for homeless dogs. The organization invites local animal lovers to help them further their cause this Friday as they host a Fundraiser at the Idea Foundry, a bash that will include a silent auction, puppy-themed crafts & activities, and beer & pizza. Attendees are encouraged to make a donation of a small fee or pet care items like treats, toys, blankets, and leashes & collars for admission.
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Plant flowers in Goodale Park

Saturday, May 26 @ 9:00am – 12:00pm
Goodale Park

It’s that time of year again for the annual Planting Day in Goodale Park, a volunteer gardening event held by Friends of Goodale Park. During this event, attendees will get their hands dirty in the gardens of the green space, planting annual flowers that will beautify the park all season.
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Volunteer at the Columbus Crawl For Cancer

Saturday, May 26 @ 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Arena District

The Crawl For Cancer is a nationwide event that takes participants on bar crawls through their cities as a way to raise funds for a variety of cancer-related organizations. Columbus’ edition of the bash will hit the Arena District this Saturday, with eight different charities serving as beneficiaries. Although registration to crawl is closed, volunteer opportunities are still available through the official event or with volunteer group Columbus Gives Back.
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Volunteer at the Asian Festival

Saturday, May 26 – Sunday, May 27
Franklin Park

The annual Columbus Asian Festival will return this weekend to Franklin Park with 2 days of cultural family fun & entertainment. The event will feature a variety of live shows & demonstrations, a market & vendor booths, plenty of ethnic food, and more. Volunteers are invited to the bash to help with tasks including parade assistance, performance area management, kids’ activities, set-up/shut-down, parking, and other general duties.
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