*Friday, June 28, and Saturday, June 29, First Bank Financial Centre will wrap up a collection drive to benefit Oklahoma residents devastated by recent tornados. The drive is accepting donations of basic supplies, such as nonperishable food items, clothes and cleaning supplies. Individuals interested in contributing can drop off their donation items at First Bank Financial Centre’s Oconomowoc, Brookfield, Germantown, Grafton, Hartford, Hartland, Menomonee Falls, Mequon and West Bend locations during business hours. For more information about branch locations and hours, visit www.fbfcwi.com.
*Wednesday, July 3, the 19th annual Fireworks Kite Festival will take place in Veterans Park in Milwaukee. The festival, free and open to the public, will feature a variety of kites flown by the Kite Society of Wisconsin and Illinois and area residents along the lakefront. The event is made possible by the society in partnership with Milwaukee County Parks and Gift of Wings. Kites will fly from 11 a.m. through 7 p.m. with the U.S. Bank Fireworks show following at about 9:25 p.m.
*Tuesday, July 9, BoardStar Inc. will host a workshop focused on “Readiness for Grant Writing.” The workshop will teach board directors how to determine if their organization is ready to apply for grants. It will also cover skills and systems needed for grants and the specific role board directors play in obtaining grants from public and private entities. Julie Whelan Capell, director of planning and development for the Planning Council for Health and Human Services, will lead the workshop, which will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Pathfinders, located at 4200 N. Holton, Ste. 400 in Milwaukee. Cost to attend is $35 for BoardStar members and $50 for nonmembers. For more information or to register, visit www.boardstar.org.
*Thursday, July 11, the Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee will present an information session on “IT Bargain Bin: Getting the Most for the Money.” The session will focus on ways nonprofit organizations can utilize their staff members and resources to optimize their information technology systems and spend their dollars efficiently. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee, located at 2819 W. Highland Blvd. in Milwaukee. Cost to attend is $15 for Nonprofit Center members and CDBG agencies and $25 for nonmembers. For more information or to register, visit www.nonprofitcentermilwaukee.org.
*Thursday, July 11, Sprecher Brewing Company will hold a “Draughts for Disasters” benefit for residents in Oklahoma impacted by recent tornados and individuals in Colorado affected by forest fires. The fundraiser will feature live music, food from area restaurants and vendors, and a silent auction/raffle with prizes from area businesses. Proceeds will be donated to two nonprofit organizations, Operation USA (for Oklahoma) and Pikes Peak Community Foundation: Black Forest Fire Fund (for Colorado). The event will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sprecher Brewery, located at 701 W. Glendale Ave. in Glendale. Admission is $20 at the door. Attendees will be granted two beers, unlimited soda and appetizers with admission and can purchase additional beverages throughout the evening.
