Our Top Charitable Picks for April 25-May 1

The Refugee Crisis: Educate yourself about the trans-Mediterranean refugee crisis at this special event by Active Minds, a nonprofit that provides educational programming for adults of all ages. The session will cover how the international community is addressing this humanitarian crisis. Monday, reception at 6 p.m., programming at 6:30 p.m.; Cherry Creek Retirement Village, 14555 E. Hampden Ave.; 303 693 0200; free

The Blue Bench Thing: The One With Sean Kelly From The Samples: Enjoy an evening of live music, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and chasing down local celeb Sean Kelly of rock/pop band The Samples for a selfie. Proceeds from the annual gala will benefit The Blue Bench, a nonprofit sexual assault prevention and support center. This year’s theme, ’90s sitcom Friends, was chosen in recognition of the importance of bystander intervention in preventing sexual assault. Tuesday, 5:30–8:30 p.m.; Tracks, 3500 Walnut St.; $50–$58

Dining Out For Life: Making a difference in someone’s life is as easy as finding a participating restaurant or brewery and treating yourself to a meal out. On Thursday, more than 250 restaurants in the Denver-Boulder area will donate a portion of their profits to Project Angel Heart, a nonprofit whose mission is to deliver nutritious meals at no cost to individuals living with a life-threatening illness. Thursday, times and locations vary

Pinwheels for Prevention: On the last day of Child Abuse Prevention Month, local nonprofit Illuminate Colorado is making a big statement about Colorado’s commitment to keeping kids safe. To raise awareness about the importance of community involvement in preventing child abuse, the group invites locals to be a part of a giant, blue, human pinwheel formation to be photographed on the steps of Red Rocks Amphitheater. The nonprofit will use the photo in their campaigns around the state, and afterwards you can (BYO) picnic on the amphitheater’s scenic steps. The family-friendly event will include light snacks, a pinwheel painting demonstration by artist Julie Pater, and face painting. Don’t forget to show your support by wearing blue! Saturday, noon; Red Rocks Amphitheater, 18300 W. Alameda Pkwy; free