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The much-awaited spring season has arrived. Even though any good Coloradan knows to expect a freak snowstorm just when we’ve brought out the sandals and slacklines, take advantage of the (momentarily) ice-free roads to make it to a few of these local philanthropic events:
On the Move Luncheon: Get moving to help out the gals this Tuesday at Denver Public School Girls Athletic Leadership charter school’s fifth annual fundraising lunch. Join GALS at the Ritz-Carlton Denver for a lunchtime look into this all-girl school’s philosophy, which stems from the recognition that women who don’t complete high school often fare far worse than male dropouts. This year’s student-led program honors philanthropist Lynda Goldstein, whose presentation is accompanied by speeches by public figures such as Mayor Michael Hancock, Susan Daggett, and spoken word poet Dominique Christina. Tickets range from $125 individual admission to $10,000 sponsorships. Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Ritz-Carlton Denver, 1881 Curtis St.
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Vail Film Festival: Between attempts to catch the last good skiing of the season, stop by the 12th annual film fest. Showcasing 74 films from all over the world, this year’s festival includes 25 feature-length narrative and documentary films as well as shorts, animated, and student films. Festival proceeds benefit Colorado Film Institute, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to fostering independent cinema. Highlights include the world premieres of Queen Mimi and Nerdgasm, as well as screenings of the Sundance World Cinema Grand Jury Prize winning Slow West, and a special Hong Kong film showcase. Thursday through Sunday, times and locations vary
Wine Fest Fort Collins: Donate Dionysus style this Friday at the 30th annual wine fest. Raise a glass to an evening of great wine, beer, food, live music, blackjack tables, raffles, and silent and live auctions. Proceeds go to Disabled Resource Services, an organization that provides independence-building services to people with many types of disabilities in Larimer and Jackson counties, and benefits nearly 6,000 people yearly. More than 500 varieties of domestic and imported wines from 150-plus wineries, as well as beer from the region’s three largest breweries are complemented by an assortment of food. Vino ignoramus? Fear not—vendors are prepared to offer detailed tasting tips. Friday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Fort Collins Marriott, 350 E. Horsetooth Rd., Fort Collins
Loveland Mountain Adventure: Don your best costume, chase some chickens, search for Bigfoot, and answer some ridiculous riddles while skiing. Grab a few friends to form a team of up to four people at $10 each to benefit Alliance for Sustainable Colorado, a Denver nonprofit focused on sustained health and community welfare. This daytime event makes for a lively test of manpower and mind power with a chance to win prizes, including New Belgium beer, Rocky Mountain Underground Skis, and a cruiser bike. Costumes add points, so the more bizarre, the better. Don’t forget your ski pass or a lift ticket and register online or at 9 a.m. the day of the event at the base of Lift 2. Saturday, 9 a.m.; Loveland Ski Area, Georgetown
Pucks for Pups: Unleash your inner do-gooder this Saturday when the Cattle Dogs face the Hound Dawgs in a game of charitable roller hockey at the first annual Puck for Pups, hosted by Athena’s Puppy Cakes. One hundred percent of proceeds from the $7 to $12 entry fees will go to local breed rescuers My Fairy Dawg Mother and New Hope Cattle Dog Rescue. Sniff out the silent auction for gift cards and baskets, including bottle service at Tracks, a Lionsgate Gift Basket, and a Delafoto pet photography session. Tails will wag at the sight of roller derby girls, food trucks, impersonators, and vendors. Bring a bag or can of dog or cat food to receive a dollar off the entry price, but leave your furry friend at home. Saturday, 6 to 9 p.m.; Rocky Mountain Roller Hockey, 3606 S. Independence St.
To submit your event or organization for inclusion in 5280’s weekly “Get Involved” column, email getinvolved@5280.com.