Getting involved doesn’t always mean volunteering in a soup kitchen or running a half marathon, not that we’re opposed to either. This week it means eating delicious food, taking in a magic show, drinking craft beer, patronizing your local art scene, and (!) playing with puppies.

Enjoy music and magic: Bessie’s Hope (formerly Rainbow Bridge) encourages intergenerational relations in nursing homes by facilitating connections between the elders who live there and young people (especially at-risk youth). This Thursday, you can support the nonprofit by attending “An Evening of Music and Magic,” a night of auctions, dinner, and, of course, music and magic. Performers range from magician/comedian Mark Robinson to Denver-based singer/actor Leonard E. Barrett. CBS 4’s Ed Greene will host the event, which costs $150 for regular seating and $250 for patron seating. Those unable to attend can still donate to Bessie’s Hope. Thursday, 5:30 p.m.; Marriott Denver Tech Center, 4900 S. Syracuse St.


—Flavors of Denver

Taste the Flavors of Denver: A benefit gala for the American Live Foundation, Flavors of Denver 2015 is for foodies who want to support a good cause as they indulge in some of the best dishes local chefs have to offer. This year’s participating chefs come from a variety of top-notch Denver restaurants, and will be preparing four-course dinners tableside. Tickets range from $225 for an individual to $2,500 for a table of 10, and a variety of items will be up for auction throughout the night. With more than 30 million people in the United States living with liver disease, the AML’s mission is to educate to promote liver health and disease prevention. Those who can’t attend the event are encouraged to donate to the cause. Thursday, 5:30 to 10 p.m.; Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 East Academy Blvd.

Get Artistic: Support Front Range artists with two unique events ending this week: the High School Art Show (March 20 to April 3) and Boulder Arts Week (March 27 to April 4). The former features an exhibit curated by art teachers from four Colorado high schools and includes everything from ceramic works to jewelry. Boulder Arts Week celebrates Boulder’s artistic and cultural offerings with exhibits, classes, and concerts (check out the full schedule here). Both events are free, though donations are suggested for Boulder Arts Week.

Last, but not least, head over to the Point Gallery on Thursday for “Second Chance at Life,” an art exhibit and fundraiser on behalf of the American Transplant Foundation. The organization works to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation, and proceeds from this event will go towards the foundation’s Patient Assistance Program. For $50 ($30 if you’re a student), patrons will enjoy an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, live painting, and of course, the exhibit itself. The exhibit opens to the public the following day, and will run until April 16th.

High School Art Show: Mon–Fri, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat, noon to 5 p.m.; Center for the Arts Evergreen, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen
Boulder Arts Week: Days, times, and locations vary
Second Chance at Life: Thursday 6:30 to 9 p.m.; Point Gallery, 765 Santa Fe Dr.


—Pete, the Canines of the Rockies’ latest puppy-in-training

Play with Puppies: There are a lot of awesome events going on this Thursday, but if you’re in the mood for something a little more low-key, head over to The Blue Bonnet Cafe for a family-friendly Yappy Hour. The pop-up event fosters awareness for Canines of the Rockies, a nonprofit that trains and raises puppies to become service dogs for Colorado residents with mobility-limiting disabilities. Trainers will be on hand to talk more about the program, and customers can sip specialty margaritas knowing that $1 from each drink supports the cause. Thursday 4 to 7 p.m.; 457 S. Broadway

Drink for the Environment: The Boulder Theater will host the 23rd annual Microbreweries for the Environment this Saturday, complete with music from 10-piece afrobeat collective Atomga and funk septet the Heard. The event costs $25 for a general admission ticket and $50 for VIP ticket, which includes a pre-event reception with the featured breweries, as well as some craft beer swag. At least 14 Colorado microbreweries will be slinging $2 pints, and all proceeds will benefit five local environmental nonprofits. Saturday 7 p.m.; 2032 14th St., Boulder