Events to Attend

Mental Health 2016 Colorado Candidate Forum – Denver: This first community event of a four-part series introduces you to this year’s state legislature candidates to discuss the future of mental health policy. Each forum will host a meet-and-greet with about five candidates from both parties, followed by a one-hour panel session. Submit questions for candidates in advance online or via email to Mental Health Colorado, a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocate for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. Check out the three other events in September and learn more here. Tuesday, 5:30–7 p.m., Temple Emanuel, 51 Grape St.; free

Writing the Code for Success Gala & Auction: You might have met today’s emerging teach leaders at last week’s Denver Startup Week, but this event is focused on cultivating the bright minds of the future. The 11th annual fundraiser for OpenWorld Learning, an educational nonprofit bringing digital technology and peer teaching to after-school programming, features a packed schedule to honor their organization’s mission and committed members. Join 400 attendees in feasting on buffet-style plates of sushi, lobster, crudités, and more by Alain Veratti of Crepes n’ Crepes as you bid on auction items, including a trip to the Kentucky Derby and an exclusive dinner for 12 cooked by Veratti. Tuesday, 5:30–9 p.m.; Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd.; $250

Laughs for Love with Brett Siddell: Giving back doesn’t get much easier than laughing through a night of comedy. Enjoy craft cocktails, chorizo sliders, calamari, and other filling appetizers from Luke’s, A Steak Place, as comedian Brett Siddell leads you through a one-hour special, his first in 10 years. A live and silent auction features items from Tiffany & Co., the Colorado Rapids, Three Tomatoes Grille at Fossil Trace Golf Club, and more. Each ticket includes two complimentary drink tickets and benefits Saint Vincent de Paul, a children’s refuge in Jerusalem in need of facility renovations and child care supplies. Learn more and donate here. Friday, 6:30–10 p.m.; The American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th St., Golden; $60

Moments Notice 35th Anniversary Bash: When an entertainment company celebrates 35 years of top-notch celebrations, you know it’ll be a good party. Moments Notice is bringing out its variety bands JBX and ClubX for a night of dancing and drinking (cash bar available). Ticket sales and 10 percent of meal purchases at the Tavern Lowry benefit PlatteForum, a nonprofit supporting artists and under-served youth in the Denver metro area with long-term arts programs. Friday, 7–11 p.m.; Soiled Dove Underground at Lowry, 7401 E. 1st Ave.; $120

Our Neighbors, Ourselves Gallery & Fundraiser: There’s no shortage of opportunities to celebrate our rich cultural communities in Denver, but this event helps extend that sense of belonging to the 20,000 to 30,000 refugees living in the Mile High City. Themed “Finding Refuge,” this fourth annual fundraiser presents the work of about 25 local mixed media artists, as well as live performances by indie folk quartet Porlolo, Tom Hagerman’s Grande Orquesta Navarre, and members of the hip-hop group Flobots. Enjoy a spread crafted by Lucas Chandler and Jeff Webb of Blank Slate as you peruse and purchase artwork; proceeds benefit Project Worthmore, a nonprofit that supports local refugees from countries such as Burma, Congo, Sudan, and Somalia. Saturday, 6–10 p.m.; Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St.; $60

Run10Feed10 Fun Run: This 5K and 10K race is presented in partnership with Women’s Health Magazine and FEED, a social business selling products to fight against hunger around the world. Every registered runner guarantees 10 donated meals to hungry kids in the Denver metro area, but if that’s not enough to get you out of bed on a Saturday morning, you’ll also be rewarded with a 2016 limited-edition FEED pouch and bracelet, as well as a post-race wellness festival with yoga sessions, nutrition consultations, and more giveaways from companies like Vitafusion and Hoka One One. Saturday, 8 a.m.; Boulder Running Company, 8116 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton; $35

Distinctly Colorado: A Farm to Table Event: Think you know Colorado’s most distinctive cuisine? Put your taste buds to the test at this fundraising event by Sense of Security, a nonprofit providing financial aid to breast cancer patients. Enjoy a rustic spread made exclusively from Colorado vendors, including locally raised beef and chicken from Grand Junction’s Okagawa Farms and crafted cocktails, wine, and beer by Catering by Design. Tin Brother, a Denver-based acoustic guitar-and-bass duo, will strum along while guests enjoy wagon rides around the park’s 12 acres, play outdoor games like horse shoes and panning for gold, and meet with Sense of Security’s grantees. Saturday, 5–9 p.m.; Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest St.; $89–$150