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With walks, fund-raisers, and luncheons, there are more exciting volunteering opportunities taking place this week than we could possibly list, but here are a few of our favorites.
Reach for the Peak: Have you heard of Urban Peak, the only nonprofit organization in Denver specifically geared toward helping homeless youth? If not, join them early Thursday morning for a community breakfast where you can learn about the invaluable assistance and support they provide to young Denverites experiencing homelessness. Reach for the Peak will take place in Grand Hyatt Denver’s Imperial Ballroom and feature remarks from staff and a former Urban Peak youth. Thu 7:45 a.m.; Grand Hyatt Denver Imperial Ballroom
9/11 Stair Climb: Ascend the plentiful stairs at Red Rocks in remembrance of 9/11. The route to the top is equivalent to 110 stories—the height of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers. Proceeds benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Thu 8 a.m.; Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Take Care: The annual Day of Caring—which was cancelled last year due to the devastating floods—returns this Friday as the largest single-day volunteer event in Boulder and Broomfield counties. The community-wide effort will engage more than 1,000 volunteers in 45-plus projects, ranging from playground revitalization to ornament decorating and clothing drives. Sign up for a project as a business, group, family, or individual by Wednesday, September 10. It’s part community celebration, part volunteer effort—and a whole lot of do-gooder fun. Fri 8 a.m.; locations vary
Hang with the Big Dogs: Lace up your shoes doe a 5K run with your four-legged friend. Enjoy food, drinks, and music afterward, as well as the company of pups, some of which are in need of a home. This fitness-focused event supports Big Dogs Huge Paws, an organization that rescues and re-houses neglected large-breed dogs. Sat 7:30 a.m.; Centennial Central Park
Black-Tie Affair: While the Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center’s Annual Gala is sure to deliver a night of glamour, the organization’s mission is anything but lighthearted. All proceeds (tickets start at $175) raised go toward MS research and education, as well as support and care for diagnosed individuals and their families. Sat 6 p.m.; Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
Climbing Counts: A relaxed Sunday morning hike with the family is all that’s required to raise crucial funds for hospice care in Denver. Hike for Hospice will take climbers to the 7,600-foot summit of Mount Lindo in Morrison where they can release a butterfly or balloon in memory of a loved one. The $30 registration fee ($40 on the morning of the event) will help support Porter Hospice and St. Anthony Hospice, two nonprofits in the Denver-metro area. Visit the event website for more information. Sun 7:30 a.m.; Olinger Mount Lindo