By Chip Chandler — Producer
Spring into action to support some of your favorite causes in a slew of fundraisers throughout April.
Celebration of Hope
The seventh-annual Celebration of Hope gala dinner for Turn Center is set for 6 p.m. April 6 in the Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Ballroom, 401 S. Buchanan St.
The event will include a dinner catered by The Big Texan, a live auction and music by '80s retro band The Cassettes.
Tickets are $150 with limited tables still available. Proceeds benefit the center's efforts in providing physical, occupational and speech therapy for children in the Amarillo area.
Call 806-353-3596.
Autism Awareness Walk & 5K
Amarillo Area Autism in Action will host the eighth-annual Autism Awareness Walk & 5K at 8 a.m. April 7 at Thompson Memorial Park, 2401 Dumas Drive.
Registration for the walk is free, but teams are encouraged to raise funds for NEH Helping Hands, which provides services, resources and supports for families and individuals facing an autism diagnosis.
Call 806-468-9400.
Walk MS: Amarillo 2018
Lace up your shoes for the annual Walk MS: Amarillo on April 7.
The walk begins at 10 a.m. April 7 at Caprock High School, 3001 S.E. 34th Ave.
Registration is free, but teams are encouraged to raise funds for the National MS Society.
Call 855-372-1331 or email fundraisingsupport@nmss.org.
Bowl for Kids' Sake
Aim for a strike at the 30th annual Bowl for Kids' Sake.
The fundraiser begins at 1 p.m. April 7 at Western Bowl, 5120 Canyon Drive.
Bowling times are 1 p.m. (Family Bowl) and 3:15, 5:30 and 7:45 p.m. (Galaxy Bowl).
Cost is $120 for a team of four bowlers, $150 for five and $180 for six. Six VIP lanes will be open for $300 per lane for teams of four to six.
Proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Texas Panhandle.
Registration deadline is March 23 to guarantee event T-shirts.
Call 806-351-2210.
Gather for Graysen Chili Cook-Off
The American Legion Hanson Post 54 will host Gather for Graysen Chili Cook-Off to benefit Our Children's Blessing.
The party will feature live music by Lee Scheetz, The RagTown Chiefs and Danny Ruiz & Gypsy Renegade, as well as a silent auction and the cook-off.
It will run 1 to 6 p.m. April 7 at the American Legion Hanson Post 54, 617 S.W. Seventh Ave.
Admission is $10 for ages 13 and older, or $5 for veterans and first responders.
Email gatherforgraysen@yahoo.com.
Amarillo Ducks Unlimited Banquet
The Amarillo chapter of Ducks Unlimited will hold its annual banquet at 5 p.m. April 7 at River Falls Bed and Breakfast, 6901 Wild Horse Trail.
The event will feature silent and live auctions, raffles, prizes and games. Catering is by Cattle Exchange Restaurant from Canadian.
Tickets are $20 for children 16 and younger, $45 for singles and $80 for couples. Reservations are requested by April 6.
Proceeds benefit wetlands conservation efforts.
Call 806-290-0916.
The Hard Road
Photographer Jim Livingston and Amarillo poets will join forces for a fundraiser for The Chalice Abbey.
The Hard Road runs from 2 to 5 p.m. April 8 (previously scheduled for March 11) at the Chalice Abbey, 2717 Stanley St.
It will feature a five-year retrospective of Livingston's work, with poets Wes Reeves, Ryan Archer, Margie Netherton, William Netherton and Jim Anderson reciting new work inspired by the photos.
Folk singer-songwriter Mike Fuller will perform, and Cody Anderson of Cowboy Gelato Smokehouse and Tiffany Henderson Bateman will provide desserts.
Each attendee will receive a matted, signed print and a chance to win a photo on canvas.
Tickets are $60 each or $100 for couples. The abbey sells arts and crafts by artists from impoverished countries at fair-trade price.
Call 806-576-2480.
Power of the Purse
Former first lady Laura W. Bush will give the keynote speech at a celebration of an institute bearing her name.
The 10th annual Power of the Purse luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. April 11 in the Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Ballroom, 401 S. Buchanan St.
The luncheon also will feature a purse auction at 10:30 a.m.
Proceeds benefit the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women's Health, which encourages scientific research and medical education in women's health.
Tickets are $100. (UPDATE: The luncheon is now sold out.)
Call 806-414-9941.
Golden Nail Awards
The traditional celebration of Amarillo-area arts supporters is getting a face lift.
The 36th annual Golden Nail Awards will move away from a formal, sit-down dinner and present awards on stage at 6:30 p.m. April 12 in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St. Jason Crespin of Amarillo Little Theatre will be master of ceremonies.
The party will feature booths from arts groups, music from jazz combo The Martinis and heavy hors d'oeuvres by Chef Rocky Dunnam of Nineteen49 Catering.
Tickets are $45 and benefit the Amarillo Convention and Visitor Council's arts committee, which provides funding for Amarillo arts groups.
Call 806-342-2023 or email kashion@visitamarillo.com.
Relay for Life of Canyon
An overnight walk in Canyon will help raise funds for American Cancer Society.
The annual Relay for Life of Canyon runs from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. April 13 at Buffalo Sports Park on the campus of West Texas A&M University.
Registration is free, but teams and individuals are encouraged to raise money for the cancer society.
Call 806-654-1015.
CASA Warrior Challenge
Tackle a custom-designed obstacle course in this new fundraiser activity for Amarillo Area Court Appointed Special Advocates.
The CASA Warrior Challenge runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 14 at Amarillo Netplex, 4101 Hillside Road.
Gold's Gym staff members have designed an obstacle course open to all skill levels and ages, plus mini-challenges for the youngest children. Medals will be awarded to the top three competitors in each category.
Entry fee is $50 for adults and $25 for children (or $10 for children with each registered adult).
Call 806-373-2272.
Blue Man Dash 5K / Autism Awareness Walk
Panhandle ABA Resource Association will host its first Blue Man Dash 5K / Autism Awareness Walk on April 14.
The event — which will feature both a timed 5K race and a walk — begins at 9 a.m. April 14 at Carter Fitness Center on the Amarillo College Washington Street campus.
The event also will include a silent auction, kid-friendly activities, entertainment and refreshments.
Entry fee is $5 for children ages 11 to 17 and $10 for ages 18 and older.
Call 806-681-5518 or email info@paraaba.com.
Walkin' for Wishes
Make-A-Wish recipients and supporters will stroll side by side at Walkin' for Wishes on April 14.
The fundraising event, sponsored by the Upsilon Zeta chapter of Chi Omega, will begin at 10 a.m. April 14 on the pedestrian mall at West Texas A&M University in Canyon.
Registration fees are $35 for ages 12 and older and $25 for ages 5 to 11. Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish North Texas.
Call 806-930-1458 or email WTChiOmegaWalkinForWishes@gmail.com.
Ascension Academy's Friendly Feud Gala
Survey says: Ascension Academy has a new fundraising event.
The Friendly Feud Gala will feature corporate and family teams from the Amarillo area facing off in a live game show hosted by Amarillo Little Theatre's Jason Crespin.
The event begins at 6 p.m. April 14 in West Texas A&M University's Legacy Hall in the Jack B. Kelley Student Center.
Attendees also will enjoy dinner, drinks, live and silent auctions, and dancing.
Tickets are $100; sponsorships are available.
Call 806-342-0515.
Boots & Bling
Country band Shenandoah will headline an annual fundraiser for Swisher Memorial Hospital Foundation.
The band will perform at the Boots & Bling Gala, which begins at 6 p.m. April 14 at River Falls Bed and Breakfast, 6901 Wild Horse Trail.
The gala will include live and silent auctions, a steak dinner and hors d'oeuvres from Joe's Catering and a cash bar.
Tickets are $150, with sponsorships available up to $10,000.
Call 806-995-8205.
Amarillo Policeman's Ball
The men and women in blue will be celebrated at the annual Amarillo Policeman's Ball.
The dinner and dance will begin at 6:30 p.m. April 14 in the Amarillo Civic Center Complex Grand Plaza, 401 S. Buchanan St.
Dinner will be catered by Dyer's Barbecue, with a keynote speech by Mayor Ginger Nelson and music by Velvet Funk.
Tickets are $50, with tables available. Proceeds benefit Amarillo Police Exploring Post 5507.
Call 806-378-4252 or email martin.birkenfeld@amarillo.gov.
Spring Fling
Amarillo College's 2018 distinguished alumnus will be recognized at Spring Fling — A Celebration of Education.
The event begins at 6 p.m. April 19 on the Oeschger Family Mall on the AC Washington Street campus.
Tickets are $50, with sponsorships available for $250 to $3,000.
Proceeds benefit AC scholarships.
Call 806-371-5107 or email kbdowdy@actx.edu.
Best of Texas Storyteller Gala
The men behind the hits will be in the spotlight at Junior League of Amarillo's spring fundraiser.
The Best of Texas Storyteller Gala is set for 6 p.m. April 20 at Cornerstone Ranch Events Center, 1901 Cement Road.
Songwriters Wendell Mobley, Paul Overstreet and Lee Thomas Miller will perform and speak at the event, which also includes dinner, bar and live and silent auctions.
Tickets are $200; sponsorships are available.
Call 806-374-0802.
Second Chance Prom
The 10th annual Second Chance Prom will sparkle in a new location.
The event, a fundraiser for Martha's Home, will begin at 7 p.m. April 21 at Amarillo Netplex, 4101 Hillside Road.
The prom will feature hors d'ouevres from several Amarillo restaurants, dancing with DJ Paul Carter of Ultimate Events & Weddings and aerial artists from Flying Fitness Aerial Arts, as well as a cash bar, prom photos, a silent auction and more.
Tickets are $45 for singles and $85 for couples; tables are available for $350. Proceeds benefit the home's efforts to provide shelter, support, assistance and second chances for homeless women and mothers with children.
Call 806-443-5577 or email sarah@marthashome.org.
Relay for Life of Panhandle Plains
Teams will take laps and make money at the annual Relay for Life of Panhandle Plains.
The annual event, which raises funds for the American Cancer Society, begins at 6 p.m. April 27 at Polk Street United Methodist Church, 1401 S. Polk St.
Teams will sell refreshments and offer other services at booths during the relay.
Registration is free, but teams and individuals are encouraged to raise money for the cancer society.
Call 806-353-4306.
Giddy Up for Tex 5K Run/Walk
The giant cowboy in Canyon will be getting a leg up thanks to a new fundraiser.
The Giddy Up for Tex 5K Run/Walk will begin at 9 a.m. April 28 on the downtown square in Canyon, where the race also will end.
Lone Star Runners' Club will time the race, but casual walkers are invited, as well.
Registration fee is $30; those who register by April 16 will get a free event T-shirt.
Proceeds will benefit the Tex Randall Project, which continues to provide for maintenance of the tall cowboy statue on U.S. Highway 60 in Canyon.
Call 806-656-6833.
March for Babies
Tiny humans will get a big boost thanks to the annual March for Babies.
This year's 2.5-mile walk begins at 10 a.m. April 28 at Town Square Village, 9200 Town Square Blvd.; on-site registration begins at 9 a.m., and opening ceremonies begin at 9:45 a.m.
Registration is free, but individuals and teams are encouraged to raise funds for March of Dimes.
Proceeds benefit March of Dimes' efforts to increase full-term pregnancies and help with issues related to premature births.
Call 806-553-2391.
Saddle Up & Save a Life
Texas country favorites Randy Rogers Band will headline Saddle Up & Save a Life, a fundraiser for Heal the City free clinic.
The event begins at 6:30 p.m. April 28 at the Piehl Barn, 900 Farm-to-Market Road 2381 in Bushland.
The evening will include dinner, music, dancing, open bar and silent and live auctions.
Tables are $2,500 and $5,000. (UPDATE: The event is sold out.)
Call 806-236-5454 or 806-231-2894.
Gatsby Party
Amarillo Little Theatre Guild will revisit the Roaring '20s with a second Gatsby Party.
The second annual party begins at 8 p.m. April 28 at Encore House, 501 S. Grant St.
The party will feature heavy hors d'oeuvres from Imperial Taproom, an open bar, live entertainment and dancing, live auction, wine pull and coffee from Palace Coffee. The Great Gatsby-inspired attire or formal attire is requested.
Tickets are $75 in advance or $100 at the door. Proceeds benefit Amarillo Little Theatre.
Call 806-355-9991.
Chip Chandler is a producer for Panhandle PBS. He can be contacted at Chip.Chandler@actx.edu, at @chipchandler1 on Twitter and on Facebook.
