Charitable activities/Fundraisers

• Donations to American Red Cross can be made at www.redcross.org, 800-HELP-NOW (800-435-7669) to help those affected by recent hurricanes. Other donation options include texting REDCROSS to 90999 to donate or mailing to American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839.

• Disaster Relief at Work (DRAW), a nonprofit based in Waterford Twp., is working to help those affected by by recent hurricanes. The nonprofit relies on community support through donations and volunteers at DRAW’s warehouse to help those affected by natural disasters. To help or donate, visit https://drawbuckets.org or call 947-222-8985.

• Shred your documents at Shred Polio fundraiser, 9 a.m.-noon, Oct. 28, in the Bordine’s parking lot at 1835 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, for $10 per carload, approximately five boxes or bags, will be securely shredded. Pick-up service is available for a $20 fee. Paper and light cardboard only. To schedule a pick up, contact 248-408-9868.

• Habitat Oakland will host Blueprints & Blue Jeans, the 12th Annual Fall Gala, Nov. 1, at the M1 Concourse Event Center in Pontiac. The gala will highlight Habitat homeowners, volunteers and supporters. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the event will consist of cocktails, dinner by Andiamo Italia, dancing, a silent auction and a live auction. Tickets start at $200+, www.habitatoakland.org/event/12th-annual-fall-gala.

• “A Night to Embrace” Judson Center Centennial Gala, is 5:30-11 p.m. Nov. 1, at The Henry, 300 Town Center Drive in Dearborn, gourmet dinner, entertainment, auctions, raffles, fundraiser for Judson Center human service agency, www.judsoncenter.org/gala, $350+.

• 7th Annual Accent Pontiac 5K Green Bucket Run/Walk is 9:30-11 a.m. Nov. 2, at Kirk in the Hills, 1340 Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Township, $40 registration and walk-ins, https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/BloomfieldHills/KirkGreenBucketRun.

• Courses XXVI Chef’s Dinner: “A Fantasy of Michigan Apples” is 6 p.m. Nov 2, at Fifty-One O One in the John McDonald Student and Culinary Arts Center (Building M on the main campus), Dearborn, to support the HFC Hospitality Scholarship Fund, $65 each, register at https://foundation.hfcc.edu/culinary-scholarship-dinner.

• Michigan Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to host Purple Light, 6 p.m. Nov. 3, at Gilda’s Club Detroit — Garden, 3517 Rochester Road, Royal Oak, to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer at a special PurpleLight ceremony, register at https://pancan.org, www.facebook.com/groups/pancanmichigan.

• Meadow Brook Gala is Nov. 8, Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive, Rochester featuring a glamorous evening at the estate that includes a special look inside the newly opened De Carlo Visitor Center, alongside an exquisite evening of live strings and fine dining at the historic mansion, including a champagne toast and full bar, live music, a five-course gourmet dinner, glittering reception. Tickets are $500, at meadowbrookhall.org/gala.

• The Youth Community Agency announces Gatsby’s Charity Affair, to support teens and poverty-driven families in metro Detroit is 6-10 p.m. Nov. 9, at Hunt Street Station, 2200 Hunt Street, Detroit, entertainment, DJs, silent auction. tickets at www.youthcommunityagency.org, (free parking available).

• The Zekelman Holocaust Hosts its 40th Anniversary Benefit Dinner, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 10, at Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit. The annual fundraising event will celebrate honorees Marcie and Rob Orley and features keynote speaker Mitch Albom. Purchase tickets at https://holocaustcenter.org/events/anniversary-benefit.

• Paint a Miracle hosts Miracle at Meadow Brook exhibit event is 7 p.m. Nov. 13, Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive, Rochester. The event will feature a curated exhibit of unique, one-of-a-kind art pieces created by Paint a Miracle artists, available for viewing and purchase. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy self-guided tours of Meadow Brook Hall. All proceeds from art sales will directly benefit the talented artists of Paint a Miracle. Ticket sales will close at noon on Nov. 4. Tickets can be purchased at https://paintamiracle.cbo.io. Tickets are $100 each, two for $175, or six for $450.

• GMAR Gives Back is 6-10 p.m. Nov. 15, at Fifth Avenue, 215 West 5th Street, Royal Oak, to support Shades of Pink, ages 21+, includes two drinks and appetizers, tickets are $50 until Oct 31, then $60 up until the day of the event, Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors, https://gmaronline.com/event/2024-11-15/gmar-gives-back.

• Volunteers of America Michigan Holidays of Hope Gala is 6 p.m. Nov. 16 at M1 Concourse, 1 Concourse Dr, Pontiac. The fundraiser will feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, gourmet dinner catered by Andiamo, live and service auctions, slot car racing, professional drivers, cocktail attire requested, www.voami.org/holidaysofhope, tickets are $175+.

Community events

• Shoppe Sylvan is noon-4 p.m. Nov. 3, at Sylvan Lake Community Center, 2456 Pontiac Drive, Sylvan Lake, $1 admission.

• Waterford Festival of the Arts craft and vendor fair is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 9, at Waterford Recreation Center, 5640 Williams Lake Road, Waterford Twp., 248-674-5441, admission is $1 per person.

Fall/Halloween activities

• Free Ghostly Glow Dance Party is 3-5 p.m. Oct. 27, at Lathrup Village City Hall Community Room, Lathrup Village, DJ & dancing, costume contest and glow party fun, light refreshments, tickets are free but registration is required, bit.ly/LVGhostlyGlow.

• Trunk or Treat is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 27, at Pontiac Trail and East Walled Lake Drive, across the street from Greenhouse of Walled Lake, presented by the Greenhouse and Walled Lake Mayor Linda Ackley, https://walledlake.us.

• Halloween Open Barn is 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 27, at Pan Equus Animal Sanctuary-PEAS, 940 Hummer Lake Road, Oxford, farm animals, hayride and bonfire (weather permitting) free entry, donations and donated returnable cans and bottles appreciated.

• Angels Night Fun Fest and Lights On Trunk or Treat is 5-8 p.m. Oct. 30, for Oakland County residents at M1 Concourse, 45399 Woodward Ave., Pontiac, presented by the Pontiac Community Policing Team. The Oakland County Sheriff’s SWAT Vehicles, Mounted Unit, Marine Unit and other unique law enforcement equipment will be on display, climbing wall, music, bounce houses, food and candy, the community is welcome to register their vehicle to pass out candy, set up begins at 4 p.m., https://m1concourse.com.

• Hoedown is 6-8 p.m. Nov. 8 at Novi Parks and Recreation Cultural Services, 45175 West 10 Mile Road in Novi. Designed for individuals ages 18 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the event includes music, dancing and pizza, $10/participant and $5/caregiver and preregistration is required by Nov. 1, at OaklandCountyParks.com or call 248-858-0916.

• Friday Night Hayrides are Fridays through Nov. 1 at Heritage Park, 24915 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills, hayrides are $5; free for children younger than 2, cider and s’mores kit for $1. Hayrides are 5:30-7 p.m., hayrides leave every half hour from the Farmington Hills Nature Center parking lot, advance registration recommended at bit.ly/3Sb4OBp, 248-473-1870, hayrides are $5, s’mores and cider kit are $1, rain or shine.

• Drop-in Hayrides are Noon-1 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 21, at Hess-Hathaway Park, 825 S. Williams Lake Road, Waterford Twp., not offered if raining, $5 per person, free for 2 years and younger, www.waterfordmi.gov/1329/Parks-Recreation.

Health activities

• Vampire blood drive with American Red Cross is noon-7 p.m. Oct. 29, at the American Legion, 2079 West 12 Mile Road, Berkley, www.facebook.com/berkleyamericanlegion.

Library activities

• Know Your Digital Services including e-Books, Libby and Hoopla is 5:30-6:30 p.m. Nov. 6, at Salem-South Lyon District Library, registration required at https://ssldl.info/about_us/events.php.

• “Connected but Disconnected-Fostering Genuine Communication in the Age of Screens with Samantha Walters, MSW” is 7 p.m. Nov. 7, at Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Road, Rochester, in partnership with the Rochester Area Youth Assistance League’s Family Education Committee, open to the public. Registration is required at calendar.rhpl.org or call 248-656-2900.

Parks

• Oakland County Parks Historian Carol Bacak-Egbo presents “Six Little Graves on a Hillside: Discovering Stories Tucked Away in Cemeteries,” at 7-8 p.m. Oct. 30, via Zoom at https://oakgov.zoom.us/j/95421287054#success, free.

• TrailBlazer Walking Series-“Owls,” is 6-7 p.m. Nov. 8, at Independence Oaks County Park, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Independence Twp., one-mile informational hikes, dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. Text name and number of people attending to reserve a spot at 248-221-8040, www.oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks/events, free event, park entrance fees apply.

• Inflatable Olympics, an afternoon of family fun is 2-4:30 p.m. Nov. 9, at Springfield Oaks Event Center, 12451 Andersonville Road, Springfield Twp., timed contests like inflatables, puzzles and more. Teams of up to five participants each may compete. Prizes will be awarded to the top competitors, best team name and best dressed. All ages are welcome. Cost is $15/team. Preregister by calling 248-846-6558 or emailing parkandrec@springfield-twp.us by Nov. 1.

• Huron-Clinton Metroparks in Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne, metroparks.com. Park entrance fees apply.

• Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas, michigan.gov/dnr. Park entrance fees apply.

Support activities/Resources

• Free Day Off for Metro Detroit Caregivers with Loved Ones with Dementia is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 10, at Soul Cafe, 5586 Drake Road, West Bloomfield Twp., 248-592-5032. Caregivers will be treated to yoga, massage, music therapy, food, and educational activities designed to provide insight, resources and support. Before arriving at the event, caregivers will be able to drop their loved ones off at the nearby Brown Program, 6720 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield Twp. where they will be taken care of by staff and provided snacks and lunch, and music games. Register by Oct. 30, with Sharilyn Rowe at 248-592-5032 or email her at srowe@jslmi.org.

Submit community events online at https://bit.ly/40a2iAm.