Morningside Ride: A road rally-inspired event, the Morningside Ride: Road Challenge is a test of skill, smarts and savvy. Drivers and navigators will be led on a course throughout Thurston County that will have them searching for clues, finding answers and making pit stops. Drivers, find a navigator and register at www.MorningsideRide.com., for the September 18 road challenge. Cost for your two-person team is $80. Call Jonathan Pleger, 360-596-3539, for additional details.
21st Annual Thurston County Aids Walk: Support United Communities AIDS Network’s delivery of life-saving HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment support services. The walk kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at Sylvester Park, in downtown Olympia. Walk as an individual, family, business, or faith-based team. Log on to: www.olyaidswalk.com to learn more.
Community Estate Sale: A fundraiser for Senior Services for South Sound, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. N.W., Olympia. Items for sale include furniture, housewares, collectibles, craft items, holiday decorations, clothing and kids stuff. Donations are welcome. 360-586-6181, ext. 120 for information, or to schedule a pick up.
Summer Equinox Benefit: Rock out summer, and roll in the fall with three bands, burgers, brats, salmon, and ice cold refreshments, at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at Hidden River Music Society, 15420 Vail Cut-Off Road S.E., Rainier. Admission is $7 in advance, and $12 on the day of the event. Call 360-446-6800, for additional information.
Habitat for Humanity Fifth Annual Blueprints & Bow Ties Auction and Dinner: Enjoy music by Vince Brown and Paul Anastasio to raise money for the local Habitat chapter, at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, at Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Ave. S.E., Lacey. Admission is free.
Dog Gone Bike Tour: A three-course fundraising bicycle ride consisting of a 20-mile family ride, as well as a 40- and a 62-mile ride. The ride begins at 7 p.m., at Sylvester Park, Capitol and Legion Way, in downtown Olympia. Call 360-970-9345 for additional information.
Buddy Walk: The fourth annual Olympia Buddy Walk will kick off around 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Lacey Fire Station 34, 8407 Steilacoom Road S.E. More than 500 people are expected at this event which will feature face painting, door prizes, balloon art, magicians, fire equipment, and children’s play activities. Families with new babies with Down Syndrome will be presented with welcome baskets. Participants will enjoy food and drink, and a speech from Lisa and Dalton, a local couple who both have Down Syndrome, and who just got married. Call Becca Brandt, 360-915-6276, for additional information.
Lacey Lamplighters Annual Garage Sale: Destined to be the largest ever, the Lions have been collecting furniture, kitchen ware, linens, Christmas gifts and lots more. As in the past, the winter clothing drive will be combined with the garage sale. The event kicks off at 9 a.m., and runs until 3 p.m., at the Church of God, 5005 Lacey Blvd. S.E. We are in need of warm coats, jackets, hoodies, boots, back packs, sleeping bags, and warm socks, gloves and hats. These items are distributed to the homeless and needy through several charities. Call 360-456-0395.
“The Beat Goes On”: Sponsored by the Union Gospel Mission, this benefit concert will feature the Jazz Senators, a local 16-piece beg band that specializes in swing era jazz. Also performing will be Union Gospel Mission dental volunteers with a unique version of Seargent Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and a lively number from “The Blues Brothers.” The event kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. S.E., Olympia. Tickets will go on sale September 6, at olytix.org, or by calling the Washington Center box office, 360-753-8586.
Masterworks Harvest Festival Dinner & Auction: Indulge in a superb buffet of hors d’ oeuvres from the Chambers House, Swing, and Cascadia restaurants. Enjoy a live auction, silent auction, and win tantalizing treats in a desserts auction, from 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at The Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. N.W., Olympia. Cost is $40 per person.
