Philanthropy is an incredible thing.  And while many people think immediately of the glossy, shiny galas that raise millions of dollars (as well they should); just as important – especially to those on the receiving end, are those smaller, grass-roots organizations that deal with individuals - especially children.

Always impressive to me are those individuals who have altruistically undertaken to start (and perpetuate) these events, and in so doing, give incredible amounts of not just their fiscal resources, but also great amounts of their time (oftentimes hours a day, for months on end) and energy to the planning and execution of something that lasts for four hours, but will perhaps change a young person’s life, forever.

This Sunday, two such events are taking place – PK Bike Day to benefit the Patrick Kelley Youth Foundation and the children of the Greater Las Vegas After-School All-Stars, and Couture for Causes to benefit the Backpack Program of ThreeSquare.org.  Since both are benefiting wonderful local organizations, I’ve had to plan exactly how I can schedule my day, accordingly.

Fortunately, both events are geared toward families, and are pretty much in the same part of town, so a whole production isn’t required in order to attend both.  So, with only a modicum of planning, you can scratch your philanthropy itch and partake of some of the Valley’s best cooking, all in one afternoon.  Here’s how…

The 8th Annual PK Bike Day takes place at Piero’s (355 Convention Center Drive, off Paradise Road) from 1 - 4pm, this Sunday.  Started by Evan Glusman, H Waldman, and Mike Kelley, in memory of the passing of Mike’s son, Pat; Bike Day raises money to give out bicycles and helmets to deserving children, from around the Las Vegas Valley, who are enrolled in the Greater Las Vegas After-School All-Stars program.  Last, year, 250 kids received bikes and helmets, and more than $40,000 was raised for scholarships.  There is a barbeque for the kids and a fantastic buffet for the attendees, donors and volunteers, with beer from Big Dogs.  There is no per se cost to attend, but guests are asked to make a donation and/or the gift of a new child’s bike and helmet.

While all that’s happening, the 3rd Annual Couture for Causes will be bustling over at the Scotch 80s home of Bree and Jason Goldwater (1403 Westwood Drive, off Charleston), from noon – 5pm.  Equal parts gently-used designer clothing bazaar and backyard barbeque, the event was started by Bree to benefit the kids involved in ThreeSquare.org’s Backpack Program.  With food provided by The Chefs of Wynn|Encore, and drinks by Downtown Cocktail Room, it’s a good time with good eats for the whole family.  Tickets are $40/person, $80/family in advance, and $50/person, $100/family on Sunday.

“But Shulman,” you must be asking yourself, “how do we attend both of these events while maximizing our enjoyment, and minimizing the hassle?”  Well, here’s what I’m doing…  I’m heading-over to Chez Goldwater at noon, and will mingle, peruse, shop, and carouse for an hour and a half, or so.  Then, I’m gonna zip over to Piero’s, hoping to arrive at roughly 2pm.  This way, the food is hot, the beer is cold, and I can watch the kids picking-out their bikes (which is a pretty awesome thing to behold).

3rd Annual Couture for Causes to benefit ThreeSquare.org
Casa Goldwater – 1403 Westwood Drive (Scotch 80s)

8th Annual PK Bike Day to benefit Patrick Kelley Youth Foundation
Piero’s – 355 Convention Center Drive

Sunday, March 27th
Noon – 5pm and 1pm – 4pm, respectively

Get into it!