Causes for Celebration

Causes for Celebration
Stepping out in May is that much sweeter when you can support a good cause. Mark your calendar for these can't-miss fund-raisers.

Taste of Chocolate

May 8, Maggie Valley
Indulge in chocolate goodies galore made by amateurs, professionals, and bed and breakfasts, at this fund-raiser for the Haywood/Jackson Volunteer Center, an organization that promotes community service. Don’t forget to cast your vote for the best presentation.
Maggie Valley Club & Resort, 1819 Country Club Dr.; Saturday, 6-9 p.m.; $20;
(828) 456-6456; www.mountainprojects.org/volunteer

Lure of the Dragons
May 8, Lake Lure
The 2,000-year-old sport of dragon boat racing is celebrated each year on Lake Lure when hundreds of paddlers vie for first place in 30-foot long canoes. Entry fees benefit the youth programs and services of four WNC nonprofit organizations. Activities on the lakeshore celebrate the convergence of Asian-American and Southern culture through food, dance, and handcrafts. Morse Park, 2926 Memorial Hwy.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; www.lureofthedragons.org

Sassy Bras for Classy Broads
May 8, Asheville
Models will walk the runway showcasing more than 20 couture bras fashioned by local designers, during this event to benefit CarePartners Hospice and The Hope Chest for Women of Hope Women’s Cancer Centers. Supporters can bid on the creations, purchase jewelry, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and listen to music by Kat Williams.
The Venue, 21 N. Market St.; Saturday, 6-10 p.m.; $25; www.carepartnersfoundation.org

Collective Spirits Wine Festival
May 21 & 22, Highlands
Oenophiles and amateur winemakers can learn about, taste, and purchase wines at this annual event. The Stock Your Cellars wine tasting party kicks off the weekend on Friday night. Saturday offers multiple symposiums on pairings, aging, and more. The festival closes with a gala wine dinner and auction. Proceeds benefit The Bascom, Highland’s nonprofit visual arts center.
The Bascom, 323 Franklin Rd.; Friday, 6 p.m. wine tasting, Saturday, 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. symposiums, 6 p.m. gala; $100 Friday, $225 Saturday, $295 both days; (828) 526-4949; www.collectivespirits.com

Asheville Idiotarod
May 23, Asheville
Organizers of this 5K race have put a crazy spin on Alaska’s Iditarod for a good cause. Rather than dogsleds, teams of five runners don costumes and push shopping carts, while completing challenges along the way. Proceeds from the event benefit The 1 Day Project, an Asheville nonprofit striving to increase volunteerism. Tree planting and kudzu clearing are what participants can expect from the second installment of this biannual race.
Wedge Brewing Co., 125-B Roberts St.; Sunday, 1 p.m. registration, 2 p.m. race; $20 per person, $100 per team of five; www.raceforawesomeness.com

More Events:
Tour du Life (May 14-16, Beech Mountain, Boone, Newland)
Mutts & Divas Fashion Show (May 16, Asheville)

Asheville GO Party (May 22)
Power of the Purse (May 24, Asheville)