1 - Goodwill Foundation Goodwill Gala. Casual, fun and interactive evening when prominent artists and community members actually create a work of art during the gala using items donated to Goodwill, Michael's On East, $150/person. For information (941) 955-4483.

7 - Community Video Archives (CVA) Annual Hall of Fame Luncheon. Honorees are inducted into Hall of Fame, Michael's On East, $60/person; sponsorship tables also available. For information (941) 365-7052.

8 - Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) Sparccle on the Bay. Casually elegant evening of silent and live auction, catered buffet and dancing beneath the stars, Crosley Mansion, $150/person. For information (941) 371-3700.

11 - Asolo Theatre Company Purely Asolo. Dinner and show benefiting artistic and educational programs, Asolo Theatre, $200-$500/person. For information (941) 351-9010, ext. 4708.

16 - The Sarasota Waldorf School Great Garden Bash. Benefits the Rainbow Bridge Fund for tuition assistance, $50/person. (941) 379-3199.

21 - SOULSPEAK/Sarasota Poetry Theatre SOULQUEST. Informal sessions for people who wish to learn more about SOULSPEAK poetry or who wish to find a more spiritual way to express themselves, 535 Columbia Court. For information (941) 366-6468.

21 - The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art Third Thursday at Cá d'Zan. Drinks and sunset on the grounds of Cá d'Zan. For information (941) 359-5733.

21 thru 24 - Florida Winefest Wine Auction, The Ritz-Carlton, Saraota. For information (941) 952-1109.

23 - Manasota Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) Celebration dinner and auction. Dinner to publicly recognize accomplishments and reach out to community for financial support and involvment, Bradenton Country Club, $50-$75/person. For information (941) 752-2976.

25 - First Step of Sarasota Annual Golf Classic. Prestancia County Club. For information (941) 552-2065.

29 - United Cerebral Palsy Pajama Party, Michael's On East. For information (941) 957-3599.

30 - The Life of Riley Foundation Riley's Royal Gala. Sarasota's first black-tie gala for children (grades preK-5) and their parents and/or grandparents, The Chelsea Center, $65/children. For information (941) 923-3093.

Other events happening in April:

All Faiths Food Bank Taste of the Nation. Evening of sampling food and wine from numerous Sarasota restaurants, along with music, exercise and laughter, Phillippi Creek Estate. For information (941) 379-6333, Aundria Shooks.

All Faiths Food Bank Giving Hunger the Blues. Daylong festival featuring area bands, games, food and beverage, Hillview Street. For information (941) 379-6333, Aundria Shooks.

American Cancer Society-Sarasota Unit Cattle Baron's Ball, Sarasota Fairgrounds, $150/person. For information (941) 365-2858.

Children's Haven and Adult Community Services, Inc. (CHAC) Third Annual "Handi-capable Award & Celebration." Annual event showcasing an individual with disabilities who has exemplified courage in their own life, as well as the lives of others, Lakewood Ranch. For information (941) 355-8808, ext. 224.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens The Orchid Ball. An elegant evening of dinner and dancing amid the tropical splendor of Selby Gardens, Selby Gardens. For information (941) 366-5731, ext. 227.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mid-Florida Chapter Leadership Luncheon. For information (813) 889-8383 or (800) FIGHT-MS.

Salvation Army-Sarasota Corps. "Cooking With Glitz at The Ritz-Carlton." Cooking demonstration by the Ritz-Carlton's executive chef, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, $75/person. For information (941) 954-4673.

May 2005

1 - Asolo Theatre Company Celebrate the Conservatory. Dinner and show benefiting the FSU/Asolo scholarship fund, The FSU Center for Performing Arts, $25-$250/person. For information (941) 928-7729.

4 - The Family Law Connection, Inc. Family Law Day. Annual luncheon, Michael's On East, $50/person. For information (941) 952-9899.

6 - Operation Serving Children Mother's Day Weekend Gala, The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort, $125/person. For information (941) 378-9755 or (941) 809-7780.

7 - YMCA Foundation of Sarasota, Inc. "Going for the Gold." Dinner and auction, Berlin YMCA Branch, $175/person. For information (941) 951-1336.

7 - Cardinal Mooney High School First Annual Spring Golf and Tennis Tournament, Meadows Country Club. For information (941) 379-2647 Vicki Wagner.

19 - Arthritis Foundation/Southwest Region Arthritis Walk/Run. Fund-raising 5K walk with 1-mile option, Bradenton. For information (800) 741-4008, ext. 227.

19 - SOULSPEAK/Sarasota Poetry Theatre SOULQUEST. Informal sessions for people who wish to learn more about SOULSPEAK poetry or who wish to find a more spiritual way to express themselves, 535 Columbia Court. For information (941) 366-6468.

19 - The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art Third Thursday at Cá d'Zan. Drinks and sunset on the grounds of Cá d'Zan. For information (941) 359-5733.

25 - Community Foundation Scholarship Awards Reception. For information (941) 955-3000.

Other events happening in May:

Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Central Florida and the

Florida Gulf Coast, Inc. Annual golf tournament, Odessa, Fla., $75/person. For information (813) 287-8915.

Easter Seals Southwest Florida, Inc. Meadows Cup Charity Golf Classic, Meadows County Club. For information (941) 355-7637, ext. 412.

Easter Seals Southwest Florida, Inc. "Walk With Me." Walk-a-thon, University of South Florida New College. Meadows County Club (941) 355-7637, ext. 412.