2 - Second Chance Last Opportunity Annual luncheon and silent auction. For more information, (941) 360-8660.

11 - Mana-Sota Lighthouse for the Blind Dr. James Morrish Sr. Memorial Golf Challenge, El Conquistador Country Club, $150 per player. For more information, (941) 359-1404.

13 - Florida Restaurant Association (FRA), Sarasota Chapter Taste of Sarasota Chef's Competition. Local chefs create their signature dishes. Event benefits local children's charities and affordable housing programs. Hyatt, Sarasota, $50/person, $75/couple. For more information, (941)360-7777.

17 - SOULSPEAK/Sarasota Poetry Theatre SOULQUEST, 535 Columbia Court, free. For more information, (941) 366-6468.

18 - Junior Achievement Bowl-A-Thon. Bowling tournament, Sarasota Lanes, donations only. For more information, (941) 749-5301.

18 - Lutheran Services Florida Sunset Silent Auction. The Chelsea Center, $30 in advance, $35 at the door. For more information, (941) 358-6330.

24-26 - The Great Outdoors Conservancy Oktoberfest Suncoast. Bavarian folk festival, Manatee Fairgrounds, $6/adult. For more information, (941) 708-3456.

25 - Cardinal Mooney High School Fall Golf tournament. Laurel Oak Golf and Country Club. For more information, (941) 379-2647, Vicki Wagner.

Other events happening in September:

Family Network on Disabilities of Manatee/Sarasota, Inc. Christmas wreath sales. Fresh live Wisconsin Christmas wreaths, August-September 2004. Call (941) 358-0275 to place order.

October 2004

1 - Hispanic Center at The Diocese of Venice Noche de Celebracion. Silent auction, dinner and dancing. Special Latino musical presentation, Michael's On East, $100/person. For more information, (941) 377-5965.

1 thru 3 - The Great Outdoors Conservancy Oktoberfest Suncoast in Sarasota County. Bavarian folk festival, Sarasota Fairgrounds, $6/adult, 12 and under free. For more information (941) 708-3456.

2 - Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Florida Suncoast Affiliate Race for the Cure. Nationally sanctioned 5K race that draws participants from all over the region, Straub Park, St.Petersburg, Fla., $20/person prior to September, $25 after Sept. 1. For more information (941) 360-8668.

4 - Sarasota Infant Home, Inc. Sarasota Panhellenic Alumni Baby shower. For more information (941) 266-1520.

6 - United Cerebral Palsy of Sarasota-Manatee, Inc. Someone's in the Kitchen with Tommy and Phil. Interactive dinner with Tommy Klauber and Phil Mancini, Michael's On East. For more information (941) 957-3599.

7 - N.A.A.C.P. Sarasota County Branch Freedom Awards Banquet. Annual recognition of citizens in various areas for their outstanding contributions, Hyatt Sarasota, $75/person. For more information (941) 355-2097.

8 - Gifts From God of Sarasota, Inc. "Hope for the Hurting". Dinner gala, Michael's On East, free of charge; love offering will be taken. For information (941) 485-4707.

8 - The Smith Center for Therapeutic Riding Casino Night. Cocktails, dinner, silent and live auction, The Chelsea Center, $50/person. For information (941) 412-9333.

9 - Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Black & White Ball "Unmasked". Black-tie gala, Michael's On East, $200/person. For information (941) 379-8992.

15 - Sarasota K-9 Search and Rescue First Annual Dinner Fundraiser. Silent auction and keynote speakers, including Congresswoman Katherine Harris and television host John Walsh, Serendipity Golf Club, $150/person. For information (941) 412-3754.

16 - The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art UnGala Gala. Black-tie gala event, Ringling Museum, $225/person. For information (941) 359-5733.

16 - Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Florida Suncoast Affiliate Circle of Hope. Day of shopping, St. Armands Circle. For information (941) 360-8668.

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.

22 - Junior Achievement Dooley Mack Golf Tournament, University Park, $500/foursome. For information (941) 921-4636.

22 - Backlot Arts, Inc. (The Backlot) Backlot Brawl. Exclusive, first-class championship boxing event, Municipal Auditorium, $1,000/person. For information (941) 400-8401.

23 - Manasota Solve, Inc. Golf Tournament. Golf tournament including BBQ buffet, raffle and silent auction at dinner, Misty Creek County Club, $100/person. For information (941) 748-0094.

23 - Community AIDS Network C.A.N. Dance. Ballroom championship dancing event, Michael's On East, $125/person. For information (941) 925-9060.

24 - Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 4th Annual Cystic Fibrosis Celebrity Golf Classic, Laurel Oak Country Club, $150/person. For information (941) 952-5836.

24 - Sarasota Opera Curtain Raiser Don Giovanni. Toast the opera's 46th season before performance of Don Giovanni, Michael's On East, $150/person. For information (941) 366-8450, ext. 246.

24 - Florida Restaurant Association (FRA), Sarasota Chapter 20th Annual "Taste of Sarasota". Benefit for All Faiths Food Bank showcasing restaurants from around the city presenting samples of their cuisine, downtown Sarasota, $5/adults, children 14 and under, free. For information (941) 355-1447.

28 - The Hospital Foundation Fashion Show. Fashion show to raise funds for student healthcare scholarship awards, Plantation Golf & Country Club, $35/person. For information (941) 483-7557.