I’d like to think we were way ahead of the game on this one. I mean, we posted about LA Works (our fave local volunteer org) last April! Not everyone can afford to write big checks  to charities, so why not give your time and energy to working with organizations that need help?

There is no better time to jump on the volunteering bandwagon than now! And there’s no better place to start than the City Labs Community Service Fair this Saturday. The fair will help you connect with 50 local non-profits who need your help! With so many organizations in one place, you’re sure to find something that suits your interests and abilities. There will also be a DJ, raffles, and a handful of fun workshops throughout the afternoon.

The fair will take place Saturday, January 23rd from 11am-4pm at the California Market Center. There is a $5 suggested donation at the door, but that gets you a free drink ticket and a raffle ticket! You can get more info. by checking out the Yelp page for this event.

This is BJ Novak... He probably won't be there

Friday
12 Shiny Nickles – Got $5 and a bottle of two buck Chuck? Then you should check out the 12 Shiny Nickels show in West Hollywood. Starting at 11pm for $5 you get in to see twelve comics from around the country do 5 minutes of their best stand-up. This is perfect for any of you out there with entertainment ADD. What makes this even better is the fact that the venue has no required drink minimum and is BYOB for food and booze, so mix a drink in your thermos, grab some pop-tarts, and prepare yourself for a good night!
Cost: $5

Saturday
ActorFest – This is a free event from 9am-6pm in Downtown where actors can talk to industry professionals, get advice, and anything else they need to jumpstart or boost their career and there will also be free stuff so you can’t go wrong. It’s totally free but you do have to register.
Cost: FREE

South Pasadena Block Party – Merchants on Mission Street in South Pasadena hold special open houses and hand out Goody Bags and discounts in their pre-holiday Block Party. From Fair Oaks Pharmacy to City Hall, shops and services on both sides of the street will participate. Strolling musicians and guest artisans, too!
Cost: FREE

The actual file name of this image is Mambo06... I hope I'm not the only one who finds that hilarious.

Mambo Dance Party – Take a free beginner mambo class from Mambo Inc. from 6pm – 8:30pm and go to a party with dancing and a show from 9:30pm – 1am for $5! You can also take extra classes from 8:30pm – 9:30pm for $12 or $20 for both classes and the party!
Cost: FREE – $20.00

Sunday
House Party Swap and Shop – This is a big Sunday for all you shoppers out there. First we have the House Party Swap and Shop. In addition to the swap itself, there will be a guest lounge, door prize raffle, and vendors offering handmade items. The rules of the swap are fairly complicated but they’re all listed here along with the location. Doors open at 12pm. Note: This event is in OC but we thought it was worth the trek for free stuff!
Cost: FREE

Shop for a Cause – Go to Warwick in Echo Park to get some shopping done while you do your part for charity. Warwick is donating 50% of all proceeds from 1pm-7pm to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. There will also be complimentary food and beverages!
Cost: subjective

September 3rd: Wine and Jazz
3 live jazz bands, 20+ international wines for tasting

September 10th: Beer, Bourbon, and Rock
3 live rock bands, beer, 10+ bourbons for tasting

September 17th: Whiskey and Blues
3 live blues bands, 15+ scotches and whiskies for tasting

September 24th: Sake, Sushi, and DJs
3 live DJs, 15+ sakes for tasting  

Dance Downtown (Ballroom) – The Music Center is once again holding its Dance Downtown. There will be free beginner dance lessons and this time it’s International Ballroom! Dance (or learn how) to the sounds of live music by The Fabulous Esquires. 
Cost: FREE 

Saturday: 

Barefoot Beach Clean Up – Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project in cooperation with The Surfrider Foundation is bringing people together to clean up Bolsa Chica Beach in Huntington Beach from 9am – 11am. In addition anyone who comes to the clean up will be treated to a celebration with free Barefoot Wine, food, and music by Mason Jennings. Remember to RSVP on the event invitation. 
Cost: FREE 

Drum Downtown – Another one from the Music Center. Start your Saturday off with a bang by unleashing your inner percussionist. Use hand drums, shakers, tambourines, and other percussion instruments provided!
Cost: FREE 

Vice Party – Hornitos and Vice Magazine present The Summer Bender. This party will feature DJs and Bands playing on 2 stages, free tacos (while they last), and an open Hornitos tequila bar all night! You do need to RSVP so put yourself on the guest list here.
Cost: FREE 

Sunday:

Bake Sale for a Cause – No Cookie Left Behind is giving you the chance to help someone in need by eating sweets. It’s a tough job, but someone’s go to do it. All the proceeds from this charity bake sale go to Share Our Strength, an organization that combats childhood hunger. Some of the people providing eats include Lark Cake Shop, CakeMonkey, Spork Foods (vegan!), Large Marge Sustainables, Kiss My Bundt Bakery,Whisk LA, Taste on Melrose, and Laurel Avenue Bakery.

This event is taking place at the Westfield Mall in Century City…which is an awesome place in and of itself. Their parking lot has a red/green light over each spot indicating if there is a car in the spot or not. No more cruising down a million lanes to find a spot!

Title: Martin+Osa Charity Event
Location: Westfield Mall, Century City
Website: Click here
Date: June 11, 2009
Time: 6-8pm