Jewels 4 Charity program begins

Jewels 4 Charity, a program created by veteran jeweler Pat Scheckner, announced they have launched a means to raise money  for qualified charities.

The group said 20 percent of the purchase price of jewelry bought online will go to the buyer’s charity of choice. The Web site is: www.jewels4charity.com.

The organization is working with The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, The National Hemophilia Foundation, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, The Junior League of Phoenix and PALS (Pets Are Loving Support).

Kiwanis to hold annual Christmas in the Park celebration

The Kiwanis Club of New River will host its annual Christmas in the Park from 4:30‑6:30 p.m. on Dec. 10.

The event will include a tree lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa, light refreshments, and family activities, according to a news release from the club. 

The event is free and open to the public.

In addition to holiday festivities, the club will be accepting donations to benefit families in need.

Club Secretary Peggy Biegler said the group hopes this year to provide gifts and food to three families in need.

In addition to money it has raised, the Kiwanis Club got a $1,000 donation from the Tracy Miner Bike Run to assist families in need, Biegler said.

Fundraiser for horse rescue to be held on Dec. 17

H.O.R.S.E (Hands On Resource and Service for Equine) has teamed up with Dreamchaser PMU Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation to raise funds and awareness for horses rescued from slaughter.

H.O.R.S.E will hold a fundraiser at 1 p.m. on Dec. 17 at Dreamchaser PMU Rescue, 48019 N 7thAve. New River, AZ 85087.

A 5’ diameter, hand crafted, natural desert Christmas wreath will be auctioned off in a silent auction. Also included in the auction will be a Western Boot Floral Arrangement and a 10” Dreamcatcher (courtesy of Nighthawk Custom Leathercraft).

There will be a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, pony rides, food and free “funbooks” for kids.

For more information, call: (602) 909‑7172

Barrett‑Jackson and Childhelp to hold Annual ‘Drive the Dream’ Gala

The Childhelp “Drive the Dream” Gala will be held in conjunction with the 36th Annual Barrett‑Jackson World’s Greatest Collector Car Events on Jan. 13.

The fundraising event will be held from 6 ‑11 p.m. at the WestWorld Event Facility, 16601 North Pima Road in Scottsdale.

“Last year’s gala raised close to $1.5 million via table sales and a live auction,” according to a news release from the event organizers. “Some of the Valley’s most celebrated personalities will gather again to support Childhelp’s prevention and treatment programs, which effectively combat child abuse in America. The national non‑profit, founded by Nobel Peace Prize Nominees Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, seeks to treat, prevent, and eradicate violence against our country’s precious children.”

Tickets for the event are $1,000 per individual, tables range from $10,000 to $50,000.

For tickets, call: (480) 922‑8212.

Desert Foothills soccer club offering junior programs for the winter

The Desert Foothills Athletic Club (DFAC) is accepting applications for its youth Winter Soccer Development Program which kicks off Feb.12. The program is designed for recreational players who would like to be introduced to basic skills through the use of various fun drills. All sessions are under the direction of the Desert Foothills Pro training staff and consist of a clinic‑style format. The program is open for player’s ages 3‑11. The DFAC will also be kicking off the Jr. Elite School of Excellence, which focuses on young players who have completed their recreational soccer program and have a high interest in playing soccer and learning advanced skills from their Pro trainers. This program is designed for player’s ages 6‑10.

The first phase of the Jr. Elite Program kicks off on Jan.5, 2007, and is free for players who are looking for continued development. Phase 2 of the program begins in February.

For more information, visit: www.dfacsports.com or email: dfacsoccer@hotmail.com.