http://www.atlanticcityweekly.com/news-and-views/whitneys-radar/Fundraisers-with-all-the-Fixins-133971548.html
With Thanksgiving just around the corner and many local organizations holding fundraisers and food drives, it’s important to also remember your loved ones now more than ever in this economy. 


If you are in a place to give, please be aware of the people closest to you and see how you can make a difference for them this holiday season. And, of course, it’s always appreciated when you can make a donation to the charity of your choice, whether it’s monetarily or volunteering your time. 


Coming up on Thanksgiving Eve, Nov. 23, the 29th annual “Cocktails for a Claus” Toy Drive — to benefit the Atlantic County Special Services School District — will be held at the Gypsy Bar inside the Borgata from 4:30-7:30pm. Tim Mooney, the president and founder of Atlantic County Charities (the organization that hosts this event), donates all proceeds to this Mays Landing learning institution for mentally and/or physically challenged children. And any toys donated are delivered personally by Santa Claus (Mooney) — something he has done since 1983. 


Throughout the years, the generosity of participants and sponsors have helped raise over $378,000 and it all benefits the students directly. His goal is to have a self-sustained toy program for severely and multiply disabled students. 


The event sells out every year, so put in for your tickets as soon as possible. And this year you are in for a special treat, because co-hosting the event with Mooney is Jon Dorenbos, an All-Pro member of the Philadelphia Eagles. Tickets are $35 per person ($45 at the door), and you’ll get two cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment and over $15,000 worth of raffle items to bid on including trips to places like Las Vegas, New York City, Miami and Puerto Rico, jewelry, airline tickets, sports memorabilia and gift certificates. 


To RSVP, e-mail atlanticcountycharities@comcast.net or send your check to: Atlantic County Charities c/o Sooy, 13 Diamond Drive, Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234.
 
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On Thursday, Nov. 17, at 6pm head out to the Hard Rock Cafe inside the Trump Taj Mahal for the “Gilda Rocks On” fundraiser to benefit Gilda’s Club of South Jersey. Gilda’s Club offers free social and emotional support programs for those suffering from cancer and their families. Hosted by Hard Rock International chairman and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen and his wife, Isabel, and with attendees dubbed a “who’s who” of the area, this is an event you won’t want to miss. You’ll also receive a “Superstar Swag Bag” and a live performance by the B Street Band (a great Bruce Springsteen tribute group). There are also more than 50 one-of-a kind experiences in their auction including exotic vacation packages complete with airfare, an exclusive invitation to a Congressional Wives luncheon with First Lady Michelle Obama, and a series of celebrity autographed guitars. Tickets are $100 per person and all donations are tax deductible. Contact Lauren Crenshaw 926-2699.

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A really neat fundraiser that is going on now through Dec. 1 is a cross-promotion between The Palm restaurant at the Tropicana, the Atlantic City Boys & Girls Club, and 100.7 WZXL. For every “Like” of the Palm Restaurant’s Facebook page, the Atlantic City Boys & Girls Club will receive $1 — up to a maximum of $1,500. Plus fans of WZXL can help radio personalities Joe and Scott, along with Tropicana’s president and CEO Tony Rodio, get their caricatures on the famous Palm wall by listening in, rallying, and interacting on their respective Facebook pages. Keep and ear open for more information. 


Enjoy this holiday season, spend time with family and friends, and remember to pick a cause to make yours!

Whitney Ullman dishes out advice on various topics related to networking, dating, current affairs, shopping, events and more. She is the Founder of GoToWhitney.com.