Best Upcoming Summer Charity Events In Sacramento

If you are tired of charity being synonymous with mini marathons and online donations, then prepare yourself to combine philanthropy with fun. If Sacramento knows anything, it's how to combine food and drinks with benefiting the community. So put away your running shoes and pull out your dancing shoes, because we believe in making the world a better place one smile at a time.

Guns & Hoses Wine, Brew & Food Fest
Sacramento Marriott Hotel
11211 Point E. Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
(916) 715-3132
www.pigbowl.com

Date: Aug. 1, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.

For 40 years, the Firefighters and Law Enforcement of the Greater Sacramento Area have been facing off in Pig Bowl competitions to help local charities, schools and nonprofit organizations. In addition to these football and basketball competitions, they also hold a Guns & Hoses festival, where guests (21 and older) can come together to help local charities while eating, drinking and having fun with the heroes of Sacramento. In addition to wine and beer tastings, there will be a silent auction, art exhibition and live music.

Red Shoe Crawl
The Citizen Hotel
926 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 734-4230
www.rmhcnc.org

Date: June 29, 2014 at 1 p.m.

The best kind of charity events are those that combine making the world a better place and enjoying great food and drinks with friends. The Fifth Annual Red Shoe Crawl is the perfect combination as everyone enjoys a leisurely stroll through Sacramento while stopping to enjoy some of the best restaurants in the area. Participants are encouraged to wear red shoes in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities® Northern California. All proceeds of this event directly benefit the families helped by the Sacramento Ronald McDonald House and Camp Ronald McDonald at Eagle Lake.

King of Feasts
Sacramento Zoo
3930 W. Land Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95822
(916) 808-5888
www.saczoo.org/kingoffeasts

Date: June 21, 2014 at 6 p.m.

Sacramento Zoo's King of Feasts is a unique event in that patrons not only get to enjoy great food and drink, but they get to do so while wandering among the animals housed within the zoo. With proceeds going to support the zoo and the educational opportunities it provides, attendees can participate in the silent auctions, watch the hula dances and even join in on the fun in the tiki lounge.

Related: Best Barbecue In Sacramento

Firefighters A Tropical Affair 2014
UC Davis Medical Center, Shriner's Children's Hospital
2425 Stockton Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95817
(916) 739-8525
www.ffburn.org

Date: June 28, 2014 at 6 p.m.

The Firefighters Burn Institute is putting on its annual Tropical Affair to provide fire and burn prevention, recovery and education for Sacramento. This is a 21-and-older event, with entry covering food, wine and beer tasting, and live entertainment. Tropical attire is recommended, so make sure to dust off your hula skirts, coconut shells and Hawaiian shirts for this charity event.

2014 Charity Golf Classic
North Ridge Country Club
7600 Madison Ave.
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
(916) 733-1623
www.americanriverbank.com

Date: Aug. 25, 2014 at 10 a.m.

Not only is the 2014 Charity Golf Classic a fun full-day event, but it also benefits a wonderful charity: the American River Bank Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping women and children in need of physical and emotional support. The Golf Classic is chock-full of fun activities, from putting contests to banquets, raffles and silent auctions. Between lunch, dinner and the no-host cocktails, everyone in attendance will be full, happy and in a giving spirit.

Related: Best Late-Night Happy Hours In Sacramento

Megan Bowyer is a freelance writer in search of the best food and drinks that Sacramento has to offer. You can find her at any number of dive bars or trendy restaurants; just look for the short blonde feeding the jukebox. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.