This Saturday, you can enjoy delicious baklava and support a local initiative that delivers books to two public school libraries.

Bindlestiff Books (4530 Baltimore Ave.) will hold a special fundraising event, Baklava Benefit Sale, on Oct. 27 from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.. The event is organized by A Book A Day, an initiative co-funded by Penn Libraries, which donates newly published children’s books to two K-8 schools in West Philadelphia – Penn Alexander and Henry C. Lea.

Since the launch of the program in 2014 over 300 books have been donated to the school libraries. Eight new, quality hardcover books are delivered to each of the school libraries every month, giving kids access to intriguing books on music, art history, poetry, and street art.  Continue Reading

From the Philadelphia Tenants Union Facebook page.

The Philadelphia Tenants Union is hosting a cookout fundraiser this Saturday for residents wrongfully served eviction notices at two West Philly apartment buildings. While a court has put the evictions on hold, the landlord, the Abington-based SBG Management, is now reportedly withholding security deposits, making it difficult for residents to transition out of the buildings.

The fundraiser for residents of Admiral Court and Dorset Court apartment buildings, located near 48th and Locust, is scheduled to run from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on July 21 at Clark Park. All of the money raised will go to the tenants, according to a Philadelphia Tenants Union announcement.

Tenants of both buildings were served with eviction notices in early April ordering them to leave by April 30. Community Legal Services won an injunction to stave off evictions in April. Both buildings, which include affordable and Section 8 housing, are up for sale, according to reports.

The suggested donation is $5 to $10 per plate, but no one will be turned away if they can’t afford to donate.

Dinner in Three Acts is a fun and delicious way to support educational programs at Curio Theatre.

Curio Theatre Company, the community theater at 48th and Baltimore, is starting an exciting new fundraising tradition. On Sunday, May 20, the company will be “producing” a Dinner in Three Acts – a three-course dinner at selected West Philadelphia homes. This is how it works:

Act One – 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. – Guests will start with registration and appetizers at one home.
Act Two – 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. – For their entree, guests will choose one style of cuisine from a varied selection served for groups of 10 to 15 people.
Act Three – 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. – Guests will return to the theater for dessert with coffee and tea.  Continue Reading

Do you want to support early childhood education and have a great night out? Would you bid on a Cape May vacation or some original artwork? How about a birthday party package to University Family Fun Center or a new bike? These are some of over 100 items featured at the 14th annual Saint Mary’s Nursery School (SMNS) annual fundraiser:

Spring For Our School Silent Auction & Party

Saturday, April 21 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Harnwell College House Rooftop Lounge
3820 Locust Walk
Tickets: $45 (adults only) at www.stmarysnursery.org/sfos

Who is Saint Mary’s Nursery School? SMNS is a diverse, non-denominational school with a 54-year history in West Philadelphia, home to 150 children between 18 mo – 10 yrs and involve many active family members in our co-op program.  Continue Reading

On Sunday, Dec. 17, Kol Tzedek, West Philly’s reconstructionist synagogue, is hosting their annual Hanukkah Party. This year, the party is titled “Rejoice and Resist” and will benefit Kol Tzedek’s Jewish-Muslim solidarity work.

Kol Tzedek, which means Voice for Justice, has been actively participating in many social justice causes and projects in the area. The synagogue is a member of POWER (Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower and Rebuild), a consortium of faith communities from across the city. Kol Tzedek members participate in several social justice projects and movements, including the Jewish-Muslim Solidarity Project, whose goal is “to create relationships with local Muslim communities, and to work with them against Islamophobia and discrimination.”  Continue Reading

Camp Sojourner is a nonprofit, year-round leadership program for girls ages 8-17. The program, based in West Philadelphia’s Calvary Center, culminates in a summer overnight camp for girls. On Friday, Oct. 13, another West Philly nonprofit, The Rotunda is hosting Sojo Groove Night, with performances by well-known Philly musicians. All proceeds benefit year-round activities at Camp Sojourner.

Sojo Groove Night will take place from 7:00 – 10:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and performances start at 8:00 p.m.

Camp Sojourner girls will be giving testimony, drumming, and participating in each element of the evening in an interactive manner. The diverse range of performers at Sojo Groove Night reflects the supporters and families who have participated in the program over the past ten years. Performances will include: Paulette Branson & Mixed People, a funky, soul fusion band with hints of rock and world music; Gretchen Elise and Band, performing interactive, original music that combines an international flavor with shades of Philly jazz and soul; and Unidos Da Filadelfia Samba Group, a community-based samba school whose mission is to spread the joy and excitement of Brazilian percussion.  Continue Reading