Rally against cancer
The 10th Annual John Stoddard Rally Against Cancer will take place Saturday, Jan. 30 at Hy-Vee Hall, 730 Third St. The event begins at 6 p.m. and includes dinner, silent and live auctions, live entertainment and a presentation by Pro Football Hall of Fame player and Super Bowl winning coach Mike Ditka. Admission is $125. Proceeds will benefit the Stoddard Patient Care Coordinator Program. Visit www.johnstoddardcancer.org.
Celebrate African-American culture
The Polk County Convention Complex, 501 Grand Ave., will host the 12th Annual Celebration Day “I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa” on Saturday, Jan. 30. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is a diverse collaboration highlighting African-American arts, culture and contributions. Admission is free. Visit www.worldiniowa.com. Call 288-7171 or e-mail bettycandrews@yahoo.com.
IPN to host meeting
The 11th Annual Iowa Prairie Network (IPN) Winter Meeting and Silent Auction will be held Saturday, Jan. 30 at the Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny Campus, Building 7. The event begins at 12:30 p.m. Participants will learn about prairie and current management, along with restoration and research. Admission is free. Call 290-3425 or visit www.iowaprairienetwork.org.
Whip up dessert
Cookware store Kitchen Collage, 430 E. Locust St., will host its first annual “Chocolate to Die For” Dessert Baking Contest on Feb. 6. The contest is limited to non-professional bakers. Entrants must submit a chocolate dessert recipe, then prepare the dessert and bring it to the event for judging. Top entrants will be awarded prizes. Official rules and contest entry forms are available at www.mykitchencollage.com.
Volunteers needed
The Greater Des Moines Habitat (GDM) for Humanity announced its “Bundle Up and Build” campaign, a program focused on recruiting and rewarding the approximately 400 winter volunteers needed per month with low-income families in Greater Des Moines. Volunteer opportunities are available weekly, Wednesday through Saturday. Volunteer with GDM Habitat between now and April and receive coupons to local eateries or entertainment venues. Visit www.gdmhabitat.org or call 471-8686. CV
