Events mix cheer with charity

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Instead of having a pint, donate one.

Who said nightlife and charity can't go together?

We've highlighted at least eight spots that need you this holiday, from a cabaret to a trendy nightclub.

Get a start on the gift-giving season by attending a few charitable events this weekend.

GIVE TOYS

Make a Toys for Tots donation at the 2nd Annual Toyland celebration on Dec. 17 at the House of Loom, 1012 S. 10th St. Toyland will be divided into three separate celebrations. At 4 p.m., participate in family activities such as building a toy, caroling and enjoying a pop-up cupcake shop. At 7:30 p.m., the cocktail hour begins with hors d'oeuvres and complimentary champagne, live performances and a theatrical fashion show. Designer and artist Dan Richters will showcase his electric fairy creations. At 11 p.m., a Toyland dance party will kick off. Dress as your favorite toy. Depending on the time you arrive, entry varies from a toy donation (unopened and unwrapped) to a $5 or $10 cash donation.

"Last year, we raised $10,000 worth of toys. We were second to the Nebraska Husker football game," which raised the most for Toys for Tots in the state, said Ethan Bondelid, one of the organizers. "We want to get kids involved. Get people dressed up and excited about Toys for Tots."

GIVE BLOOD

Swing by the Red Cross' Holiday Happier Hour on Dec. 29 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Marriott Regency, 10220 Regency Circle. Give blood or your time by volunteering at the event. To make an appointment for a blood donation visit redcrossblood.org (Sponsor Code: 1620) or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

JOIN THE SHOW

Head to "Ho Ho Homicide," an audience participation mystery, 5 p.m. Friday at Rick's Cafe Boatyard, 345 Riverfront Drive. Bring toys, gifts, hats, scarves or mittens in children sizes to be donated to the Open Door Mission Lydia House and be entered in drawing for prizes. Mystery show starts at 7:30 p.m., after dinner and cocktails. Admission: $20. Information: 402-345-4545

BALLET BENEFIT

Chanticleer Community Theater and Ever After Productions will present "Nutcracker Delights," a ballet fundraiser for the theater at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Dec. 18. The cast has more than 60 dancers, actors, singers and fencers. The Chanticleer is at 830 Franklin Ave. in Council Bluffs. Tickets, $10 for adults and $7 for students, can be purchased by calling 712-323-9955. All seats are reserved. Additional donations also will be accepted at the door.

POSITIVE PORTRAITS

Take the kids to have their holiday portraits with Santa at Rockbrook Camera's Legacy location at 168th Street and West Center Road on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A suggested $10 portrait sitting donation, all proceeds benefit the Goodfellows charity. Information: 402-691-0003.

PANTRY PARTY

See how Santa's helpers get down. Parliament Pub at Midtown Crossing will host a holiday bash for Santa's helpers (and pretty much anyone else who wants to party) Dec. 16. DJ Shif-D will spin jams. No cover if you donate a canned food item or unwrapped gift for the Open Door Mission and Omaha Food Bank, which is in need most of peanut butter, macaroni and cheese and canned chicken and tuna. Information: http://www.facebook.com/ParliamentPub

entertainment for education

"White Christmas at The Barn," a holiday cabaret celebration featuring Broadway professionals Paul Canaan ("Sweet Charity"), James Kinney ("Fosse"), Tyler Hanes ("A Chorus Line") and Nicole Parker (Elphaba in "Wicked") is 5:30 p.m. Sunday at The Barn in Bennington, 15220 Military Road. At 5:30 p.m., cocktails and light buffet followed by a 6:30 p.m. performance. The event benefits the Omaha Performing Arts' education programs with the Broadway Dreams Foundation. Reservations are $125 per person and can be made at ticketomaha.com, by calling 402-345-0606 or visiting the box office near 13th and Douglas Streets.

SKATE TO DONATE

Go ice skating at the ConAgra Foods Ice Rink near 10th and Harney Streets. Hours: 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 1 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Closed Christmas Day. Admission: $5, includes skate rental. Feel the joy in knowing that all the proceeds will support the Omaha Food Bank. Information: holidaylightsfestival.org

SPIRITED FUNDRAISER

Celebrate the "12 Days of Brixmas" at Brix, a wine and spirits store at the Village Pointe Shopping Center. A new tasting was added to its December schedule. Sample CooranBong Australia Vodka mini cocktails and wines from Justin Vineyards & Winery Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Cover is a $5 donation that will benefit the Food Bank for the Heartland. To view the full Brixmas calendar, visit brixomaha.com/promotions

DANCE TO JAMS, DONATE A TOY

Donate on Christmas Eve. Capitol Lounge will host a Toys 4 Tots night Dec. 24 where patrons bring unwrapped children's gifts and toys for free entry. DJ Travis Howe will spin jams. Information: CapitolOmaha.com

CAUSE WITH ITS OWN SOUNDTRACK

Celebrate Frostival at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. It's a 6:30 p.m. Friday benefit for Toys For Tots and Wounded Warriors with Blue Martian Tribe, Funk Trek, Lunar Funk Theory, The Midland Band, The Weeping Figs, Zed Tempo and the Purveyor's of the Conscious Sound. Admission: $13 or $10 with an unwrapped toy. Information: theslowdown.com

— Compiled by Sue Truax, Kevin Coffey and Josefina Loza

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