Community Calendar

To have your event included on Community Update, please send all relevant information to:

Sue Wagner
Community Update
P.O. Box 118405
Gainesville, FL 32611-8405

The e-mail address is swagner@wuft.org, with the words “Community Update” in the subject line.

Community Update and Public Service Announcements are available to non-profit organizations only. All submissions must be received TWO weeks prior to the event. Please include only the basic facts: who, what, where, when and why and a phone number or website address for more information.

Events will be included in this online listing and if time permits they will be featured in on-air public service announcements.

Gainesville Area Rowing (GAR) Summer "Learn to Row" Camps
July 8-12, July 15-19, July 22-26 | 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
151 SE 74 Street
Gainesville
GAR is a non-profit dedicated to promoting the sport of rowing in Gainesville/Alachua County. The "Learn to Row" camps consist of five one-week sessions for 6th through 12th graders. This is an opportunity to learn about the sport that was featured in the movie "Boys in the Boat," about the American crew that won gold at the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany. Register today at www.gainesvillearearowing.com. More info at 352-327-8704 or headcoach@gainesvillearearowing.com.

UF Performing Arts 2024-2025 Season Preview
July 16 | 7 p.m.
Phillips Center, UF Cultural Plaza
3201 Hull Road
Gainesville
Get the inside scoop on the upcoming season of performances from UFPA Director Brian Jose. The Preview is a special tradition that kicks off every UFPA season and features highlights from the 40-plus performances in the 2024-2025 season. This event will be free and open to the public and light refreshments will be provided. More information at 352-392-1900 or https://performingarts.ufl.edu/events/20242025-season-preview/

Summer Lovin' Adopt-A-Thon
Aug. 10 | 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Alachua County Animal Services
3400 NE 53^rd Avenue
Gainesville
At this special Summer adoption event ALL adoption fees are waived for ALL animals. More information is available at 352-264-6870 or https://alachuacounty.us/depts/animalservices/adoptablepets/Pages/AdoptablePets.aspx

Dance Alive National Ballet Auditions
Aug. 24 | 12:30 to 6 p.m.
Pofahl Studios
1325 NW 2nd Street
Gainesville
Dance Alive National Ballet is celebrating its 59th season. Auditions will be held select roles in the Nutcracker, leaders for youth group and Next Generation. Ballet experience required. More information available at 352-371-2986 or kim@dancealive.org.

Strides for Sickle Cell
Sept. 21 | Registration 10-11 a.m. | Walk/Vendor Fair 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Depot Park
874 SE4th Street
Gainesville
The UF Health Sickle Cell Disease Program invites the community to join the 2^nd annual Strides for Sickle Cell event featuring a fun walk in the park along with food, health resources, vendors, and community partners. Proceeds support Streetlight’s Sickle Cell Warriors, a program that provides compassionate care and personalized resources to young patients living with sickle cell disease. More information at Giving.UFHealth.org/StridesForSickleCell

Cancer Chomp in support of the Wells Brain Tumor Center @ UF
Sept. 28 | 8 to 11 a.m.
Cancer & Genetics Research Complex
Gainesville
The 3^rd annual Cancer Chomp, a brain tumor event presented by the Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy in conjunction with the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Florida features a 5K run/walk, Kid Zone, charitable organizations, community vendors, mini therapy horses, the UF Gator Mascots, the UF Gator Band, and more. The event is free to attend though there is a small fee to participate in the 5k run/walk. Proceeds will support pediatric and adult brain tumor patients receiving care at UF Health in Gainesville Registration for the 5k is open now until midnight on Sept.16 and will open again on the morning of the event. For more details or to register for the 5k, go to Giving.UFHealth.org/CancerChomp

Gainesville Race for Inclusion
Dec. 7 | 8:30 a.m.
University of Florida Flavet Field
Woodlawn Drive
Gainesville
Special Olympics Florida’s "Race for Inclusion" is coming to Gainesville. Funds raised from the "Race for Inclusion" helps support more than 70,000 Special Olympics Florida athletes across the state and in our region. It’s a movement to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities are treated with dignity and respect. For more information and to register visit RaceforInclusion.org.

Spring Hill Timebank
Ongoing
Timebank brings people together to match needs with skills. People of all ages and all abilities can join. For every hour of work done for a member, the individual will receive one time credit to “buy” an hours worth of work from another member. For more information contact Andy at 727-517-1148 or springhilltimeback.org.

Donate Used Musical Instruments to the Hernando Youth Orchestra
Ongoing
The Orchestra is collecting used musical instruments for talented young musicians who can’t afford to buy or replace their own. Donations of unneeded instruments will be repaired if necessary before passing it on to a student. Call 352-600-9555 for more information or to make a donation. We’ll pick up your instrument and give you a tax deductible receipt. More information

Nature Coast Community Services Foundation Homeless Services
Ongoing
The Nature Coast Community Services Foundation is serving the homeless of Hernando with food, clothing, shoes, job, IDs, food stamps, spaying and neutering pets, transportation and more. Volunteers are needed. For more information call Ellen at 352-600-9555.

Elder Options Referral Helpline
1-800-262-2243
Ongoing
Elder Options is the Area Agency on Aging for sixteen counties in North Central Florida. The agency oversees the efficient administration of home and community care programs and long term care services for elder Floridians. In partnership with lead agencies and local service providers, the agency serves thousands of frail, low-income seniors each year, providing home delivered meals (Meals on Wheels), personal care, transportation and other in-home services that help seniors to remain at home safely and with dignity and avoid or delay the need for more expensive nursing home care. Call the Elder Helpline for referral to resources.

Hernando Youth Orchestra needs young musicians, ages 6 to 18
Rehearsals are on Sundays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Heather Community Center
9100 Nakoma Way
Weeki Watchee
Hernando Youth Orchestra has resumed rehearsals and is recruiting new members. We need young musicians aged ages 6-18, and adult mentors to support them. HYO plays classical music and gives several concerts throughout the year. You must be able to read music and play an instrument. Instruments are also available to loan to those in need. Sign up at www.HernandoYouthOrchestra.org or call 352-600-9555. If you have an instrument to donate, call and it will be picked for a tax deductible receipt.

Nature Coast Community Foundation (NCCSF) Bicycle Collection
Hernando County
Ongoing
Nature Coast Community Foundation (NCCSF) and Grace Presbyterian Bicycle Ministry is collecting unwanted bicycles (or parts thereof) that will be reconditioned and given to the needy. Call 352-600-9555 to schedule a free pick up.

WhyHunger Hotline
Ongoing
Need help finding healthy, free food in your community? Call the WhyHunger Hotline at 1-800-5-HUNGRY to be connected to food assistance in your neighborhood. You can also text your zip code to 1-800-548-6479 to get a list to your phone and search online at whyhunger.org/findfood.

Be the Hope A Child Needs, Become a Foster Parent
Partnership for Strong Families
North Central Florida
Ongoing
North Central Florida has an urgent need for foster care parents. If you would like to become a partner family to help a child or teenager call 352-244-1684 or find details online at www.PartnerFamily.org.

Books & Toiletries Needed for Homeless People
Unitarian Universalist Church in the Pines
Weeki Wachee
Ongoing

The church is collecting books and toiletries for People Helping People.The PHP book drive will provide books offering information on marketable skills and possible work opportunities. ‘How to’ and text books on subjects such as cooking, culinary sciences, computer/office skills, sales, and gardening/landscaping are especially appreciated. Toiletry items needed include: tooth brushes, razors, combs, soap, lotions, shave creams etc. Call 352-600-9555 for information or to schedule your donation.

Gainesville Peer Respite
Ongoing
Gainesville Peer Respite is launching “Warmline” for peers in need of emotional support. The phone line will be open Wednesday night through Monday mornings from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The number is 352-559-4559. The phone line is staffed by those who have had their own experiences of trauma and mental illness.

Institute for Workforce Innovation
Ongoing
The Institute for Workforce Innovation (IWI) is dedicated to improving the communities’ quality of life through education, employment and advocacy. For more information or to volunteer call 352-225-3307 or online at www.iwionline.org

Savvy Caregiver Training
Elder Options, 100 NW 75th St., Suite 30, Gainesville
Ongoing
Elder Options in conjunction with the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs offers free six week training programs designed for family caregivers who assist persons with Alzheimer’s and or dementia. More information available at 352-378-6649.

Operation PetSnip
Ongoing
Spay and neuter pet services available for qualifying low-income Alachua County and surrounding rural county residents. The cost of surgery, pain medication and anesthesia for pets spayed or neutered is covered. More information available from No More Homeless Pets’ Operation Petsnip at www.nmhp.net.

Gone 4 Ever Shredding
Ongoing
The Arc of Alachua County is a local not for profit that provides employment services to adults with developmental disabilities through several small business it has created. One of its businesses, Gone 4 Ever shredding, offers a free paper shredding service to all residents of Alachua County every Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at its main location at 3303 NW 83rd Street. Gone 4 Ever shredding hold a AAA certification in document destruction so all paper is safely and securely destroyed. For more information please call 352-334-4060 ext. 132 or visit www.gone4evershredding.com

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve – Supporting our Nation’s Service Members
Ongoing
Today, nearly half our nation’s fighting forces are members of the Guard and Reserve. When they are called is called to active duty, they leave behind a family, a community, and a job. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, honors and products the bond between service members and their civilian employers. Whether serving our country or supporting those who do, we all serve. To learning more about ESGR, call 1-800-336-4590, or www.esgr.mil.

“Kidney Smart” Education Program
Ongoing
The “Kidney Smart” program educates and partners with people to take control of their health and helps them develop a plan to live a healthy life. The program features medication, diet and nutrition information, stresses the importance of choosing a heath care team, provides continuing education and treatment options. More information available at www.kidneysmart.org

Ronald McDonald House Charities NCF Seeks Long-Term Volunteers
Ongoing
Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, a non-profit organization in Gainesville that assists families with children being treated at local medical facilities, is looking for long-term volunteers to serve as hosts for its two core programs: Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Room at Shands Hospital for Children. For more information, visit www.rmhcncf.org or call Dorie Faulkner, Volunteer Coordinator at 352-374-4404 ext. 224.

Visiting Chef Program, Ronald McDonald House
Ongoing
Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, a non-profit organization in Gainesville that assists families with children being treated at local medical facilities, seeks volunteer groups or families to provide a full-course dinner or weekend-breakfast for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Gainesville. Chefs may come equipped with ingredients to serve approximately 50 people and cook in a spacious, well-stocked kitchen or they may cater a meal from a local restaurant. Meals are served 7 days a week, including holidays. For more information, contact Judy Bates at bates@rmhcncf.org or call 352-374-4404 ext. 299.

MatchingDonors.com
Ongoing

In the U.S., 19 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant—most of them for kidneys. MatchingDonors.com has become the most successful nonprofit organization improving those odds by finding living altruistic donors for patients who desperately need transplants. Visit www.matchingdonors.com and meet some extraordinary people.

Help a Kid Start a Lemonade Stand
Ongoing
The National Federation of Independent Business Young Entrepreneur Foundation, based in Washington, D.C., is urging parents to teach their children lessons about entrepreneurship and responsibility by helping them start a lemonade stand. They provide free classroom curriculum and other resources to enable students to learn first-hand about the risks and rewards of operating a small business. This curriculum can be found at http://eitccurriculum.com/. To learn more about the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation, visit www.NFIB.com/YEF.

Adoption from Foster Care
Ongoing
There are currently more than 107,000 children available for adoption in the U.S. Foster Care System. The Adoption from Foster Care campaign encourages potential parents to adopt and aims to increase the number of potential families inquiring about adoption. You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent.

Veterans Outreach Program, Epilepsy Foundation
Ongoing
The Epilepsy Foundation wants to help men and women who’ve suffered traumatic brain injuries or TBIs, which are a common form of injury that can lead to seizures and epilepsy in some cases. Symptoms can include confusion, momentary black-outs and uncontrollable shaking or twitching. For more information about the foundation’s Veterans Outreach Program and other services, visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org or call 1-800-332-1000.

Three Rivers Legal Services
Ongoing
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. is a local, non-profit corporation that provides free, quality civil legal services to low-income, eligible clients in seventeen counties throughout North Florida. Three Rivers is now providing representation to eligible clients who live in Alachua, Levy, Gilchrist, Bradford or Union County for family law cases, regardless of domestic violence. For more information, call the Legal Helpline at 866-256-8091.