Top 10 events to give back this season

1. 5th Annual Charity Ball
Holocene
Dec. 5, 7 p.m., $30
Toque Libre and DJ Tyler Tastemaker perform alongside wine and silent auction to raise funds for Schoolhouse Supplies, to provide local Portland students with the supplies they need. Appetizers and raffles included.

2. Raphael House Gift Drive
Lush Portland
Dec. 12, 10-4:30 p.m.
Environmentally friendly, natural-soap store is giving free gifts to anyone who donates a product to the Raphael House (a local shelter for victims of domestic violence). Do your Northwest 23rd Avenue shopping, make a donation at Lush and take advantage of the ole’ give and you shall receive mentally.

3. New Years Eve Twilight Gala
Crowne Plaza
Dec. 31, 8 p.m., $75
Save the money on excess boozing this New Year’s Eve and instead spend the evening enjoying a DJ, silent auction, complimentary cocktails and a casino. All proceeds go to support local victims of breast cancer as they fight the disease.

4. Holiday Ale Festival
Pioneer Courthouse Square
Dec. 4-7, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Free
Enjoy the notorious festival and make sure to check a bag or coat ($1 from each checked item goes to the Children’s Cancer Association) then pick up a complimentary Crater Lake Root Beer in exchange for any donation to the cause.

5. Cheap Art and Crafts Show
Reading Frenzy
Dec. 4-31
Huge selection of original, handmade prints, candles, cards, bags, etc. Though not a nonprofit, Reading Frenzy has had a tough year and is in need of local support. They have been providing Portland with alternative and independent media and culture since 1994.

6. Brown Paper Tickets
Event Ticket Provider
Do all of your holiday ticket shopping using Brown Paper Ticket, and keep an eye out for events marked with their emblem. Five percent of all proceeds from any ticket purchased goes back to the local community.

7. Winter Square Dance Benefit
Secret Society Ballroom
Dec. 19, 6:30-11 p.m., $10-50 sliding scale
Believe it or not, it’s exactly what it sounds like. A traditional square dance to support local radio station KBOO. Music by Ebenezer, Lee Highway and Too Loose Cajun Band.

8. Twisted Christmas Bingo
PPAA Hall
Dec. 14, 4:30 p.m.
Play Bingo for real prizes and all proceeds go to benefit the education and support the LGBT community. This event was brought to Portland from San Francisco to provide us with cross dressing and unpredictably wild bingo in the name of community outreach and education.

9. Howliday Celebration
Camp Doggie Tails
Dec. 6, 10 a.m.
The dog lover’s dream benefit. Grooming tips, dog acupuncture and massage, food, raffles and an opportunity for your dog to take a picture with Santa. Donations and proceeds go to benefit Autism Service Dogs of America.

10. Local Handmade Gifts under $20
Tender Loving Empire
In addition to providing a gallery and local distribution of Portland artists’ handiwork, Tender Loving Empire is a budding record label. Supporting them through purchases, show attendance or word of mouth is directly supporting our beloved Portland independent art and music scene.