DONATE NOW: Earthquake kills thousands in China
A massive 7.9-magnitude earthquake killed more than 8,500 people in China and left hundreds trapped under rubble, state run media report. Some 900 students are reported buried under a collapsed school. China's Seismological Bureau said the quake affected more than half the country's provinces and municipalities. Act Now!

Benefit Concert for The Pixton Family
Saturday, May 17, 5:00pm
Michaan's Auctions By The Bay Theater, Alameda

Enjoy some great music all for a good cause!  On Saturday, May 17th, Michaan's Auctions By The Bay Theater in Alameda is hosting a Benefit Concert for the Pixton Family featuring the music of bluegrass bands Dark Hollow, The Backyard Party Boys, The Kentucky Twisters and The Bay Island Ramblers.

The Pixton Family of Alameda has been hit hard by cancer. In the past four years, three members of this family, baby Porter (4), Jim (dad), and Jen (mom) have all been diagnosed with cancer. Jen has just finished her treatments and now it is time to celebrate and help raise some much needed funds for this self-employed family of six.

Pre-show activities start at 5:00pm - food carts, bake sale and general outdoor fun for the kids. Music begins at 6:00pm.  All seats are general admission and can be purchased in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/32601 or at the door on the evening of the show.  Adults (18+) $15, Youth (5-17) $10 and children under 5 (on lap) are free.  Auctions By The Bay Theatre  is located at 2700 Saratoga Street, Alameda, CA 94501 on the old Alameda navy base.

Direct donations can be made to: The Jen Pixton Cancer Fund, PO Box 6001, Alameda, CA 94501. Please make checks payable to The Jen Pixton Cancer Fund.  Thank you in advance!

Music in Schools Today
Fall means back-to-school, and schools need music! Music in Schools Today is offering free music and arts planning to San Francisco Bay Area districts and schools. If you are a principal, teacher or parent, "Music in Schools Today's" planning team is available to work with your team to develop a music and arts plan. Music in Schools Today can help you be sure our children are getting the music education they deserve! Plese click here for more information.

Camp Chance - 5/15
The Camp Chance Benefit BBQ takes place at lunchtime on Thursday May 15th at Jackson's Hardware in San Rafael. The Camp pairs up kids and cops for fun activities at summer camp. To find out more, click here.

511.org/Bikes - 5/15
Thursday May 15th is Bike to Work Day. Pull the old bike out of the garage and enjoy a fun & healthy ride to work. Visit 511.org to find out how to win a new bike, and if you're driving, please watch out for folks who don’t get out on their bikes all that often!  More info at: www.511.org

Career Closet - 5/17
Career Closet provides professional work outfits for low-income women re-entering the work force. Their big benefit sale, "The Style Cupboard", takes place Fri & Sat May 16 & 17  in San Jose. For details go to: www.careercloset.org

Tiburon Salmon Institute - 5/18
The 3rd annual "Salmon Kiss-and-Release" takes place Sunday morning . May 18th at Blackie's Pasture in Tiburon. Cheer on the kids as they release 1,000  Salmon Fingerlings they  raised by hand, into the Bay.  There's live music , a BBQ, and a Native American blessing to send the salmon on their way. Attendance is free. To find out more go to: www.tiburonsalmoninstitute.com or call 415 435 6386

Genny Fund - 5/18
The 9th Annual Oysterfest at Fort Mason supports the Genny Fund Scholarship for "students with a sense of humor"  at St. Mary's College.  It's Sat & Sun May 17 & 18, with Chuck Prophet, The Mother Hips, the Drop Kick Murphys and many more..plus lots of oysters & other edibles. To find out more go to: www.oreillysoysterfestival.com

San Mateo Co. History Museum - 5/17
The Immigrants Day Festival takes place Sat. May 17th at the San Mateo County History Museum . Come see, hear, and taste the contributions made by Irish, Filipino, Latin & Asian immigrants. To find out more go to: www.historysmc.org

Big City Mountaineers
The group Big City Mountaineers takes urban kids on wilderness backpacking adventures, and they're looking for volunteers this summer. You can do single-day or multi-day trips. To find out more go to  www.bigcitymountaineers.org

Save the Bay
Save the Bay wants you to know that 15,000 plastic grocery bags were pulled out of the S.F. Bay last year. These kill thousands of birds, marine mammals and fish every year. To find out how you can prevent bay pollution, find the Save the Bay link at  www.savesfbay.org

Providing Autism Research
Providing Autism Research is putting on a golf tournament fundraiser in June;  to find out where, find the link at www.par4kidssake.org; www.blueagaveclub.com; www.thewarehousebar.net

Crisis Support Services
Crisis Support Services helps those bereaved for any cause.  Group and individual counseling is available, and no one is turned away for lack of money. If you could use help, or if you'd like to help, call 800-260-0094

The AIDS/HIV Nightline is looking for volunteers to provide support, counseling, and resources to those with AIDS or Hepatitis C. Find out more at: 415-984-1902

The Skin Cancer Foundation wants to warn skiers and boarders to wear high-spf sunscreen while on the slopes.  UV rays are 25% stronger at higher altitudes. To find out more at: www.skincancer.org

Lupus Foundation
For 30 years the Lupus Foundation has provided support, information and classes for patients suffering from the autoimmune disease, and their families. To find out how you can help, or how they can help YOU, go to: www.balf.org or call 800-523-3363

Consumer Credit Counseling Service
If you’re struggling  with a your mortgage rate or facing foreclosure, attend one of the free Saturday  seminars put on the by the non-profit Consumer Credit Counseling Service. To find out more go to: www.gotdebt.org or call 805-383-7700

Lafayette School Mentoring Project
The Lafayette Scholl Mentoring Project is recruiting volunteers to help kids in West Oakland. If you can help a few hours a week, find out more at: www.lafayetteschoolmentoringproject.com

Transpersonal Psychology
If you’ve had breast cancer in the past 10 years, the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology is offering free groups to help reduce stress and increase well-being. 
To find out more go to: www.itp.edu

Meals of Marin
Meals of Marin delivers meals to people living with life-threatening illnesses, 365 days a year. They’re looking for dedicated volunteers to deliver warm, nutritious meals to Marin County residents. If you’re interested,  go to: www.mealsofmarin.net;  www/volunteersolutions.org/marin or call 415-457-4666

Dyspraxia USA
Dyspraxia is a neurological disorder that affects 6% of the population.   If you’ve recently had the diagnosis, contact Dyspraxia USA. You can find out how at by calling: 1-777-248-3476

Sharon Art Studio/City of SF
Sharon Art Studio in Golden Gate Park is offering summer classes for teens, in glass, ceramics, jewelry and painting. To find out more go to: www.sharonartstudio.org or call 415-753-7004

Call2Recycle
Chances are you already recycle your glass, plastic and paper, but you can also recycle your rechargeable batteries safely, at many local retailers. To find out where go to: www.call2recycle.org or call 877-2-recycle