Anne Otterson with Ed and Karen Mercaldo

Helping Hands
Project Concern International (PCI), the worldwide health organization founded by a San Diego doctor, holds its annual Hands Across Borders gala on Saturday, November 3, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. This year’s theme, One Night, One World — Una Noche, Un Mundo, celebrates Latin American culture and spirit. Chairs of the event are longtime supporters Karen and Ed Mercaldo, with Anne Otterson serving as honorary chair. The fundraiser honors those who make a difference in the region including Hernando de Soto, the Peruvian economist, author, and activist known for his work in empowering the poor, recipient of the 2007 Humanitarian Award. Project Concern sprang from the vision of James Turpin, MD during his volunteer work with children at a Tijuana clinic in 1961. Forty-five years later, PCI supports programs in 11 countries that prevent disease, foster healthy communities, and help people to help themselves. (858/279-9690, ext. 323/324, www.projectconcern.org/hands2007) — Andrea Naversen, photo by Jennifer Nelson

Jean Newman, Peggy Peck, and Sally Schulze

Country Friends Art of Appreciation Party
Barbara and Joe Harper hosted this year’s party to thank the sponsors of the Country Friends fashion show at their home on the sand in Del Mar. Chaired by Deborah Cross, the gathering put guests at ease the minute they stepped into the courtyard. Present were most of the Friends’ fashion show committee, president Jean Newman, and co-chairs Marci Cavanaugh and Kimberly Kellogg. The event was beautifully catered, with a cocktail bar in the kitchen, and wine in the courtyard and terrace, where all present could watch the sunset to the mellow tunes of the Matt Davies Quartet. — Sparkle Stiff, photo by Jennifer Nelson

Leslie Greve, Janice Stephenson, Dr. Albert Deisseroth, Sonia del Rincon (back row), Blanca Gonzalez (with guitar), and Joanna Train

Rocktober
On October 12, Hard Rock Cafe in La Jolla will host a benefit for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center with a live performance by San Francisco-based rock band Finding Stella. Singer/songwriter Chris Snyder, along with Finding Stella band members Shoshannah Beck, Tim Christmon, Rich Flynn, Victoria Ovieda, and Louis Stein, will perform tracks off the band’s sophomore album, Famous. The event will include opportunities to win an autographed Fender guitar signed by Joan Osborne, Brett Dennen, Low Stars, Brandi Carlile, and more. The event is part of Hard Rock International’s Rocktober campaign, a month-long initiative committed to raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research through a series of live music events at Hard Rock venues around the world. Doors open at 6pm for this 21 and up event. Admission is a $5 suggested donation to the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center Foundation. (858/456-7625) — Mia Stefanko

SAVE THE DATE

Third Annual Chef Showdown 2007 — Taking A Stand Against Domestic Violence
10/4: Center for Community Solutions hosts a fundraiser featuring silent and live auctions, and samplings from leading chefs at restaurants including Baleen, Quarter Kitchen at The Ivy Hotel, and more. (www.ccssd.org)

Moonlight Masquerade
10/6: An evening of dinner and dancing takes place at Rancho Bernardo Inn to benefit science literacy at the Escondido Children’s Museum. (760/233-7737, www.escondidochildrensmuseum.org)

Mama’s Kitchen Fashion Fundraiser
10/6: Mama’s Kitchen, The Westgate Hotel, and Leonard Simpson-Fashion Forward team up to present a fashionable fundraiser for Mama’s Kitchen titled Be Haute! Be Here! If You’re Not, You’re Naught at the Westgate. (619/233-6262, ext. 104)

American Cancer Society Colorectal Cancer Support Group Meeting
10/9: The American Cancer Society holds a support group for colorectal cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and family members. At the Society’s Mission Valley office. (619/682-7415, kay.clark@cancer.org)

First Annual Rock To Stop
10/11: SpaViolet in Cardiff hosts an art and music benefit to help victims of violent crime through the Violent Trauma Awareness Project. Live music by Married by Elvis and limited edition photographs and memorabilia from celebrity icons including Marilyn Monroe, Jimi Hendrix, and more. (www.rocktostop.org)

Fourth Annual Golden Caregiver Awards
10/12: At the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center featuring live entertainment, gourmet food, silent auction, and awards ceremony. All proceeds benefit Golden Care Academy, a nonprofit, vocational healthcare careers academy. (619/232-0557, www.goldencareacademy.org)

Concert Of Hope Honoring BB King
10/12: Photocharity presents a concert to end youth homelessness featuring BB King, Taj Mahal, Paul Rodgers, Blind Boys of Alabama, Eve Selis, Bill Magee, and more. SDSU Open Air Theatre. (619/220-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com)

Walk To Cure Diabetes
10/14: At the UCSD School of Medicine Lawn from 9am-12pm, more than 4,000 walkers are expected to raise $800,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (858/597-0240, www.jdrf-sandiego-news.org)

Home Of Guiding Hands 25th Annual Golf Classic Pro-Am Tournament
10/18: Sycuan Resort & Casino Championship Willow Glen Course. (619/938-2854, marcy@guidinghands.org)

Lyric Opera San Diego’s Cocktails & Casino In Casablanca
10/20: Casino, cocktails, elegant food, raffles, auctions, and fine entertainment to benefit Lyric Opera’s 29th season. (619/231-5714, www.lyricoperasandiego.org)

Seacrest Village Retirement Communities’ 30th Annual Gala
10/20: The Air and Space Museum in Balboa Park. (760/632-0081, www.seacrestvillage.org)

14th Annual Conner’s Cause For Children Benefit Gala
10/20: At Fairbanks Ranch Country Club to benefit families with the monumental task of caring for a child with a life threatening illness. (858/794-4071, www.connerscause.org)

10th Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
10/21: This 4.2-mile walk takes place through Balboa Park and on scenic Route 163. (619/682-7422, www.makingstrides.acsevents.org/sandiego)

Solana Beach Chamber Of Commerce Charity Auction Dinner
10/21: At Morgan Run to celebrate and raise funds for the Boys & Girls
Clubs of San Dieguito on the eve of the Golf Classic. (858/755-4775)

La Jolla Playhouse Gala — Diamonds Are Forever
10/27: Gala benefit at Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre to honor Des McAnuff and featuring a performance by Melissa Errico. (858/550-1070, ext. 154, www.lajollaplayhouse.org)

Cystic Fibrosis 65 Roses Golf Tournament
11/5: Join members of the San Diego Padres Baseball Club for a fabulous day of golf in scramble-style tournament. The day includes green fees, cart, lunch, dinner, contests, and prizes. (858/578-2945)

The Junior Seau Foundation 7th Annual Teammates Luncheon Honoring Bob Breitbard
11/9: Held at The Grand Del Mar to honor Bob Breitbard, founder of The San Diego Hall of Champions. A portion of the proceeds will go to the honoree’s charity or favorite cause. Tables of ten from $1,000. (858/244-SEAU, www.juniorseau.org)

City Ballet’s 13th Annual Gala — Passport to Paradise
11/10: At Paradise Point Resort & Spa. (858/274-6058, www.cityballet.org)

Lux Art Institute Community Open House
11/11: To celebrate the opening of Lux’s new Artist Pavilion and featuring Lux’s first resident artist, Tomas Rivas from Chile, working in the studio. (www.luxartinstitute.org)