Times are tough, and wallets are light, but Denverites are still finding ways to be generous.
Charity events are always happening, and this week two of them will mix big fun and worthy causes.
Tonight, the Fired Up for Kids organization is hosting the judging event for its 2010 firefighter calendar. Proceeds from the event and sales of the eventual calendar benefit the Children’s Hospital Burn Center.
To accommodate the turnout — last year’s sold-out party attracted more than 1,000, according to organizers — the event is being held at the cavernous Exdo Event Center (1399 35th St.).
The general-admission ticket price is $30 at the door, which isn’t bad considering what you get: an evening of good-looking, good-doing firefighters workin’ it to become calendar boys and girls. Drinks will be available, so it’s a great excuse to round up a posse.
“I think that’s really affordable for a really fun night,” says Fired Up for Kids executive director Kirsten Hamling. “You get a calendar, too.”
One of the big draws this year is the auction, featuring a Grand Am/NASCAR race package for two starring Patrick Dempsey. Yes, the Patrick Dempsey, also known as “Dr. McDreamy” on the TV show “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Dempsey races cars, so the auction winners will get to hang with Dempsey in July at the Brumos Porsche 250/Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway in Florida. The package also includes pit passes, a ride in a pace car, flights, accommodations and a swanky dinner.
The idea for the sweet prize came from, of course, a firefighter.
“One of the current calendar firefighters (Todd Godek) is on (Dempsey’s) racing team, so they were chatting at one of the races,” says Hamling. “(Godek) was telling him about the calendar and what a great charity it was. Dempsey said, ‘Wow, how can I help?’ ”
Another hot item will be a chance to sit in a judge’s chair during the show. Besides having a say in who ends up in the 2010 calendar, the judges probably have some of the best seats in the house — just keep that in mind.
The show starts at 8 tonight. Tickets will be on sale at the door, so get on the horn and gather a group of hot-hero-loving friends.
Another opportunity to give back comes on Monday, when Denver sports stars host a benefit for Becoming a Champion at 8 Rivers LoDo (1550 Blake St.).
Party along with Nuggets Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups to raise funds for the charity, which encourages kids to stay in school, keep their grades up and respect themselves.
The party starts at 7 p.m. Monday, and tickets are $75, available in advance at 8 Rivers. The price is a little steep, but think of all the do-good dollars that roll in with each ticket. Signed jerseys, basketballs and other items will be up for auction, too, keeping the cash flowing.
Expect a lot of good vibes from the Caribbean cuisine and the warm, fuzzy glow of helping others. Or maybe that’s from the rum. Either way, it’s nice.
Time’s running out.
Get thee to The Loft (821 22nd St.) for the last few days of a fabulous drink special: $100 bottles of Patron tequila.
The potent nectar has been on special for $100 all month. That’s still more than you’d pay in a liquor store, but a good deal in terms of nightclub prices.
Gather some friends, and order bottle service. The price is right.
