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Eat and shop for a cause

Spurred by the sad images of suffering wildlife as a result of BP’s massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill, several Uptown merchants and restaurants on and near East 17th Avenue have teamed up for an event Thursday that will benefit the National Wildlife Federation’s cleanup efforts. Ten percent of sales that day at Talulah Jones (1122 E. 17th Ave., 303-832-1230), Peppermint (1227 E. 17th Ave., 303-861-4375), Soul Haus (1225 E. 17th Ave., 303-830-7685 ), Strings (1700 Humboldt St., 303-860-9579), Olivea (719 E. 17th Ave., 303-861-5050), Hamburger Mary’s (700 E. 17th Ave., 303-832-1333), Caveau Wine Bar (450 E. 17th Ave., 303-861-3747), Parallel Seventeen (1600 E. 17th Ave., 303-399-0988) and other nearby businesses will go toward the cause. Look for live music and kids activities, including a book-signing by Colorado children’s book author Justin Matott.

A brown pelican covered with oil from the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill swims at Sandy Point in the Gulf of Mexico, near Venice, Louisiana, June 15, 2010. Saul Loeb, AFP, Getty Images

Thompson’s VIP Program

As part of its Very Important Places promotion, Thompson’s Water Seal, maker of waterproofers, exterior wood stains and cleansers, has launched its 2010 VIP Sweepstakes. The contest is a chance to win a trip to such national parks as Yellowstone (pictured) or Grand Canyon. The top prize is valued at $5,000 and includes round- trip airfare for up to four people, a four- night hotel stay, a rental car and $1,000 spending money. Log on to by Oct. 4 to enter, read about the company’s partnership with the National Park Foundation, and find printable coupons.

“Demystifying Green”

That’s the goal of Abe’s Market, an online marketplace for eco-smart shopping that includes hard-to-find, natural home, pet and garden products. Among the finds: Elfie’s organic cotton children’s storage bin, $38, and Ditto Ecological Hangers for kids or adults, $12-$15, which are 100 percent recyclable. Elana Ashanti Jefferson, The Denver Post