A YEAR OF GIVING

Haven’t you heard—2018 is the year of giving back. No doubt, this is one trend you’ll want to follow, so we’ve gathered just a few local events from Marion and Citrus Counties to kick o the new year. From January to December—here are the dates you’ll want to save.*

Written & Compiled by Laurel Gillum

4th Annual 5K Benefiting Local Charities - Harbor Hills Ladies Charity

January 20

Run or walk through the beautiful Harbor Hills community to benefi t smaller local charities in partnership with the Harbor Hills Ladies Charity . harborhills.com or (352) 753-7000

Florida Fun Mini Match Dance Competition

January 21

The Florida Fun Mini Match is a ballroom dance competition held at the Circle Square Cultural Center. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association dancedancedance.biz/ minimatch or (352) 266-0015

2nd Annual Ignite Fundraiser

January 25

Join ladies from around the community to raise money for the Ocala Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault Center igniteforocala.com

12th Annual King of the Wing

January 30

Support ARC Marion and the Marion County Building Industry Association by enjoying some wings and pizza at this annual event at Marion County’s Southeastern Livestock Pavilion from 5-9pm. mcarc.com or (352) 387-2210

Day of Caring

February 24

Area businesses, individuals, organizations and civic clubs can help local non-profit human service agencies accomplish muchneeded projects during one day of organized volunteerism. uwmc.org or (352) 732-9696

Pancakes in the Park

February 24

The Friends of Silver Springs State Park will be serving a pancake breakfast on the river side of the park at 9am to benefit Silver Springs State Park’s education program thefriendsofsilversprings.org or 352-236-5401

Ocala Royal Dames’ Tiara Ball

February 24

Dress your best, recognize some of Ocala’s up-and-coming debutantes and raise money to support cancer research. ocalaroyaldames.org or (352) 622-7363

Helping Hands Dinner and Fundraiser

February, TBD

Enjoy dinner, dessert, ra es and auction items. Helping Hands provides shelter and related assistance for people in need, mostly women and children. helpinghandsocala.org or (352) 732-4464

Taste of Ocala

March 3

This annual event features a social hour, restaurant tastings and live music. Funds raised benefit the CF Foundation at the College of Central Florida. cf.edu/foundation or (352) 873-5808

5th Annual Habitat Strawberry Festival

March 3

This festival, located at the McPherson Complex, draws the community together in celebration of all things strawberry to raise money for the Habitat for Humanity of Marion County habitatocala.org or (352) 351-3081

The 6th Annual Disability Awareness Walk and Roll 5K and Family Fun Run

March 3

This county-wide event will provide all participants with inclusive activities designed to promote disability awareness for families, schools and communities. habitathernando.org or (352)797-7070 ext. 490

31st Annual Floral City Strawberry Festival

March 3-4

The Citrus County Agricultural Alliance will be in charge of the strawberry shortcake tent, with a portion of the sale proceeds given to the organization to support their local projects. citruscountychamber.com or (352) 795-3149

Charity Pro/Am Golf Tournament

March 20-23

The Ocala Open will take place at Candler Hills Golf Club and raises funds for Interfaith Emergency Services and Hospice of Marion County candlerhillsgolfclub.com or (352) 387-7510

12th Annual Marion County Go Red for Women

March, TBD

Benefiting the American Heart Association, this event aims to increase awareness about heart disease and stroke in women. Guests are in for a night of live music and dancing, silent auctions and fine dining. goredforwomen.org or (1-800) 257-6941, ext. 8107

17th Annual Arnette House Benefit

March, TBD

Enjoy an evening of entertainment, food, drinks, games and auctions, all while raising money for the Arnette House , a 24-hour emergency youth shelter for children ages 10 to 17. arnettehouse.org or (352) 622-6135

H.U.G.S. Community Celebration

April 26

This 10th annual fundraiser for H.U.G.S Charities will take place at the Country Club of Ocala from 6:30-8:30pm. hugscharities.org or call (352) 598-1066.

7th Annual Race Against Child Abuse

April 7

This family-friendly 5K race is fully escorted by the Ocala Police Department and benefits Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection kimberlyscenter.org or (352) 873-4739

Relay for Life of Ocala

April 13

Relay for Life is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and brings the community together to remember loved ones, honor survivors and raise money to help battle cancer. relayforlife.org or (352) 629-4727

Ride for the Arts

April 21

The fourth annual Ride for the Arts benefits the Marion Cultural Alliance’s Endowment for the Arts, which o ers grants to cultural organizations throughout Marion County. rideforthearts.com or (352) 369-1500

March for Babies

April 28

The 6-mile event raises money for the March of Dimes and takes place at the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. marchforbabies.org or (352) 629-7555

4th Annual Friends of Furry Faces

April, TBD

This fundraiser supports the Humane Society of Marion County. thehsmc. org or (352) 873-7387

Bridles, Birdies and BBQ

April, TBD

Combining two of Ocala’s greatest passions—horses and golf—this event pairs teams of equestrian riders with local golfers in a relay race, all benefiting The First Tee of Greater Ocala. thefirstteegreaterocala.org or (352) 362-2258

This is the season of giving and being thankful. We all have special talents. Things we can do to help. And when we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. So give the gift of you. Volunteer.

We are looking for:

ReadingPal Volunteers: Spend one hour a week (2—30 minute sessions) working with a struggling kindergarten student to help build confidence and a love for reading. Training provided.

Volunteers will learn how to prepare individual tax returns, and at the same time, be helping taxpayers receive the tax credits and deductions at six sites located in Ocala and surrounding areas in Marion County. No experience necessary and free certification training is provided.