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Best Upcoming Summer Charity Events In Baltimore

Giving back to others is what pulls a community together and truly makes it a special place to live. The Baltimore area hosts walks, runs, festivals and even golf to benefit charities that help animals, children, veterans and more. You are guaranteed to have a good time at these events while supporting those who truly need your help.

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Perry Paws Fundraiser
Bill Bateman's Bistro
9629 Bel Air Road
Perry Hall, Md. 21236
(410) 396-4695
www.baltimoreanimalshelter.org/2nd-annual-perry-paws-fundraiser-to-support-barcs

Date: June 28, 2014 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This second annual Perry Paws fundraiser is for our furry friends at BARCS, a nonprofit animal shelter. Monetary donations and wish list items are always appreciated, but the overall message is clear: with the large number of unwanted and neglected animals, responsible pet ownership starts with spaying or neutering your pet and maintaining proper care for them. Attendance is free and you can listen to live music from multiple bands and tunes from a disc jockey. Food is served fresh from the grill, but don't forget to pick up specialty drinks from guest bartenders or visit the microbrew beer garden where there is $5 per beer or $25 for all-you-can-drink. Bring along the kids who will love face painting and a moon bounce, among other activities. Purchase raffles to win prizes like sports jerseys and concert tickets. All proceeds from raffles, drinks and food, as well as 10 percent of total sales, will directly benefit the animals at BARCS.

Druid Hill Park
(Credit: www.druidhillpark.org)

Freedom 5K
Druid Hill Park
3001 East Drive
Baltimore, Md. 21217
www.bishopsevents.com/freedom-5k-benefiting-wounded-warrior-project

Date: July 4, 2014; 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

This Independence Day, support those who have fought and sacrificed the most for this country. Thousands of our veterans come home missing limbs, a traumatic injury impacting the individual both physically and psychologically. These veterans and their families find hope and support through the efforts of the Wounded Warrior Project. You too can help raise funds through the Freedom 5K. Starting at 9 a.m., run or walk the flat running course that follows two laps around Druid Lake. Entry fees are $25 up until June 15; afterwards, it is $30. Free T-shirts are guaranteed to those who sign up by June 23. And since no one likes waiting in line the day of the race, an early packet pick-up is available July 3 at Road Runner Sports in Elkridge. New this year is a virtual run option for those who cannot attend the event yet still want to help; you'll receive a medal and can purchase an event shirt. There are various ways to help Wounded Warrior, from donating money to volunteering your time as a small way to say thank you to our veterans.

Canines and Cocktails for a Cause
Loews Hotel
126 West St.
Annapolis, Md. 21401
(410) 263-7777
www.pawspetboutique.com/news-events

Date: Last Friday of each month through Oct. 31, 2014

This recurring happy hour is hosted by Paws Pet Boutique and Loews Hotel in Annapolis. Stop by the outside patio of WEST Kitchen and Tavern on the last Friday of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. As the hotel is dog-friendly, feel free to bring Fido along. A new charity is highlighted at each event. The happy hour on June 27 is for the Anne Arundel SPCA, the July 25 event benefits the MD Animal Sanctuary & Rescue and the Maryland Chapter of Greyhound Pets of America is supported on Aug. 29, not to mention there are more events throughout the rest of the year. Proceeds from raffle tickets and special $5 self-parking at the hotel all go to benefit the featured charity. For more info on the event, call (410) 263-8683.

Related: Best Places To Adopt Puppies And Kittens In Baltimore

Cool Kids Campaign
Credit: WJZ

Cool Kids Campaign Festival
Oregon Ridge Park
13401 Beaver Dam Road
Cockeysville, Md. 21030
(410) 560-1770
www.coolkidscampaign.org/run

Date: June 29, 2014 at 8 a.m.

The Cool Kids Campaign Learning Center in Towson addresses academic and social effects on children who have cancer. Free tutoring allows these children to stay current in their grade level and retain that important interaction with peers. More than $50,000 has been raised for this cause throughout the past four annual festivals; help raise more by joining the race or volunteering. Participate in a 5K with $35 entry fee, or a one-mile fun-run/walk for only a $15 fee. Races are professionally timed by Charm City Run and every participant receives a free T-shirt. You may also assist with registration, passing out water to racers and face painting. The fun continues afterwards with music from a disc jockey, good food and the knowledge that your time helped make the world of difference to these children and their families.

golf_-_thinkstock.jpg
Credit: Thinkstock

Golf for a Cause
Birdies for Bladders
Lake Presidential
3151 Presidential Golf Drive
Upper Marlboro, Md. 20774
www.birdiesforbladders.com

Date: June 25, 2014

Swing "Fore" Kids
Renditions Golf
1380 W. Central Ave.
Davidsonville, Md. 21035
www.hopkinschildrens.org

Date: June 27, 2014

The Johns Hopkins Children's Center is the focus of these golfing events. Birdies for Bladders occurs on June 25 to support Dr. John Gearhart's research of bladder exstrophy. Registration is at 8 a.m. with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Not a golfer? You can still support the cause by sponsoring a hole, making a donation or even volunteering on the day of the tournament. Two days later is the Swing "Fore" Kids event on June 27, with a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start at Renditions Golf in Davidsonville. Beer and beverages will be served along the 18-hole course and various prizes are awarded to first place, longest drive, winner of a putting contest and more. The event includes a scrumptious barbecue buffet with selections including roasted chicken, carved beef, sausage, baked beans, corn, salad, beer or wine and dessert.

Related: Best Local Trivia About Baltimore

Pam Smith graduated from Penn State with a B.A. in English and a passion for writing. Her adaptive nature led her to work in the scientific, energy supply, and business industries while writing on a multitude of topics for various online media. Pam currently resides in Baltimore County. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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