Helping Others

The town of Dixon is thanking a 7-year-old girl who did the right thing by turning in a wallet found on the street.

The new location of the Women's Empowerment homeless program is three times larger, and the featured attraction is the enclosed yard that gives homeless kids a chance to play on the lawn.

The Sacramento Area Black Caucus will host its annual Cheryl Ann Fisher and Rosenwald "Robbie" Robertson Scholarship Recognition Dinner at 6 p.m. May 4 at Touch A' Class Restaurant, 4217 Stockton Blvd.

The tinkling of instruments softens. A clarinet sets the intonation. The audience hushes as the silver-haired conductor, Les Lehr, enters.

A private-public partnership that helps homeless people announced the renewal of $14 million in federal money for homeless programs in the Sacramento area.

About 200 people voluntarily shaved their heads to raise money for the St. Baldrick's Foundation at de Vere's Irish Pub in downtown Sacramento on Monday evening.

The sparkling silver tank of the Metro Fire water tender holds 28,000 gallons, and when it's sent to a fire Terry Barnes will almost always be sitting in the driver's seat.

Local nonprofits planning a special event in Elk Grove can apply for a special event sponsorship from the city for the fiscal year that starts July 1.

Looking to feed off its ultra-popular Thanksgiving morning foot race, the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is encouraging diners to wear their Run to Feed the Hungry shirts this week at one of 13 restaurants.

Hands On Sacramento is seeking volunteers to staff an event later this month to connect needy residents with a wide variety of services.

Multiple neighbors' hands spread soil around a newly planted valley oak in William Curtis Park.

Hundreds of pet owners dropped off their dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered at dramatically reduced prices in the Sacramento region, part of the 14th annual Spay Day.

Even as the Sacramento economy inches toward recovery, the number of older adults using local food banks continues to soar, rising by 25 percent during 2012 at River City Food Bank alone, said the food bank's executive director, Eileen Thomas.

The Rev. Dan Madigan is bringing Irish entertainers to Sacramento on St. Patrick's Day to raise money for a new food locker.

The Iu-Mien Student Conference is hosting a screening Sunday of the documentary "Death of a Shaman" and a traditional food fair at the Iu-Mien Community Services office at 6000 Lemon Hill Ave., Sacramento.

The Rev. Dan Madigan is bringing Irish entertainers to Sacramento on St. Patrick's Day to raise money for a new food locker.

Suzanna Hoye is a professional clown with part of her business being "clown care" for seniors. As the economy faltered, some facilities could no longer afford to hire her, but Hoye still comes.

Former NBA great Charles Barkley has won $67,000 on "The Price Is Right" game show on behalf of homeless children at Sacramento's Mustard Seed School.

The Sacramento County Sheriff's Department is accepting applications from men and women interested in joining its Volunteers in Partnership with the Sheriff program.

• California State University, Sacramento. The "Green and Gold Gala" will be March 22 at the University Union Ballroom on campus. Themed "Decade of Distinction," the gala not only will honor President Alexander Gonzalez and his wife, Gloria, and their 10 years at the university, it also will salute the 2013 distinguished alumni award winners. Alumni award recipients to be feted are Cheryl Dell '82, publisher and president of The Sacramento Bee; David Bugatto '86, president and CEO of Alleghany Properties; Michael Kuhlmann '69, president and CEO of Residential Control Systems; Garry Maisel '80, president and CEO of Western Health Advantage; Rhonda Staley-Brooks '95, president and CEO of Big Brothers/Big Sisters; and Christina Preston '11, founder of Shoes4Sacramento. The welcome reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., with dinner and celebration program at 6; dancing will follow. Black tie is the requested attire. Proceeds will benefit the Gonzalez community leadership scholarship. Individual tickets are $200 ($122 tax deductible). The special scholarship package for two is $1,000; an event table for eight (plus two students or CSUS leaders) is $2,000. Sponsorships are encouraged. Call (916) 278-3922 or go to www.csus.edu/ gala.

One by one, women from many walks of life line up to receive a warm breakfast served with an even warmer smile at Wellspring Women's Center in Oak Park. "Do you want some eggs?" 14-year-old Isabella Powers asks. "How are you today?" she inquires with a sweet, youthful eagerness that charms the guests.

Young farmers and ranchers in California donated more than 10 million pounds of food to Golden State families in 2012, topping all states with participation in the "Harvest for All" program.

A match is struck and a hope candle is lit. A sacred space is created where those struggling with cancer can discover and develop their inner strength. Patti Brown, right, gently tends this space.

The Greater Sacramento New Car Dealers Association has pledged $1 million over 10 years to pediatric research at Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California.

The grand prize in the annual Sacramento Dream House fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities is a home in Granite Bay.

The grand prize in the annual Sacramento Dream House fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities this year is a big home in Granite Bay.

Poker players are sought to lend a hand in raising funds for programs benefiting at-risk youths in the Arden Arcade community.

• Youth Development Network. The 2013 version of Ettore's Coffee Break will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Feb. 27 at the Elks Building Ballroom at 921 11th St., on the second floor. Sweet treats from Ettore Ravazzolo's European Bakery and Peerless coffee are only part of the program, which will have Kitty O'Neal as emcee. The Rotary Rooters will provide big-band sounds and Clemon Charles is slated to sing "Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch." A pie-eating contest will be part of the show. Participants will include Ryan Lillis, The Sacramento Bee; Tina Reynolds, Uptown Studios; Terry Hillman, Sacramento Business Journal; Shannon Heaps, SAFE Credit Union; Darrell Teat. Nehemiah; Pamela Maxwell, US Bank; Jim Alves, SMUD; and Ashley Simpson, PG&E. In the honoree spotlight will be City Councilman Jay Schenirer and Bina Lefkovitz, YDN founder. Individual tickets are $35; visit www.ydnetwork.org. Since 2001, YDN has provided training programs, networking and public policy efforts to improve the quality of youth services in the region.

Strong-willed Taya Wieler, 2, struggles as she receives treatment to keep her lungs clear of a thick, life-threatening mucus caused by cystic fibrosis.

Thanks to a $1 million state grant and hefty private donations, including a $400,000 check from Wells Fargo bank, St. John's Shelter for Women and Children has purchased and is renovating a building that will offer more space and expanded programs.