From 11am to 6pm on Saturday, July 19, downtown Boston will host the Life is good Festival, an annual summer event guaranteed to make residents and visitors alike feel pretty darn good, no matter what their age.

The fundraiser, always free of charge to the general public, features a number of physical activities that reflect the infectious spirit and energy of youth. One of the most popular is the competition to be crowned the World’s Greatest Backyard Athlete, a victory that announces to the world that the winner rocks at spitting Watermelon seeds as far as possible, making a Frisbee fly through the air, and navigating the twists and turns of a challenging obstacle course.

There’s not a better way to make your mark on history, especially since all proceeds, raised through pledges, benefit the Boston-based nonprofit children’s charity Project Joy, which is dedicated to using “the healing power of play to transform kids sidelined by violence, poverty and loss into healthy and joyful players in the game of life.” In fact, 100 percent of the funds raised at Life is good’s various outdoor festivals in thirteen states is donated to indispensable charitable organizations that assist children.

Other highlights to look forward to on Saturday include team-oriented games in the Joy Zone; arts and crafts and other cool-down activities in Chillville; and a variety of traditional games, such as treasure hunts and Hula Hoop spinning, in Jake Town.

And then there’s the entertainment attendees can observe, this weekend ranging from the previously mentioned World’s Greatest Backyard Athlete competition; Double Dutch and Hula Hoop demonstrations; and music from Electric Youth (who also dance!), Melvin Sparks, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, and children’s entertainer SteveSongs.

Remember, this is all free, meaning there’s no excuse not to stop by and mingle for at least a little while if you’re in the area. Visit the Life is good website for additional information, including how to contribute to the organization’s very worthy cause. You can also take a look at the promotional video for Saturday’s event below to get an idea of the Life is good founders’ laid-back and fun-loving approach.

Boston Common: Charles Street and Beacon Street at the Green Line Subway Park Street and Boylston Street Stations

Post from: The Boston Traveler

Those of us who didn’t take to the streets following the Boston Celtics’ impressive NBA Championship victory last week apparently missed quite a celebration, as in riot-level rampaging through the streets in some areas.

Of course, this being the 21st century and all, complete with little things called video-sharing websites, lots of people memorialized lots of questionable behavior on camera. The fifteen-second YouTube video below shows a group of imbeciles, caught up in the rapture of “celebrating,” as they hurl three street signs through the ground-level glass windows of a business. I wonder how the criminals responsible for the damage feel their illegal actions relate to basketball and winning a championship because I fail to see the connection.

In any case, the business in question happens to be Greater Boston Legal Services, a commendable organization that provides non-criminal legal assistance to low-income local residents who would otherwise be unable to afford it. Note that this invaluable help comes free of charge.

Some writers who are outraged by the actions depicted in the video are encouraging others who share their disgust to consider making a contribution to Greater Boston Legal Services. I second that suggestion, and you can do so by visiting the organization’s donation webpage or by sending a check to 197 Friend Street in Boston, zip code 02114.

Post from: The Boston Traveler

Started in 1969 by a compassionate Catholic priest named Patrick Hughes, the Walk for Hunger is a 20-mile pledge walk, the oldest one in the country, through Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Newton, and Watertown. The purpose of the trek is to raise money to fight hunger among Bay State residents.

Although it’s hard to believe that starvation could possibly be a constant worry for inhabitants of the United States — that only happens in faraway, third-world countries, right? — a recent Boston Globe article by columnist James Carroll sets the record straight.

Government studies suggested in 2007 that nearly half a million residents of [Massachusetts] do not have enough to eat. In a place where the income gap between the richest and the poorest is vast, the high cost of living puts the supply of basic nutritional needs beyond the reach of many. If a silent tsunami has struck the globe, a quiet Katrina rolls in on Massachusetts families every day. In many households, three meals have become two.

The first Walk for Hunger in 1969 had about 2,000 participants who raised $26,000 together for local food programs. Last year, 43,000 participants in the 39th annual Walk for Hunger raised a record-breaking $3.4 million as a result of donations from every state in this country and twenty additional countries around the world.

Clearly, those who are concerned about the shocking disparity between the quality of life for people who have enough to eat and those who don’t can do something about it. Two options are to donate to Project Bread’s worthy cause or join other Walk for Hunger participants on Boston Common this Sunday, May 4, between 7am and 9am to go on one of the best walks of your life. [More Information]

Take a look at the official Walk for Hunger video below, as well, to see what an extremely uplifting and incredibly diverse experience the annual walk is.

Post from: The Boston Traveler

Billed as a “Premier Culinary Event” that will help “make sure no kid in America grows up hungry,” Taste of the Nation Boston takes place at Hynes Convention Center (900 Boylston Street, Boston, 617-954-2000). Tickets can be purchased at the door, and they cost $95 (general admission, 6:30pm–9pm) and $145 (VIP admission, 5:30pm–9pm) per person.

The amount might sound like a hefty price to pay. But, keep in mind that 100 percent — as in every single penny — will be donated to anti-hunger organizations that strive to eradicate insufficient food among American children. If that’s not money well spent, I don’t know what is.

Boston is just one nationwide location where the umbrella organization Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation holds benefits. Other participants besides Worcester, also in Massachusetts, include cities in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Utah, as well as Winnipeg, Canada.

Benefits similar to that in Boston are scheduled in the various areas throughout the coming months, from now until mid August. So, if you miss the Hynes Convention Center event, you can purchase tickets online for another elsewhere and save $10, too.

The Boston leg will feature culinary experts from more than eighty fine eating establishments in the state, such as Masa, Rialto, and Tremont 647. There will also be more than just tasty food and beverages on hand. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to listen to live music provided by local classic rock cover band The French Lick and to participate in an auction with genuinely fabulous items up for grabs, ranging from stays at Boston hotels to sports memorabilia.

Learn more about the local version of Taste of the Nation in the Boston press release and take a peek at the 20th Anniversary Celebration Video below.

Post from: The Boston Traveler

Attendees had the opportunity to donate either five non-perishable food items or $5 to the organization up to two hours before the start of the 7pm game. They were then entered into a giveaway featuring autographed Bruins merchandise as prizes.

Since there are additional events still scheduled throughout the rest of January, it’s not too late to contribute to The Food Bank’s popular annual effort. The organization makes it easy by offering several different options.

Super Hunger Chef Challenge

This very Top Chef-like event will feature three well-known and talented chefs—Jody Adams of Rialto, TV celebrity chef Jon Ashton, and Marc Orfaly of Pigalle and Marco—competing against one another to cook up the most delectable meal. The tickets are pricey, but if you’ve got the means, this is a simple way to contribute to an excellent cause while chowing down on a savory, high-class spread.

When: Thursday, January 24

Where: Four Seasons Hotel Boston, 200 Boylston Street, Boston

How Much: $250

Tickets: Super Hunger Chef Challenge 2008 Tickets

Super Hunger Brunch

Fine local restaurants offer fixed-price brunch menus during this signature Super Hunger Month event.

When: 11am–2pm; Saturday, January 26/Sunday, January 27

Where: Various Local Restaurants

How Much: $25, $35, and $50, depending on the restaurant chosen

Reservations: Super Hunger Brunch Reservations [PDF]

Super Hunger Online Auction

The Super Hunger Online Auction accepts bids on a selection of appropriate items, such as gift baskets and meals at select restaurants. For example, when I checked a moment ago, a “Boston Wine Expo Excursion” had a high bid of $100.

When: January 17–27

Where: Your computer

How Much: As much as you’re willing to bid

Website: Super Hunger Online Auction

In addition to the events directly related to the month of January, the Food Bank Super Hunger Month website offers a number of ways that anyone can assist in the fight against hunger, ranging from volunteering as a food sorter at area Massachusetts warehouses to hosting a party where attendees are urged to donate.

The organization emphasizes that it’s able to stretch a contribution of just $1 to accommodate the distribution of $4 worth of donated food. That sounds like a spectacular return on an investment to me, which makes contributing a no-brainer for those who can.

Post from: The Boston Traveler

This Sunday, January 6, the non-profit Boston Bruins Foundation will present the 18th Annual Wives’ Charity Carnival, with proceeds helping to sustain the commendable charity Cradles to Crayons. The youth-oriented organization is based in both Boston and Philadelphia, where its mission is to provide free essentials to low-income and homeless children.

In keeping with Cradle to Crayons’ focus, the Wives’ Charity Carnival will be chock full of activities that children and adults alike will find enjoyable, ranging from old-fashioned amusement-park games to Guitar Hero sessions and tours of the pro hockey team’s locker room.

As a bonus with payment of a couple hundred dollars more ($250 total to be exact for non-season ticket holders), fans of the Bruins can attend a private reception at Legends Restaurant with the players, who’ll be signing autographs while onlookers stuff themselves with coffee, donuts, and bagels (My good side says, “Yum! Carb Alert!” and the other “That better be some pretty darn high-quality foodstuff for two and a half Benjamins!”).

A rundown of the event follows.

18th Annual Boston Bruins Wives’ Charity Carnival

• When: Sunday, January 6
• Where: TD Banknorth Garden, 150 Causeway Street, Boston
• How Much:
  • All-Access VIP Reception, 11am–12pm: $250 (General Public), $200 (Season Ticket Holders) [Purchase Tickets]
  • Early Bird Session, 12pm–2pm: $30 [Purchase Tickets]
  • General Session, 3pm–5pm: $20 (Adult), $10 (Children 6–12), Free (Children 5 and under) [Purchase Tickets]
• Website: 18th Annual Boston Bruins Wives’ Charity Carnival

Post from: The Boston Traveler

Co-founder and renowned sportswriter Peter Gammons says in his own words, “Most guys I know host charity golf tournaments … well, I don’t golf, so this is my version of that. It’s the best way I know to bring together my two greatest passions, baseball and rock music, while raising money for a great cause.” A more complete—and lengthy—history of how the recurring event began, written by co-founder Jeff Horrigan, is located at the Hot Stove, Cool Music: The Story webpage.

This weekend, the eighth annual Hot Stove, Cool Music will present two days of activities, including an interactive roundtable discussion and a concert at the Paradise Rock Club on Saturday and Sunday’s main concert event, also at the Paradise. Coming off of a fantabulous return to the Boston music scene after a nearly five-year absence, lead singer Dicky Barrett of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones is among the musicians scheduled for Sunday’s big to-do.

Read on for the details of what else is in store, as well as links for getting tickets.

Saturday | January 5

Hot Stove Roundtable: Building a Winning Enterprise

• What: Excellence on the field, court, and ice — and in the community. Theo Epstein, Steve Pagliuca, Cam Neely, and others share insights and observations from Fenway, Foxboro, and the Garden regarding the red-hot Boston sports scene. Followed by Inside Baseball 2008.
• When: 12:30pm–3pm EST
• Where: Fenway Park’s State Street Pavilion, 20 Yawkey Way, Boston
• Purchase Tickets Online

Hot Stove Cool Music Preview

• What: Spookie Daly Pride, with Eli “Paperboy” Reed & the True Loves, deSol, with special appearances by Theo Epstein and Peter Gammons.
• When: 9pm EST/Doors Open at 8pm
• Where: Paradise Rock Club, 967 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston
• Who: 18 and Over Only
• How Much: $15.00
• What Else?: All Proceeds to Benefit the Red Sox Foundation
• Purchase Tickets Online

Sunday | January 6

Hot Stove Cool Music Main Event

• What: Theo Epstein, Peter Gammons, Dropkick Murphy’s front man Ken Casey, Dicky Barrett, Bronson Arroyo, Lori McKenna, Kay Hanley, Dear Leader, Paul Barrere of Little Feat, Eli “Paperboy” Reed & The True Loves, French Lick featuring Boston Celtics Managing Partner & Co-Owner Wyc Grousbeck, Murder Capitol of the World, Elan Trotman Band and more. Emceed by Mike O’Malley.
• When: 7:30pm EST/Doors Open at 7pm
• Where: Paradise Rock Club, 967 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston
• Who: 18 and Over Only
• How Much: $40.00
• What Else?: All Proceeds to Benefit the Red Sox Foundation
• Purchase Tickets Online

Post from: The Boston Traveler

The Globe Santa Fund was established in 1956 by the local newspaper the Boston Globe in order to buy gifts for needy children in the Greater Boston area. Both readers and advertisers provide the donations, while the Globe publishes articles in the newspaper detailing the needs of various families. The process begins on October 1, when the Globe allows families to being applying, and ends two days before Christmas with the delivery of presents.

According to the organization, this annual three-month tradition has enabled it to “brighten the holiday season for more than 28,000 families and 55,000 children in 167 communities every year.” In 2006 alone, it raised over $1 million dollars, which helped spread cheer and gifts to 54,000 Boston children and their very grateful parents.

Globe Santa is yet another reason to be thankful as 2007 marches into 2008.

Merry Christmas, Boston Traveler readers!

Post from: The Boston Traveler

Now, that’s a motto and goal I can’t argue with under any circumstances. Who could?

Boston is thriving on the cutting edge once again, this time with regards to a new retail project that allows consumers to save money, contribute to their communities, and help local small-business owners, all at the same time.

The unique undertaking, a joint venture between the organizations Boston Main Streets and Interra OS, is called Boston Community Change. To participate, all interested parties have to do is visit the website and register to receive a Boston Community Change Card, which is presently being offered free of charge for a limited time. Once received, the card will open the doorway to joint savings and contributions at about 160 currently participating businesses.

This is how it works: When you buy something at a participating local retailer, the cashier swipes the Boston Community Change card and then accepts any form of payment that the business normally does. The transaction is recorded in the account established when you ordered the card, and each month you receive an emailed statement detailing the varying rebates received at the places where you made purchases during the relevant time period. You also get a monthly reimbursement payment in your preferred form, either a mailed check or direct deposit. How thoughtful and convenient is that? It couldn’t get any better.

The most fantastic part, however, is that in addition to receiving a cash reward for shopping, you also experience the warm fuzzy joy of donating to a public school or non-profit organization of your choice, as well as the co-sponsor Boston Main Streets. The monthly statements provide a summary of the charitable donations, too.

According to recent local news reports, Boston is the first city in the United States to make such an innovative program available to consumers, and the Interra Project website indicates that Puget Sound is up for a launch next. I’ve already ordered one Boston Community Change card for myself and another for my mother (rhyming unintended!), and I can’t wait for them to arrive. In fact, I’m putting off all of my holiday shopping until they do so I can spread even more goodwill outside of my own circle as I make purchases for family and friends.

As far as I can tell, you don’t have to be a Boston resident to receive a card; you only have to use the card locally. That means if you travel to the Boston area often or plan to pass through in the future, you can still order a card beforehand in order to contribute a little something extra while you’re in town. It seems that the card won’t be free forever, so jump on this ship while it’s still anchored.

Here’s a list of all you need to learn more about the Boston Community Change project online and sign up for its many advantages.

Post from: The Boston Traveler