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

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