Fetch!
The annual Can Do Canines Fetching Ball Gala is 7 p.m. Sat, Feb. 20. Silent auction bidding starts Thu, Feb. 18. Some items that will be part of the auction include dog sledding excursions, golf outings, a Baume & Mercier Clifton watch, and a trip to Florida. This year’s gala is virtual. Enjoy an inspiring client story, a u look into the Can Do Canines prison dog training program, auctions and an exciting performance by stand up magician Derek Hughes. KARE 11 Reporter/Anchor Rena Sarigianopoulos is emcee. A special VIP experience is available for $1,000 for groups of up to 10 people. Preregister for the VIP experience or sign up for the regular event. FFI: http://can-do-canines.org/fetchingball
A Toast to AuSM
Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) celebrates 50 years of service to the Minnesota autism community with A Toast to AuSM, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Sat, Feb. 28. The virtual event allows families and friends to enjoy brunch at home while watching an interactive online program. Shannan Paul from My Talk 107.1 is “toastess.” Enjoy demonstrations from local celebrity chefs from Hope Breakfast Bar; Jon Robinson, mixologist from Sunshine Consulting; and Sammy from Sammy’s Sweets fame; livestream prize drawings; and celebrate with those who support the local autism community. Preregister and build a fundraising page to help AuSM and be eligible for prizes. FFI: www.ausm.org
With Our Voices
The Arc Minnesota Gala, With Our Voices, is Sat, March 6. Join community leaders, volunteers, and friends for the gala, a free virtual celebration to raise funds that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Preregister. FFI: www.arcminnesota.org
Open Flow Forum
The Artists with Disabilities Alliance meets via Zoom 7-9 p.m. the first Thu of the month. Upcoming dates Thu, Feb. 4 and March 4. Virtually join artists with disabilities and supporters to share visual art, writing, music, theater and artistic efforts or disability concerns. Facilitators are Tara Innmon, Kip Shane and Springboard for the Arts. The gatherings are fully accessible. Anyone needing special accommodations should contact Andy at host organization Springboard for the Arts. FFI: 651-294-0907, resources@springboardforthearts.org
CTC goes digital
Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) has an exciting new season of digital productions (including two from overseas), virtual academy classes, and a new all-access pass for patrons and families to continue to engage with the theatre and build social-emotional development of young people. The all-access pass provides additional family activities. Also, check availability of Virtual Academy classes, including classes for young people with sensory disabilities. FFI: https://childrenstheatre.org/
Less to Enjoy!
Many of the museums, arts and theater groups that typically have listings in the Access Press Enjoy! calendar have suspended activities, moved to online services or are offering limited in-person services with social distancing and safety measures. Museums and many galleries have opened Please check with a venue or organization before making plans. Check with theater groups to see what classes and performances are offered online. Theaters are moving to more online activities. See what is available through individual websites or the Minnesota Access Alliance and its calendar, at https://mnaccess.org/
