Fundraisers and social scenes

The recent fires that ripped through Northern California gave us all reason to pause, I think, and consider the safety of our homes and loved ones. That was particularly true for Betsy Biermann, chief financial officer of Engelbrecht Advertising in Chico. Her husband, Barry, is fire chief of Napa County—where some of the most destructive wildfire took down entire neighborhoods.

“My husband and I are Chico residents, however, our hometown growing up was in Napa. We have personal ties to all counties/communities affected by the wildfires, and especially to the first responder families,” Betsy wrote in an email.

Betsy is holding a fundraiser to help the families of first responders who lost their own homes while fighting the fires in Napa, Sonoma and Butte counties. She outlines two ways to give: 1. Send a check to Centralized Relief Fund at Napa County Sheriff/EOC, Attention: Kim Henderson, 1535 Airport Road, Napa, CA 94558. 2. Donate gift cards—for stores, restaurants or simply Visa or MasterCard. These can be dropped off at Round Table Pizza locations in Chico.

Betsy also noted that Chico company Build.com donated 5,000 face masks to those living in smoke-filled areas. That’s what caring for our communities is all about.

Another good cause Bacio Catering, Take-Out and Biz Box has been holding events over the past year called Feed Your Soul. This time around, the event will feature appetizers, cocktails, fire pits and a DJ, with proceeds going to Women’s Health Specialists, which offers screenings and other services for local women and families.

Feed Your Soul is Nov. 9, 6-10 p.m., at The Palms (2947 Nord Ave.). Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at Bacio, Women’s Health Specialists or online at eventbrite.com.

Name change The folks over at 980 Mangrove Ave. have changed their business’ name from Unwined at 980 to Unwined Kitchen and Bar. But that’s not all they’ve changed. The restaurant recently expanded to include a large banquet room that can accommodate up to 115 people. In addition, they’re regularly hosting live music and, as of last week, they have a full bar (courtesy of the liquor license previously held by the now-closed Shenanigan’s).

1 Million Cups Local business incubator ChicoStart is launching the 1 Million Cups campaign in Chico to bring entrepreneurs out into the community to network. The idea behind the movement, started by the Kauffman Foundation, a nonprofit that supports entrepreneurship, is that deals are made over coffee every day—so why not set up coffee dates with that in mind? The events will be every Wednesday, with different early-stage businesses presenting their ideas each week. The first caffeine session will be Nov. 15, 8:30-10 a.m., at Idea Fab Labs (603 Orange St.). For more info, go to chicostart.com.

Oh, the humanity! There’s a unique opportunity Friday (Nov. 3) at 1 p.m. to see Reefer Madness! on the big screen. A fundraiser for the Inland Cannabis Farmers’ Association, tickets to the special showing at the Pageant Theatre are $20.