Food for fundraising

Usually, the act of purchasing food only brings financial benefit to restaurant owners, restauranteurs and businesses. That's not the case with a pair of events this week that help out food-related nonprofit organizations. First up is the monthly March Guest Chef Dinner ($50; Thursday, March 5, at Plates Cafe and Catering, 14 Business Parkway; www.hawksrestaurant.eventbrite.com). It'll feature dishes from chef Molly Hawks of Hawks Restaurant and wine from Boisset Wine Living. Plates is a Saint John's Program for Real Change employment training program for formerly homeless mothers. Later in the week, check out a pair of meals at the Sacramento Convention Center (1400 J Street) that will comprise an event called Empty Bowls: The Soup Supper ($70, 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 9) features wine, hors d'oeuvres, soup and desserts. The Luncheon ($30, 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10) includes just soup and desserts. Empty Bowls benefits the River City Food Bank (www.rivercityfoodbank.org).