5 Things To Know Today (March 30)

Non-profits are finding it as difficult as some businesses to encourage people to spend their dollars, in this case, to support services, drives and causes that benefit the overall life of the community. This list of five things to know leads with one such effort, to support the mission of one of Brandon’s oldest civic associations.

1. The reservation deadline for the Fine Arts & Civic Association’s annual arts gala celebration has been extended to April 4. The event is scheduled for April 9 at The Regent, at 6437 Watson Road in Riverview. This year’s theme is “Arti Gras.” Tickets cost $100 per person, with corporate table sponsors available at $1,000. Center Place members with bronze and above memberships are eligible to receive a complementary ticket. For more, visit Center Place online. Call: 813-685-8888.
2. The  Bunco for Education fundraiser is scheduled for March 31 at Center Place, hosted by the GFWC Brandon Junior Woman’s Club. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served from 6-7 p.m., at which time the card game will begin. Scheduled also is a 50/50 raffle and door and raffle prizes. A used book sale is open to the public (and donations of books will be accepted). Proceeds from the night’s events go toward a scholarship program for senior high school girls who are strong in community service. The club also has adopted Kenly Elementary School in Tampa, for which club members purchase backpacks and school supplies for the school’s students.
3. The High School Student Art Show at has been taken down and in its place will be the Adult Student Art Show featuring the work of students enrolled in Center Place art classes over the past year. The show is sponsored by the Brandon League of Fine Arts. The public is invited to view the art 9-5 p.m. throughout the month of April in the Mook Art Gallery. The public is also invited to the April 14 art reception from 5:30-7 p.m.
4. Meeting weekly on Wednesdays is Connecting Businessmen to Christ, a group for members who, as the title suggests, have an interest in keeping their business and religious values in synch. The group meets 7:30-8:30 a.m. at the , 1995 Lumsden Road.
5. The Rotary Club of Brandon South meets at noon at the Buckhorn Springs Golf & Country Club, 2721 South Miller Road, in Valrico. Meeting is from noon to 1 p.m. and new members are always welcome. The club meets the same time and place every Wednesday.