Get Out: Weekend Events for Greater Brandon and Beyond (Sept. 23-25)

The weekend approaches, and here’s some good bets for quick ideas for getting out and about in Greater Brandon and beyond.

As always, feel free to post your additions as well, in the comment box below or directly into our calendar listing of events.

WHERE/WHEN: A bunco benefit will be held Friday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. at Delaney Creek Lodge, 320 S. Lakewood Drive, Brandon.

WHY GO: The event will benefit the American Cancer Society. The cost is $10. For tickets, call 813-655-8858.

WHERE/WHEN: The Greater Brandon Community Foundation is celebrating its fourth year hosting its Tuscany-inspired Southern Charm Wine and Food Gala, black tie optional, Saturday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m., at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N.W. C. MacInnes Place, Tampa.

WHY GO: This year’s lead sponsor is Brandon Hyundai and all proceeds benefit the 50 registered Brandon charities the foundation supports. A VIP Reserve Cellar event takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. for $150, and the gala itself is from 7 to 11 p.m. for $75. Both a live and silent auction will take place during the event, with a host of enticing donations available for bids, including round-trip airfare to the Cayman Islands, donated by Cayman Airways, and a wine tasting for 12, donated by PRP Wines.

Food sponsors include Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Smokey Bones, Toffee to Go, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Chart House Restaurant, GrillSmith – Brandon, The Rack, Southern Wine & Spirits and Winthrop Liquors.

WHERE/WHEN: The Tampa Bay HEAT, a nonprofit home school support group, will host a rummage sale Saturday, Sept. 24 starting at 7 a.m. at the Winthrop Pole Barn, 11349 Bloomingdale Ave., Riverview.

WHY GO: Individuals may purchase space to sell their own items for $25. Business vendors also are welcome. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Homeschool Resource Center at 307 S. Parsons Ave., Brandon, operated by Tampa Bay HEAT.

WHERE/WHEN: St. Stephen Catholic Church, 5049 Bell Shoals Road, Valrico, will showcase its more than 80 church ministries during a Ministry Fair Sept. 24-25 after each Mass. Masses take place Saturday at 4 and 6 p.m. and Sunday at 8, 9:30, 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

WHY GO: Representatives from all the ministries will be on hand with information on how to get involved. In addition, the fair will feature free food, balloons, face painting and a bouncy castle for kids.

WHERE/WHEN: RVR Horse Rescue will host its first major fundraiser, Horse Awareness Fun Day, Sunday, Sept. 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the ranch at 12611 Hayes Clan Rd., off Rhodine Road in Riverview.

WHY GO: The event will include music, barbecue chicken and hot dogs, pony rides, a 50/50 raffle and experts discussing pasture maintenance, training, hoof care, teeth care and nutrition. Horse adoptees also will be on hand to give testimonials.