Poway Gives Back: Firefighters Tailgate, Poway Health Center and Man's Best Friend

By Bill Stoudenmire

FIREFIGHTERS TAILGATE FOR MDA

They're expecting over 1,000 this Saturday (7/13) at the Embarcadero Marina Park South for the 33rd annual MDA Padres Tailgate and Fire Fighter Chili Cook-off. Over 25 local fire departments, including Poway, will compete for bragging rights to the best chili in San Diego. Each participating fire department will create their own signature chili, with names like Rack Em' Up, Double Over Head and Round Em' Up chili. Then, they'll serve it from a specially themed and decorated booth. There will be awards for People's Choice, Best Booth, Best Chili and Top Fundraising Department.

The event will also feature all-you-can-eat hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst and snacks. You can enjoy cold beverages from local brewing companies, Coca Cola, Honest Tea and Monster Energy Drink. There will be live music and an auction of world-class sports memorabilia.

Tickets are $50 for adults, $20 for children and include a ticket to the Padres vs. Giants game that evening. The tailgate runs from 1-6 p.m. and game time is 7:10 p.m. Get tickets by phone at 858-492-9792 or at the gate on Saturday. All money raised will stay in San Diego and Imperial Counties to benefit those effected by one of 43 neuromuscular diseases, providing research, program services and education.

GALA RAISES BIG MONEY FOR LITTLE KIDS AND A POWAY HEALTH CENTER

Congratulations to everyone involved in the 15th annual Pace Setter Gala, “A Magic Carpet Ride”, held at Orfilia Vinyards at the beginning of June and benefitting Neighborhood Health Care. The event raised a reported $167,000. In the 14 minutes following a touching video about how Dr. Tsai-Tulagan of Neighborhood Health helped save the life of baby Mathew, they raised $25,500 alone for the 15,000 children they see every year through the Unfunded Care for Kids program. LabCorp matched the first $5,000 raised. A portion of the money is earmarked for the future Poway Health Center. To hear more about the center email Connie Burke at connieb@NHCare.org. Way to give back!

ESCONDIDO HUMANE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

Do you have some extra time this summer? Escondido Humane can use your help in a variety of ways. Off-site cat volunteers can help care for cats housed at area Petco's and Petsmart locations. At the EHS, their “cattery” is full, which means they can really use more cat-cuddlers. Adventure days give their dogs a break from the daily routine of the shelter. Find out how you can take a dog on an adventure. With such a diverse Spanish-speaking community, EHS is in need of someone willing to donate time to translate marketing materials from English to Spanish. EHS' partner Pets for Patriots is holding a “friendraiser” on July 20 in Carlsbad and you can help staff the EHS booth. Those are a few ways you can give back. Contact the Escondido Humane Society at 760-888-2240.

BARK FOR LIFE

That's what the American Cancer Society is calling it's Relay for Life that includes your four-legged kids. This will be the first ever in Valley Center, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21 at Bates Nut Farm. Families and their dogs will come together for a few hours to complete a one-mile walk to honor the care-giving qualities of your canine best friends and to honor cancer survivors. Registration starts at 8 a.m. on Sept. 21. Yes, it's a ways off so you have plenty of time to get sponsored. Start your own “wolf pack” or join one. Details are at www.relayforlife.org/barkvalleycenterca.