Eddie Izzard by Nick J. Webb, used under Creative Commons.

As I’ve mentioned previously, 826LA is my favorite non-profit organization. There may not be any profit, but it still takes a lot of money to do all the great work they do. Thus, there are occasional fund-raisers and benefits. 826 benefits are always win-win situations, though, because while they get the money, you get top-notch entertainment for a relative bargain price.

There are a couple of great 826LA benefits happening this week, starting with a very special show tonight at the EchoPlex featuring the spectacularly funny Eddie Izzard! This show was just announced, and as of this writing some tickets are still available for only $20 (plus a reasonable, non-TicketBastard service charge.) Race to get them at TicketWeb HERE. Izzard’s L.A. shows have historically sold out very quickly (with higher ticket prices,) so don’t wait.

On Friday night, M Bar Supper Club in Hollywood is the place to be for “Behind the Smoggy Veil: Tinseltown Tales.” This evening of comedy features (among others) Taylor Negron, and is hosted by my old friend, the very funny Sarah Taylor. Given the title, I’m going to guess it will be an evening of funny stories about life in Hollywood. This promises to be a great show as well, so call the number at the link above and make a table reservation now.

One week. Two benefits for 826LA. Two evenings full of laughter. You’re welcome.

Photo by Twylo, used under Creative Commons.

Last week I wrote about the 826LA Echo Park Lake Paddle Boat Regatta. Thanks to LA MetBlogs readers, authors, and other friends my team (Team Flotsam & Jetsam) finished in the upper third in funds raised among all 43 teams. More importantly, 826LA raised over $25,000 to be used in continuing to offer FREE tutoring programs to L.A. kids ages 6-18. It’s not too late to get involved. Contact 826LA to make a donation or to volunteer to tutor.

826 also offers an adult writing seminar series, and next week there is one that is perfect for nearly every adult resident of Los Angeles. Everyone in L.A. is working on their screenplay, right? This seminar is going to take you to the next level.

The 826LA Adult Screenwriting Seminar will feature a panel of award winning and Oscar nominated screenwriters, discussing how they got started, going from story to screenplay, as well as the business side of “the Business.” All the details you need are here.

Tickets are only $35, and proceeds benefit 826LA. Space is limited and going fast, so reserve your seat now.

What: 826LA Adult Writing Seminar – Screenwriting
When: Thursday, 6 August 2009, 7:30-9:00pm
Where: 826LA West, 685 Venice Blvd., Venice, CA

Breakaway by Elizabeth Herndon, used under Creative Commons.

Yesterday Queequeg wrote about the 2009 Echo Park Lake Paddle Boat Regatta. I’d like to expand upon that a bit, including how you can get involved from the cool comfort your own internet connection.

I have entered a team in the regatta, and I would like to encourage everyone to join me in supporting Team Flotsam & Jetsam (so named for the floating debris after a shipwreck.) Follow that link to the sponsor page and make a donation to help my team raise the most money for 826LA. Any amount is greatly appreciated and will help 826LA provide free services for local kids. I know the economy is tough for everyone right now, but non-profits and charitable organizations have been hit particularly hard. They need our help now more than ever.

Follow me past the jump to learn why 826LA is my favorite non-profit. (more…)

Photo by flickr's Geoff604, used under Creative Commons.

Do you like to write about food? Fancy yourself a budding restaurant critic? (C’mon, I’ve seen the 284 reviews you’ve posted to Yelp.) Do you dream of one day taking Jonathan Gold’s job? Would you simply like to learn more about food writing and improve your skills?

Thursday evening 826LA will host the latest in their Writing Series for Adults: Food Writing. The panel will discuss writing about food in various media (blogs, newspaper, and books,) as well as the business side of food writing such as composing a recipe, how to review a restaurant (I’m lookin’ at you, Yelpers,) and how to get published.

The panel will feature award-winning L.A. food blogger Pat Sapperstein and Pulitzer Prize winning food journalist Jonathan Gold, among other L.A. food luminaries.

For more information and to purchase tickets go to 826LA’s event page.

What: 826LA’s Adult Writing Seminar Series: Writing About Food.
When: Thursday, May 14, 2009, from 7:30-9:00pm.
Where: 826LA East, 1714 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, 90026

If food writing holds any interest for you at all, you better jump on this. You won’t find this much knowledge on the subject anywhere else.

Q: What do flier-making, zine-creating punks do when they grow up? A: They go to art school and form nonprofits dedictated to student arts education. At least, that’s what my friend Michael did. His nonprofit organization, re:Active, uses the production of a theme-based magazine to inspire students to pursue their creativity and jobs in design-related fields. This Sunday from 4:30 to 6:30 at Family bookstore (436 N. Fairfax) they are launching the latest magazine issue, ”Dead-end door, re:vealed,” a collaborative effort with 826LA and created by the students of LA High. Both re:Active and 826LA are pretty damn cool organizations, and coming out for the launch is a great way to support youth voices. If you can’t make it, you can still buy a magazine online after the launch. Also, re:Active is expanding to the Portland area and is looking for volunteers so spread the word.