Nonprofit calendar

If a nonprofit wants an upcoming fundraiser to be considered for a calendar listing, email information to nonprofit@PBN.com at least four weeks in advance of the event.

Heroes of the galaxy
The Providence Public Library will host a Galaxy Blood Drive on Dec. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 150 Empire St., Providence. The event welcomes Jedi knights, Klingons and other costumed “Star Trek” and “Star Wars” fans to donate blood and stick around for some family friendly, galactic-themed entertainment. Hospitals experience a higher demand for blood donations during the week between Christmas and New Year’s, because of a decline in donors. Stop by to help save a life and you even get a chance to meet Boba Fett in the process. For more information or to register, call (401) 453-8360 or visit www.facebook.com/RIBloodcenter.

Light up the holiday
Thanks to an anonymous donation, all 34 braziers will be lit for this year’s Waterfire Christmas Festival of Trees, which will take place on Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Waterplace Park, Providence. The work of the Providence Rescue Mission will be highlighted during this winter celebration and visitors are also encouraged to donate non-perishable food goods, unopened toys or winter clothes to the organization. Decorated trees will line the basin and following the event, they will be donated to families in-need that could not otherwise afford a Christmas tree. There will also be a Santa Village, where children can pay a visit to Santa Claus (who will arrive by boat at around 5:55 p.m.) and a festive concert performed by the South Coast Children’s Chorus and the Sultans of Sax. The basin will be lit at 4:30 after the sun sets. For visitors bearing gifts, there will be a toy collection station available. There is also still a chance to decorate a tree for a good cause (trees must be decorated by 3 p.m. on the day of the event). Cost: Free for visitors, $500 to install tree. Donations of non-perishable food goods, unopened toys or winter clothing is encouraged. For more information, call (401) 273-1155 or visit www.waterfire.org.

Night in the saloon
The Rhode Island Film Collaborative will host the seventh annual Gala and this year, the theme will be Steampunk Wild West. The gala will be held on Dec. 13 from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence. If you’re still hung up on the theme, Steampunk Wild West is essentially classic western attire with dark, yet neo-futuristic twist (think Clint Eastwood meets “Metropolis”). The evening will feature an open air photo booth, living art, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle and the Unlock the Vault contest. All proceeds will benefit RIFC. Cost: $25 member whiskey ticket, $35 nonmember whiskey ticket, $15 member Sarsaparilla ticket, $25 nonmember Sarsaparilla ticket. $10 for 5 raffle tickets, 3 50/50 tickets and 2 vault keys. For more information or to register, call (401) 484-7432 or visit www.eventbrite.com/.

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A smile seen around the world.
Caritas Smile will host the fourth annual Masquerade Ball on Dec. 20 from 5:30-11 p.m. at The Rhode Island Shriners and Imperial Room, 1 Rhodes Place, Providence. The evening will feature Latin music, silent auctions and some unique raffle items from local businesses. Guests are also encouraged to bring a children’s toy, which will be donated to children living in poor villages in the Caribbean or Latin America (toys come with inspirational messages attached to them). Cartitas Smile is also working to get its new Spanish and cultural immersion program off the ground. The program, titled “Take a Trip for Change” will take individuals to the Dominican Republic to finish building a school and provide villagers with educational tools. Cost: $45 guests with a toy, $50 guests without toy, $400 table of 8. For more information or to register, call (401) 400-0176 or visit www.caritasmile.com.

Power of the pen
The Providence Chapter of Amnesty International will host the 27th annual Write-a-Thon, where participants make written appeals for human rights to celebrate International Human Rights Day on Dec. 14 from 1-5 p.m. at The Parish House at the First Unitarian Church, 1 Benevolent St., Providence. The event will also feature guest speakers, Clement and Aline Shabani, two human rights leaders from the Republic of Congo. All materials will be provided to participants and there will also be refreshments and prizes. Cost: Free and open to the public. For more information or to register, call (401) 831-0720 or visit www.facebook.com/amnestygroup15.

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