Eat, drink and give money (to charity)

GREER WYLDER

Orange County’s premier epicurean event -- the 20th annual Food, Wine

and Micro-Brew Fest -- takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 7 in

the Macy’s Home Store and Crate and Barrel wing of South Coast Plaza.

More than 60 top-rated Orange County restaurants, wineries and

breweries are contributing to the event, which raises money for

Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and KTLA Charities, a fund

of the McCormick Tribune Foundation. The York Quartet will provide

live music; it’s one of the hottest female jazz bands in Los Angeles.

Opportunity drawings will also be held.

Tickets cost $45 per person, if purchased by 4 p.m. Monday, and

$55 per person after that.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County is the county’s largest

hunger-relief organization, serving 220,000 people each month through

400 member agencies. (714) 771-1343 or visit www.foodfest.org.

10 O’CLOCK TICK TOCK

The National Charity League Ticktocker Thrift Shop presents a

one-day boutique sale on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find

bargains on women’s and children’s designer apparel, the Franklin

Mint Doll Collection and home accessories. It’s cash only, and all

sales are final. Proceeds benefit local charities. 540 W. 19th St. in

Costa Mesa.

LOSING WEIGHT, GIVING BACK

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Athletic Club for

Women will help raise money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer

Foundation. Through October, the club will give 50% of initiation

fees and 10% of personal training and Pilates sales to the

foundation.

“Many of our members have been directly and indirectly affected by

breast cancer,” says owner Zeena Dhalla. “This is our way to give

back to our community, while at the same time bring attention and

awareness to the early prevention and detection of this disease.”

2036 Quail St. in Newport Beach. (949) 852-8655.

SHOP TILL IT HELPS

On Saturday, shop at Macy’s South Coast Plaza for a special

charity shopping fundraiser. The Passport In-Store fundraiser

benefits more than 20 HIV/AIDS community organizations in Orange

County. Participating nonprofit groups will sell $10 tickets that can

be used for shopping, with 100% of the proceeds going toward

charities. Activities coinciding with the fundraiser include fashion

events, discounts, cooking demonstrations, makeovers and a chance to

win a $1,000 shopping spree. Macy’s is at South Coast Plaza. (714)

556-0611.

WINTERTIME IS NEAR

Stefan Kaelin Ski & Golf offers premier ski and snowboarding

equipment, as well as top apparel brands like Bogner, Jet Set, Nils

and Descente.

One of Stefan Kaelin’s best deals is its leasing program for kids

and teens. Ski and snowboard packages can be leased for the winter

season for as low as $89. The 2004-05 lease packages include skis

from Volkl; bindings from Marker; boots from Tecnica and Head; and

boards, boots and bindings from Burton. Stefan Kaelin also has helmet

and goggle packages from Giro and a wide selection of apparel for

kids.

Stop by the store to set up a lease package and see the latest in

winter-season gear. With ski and snowboard season just weeks away,

now is the time to visit Stefan Kaelin. The lease equipment is

limited and rents out quickly. The program begins Friday. Open 10

a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; noon to

6 p.m. Sunday. 2700 W. Coast Highway in Newport Beach. (949)

631-3280.

FOCUSING ON THE ISSUES

Standard Issue, a newsstand, just opened at The Lab in front of

Urban Outfitters. It presents a creative approach to news and media

retailing. It sells media that focuses on subjects of design,

architecture, fashion, music, action sports, automotive and culture.

Choose from an assortment of magazines, books, journals, cards, art

supplies, music and other creative products from Knock Knock, Sukie,

Taschen, Chronicle, Ubiquity Records and more.

To celebrate its grand opening, Standard Issue will host an open

house Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. During the event, receive 10% off any

product, listen to sounds of jazz/soul musician Drew Bray and enjoy

complimentary food. Sign up at www.astandardissue.com and bring your

confirmation page to receive drinks and a special gift at this grand

opening. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday.

* BEST BUYS appears Thursdays. Send information to Greer Wylder at

greerwylder@yahoo.com; at 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627; or by

fax at (949) 646-4170.