COMMUNITY & CLUBS:Kiwanis dance marathon to benefit CHOC starts Friday

The first Kiwanis Family Dance Marathon to benefit Children’s Hospital of Orange County will be from 8 p.m. Aug. 17 until 9 a.m. Aug. 18 in the Orange Coast College Gym.

Key Clubbers, Circle K-ers and other members of the Kiwanis Family will get pledges of funds to support Radio Lollipop at the children’s hospital.

Radio Lollipop is a station that plays music two days a week throughout the hospital. When the station is on the air, research shows that children in the hospital need less medication and fare better medically, according to Jeff Dimsdale, president-elect of the Costa Mesa Kiwanis Club.

In a dance marathon, participants dance the night away with the help of live bands and DJs, dance contests and games.

The public may pledge funds by visiting www.kchoc.org or by contacting Dimsdale at (714) 557-4031 or by e-mail at Dimsdale@occ.cccd.edu.

OPEN MOSQUE SUNDAY

The Islamic Society of Orange County invites the public to attend the “Open Mosque Day” program from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, at One Al-Rahman Plaza, Garden Grove.

This event is open to community members of all faiths.

You will learn more about your Muslim neighbors with a program that will consist of speakers, presentations, displays, mosque tours, international food and the opportunity to meet local American Muslims.

“The invitation is extended with the hope of building strong bridges between our respective communities,” said Haitham Bundakji of the Islamic Society of Orange County. “We hope your visit will greatly enhance mutual understanding and respect.”

Should you have any questions, please contact the society at (714) 883-3478, via e-mail at annan.ab@gmail.com or visit their website at www.isocmasjid.com.

For other mosques having open houses in Southern California on Aug. 19, check out the Shura Council website at www.shuracouncil.org.

EXCHANGE CLUB MOVIE PREMIERE

The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor’s annual movie premiere fundraiser this year will showcase “Across the Universe,” a film from the producers of “The Lion King.”

“It’s a musical love story set against the backdrop of the 1960s, featuring The Beatles and other music from the era,” said member Dick Freeman.

A food festival starts at 5:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday Sept. 20, and will be held as usual at the Lido Theater. Tickets are $50 (VIP $75), which includes free T-shirts and unlimited food sampling from the area’s finest restaurants. Every penny goes to help prevent child abuse and promote community youth activities. For more information about the movie fundraiser, contact Freeman at interpac2000@yahoo.com.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF SERVICE CLUBS

Harbor Mesa Lions welcomed Lisa Knowles, who was sponsored by Marian Perrin and installed by past District Gov. Barbara Hayward.

WORTH REPEATING

From the “Thought for the Day” as provided by Greg Kelley of the Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council …

“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”

— ALBERT SCHWEITZER