April showers bring so much more than May flowers {and that tired Justin Timberlake meme [see here for more details]} – they also bring volunteer opportunities. This month is literally blooming {had to} with ways to give back. There are races and brunches and even ways to treat yourself, all while supporting amazing local organizations. Remember to come back throughout the month for added events to this list, but without further ado, here is the list of May 2018 volunteering opportunities in Hoboken and Jersey City, so you can get involved:
Jersey City Youth Foundation Annual Whiskey Tasting Fundraiser at The Brightside Tavern: Tuesday, May 1st from 6:30OM – 9:30PM
The Jersey City Youth Foundation strives to provide safe environments to increase school and community connectedness, academic achievement and physical activity in local youth. Join them in this noble mission and enjoy delicious food and {of course} whiskey at their annual Whiskey Tasting fundraiser. Tickets include food and two drinks of your choice. Tickets and more info here.
Phi Sigma Sigma Nail Fundraiser at Show Nails and Spa: Tuesday May 1st – Friday May 4th
It’s the time of year for prom, formals, showers, graduation and more! Swing by Show Nails to make sure your mani is on point and support the Stevens chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma at the same time. Mention “Phi Sigma Sigma” when you pay and 15% of your total will go towards the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation which supports school and college readiness. Treat yo self – check out more deets here.
The Hudson School Spring Soiree at the Chart House: Friday, May 4th from 7:00PM – 11:00PM
Enjoy a night on the town with food, drinks, music, and exciting auction items – all to support the Hudson School’s scholarship fund! Tickets are $175 in advance or $185 at the door and cover a buffet dinner, open wine and beer bar, and all auctions. If you’re an alumnus of the Hudson School, tickets are $78 {in honor of the school’s founding in 1978!} so it’s even easier to give back. Can’t make it on the 4th? Sponsor a teacher’s ticket for $78 or make a donation in any amount to support the scholarship fund. Tickets, donation info, and event details here.
Earth Week Arbor Day Tree Planting at Calabro School: Friday, May 4th at 2:00PM
Bummed you missed out on Earth Day last month? Well, you’re in luck. There’s still time to celebrate with the Hoboken Shade Tree Commission. Head to the Calabro School for a tree planting in honor of Arbor Day and keep spreading the love for our planet all month long. More information here.
Volunteering with Hoboken Grace at the Hoboken Shelter: Friday, May 4th at 6:00PM
Roll up your sleeves and stir things up with Hoboken Grace at the Hoboken Shelter. Start your weekend off on a high note by helping to prepare and serve a meal for neighborhood residents. Is your only experience in the kitchen binge watching Top Chef on your couch? Never fear – no culinary skills required, just a zest for giving back. Grab some friends and get cookin’! Details here.
ALC Fiesta Fundraiser at Wicked Wolf: Friday, May 4th from 5:00PM – 9:00PM
Celebrate quatro de Mayo with the AIDS Life Cycle team at JET and Wicked Wolf. Make a $10 donation at the door for a wristband that gets you access to special deals like $3 drafts + wine, $5 apps + mixed drinks, and $15 smoke shows. Get the fiesta started early for a good cause. More info here!
Friends of Hoboken Charter School Crafty Kids at Columbus Park Pavilion: Saturday, May 6th 2:00PM – 4:00PM
Join the Friends of Hoboken Charter School for a fun-filled afternoon of arts and crafts. Multiple stations are available to fit every budding artist’s desires including cookie decorating, face painting and more! The event is sponsored by Sugarsuckle, The Turquoise Cup, Melissa & Doug, and Square One Arts. Tickets are available here and please note that kids must be accompanied by a grown up at all times.
OLC School’s 6th Annual Taste of Jersey City at Charles & Co: Friday, May 11th from 7:00PM – 8:00PM
We all know that Jersey City has some incredible eateries – come out to try a few and support OLC school. Sample delicious dishes and enjoy a variety of wine and local craft beers, all while enjoying live entertainment on the 7th floor rooftop of Charles & Co. Tickets are $60 a person {adults only please!} and can be found here.
Hispanic American Law Enforcement Association 31st Annual Gala at Fiesta: Saturday, May 5th from 7:30PM – 11:30PM
Looking for Saturday night plans? Look no further than the HALEA Gala! Featuring DJ Ruchris, dinner, and an open bar this event is sure to be a party. For tickets and more information check out their Facebook page here.
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at Liberty State Park: Sunday, May 6th from 7:00AM – 10:00AM
Think breast cancer awareness events are just in October? Think again! Grab your ladies {a great early Mother’s Day idea!} and get to Liberty State Park for the 2018 Komen North Jersey Race for the Cure. Participate in the official timed 5K at 8:00am or the fun walk at 10:00am. Full schedule and fundraising information here.
Brunching for the future of Jules at Madame Claude Bistro: Sunday, May 6th from 2:00PM – 5:00PM
Jules Dubois is a 9 year old boy battling chronic congenital Lyme disease. This brave little guy and his family travel from their home in Normandy, France to Red Hook, NY every two months for him to get the treatment he needs. Join his friends in America at a brunch to help support his medical treatment. In addition to standard brunch fare, there will also be a raffle of French items {pralines, anyone?} that have been generously donated. Read more about Jules and his family and RSVP here.
Phi Sigma Sigma Fundraiser at Turning Point: Monday, May 7th to Thursday, May 10th from 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Whether you’re a college student in the midst of finals or a post-grad just looking for delicious breakfast on the way to work, stop by Turning Point the first week of May to support the Stevens Chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma. Mention the fundraiser to ensure that 15% of your purchase goes towards the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation, which supports school and college readiness. See more here.
Washington Park Association of Hudson County Fundraiser at the Hutton: Wednesday, May 9th from 7:00PM – 10:00PM
Keep the Cinco de Mayo celebrations going all month long and head to the Hutton for a fundraiser to support the work of the Washington Park Association of Hudson County. Enjoy live entertainment from the Mariachi Nuevo Mexico Band plus a silent auction, raffle prizes, and more! Learn more here.
Liberty Humane Society Yappy Hour at Ale House: Friday, May 11th from 7:00PM – 9:00PM
Pack up your pup and head to Ale House for their monthly Yappy Hour benefiting the Liberty Humane Society! Both you and your pup can meet new friends while enjoying extended happy hour deals with a $5 wristband purchase. RSVP here.
4th Annual Sacco 5K at James J. Braddock North Hudson Park: Saturday, May 12th from 8:30AM – 1:00PM
Get your Saturday workout in for a good cause! Run a 5K with beautiful skyline views and help support the work of the Nicholas J. Sacco Foundation. The Sacco Foundation provides tax services for seniors, scholarships for North Bergen High students as well as emergency relief to fire victims, local pantries and holiday meals for those in need. Register for the 5k and/or post-race party here.
American Cancer Fund Concert and 5th Annual Memorial 5K Run/Walk at Liberty State Park: Saturday, May 12th from 9:00AM – 2:00PM
Celebrate and remember the life of fallen Jersey City Fire Captain Mark Lee {9-11 first responder, philanthropist and family man} at the 5th annual memorial 5K. For the serious runners there’s the NJ Track & Field Sanction Grand Prix 5K and or for the more leisurely athletes, the 1 mile family cancer support walk. Following both enjoy live music from the BStreetBand {the longest running Bruce Springsteen tribute band!} as well as food trucks, healthy vendors, and local artisans. Register here!
4th Annual Hudson County Lupus Walk at Lincoln Park: Saturday, May 12th from 10:30AM to 2:00PM
Gather your peeps together for the 4th Annual Hudson County Lupus Walk! In addition to the walk there will be face painting, mascots, music and fun for the whole family. There is a $10 donation for individual walkers and teams are welcome as well. Show you support for the fight against Lupus and register or donate today. Details here.
Greenfood Solutions Sip and Paint Fundraiser at Artevino: Saturday, May 12th from 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Did you know that even before the devastation of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico was 80% reliant on imports to supply food for the island? In the wake of the destruction they are now 100% reliant on imports. You can help change that for two of the most under-served areas by participating in a sip and paint fundraiser to support Green Food Solutions’ mission to bring food security to Puerto Rico. Tickets are $65 and include tasty vegan Puerto Rican snacks, wine and prosecco, and everything you need to paint your own masterpiece. Learn more and grab tickets here.
Jack Rabbit Charity Pub Run: Tuesday, May 15th at 6:30PM
Running is always better with a little motivation! Whether you’re motivated by the promise of libations, giving back, or both, the Jack Rabbit Charity Pub Run is for you. Help JackRabbit Hoboken support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at their May 2018 Charity Pub Run. The run kicks off at the Hoboken store and all runners who buy at least one $5 raffle ticket will drink for free at all three stops – bars to be announced. Each raffle ticket gets you the chance to win free shoes, apparel, accessories, and more including Zoku bottles and swag from Altra. FYI – Raffle tickets are cash only. Get more info and RSVP, here.
Whealth Café Dinner for Hope: Thursday, May 17th from 7:30PM – 9:30PM
Have you checked out the new Whealth Café in Journal Square yet? {Psst. We covered it here} If not, here’s the perfect reason to hop on the PATH and do so. CurePSP and Whealth are partnering to support the care, consciousness, and cure for devastating neurodegenerative diseases. Enjoy a delicious 3 course farm-to-table meal and learn more about CUREPSP’s work. Tickets are $45 and all proceeds 100% support their work. Can’t make it? You can also participate virtually. Learn more or grab a ticket here.
About Face from the Darkness Forward March 5K at Lincoln Park: Saturday, May 19th from 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Raise awareness and band together to help our veterans and remember those who took their own lives. The 5K is open to runners and walkers of all ages – veterans and civilians alike. Free food will be available to participants {while supplies last!} as well as resources. The race is free, register and get more information here.
2018 Spring Gala for the Scandinavian School of Jersey City at &Co: Saturday, May 19th from 7:00PM – 11:00PM
Celebrate the school year as a community and support The Scandinavian School Foundation. Tickets are $125 and include music, dancing, beer and wine, and hors d’oeuvres. Try your luck at both a silent and live auction as well! Read about the Foundation, their fundraising priorities, and get your tickets here.
Liberty Humane Society and Community Food Bank of NJ Headstands for Hunger at the Harborside Atrium: Sunday, May 20th from 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Get a head start on shaking the Sunday Scaries with an all levels yoga flow class with breath taking views to boot! Join Headstands for Hunger at the Harborside Atrium for a $10 class. Food donations are also welcome and proceeds will go to the Community Food Bank of NJ and Liberty Humane Society. The class is BYO mat, check out more here!
18th Annual Diversity Stride Walk-A-Thon at Liberty State Park: Sunday, May 20th from 10:30AM – 1:30PM
Make a direct impact on New Jersey’s Future Leaders by walking in the American Conference on Diversity’s annual Diversity Stride. Proceeds from this annual event help provide scholarships for local students to participate in Youth Leadership Institute Programs which help address bullying, bias, and discrimination. Come together with the community to demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion. Sign up and get more information here.
Chipotle Fundraiser for Hudson County Housing Resource Center: Monday, May 21st from 4:00PM – 8:00PM
Nothing cures a case of the Mondays like guac! Satisfy your Chipotle craving and support the Hudson County Resource Center by stopping by the Newport Chipotle on the 21st. Mention the Resource Center or show this flyer on your smart phone to ensure that 50% of your total goes to their work. Happy snacking!
HoLa Gala Annual Gala at Mana Contemporary: Tuesday, May 22nd from 7:00PM – 10:00PM
Celebrate language, and educating global citizens at the Hoboken Dual Language Charter School’s Annual Gala. Experience art, live entertainment, exciting auctions, and food and drink in the midst of the Mana Contemporary. All fund raised that evening will support the school’s innovative language education and other programing. Details and tickets can be found here.
Cuban American Alliance for Leadership & Education Scholarship Gala at Waterside: Wednesday, May 23rd from 6:30PM – 10:00PM
Be a part of the Cuban American Alliance for Leadership and Education’s inaugural Gala. Join CAAALE for a night of live Cuban cultural performances as they celebrate scholarship recipients, recognize generous donors, and raise funds for future students. General admission tickets are $149.85 and student tickets are $60.12 – both can be purchased here and 100% of the proceeds will be awarded as college scholarships.
Ongoing:
Red Bulls Arena: Volunteers needed for concession stands
Goats of Anarchy: Long Term Midweek Caretakers needed! Tuesdays from 12:00PM– 3:00PM. Contact Liz at liz@goatsofanarchy.com
Family Promise of Hudson County: Many volunteer opportunities available, email volunteerFPHudson@gmail.com
St. Mathew’s Trinity Lutheran Church: Stop in to help serve lunch Monday through Thursday 8:00AM – 12:00PM
Hoboken Shelter: Volunteer to cook, serve, sort donations, and more.
Earth Keepers: Various opportunities to help maintain Jersey City parks.
Team for Kids: Support local Hoboken Girl Cait as she trains for the NY Marathon, raising money for Team for Kids!
Have a new volunteer opportunity or know of one we missed? Let us know at hobokengirlhelps@gmail.com!
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