16TH ANNUAL RACE FOR THE CURE A SUCCESS

More than 14,000 participants, many covered in pink, participated in the 16th Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Nov. 4 in Balboa Park. The goal to raise awareness and funds resulted in more than $600,000 being contributed to the event total of $1.2 million. The Race started with a survivor ceremony that included Barbara Lee Edwards from KFMB News 8, honorary breast cancer survivor Lili Myers and Race Chair Jenée Peevy. Up to 75 cents of every dollar raised will go toward funding free mammograms and surgeries, as well as meal delivery and mortgage payments here in San Diego. The rest of the fund will go toward international breast cancer research, which makes Komen the largest funder after the U.S. government. Donations are still being accepted after the race. “We were prepared for a drop in fundraising this year, and are extremely touched to see that San Diegans stood by us and walked by our side,” said Laura Farmer Sherman, executive director of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in San Diego, in a press release. “It was heavy on our hearts thinking we would not be able to fund the same level of programs we had been in the past. It is with tremendous excitement that I can state thousands of under- and un-insured women and men’s lives will potentially be saved as a result of these efforts. We want to thank everyone who supported us and tirelessly raised these much needed funds.”

LOTUS THEATRE & CANVASS FOR A CAUSE TO STAGE QUEER ART PERFORMANCES

Lotus Theatre, in conjunction with Canvass for a Cause, presents “We Are Here: A Night of Queer Art & Performance,” opening Thursday, Nov. 8 and running through Nov. 24. The San Diego theater company, whose mission is to present new works that “present old stories,” will be showcasing a series of queer art and entertainment through “We Are Here,” including the workshop performance piece “The Weight of the Matter.” Based on the original script by Teresa Beckwith, “The Weight of the Matter” is directed by Sofia A. Ziebell and features Courteny Stephens, Steve Rowe, Alfie Padilla and Jo Depsey on stage. Derek Brown Jr. is overseeing sound for the production, which is set in Michele Bachmann’s district in Minnesota and deals with the “harsh school climate currently facing LGBT youth.” In the play, two teens discuss a fellow student’s suicide – exploring their own unique identities – while a mother chooses to speak to the school board on behalf of LGBT students. Called a message of hope, the play touches on the affects of conversion therapy as well as transphobia, institutionalized homophobia and bullying. As part of the arts collective, the evening will also include live music, visual art and other activities. The evening is a trans- and queer-friendly safe space. Performances are held at Canvass for a Cause, 3705 10th Ave., on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.. Tickets are $5 for students and $20 general admission, and are sold at the door. For more information visit lotustheatrestory.com.

HILLCREST ACE HARDWARE NAMED ‘COOLEST HARDWARE STORE’

Hillcrest Ace Hardware joins five other stores nationwide recently recognized as “Coolest Hardware Store” by Ace Hardware Corporation for their unique offerings and special service. This is the second year Hillcrest Ace Hardware has been recognized for their cool factor out of the 4,600 locally-owned and operated Ace Hardware stores worldwide. “One of the best attributes about Ace Hardware and one of our biggest competitive advantages is the uniqueness of our stores,” said Kane Calamari, vice president of retail operations and new business at Ace Hardware Corporation. “Hillcrest Ace Hardware is everything but a cookie-cutter store, and it’s most deserving of this recognition.” In addition to hardware, paint, and lawn and garden supplies, Hillcrest Ace Hardware sells local artist’s works, appliances, pet products and gifts. “The award represents everything I’ve been doing for 17 years,” said Bruce Reeves, who owns Hillcrest Ace Hardware and contributes several of the multi-media paintings that line its walls. “We aim to ‘wow’ people with an amazing space, helpful service, great products and unique displays.” For more information about Hillcrest Ace Hardware, located at 1007 University Avenue, visit hillcresthardware.com.

SAN DIEGO OPERA OPENS TICKET SALES FOR 2013 INTERNATIONAL SEASON

The San Diego Opera announced ticket sales would be open to the public beginning Monday, Nov. 12 for their 2013 International Opera season. The 2013 International Season production lineup includes:

• Donizetti’s “The Daughter of the Regiment” – Jan. 26, 29, Feb. 1 and 3, 2013.
• Saint-Saëns “Samson and Delilah” – Feb. 16, 19, 22 and 24, 2013.
• Martinez’s “Cruzar la Cara de la Luna” (To Cross the Face of the Moon) – March 16, 2013
• Pizzetti’s “Murder in the Cathedral” – March 30, April 2, 5 and 7, 2013.
• Verdi’s “Aida” – April 20, 23, 26 and 28, 2013

Single ticket prices are $45 – $275. Tickets for “Cruzar la Cara de la Luna” start at $35. For more information or to purchase tickets call 619-533-7000 or visit online at sdopera.com. Online sales allow for patrons to select their own seats from an interactive map and the ability to print tickets at home. Tickets are also available in person at the San Diego Administrative offices at 1200 Third Ave., Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

RUN FOR FATHER JOE THIS THANKSGIVING

Participants of the eleventh annual 5K run/walk to support Father Joe’s Villages will step off at 7:45 a.m. this Thanksgiving, Nov. 22. Starting at the Museum of Man in Balboa Park, the race will take a new course due to a new partnership with the San Diego Zoo and ends back in Balboa Park. Runner and walker registrants will also get a $5 coupon for admission to the Zoo, a T-shirt, continental breakfast, a complimentary post-race beer garden sponsored by Stone Brewery and live entertainment with Blue Rockit Band after the race near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Other items will  be available for purchase, and a luxury motor home will also be raffled off. Raffle tickets can be purchased online up to the morning of the race at fjvraffles.com. Proceeds help homeless individuals regain their self-sufficiency through various programs at the Father Joe’s Village Center. Over 10,000 people participated last year. Adults and children prices are based on timed/untimed at $40/$42 and $25/$28 respectively. For more info visit thanksgivingrun.org.