Spring is finally in full swing. It's the time of year to freshen up the flower beds, clean up the house and pull out the opened-toe shoes.

It's also the time to start thinking about giving something back.

Richmond is full of organizations and nonprofits that are doing their best to make Richmond a better place to live, for all creatures. And these organizations could always use some extra help.

Luckily there are plenty of events going on in the next 30 days that give Richmonders the perfect opportunity to give back … and have a little fun in the process.

From galas and benefits to dinners and wine tastings, whatever your passion for fun or cause there's an event going on to suit your preferences. So check out these spring benefits and help Richmond agencies make Richmond a better place to be.

Spring into Action to benefit Children's Hospital Foundation
This interactive shopping and learning event starts with The Educational Workshop, a program for working moms and moms looking to return to the workplace. The workshop features a seminar by Meghan McCartan, founder and managing partner of "Detours & Onramps." Following the workshop there is a reception with wine, appetizers, shopping, live demonstrations, a silent auction and raffle prizes. The event is hosted by Children's Hospital Foundation, The Shops at 5807 and Momentum Resources. 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, April 17 at The Shops at 5807, 5807 Patterson Ave. Tickets are $20; Reception Tickets are $25; Tickets for both the Workshop and Reception are $40. For more information or to purchase tickets go to childrenshosp-richmond.org.

WRIR's Spring Fund Drive and Kick Off Event
Richmond Indie Radio is holding its Spring Fund Drive starting April 16, but the real part is the Kickoff Event at Richmond’s Social Oasis, The Camel. The event includes live music from bands like Klaxton Brown, Way of the Sun, When Harry Met Buzzy and The Curfew Breakers. Listeners will also have a chance to hear their favorite DJs perform live at the event. 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, April 19 at The Camel, 1621 W. Broad St. Admission is a suggested donation of $5. For more information call 804-622-9747.

2nd Annual Fresh Market Wine Gala to benefit The Junior League of Richmond
Last year more than 300 people helped The Junior League of Richmond raise more than $6,000 in its first ever Fresh Market Wine Gala. This year, they're sure the event will be an even bigger success. The Fresh Market will present a selection of wines and hors d'oeuvres and will even have wine experts available to answer any questions. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday, April 23. Tickets are $30 each or $50 for a pair. For more information or to purchase tickets go to jlrichmond.org.

Spring into Education to benefit Open Doors Learning Center
The mission of Open Doors Learning Center is to provide a positive learning experience through professionally supported learning services. This gala is a fantastic way to support their cause. Delicious food, paintings from local artists, an auction and live music are just part of the fun at this gala held at the Wyndham Hotel. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, April 26 at Wyndham Hotel, 4700 S. Laburnum Ave. Tickets are $40. For more information or to purchase tickets go to opendoorslearningcenter.org.

A performance of "The Neon Man and Me" to benefit The Month of the Grieving Child
In honor of The Month of the Grieving Child Slash Coleman is hosting a special performance of his award winning one-man show "The Neon Man and Me." April is The Month of the Grieving Child and is meant to give community support to grieving children and teens. All proceeds from performance benefit The Month of the Grieving Child. 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday April 26 at Children's Hospital Auditorium 2924 Brook Road. Tickets are $8. For more information or to purchase tickets call 804-828-4661.

Richmond SPCA Progressive Dinner to benefit Richmond SPCA
What could be more fun than a progressive dinner in some of Richmond's finest homes? Five Monument Avenue houses are opening their doors to host the Richmond SPCA's Progressive Dinner. Each home will serve a course created by some of Richmond's hottest chefs. Matthew Tlusty of TJ’s at The Jefferson, Jay Frank, personal chef to Frances Lewis, Christopher Ripp of Can Can, Ben Howell of The Jefferson Hotel and Pierre Tocco of The Desserterie are the featured chefs. Attendees will also have the opportunity to win fabulous prizes in a raffle and silent auction. 6:30 p.m., Saturday, April 26 on Monument Avenue. Tickets are $100 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets call 804-521-1321.

63rd Annual Book & Author Dinner to benefit the Junior League of Richmond
Celebrate literacy and support The Junior League at this fantastic annual event. The authors being honored at this event are Dr. Dan Ariely, "Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions"; Joanne Harris, "The Girl With No Shadow"; Min Jin Lee, "Free Food For Millionaires"; Ellie Krieger, "The Food You Crave: Luscious Recipes for a Healthy Life"; Rick Bragg "The Prince of Frogtown" and Cokie Roberts, "Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation". 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 6 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Tickets range from $60 to $100. For more information or to purchase tickets go to jlrichmond.org.

16th Annual Spring Fling Wine Thing to benefit Saint Francis Home
If the name isn't enticing enough then the actual event should catch your attention. Saint Francis' Spring Fling is an evening devoted to gourmet food and great wine all in a beautiful historic setting. The proceeds of the events benefit Saint Francis Home which offers care to seniors of limited financial means. 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 7 at Mankin Mansion Estate. Tickets are $35 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets call 804-237-5600.

14th Annual Hoedown to benefit the Flagler Home at St. Joseph's Villa
Great bluegrass music, great barbeque, great people and a hoedown -- is there any better way to support a cause, especially one that helpless homeless women and their children? 6 p.m., Friday, May 9 at St. Joseph's Villa, 8000 Brook Road. Tickets are $75 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets call 804-553-3200.