There's something to be said about people who give their time, energy, hard-work, thanks and even fiscal support for the benefit of a greater good. There's also something to be said about the just how community organizations and programs are available to us who are lucky enough to live in Richmond.

I don't know about you, but it seems to me that there's always some event, some benefit, gala, volunteer opportunity, award nominations and ceremonies – quite simply put – hundreds of chances to give back to the city that has given us so much.

Judging from the over-pour of community focus emails we receive every day, Richmond.com has seen the need to let you know, what we know.

This week we introduce our newest column "Community Spotlight." It's the place for Richmond citizens and nonprofit groups to connect and acquire information, making it easier for you to become aware of what's going on around you and what you can do to help out.

Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation "Paws in the Park"
AARF will celebrate its 15th anniversary with the annual "Paws in the Park" event to be held on June 14 at the Innsbrook picnic area, located on Cox Road in Glen Allen.

"Paws in the Park" is an outdoor blast for people and their pets and will feature a sponsored dog walk, vendors, adoption stand, blessing of the animals, music, food, contests and prizes.

Hosted by Kat Simons and Mike Goldberg, the event draws hundreds of animal lovers each year to the Innsbrook picnic area where there is something for everyone.

The sponsored dog walk is a trek around Innsbrook Lake with prizes awarded for the most sponsorships.

Animal entrants to our contests are awarded certificates for best kisser, funniest ears, biggest beggar and stupidest pet trick, among others.

To register as a sponsor or vendor, contact call 804-262-4065 or visit aarf.org.
 

Greater Richmond ARC changes program name
The Greater Richmond ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens) has come up with a new name for one of its longstanding, most important programs.

The previously named Civitan Vocational Services will now be known as ARC Industrial Services, a program that provides opportunities for individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities to work in a variety of capacities at either ARC's production facility on Westwood Avenue, or on-site at various businesses throughout the area.

ARC provides employment for almost 200 individuals with disabilities, allowing them to earn their own paycheck and give their caregivers the opportunity to hold a job as well.

Statistics show that providing employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities allows their caregivers to earn $1.5 million over the course of a 45-year work life. In addition, gainful employment for individuals with disabilities saves more than $7,000 a year in government subsidies, according to the Social Security Administration.

Nicole Megaloudis Foundation 5K Run/Walk
This Sunday marks the fourth annual Nicole Megaloudis Foundation "Make It Happen" 5K Run/Walk to be held at noon at Byrd Park.

Nicole was a student athlete at Virginia Commonwealth University who was killed in an auto accident while driving on Interstate 64 on Feb. 9, 2004. Nicole's friends and family created the foundation to honor her memory and provide students with scholarships who plan to continue their collegiate endeavors and yet are in some from of financial need.

Registration is at 11 a.m. with participation donations of $5 for students and $25 for non-students.

For more information, visit remembernicole.org.
 

Special Olympics Virginia "R" Word Campaign
If you're a fan of Special Olympics, you're no fan of the "R" word. Special Olympics Virginia is asking for your help to change local mindsets and vocabularies by pledging to eliminate the use of "retarded."

Initiatives for the campaign began back in March with the Glory Days "R" Word Photo Contest, which runs through June and will continue through the month of August with events including the Kroger "R" Word Coin Collection Campaign, the Hokies vs. Hoos Online "R" Word Challenge and Special Olympics Virginia Brunch in Celebration of Youth Services Day.

The Hokies vs. Hoos Online "R" Word Challenge began on April 15 as an initiative to increase community awareness and volunteerism. UVA and Virginia Tech alumni, friends and fans are encouraged to donate online on behalf of their favorite team through June 10.

For every $1,000 each team raises, they'll earn one letter toward building the "R" Word RIVAL and along the way, help Special Olympics Virginia eliminate the other hurtful "R" word.

Special Olympics Virginia's Brunch in Celebration of Youth Service Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at the Holiday Inn Central, located at 3207 N. Boulevard.

This year's brunch will feature special guest speakers DeAnna R. Drain of Sound Minds Inc., Tracy Sears from WTVR Channel 6, Special Olympics athlete Frank Carrington and volunteer Ms. Kathryn Addo, and live entertainment by The Huguenot High School Jazz Ensemble.

Learn how Special Olympics Virginia's Urban Programs are helping build better communities in Richmond and Petersburg, and how you can get involved as a volunteer, cheerleader or interested fan.

For more information, and to donate to the Hokie vs. Hoos "R" Word Challenge, visit specialolympicsva.org. To attend the brunch, contact Floyd Miller at 804-726-3035.

To make your own decision to eliminate the "R" Word for you vocabulary, take the pledge right on Richmond.com. Click on the "R" Word Pledge button, located in our promotions section on the lefthand side of the front page.
 

Special Olympics in need of volunteers for summer games
With summer just two months away, Special Olympics Virginia is gearing up for its largest annual state-level competition, the 2008 Summer Games, presented by Hardee's and Comcast.

On June 6 and 7, more than 1,500 athletes from across Virginia will go for the gold in bowling, power lifting, softball, swimming, track and field, and tennis at the 2008 Summer Games at the University of Richmond.

More details will be shared as the event approaches. In the meantime, Special Olympics Virginia is seeking hundreds of volunteers to help make this event possible. So, gather a group from your church, your office, your school, your social club or just your group of friends and join in this June.

As much as volunteers are needed, so are cheerleaders. Special Olympics Virginia needs you to fill the stands with your enthusiasm. On May 1, Special Olympics Virginia will launch the "Volunteer to Cheer" Web site, volunteer2cheer.com. Be sure to check back and sign up to be a fan.

For more information, call Special Olympics Virginia Volunteer Coordinator Carrie Dyer at 804-612-1608 or visit specialolympicsva.org.

Susan G. Komen Richmond Race for the Cure 2008
Sign up to race for Breast Cancer Awareness during the Susan G. Komen Richmond Race for the Cure on May 10, at Kanawha Plaza located at Eighth and Canal streets.

Registration is available online for the Kids for the Cure Half-Mile run, 1k Fun Walk, 5k Coed Run and Walk and the Sleep in for the Cure Packages. Registration fees range from $15 to $33 depending on package and will increase after Saturday, April 26.

Kids race starts at 8:30 a.m., 5k begins at 9 a.m. and the 1k Fun Walk at 9:15 a.m.

For more information and to register, click on the Richmond Race for the Cure 2008 promotion on Richmond.com's front page or visit komenrichmond.org.
 

Massey Cancer Center starts "Sneakers and Genes for Daughters" program
The VCU Massey Cancer Center will beginning a new program, funded by a grant from Susan G. Komen for the Cure, to increase breast health awareness among women ages 18 – 35 whose mothers had breast cancer.

"Sneakers and Genes for Daughters" will strive to provide participants with three weekly sessions to help daughters understand their own risk for breast cancer and become more informed on cancer risk-reduction to better improve their quality of life.

Dr. Diane B. Wilson, a Massey researcher specializing in cancer prevention and control, developed the Sneakers and Genes program and is its principal investigator. Sneakers and Genes is a follow-up to a pilot study she conducted titled "The Daughter's Project."

Presented by experts from Massey, Sneakers and Genes will provide educational, interactive sessions for 25 women and allow time for questions. The focus of the three sessions will be nutrition and exercise, understanding genetics and a discussion on screening.

Dr. John Quillin, a certified genetics counselor with Massey, is co-director of the program.

The first three-session series will be conducted at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on May 5, 12 and 19. The program will be offered twice in Richmond and later in other Virginia locations; dates pending. Registration is free but reservations must be made by calling 804-828-1561.

The preceding was compiled from news releases sent directly to Richmond.com. Do you want your nonprofit event or news listed? Send an email to stephanie.brummell@richmond.com and we'll be sure to include you.