Behind the scenes at The Big Fresno Fair, officials with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fresno are grateful for Michael W. Smith.
The contemporary Christian singer will perform at the fair at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, and Catholic Charities will receive 20% of proceeds of concert tickets sold through its efforts ending Oct. 2.
The money will go to Catholic Charities' Step Up San Joaquin Valley project for needy residents in west Fresno County.
Not a whole lot of money, but worth the effort.
"Every little ticket counts," says Kelly R. Lilles, development director for Catholic Charities. "But it's the exposure to the west side's needs that matters."
Smith is not new to helping others.
His Web site, michaelwsmith.com, currently provides a link for fans to make financial donations in support of Samoan tsunami victims. He writes that he is close with members of the Christian musical group the Katinas, who are from Samoa and have family affected by the tsunami.
Smith last performed locally on Good Friday at the Visalia Convention Center. In June, he launched a tour promoting his CD "A New Hallelujah."
Jewish leader will speak
Officials with the Jewish Federation of Central California say they are proud to sponsor a Fresno talk by the national president of the Zionist Organization of America -- the oldest pro-Israel group in the United States.
Morton Klein will speak on "Israel/Palestine: Is Peace Possible?" at 2 p.m. Oct. 18 at Temple Beth Israel, 6622 N. Maroa Ave. The event is free.
He has received Hadassah's Myrtle Wreath Award and the Humanitarian Award from the Holocaust Memorial Committee of New York. He also was elected to the Philadelphia Jewish Times Hall of Fame.
Details: (559) 432-2162or jewishfedcc.org.
German church fun
Redeemer Lutheran Church's annual Oktoberfest promises German food and music, raffle prizes, golf tournament awards -- and lots of laughter.
The golf tournament starts at 8 a.m. next Saturday at Madera Municipal Golf Course, followed by the dinner at 3 p.m. at the church, 1084 W. Bullard Ave.
Details: (559) 439-8500.
Fundraiser on Monday
Like to shop?
A nonprofit organization for Christian women in the workplace, 9 to 5 for Christ, will hold its FellowShop fundraiser at 5:15 p.m. Monday at Northside Christian Church, 2709 E. Nees Ave., Clovis.
The annual event features dinner, an inspirational message, fellowship and shopping at many vendor booths. Proceeds go to the organization's support of Samaritan Women, a ministry of the Fresno Rescue Mission, and prison ministries.
Cost is $15. Details: (559) 977-3063 or 9to5forchrist.org.
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