Arts fundraiser set at Marine base

The Kaneohe Officers’ Spouses Club will host “An Evening with the Arts” fundraiser Friday at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Hangar 103, Bayside.

Featured artists at the art auction are Gary Reed and Dave Mathewson. The event starts with a preview at 6 p.m. followed by bidding at 6:45 p.m. Tickets — $25 in advance, $30 at the door — include a drink, door-prize ticket and pupu.

The fundraiser, which aims to help support military families, is open to the public. Visitors needing base access should email

artauction2012@hotmail.com. Other sponsors include Pictures Plus, 3rd Radio Battalion, Heavy Marine Helicopter Squadron 463 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24.

Teddy bears sought for annual drive

“Show You Care … Share a Bear” is Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii’s motto for its annual roundup of gently used teddy bears and stuffed animals.

The agency collected more than 10,000 stuffed animals last year during the annual Teddy Bear Drive, and this year hopes to receive even more on Saturday, when donations can be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Pearlridge Center, Uptown and Downtown Center Court.

The toys are distributed by Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii to comfort abused children and kids in crisis.

Family activities that day include appearances by Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and Elmo, and entertainment by Island Storm, Tradewinds and others.

For more information, call 951-0200 or visit prevent childabusehawaii.org.

AIA events recognize Architecture Month

The local chapter of the American Institute of Architects is offering a series of free events during April in celebration of Architecture Month in Hawaii. First launched in 2006 by AIA Honolulu, the event is intended to foster appreciation for local architecture and its importance to the well-being of the community.

Activities get started Saturday with a two-hour walking tour of Chinatown to showcase architecturally significant buildings in the area. On April 18 the film “Grand Paris: The President and the Architect” will be screened at 6 p.m. at the ARTS at Marks Garage. The film documents French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s plans to develop Paris for the 21st century with the help of 10 world-renowned architects. Hawaii architects hope the film will serve as a launching point for discussion about design in the isles.

On April 27 from 4 to 8 p.m., seven downtown design firms will open their doors to visitors from 4 to 8 p.m. The firms are Collaborative Studio, 9 N. Pauahi St., Suite 300-A; Ferraro Choi & Associates, 1240 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 510; Fritz Johnson Architect and Tusher Architectural Group, 1021 Smith St., Suite 400; Group 70 International, McCandless Building, 925 Bethel St.; Mason Architects, Stangenwald Building, 119 Merchant St., Suite 501; Media5 Architecture, 345 Queen St., Suite 901; and WATG, Topa Tower, 700 Bishop St., Suite 1800.

Visit aiahonolulu.org to register for the walk or the film (seating is limited). Call 545-4242, ext. 6, for a recorded message about architecture month activities.

AIDSWalk to help Life Foundation

Individual walkers and teams can participate in the annual 5K Honolulu AIDS Walk around Kapiolani Park on April 15. Entrants are asked to collect donations from family and friends to benefit the Life Foundation, a local organization that provides free HIV testing and helps those living with HIV/AIDS on Oahu.

There is no fundraising minimum and no fee to participate. Walkers who raise more than $100 will receive a T-shirt and hat. Those who collect more than $1,000 will additionally receive a ticket to the VIP tent.

Registration is 8 a.m. at the park bandstand; the walk begins at 9 a.m. To register, visit www.honoluluaidswalk.org or call 521-2437. Event brochures are available at Starbucks.