May and warm weather has finally arrived along with a plethora of fun things to do in our fair city. The Transition Network hosting a book event to celebrate Cheryl Benton’s novel, “Can You See Us Now?” and you’re invited. Trust us, it’s not like any book party you have ever been too.  And there are several good causes to support this month to save girls from sex trafficking, support rescue therapy dogs, and help kids with cancer.

May 9. Shop & Support Programs to Counter Sex Trafficking

What do sex trafficking and fashion have to do with each other? Well our friend and fashion designer Gabrielle Carlson, supports a wonderful organization that is also near and dear to The Three Tomatoes.  It’s Plan International’s Because I am Girl initiative that protects girls from sex trafficking (which is a multi-billion global industry), gender-based violence and child marriages. Gabrielle will be donating a percent of profits from her Mother’s Day Trunk sale which starts with an opening reception on May 9th-  a great way to meet some other awesome Tomatoes and experience the magic of Gab and her designs.

Wednesday, May 9th  6:00 PM – 9:00 PM is the opening night of a Mother’s Day Trunk Show. The show runs through Saturday, May 12th. A portion of proceeds generated will be donated to Plan International/Because I Am A Girl.   501 Lexington Avenue, NYC.

May 9. Auction for Healing Headbands

Our friends at the wonderful non-profit Healing Headbands, that is helping kids with Cancer through laughter and art, is having their first fundraiser at Tilles Center in Greenvale Long Island. The evening will engage all of the senses through interactive art, dance and comedy performances.  An art auction, the highlight of the evening, will exhibit one of a kind paintings from famous individuals; Keith Richards, Donna Karan and Mariano Rivera. Each piece has been used to create headbands and all the funds raised go towards helping more hospitalized children around the country feel empowered. You don’t have to attend the gala to bid in the auction. Get the details.

May 14. Join Us for VIP Book Celebration

The Transition Network, a fun group of vibrant women over 50, is hosting a party to celebrate the Head Tomatoes novel, “Can You See Us Now?” and Tomatoes are invited too.  Cheryl will read the fun and juicy parts of her book which will be accompanied by music you know and love song by Randie Levine Miller, Beth Goehring, Merrill Stone, and Karen Nason.  On the piano will be acclaimed jazz musician Jon Weber. Shetler Studios from 5:30 to 7:30. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance.

May 17. Cocktails and a Doggy Fashion Show

Okay dog lovers, this is a fundraising gala you are going to want to attend.  It’s a gala to raise funds for Good Dog to celebrate 20 years of dogs helping humans heal and to support the incredible work of their Good Dog therapy teams. Through money raised from this event, they will be able to help expand their Good Dog children’s programs and healing to hundreds of thousands of cancer patients, veterans, seniors with Alzheimer’s, and others who are suffering from trauma and stress. Their work includes expertly training hundreds of new volunteer therapy dog teams each year and deploying over 600 therapy teams across the tri-state area to volunteer at almost 300 hospitals, schools, assisted living facilities, and trauma centers. Here are the details on the gala, or to make a donation.

Watch this video and learn more about their work.