Rita’s, 865 Route 36, Union Beach (next to McDonald’s), will be hosting a fundraiser in support of Garden State Players, a newly formed theater group based in Hazlet. From 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 22, a portion of the sales will benefit Garden State Players. At 8 p.m., a $20 gift card will be auctioned off; winner must be present. Event to take place rain or shine; Rita’s has indoor and outdoor seating. For more information, email [email protected] or become a fan of Garden State Players on Facebook.com.
Lunch Break’s Fall Gala, “Harvesting Your Help to Feed the Hungry,” is slated for 6 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Ave., Red Bank. Tickets are $125 and include food, wine, entertainment, auctions and presentation of the Norma J. Todd Service Award. Raffle tickets are $20. Send a check payable to Lunch Break and make a notation of the number of tickets and/or raffle tickets. Sponsorships available. Details: 732-747- 8577, [email protected] or www.lunchbreak.org.
The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) of Long Branch and New Brunswick will host its third annual Casino Night 6-10 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Robert B. Meyner Reception Center at the PNCArts Center, Holmdel. Guests can try their luck at blackjack, roulette, Texas Hold’em, craps tables and much more. There will also be music, hors d’oeuvres, buffet and a silent auction. Tickets are $100 for one person, $175 for two, and $125 at the door. Details: [email protected] or 732- 222-8755, ext. 31.
Holiday Express, 968 ShrewsburyAve., Tinton Falls, is seeking donations of socks for adults and children to be included in the gift bags it gives to the more than 15,000 individuals at its holiday events. Items are needed in the warehouse during the beginning of October. Gifts in any quantity are greatly appreciated. Details: 732-544-8010 or www.HolidayExpress.org
The Monmouth County Retired Educators Association luncheon will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 4 at the Breakers in Spring Lake. Bob Bobik from New Jersey Education Association will speak on issues concerning retirees.
For reservations call Nadine at 732-229-3267.
The fifth annual Autism Benefest will start at noon Sept. 24 at the Mad Hatter in Sea Bright and continue until 2 a.m. In addition to a variety of local bands, the Benefest will feature a dunk tank, silent auction and raffles. Admission is $10. All proceeds benefitAutismSpeaks (www.autismspeaks.org), an organization dedicated to finding effective treatments, prevention, and a cure for autism spectrum disorders and to broadening awareness of autism. Details: 732-422-1000, ext. 236, or [email protected].