• Cookie contest: Girls Scouts are already looking ahead to their 2014 cookie sale and plan to celebrate it with a Cookie Creations Contest. They are looking for individuals or teams to submit entries using one box of cookies to invent their Girl Scout Cookie creation to be judged during National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend on Feb. 8. Those interested should contact Nicole Kringstad and let her know what variety of cookie they need by Jan. 17 if they want to participate. Info: (701) 772-6679, nkringstad@gsdakotahorizons.org .
• Sunshine Fest: The Sunshine Memorial Foundation will hold their annual Sunshine Fest from 8 a.m. to noon Jan. 25 at the Ralph Engelstad Arena. Participants can register for an outdoor 5K run or an indoor 3K walk, as well as participate in the health and wellness fair with music, activities and prizes. Registration is $10 for the 3K and $25 for the 5K, and those who register by Tuesday will be entered into an iPad drawing. All proceeds raised will help support the Sunshine Hospitality Home project, a place for patients and their families affected by critical illnesses, diseases and injuries who must travel to fulfill their healthcare needs. Info: (701) 388-9357. Register: www.sunshinememorial.org .
• Pancake breakfast: Feed My Starving Children will host a fundraiser from 8 to 10 a.m. Jan. 25 at the Ground Round, 2800 32nd Ave. S., Grand Forks. The pancake breakfast will cost $5 per person, which will be used to support the organization. Info: (701) 775-4646.
• Gierszewski benefit: Travis Gierszewski, 36, died in a car accident Nov. 23, leaving behind a wife and four children ages four to 17. Gierszewski was self-employed and had no life insurance. To help the family, a benefit will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Feb. 1 at the East Grand Forks American Legion, 1009 Central Ave. N.W. The event will include a free will offering, taco in a bag, bake sale and silent auction. Funds will be matched by Thrivent Financial. People can also help by donating items to be used in the silent auction by calling (218) 779-6215 by Jan. 18 or by making a donation at Alerus Financial in Amy Gierszewski's name. Info: (218) 779-6215.
Share news about benefit events by emailing news@gfherald.com ; include "Helping Hands" in the subject heading.
