Events to Attend

3rd Annual Heart & Soul Charity Climbing Competition: This Saturday, the Denver Bouldering Club will hold its annual climbing event to raise money for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. The event will include climbing competitions for all ages, food, raffles, and plenty of prizes. Twenty dollars from each ticket will be donated to cancer research, along with proceeds from the raffle. Donations are being accepted as well. Saturday, January 16; Downtown Denver Bouldering Club, 2485 W. 2nd Ave.; $41.99

Polar Bear 5k: Bear the cold at RunDenver’s Polar Bear 5k, and then (if you’re up for it), attempt the Polar Bear Challenge, where you’ll stand in a bucket of ice water, plunge into an ice bath, or both (a minimum donation of $5 is required to participate). Make sure you pack a towel and a warm coat for after the day’s events. There will also be a Kid’s Fun Run for all the little ones who want to join in. Proceeds from the event will support Girls on the Run of the Rockies and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. Sunday, January 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Washington Park, 1000 S. Downing St.; register online

Causes to Know About

ACE Scholarships Colorado: Since 2000, ACE has provided more than 15,000 scholarships to low-income families, making access to otherwise unaffordable private schools achievable. Their mission is simply to make sure every child receives a great education no matter what their family’s household income. By donating to ACE, you’ll help give a student in grades K-8 a choice for their education through an in-demand scholarship program. To help support ACE in their mission, donateonline.

Reading Partners Colorado: Reading Partners has been a part of Colorado’s educational platform for more than three years. The organization pairs thousands of community-based volunteers with low-income schools to ensure that every child will be at an appropriate reading level by third grade. The program currently serves 13 schools in Denver, Aurora, and Sheridan, and has a lasting impact on the children and the volunteers donating their time. To support this literacy program, donate online or apply to become a volunteer.