Food and Toy Drive: It’s time to get into the giving season, but who says you can’t treat yourself while you’re at it? The family-owned La Loma Mexican restaurant is using its famous green chili dishes to incentivize diners to donate to the annual Salvation Army food and toy drive. Throughout November, visit the restaurant’s new downtown location and receive a complimentary appetizer or dessert (your pick, but you can’t go wrong with the sarapes or fried ice cream) with a donation of three or more non-perishable food items. Come back with a new, unwrapped toy from December 1 to 15 for seconds with the purchase of an entree. Opening party: Tuesday, 6–9 p.m.; food drive: November 1–30; toy drive: December 1–15; La Loma, 1801 Broadway

Denver Center for International Studies Foundation (DCIS) Fall Event: Help support the multicultural education of Denver-area students with a night of international exploration. While sampling Dae Gee’s Korean barbecue, Sputnik’s vegan bar bites, and Konjo Catering’s Ethiopian cuisine, you’ll hear guest speakers talk about immigration and immigration reform, starting with local award-winning author Helen Thorpe. A silent auction will feature global-themed items, such as collector finds from Cambodia and Japan, and proceeds will help the DCIS Foundation raise money to continue its scholarships for local K-12 students’ travel, language immersion, community service, and cultural exchanges. Wednesday, 6 p.m., Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest St.; $25–35

Love and Laughter: Community Through Comedy: There’s no better way to connect with Denver’s diverse perspectives than through a night of hilarious entertainment. Headliner Sam Killermann, a local comedian and social justice activist behind the national comedy program, It’s Pronounced Metrosexual, will lead the show in honor of Project Ava’s mission to share underrepresented experiences through stories sparking progressive dialogue. You’ll also watch performances by Denver-based dance groups Hype303 and Mudra Dance Studio as you snack on light appetizers and drinks. All proceeds will help support the preparation of a storyteller conference with 20 of Project Ava’s storytellers in 2017. Thursday, 6–8 p.m., The Commons on Champa, 1245 Champa St.; $20

Third Annual Rock-A-Belly Festival: It’s a win-win when you’re own delectable indulgence means students from Denver’s Title 1 elementary school won’t go hungry. Explore the culinary creations of 17 of Denver’s top chefs, distillers, and brewmasters, from Latin-infused tastes from Work & Class to spirits from Blank & Booth. Chris Daniels & The Kings, along with the Hazel Miller Band, will perform their blends of blues, funk, R&B, and swing all night. Your fun will help fund Food for Thought’s weekend PowerSacks for Denver’s hungry school kids. Saturday, 5–9 p.m., Tivoli Turnhalle, 900 Auraria Pkwy.; $50

28th Annual Puttin’ On The Max: Raise a glass to the dogs and cats of the MaxFund No-Kill Animal Shelter before you dance the night away at this annual fundraiser, themed “Whiskers in the Night.” Try a sampling of the best bites of the Brown Palace’s restaurants as you enjoy a cocktail hour, raffle, silent and live auction, and selected tunes by emcee and CBS4 morning anchor Britt Moreno. Denver’s Lannie Garrett will carry the night with her tongue-in-cheek spoof of country music crooners. Saturday, 5:30–10 p.m., The Brown Palace, 321 17th St.; $125