I know we have the fantastic Relay for Life coming up in October but here is a wonderful fundraising idea for downtown Burlingame.

I can see it now … a couple of blocks of the "Ave" closed to traffic, the restaurants bring out their outdoor seating into the streets, percentages to a cause, retail/businesses/hotels offer prizes/coupons, etc, music provided by community groups/schools, etc.

Block party in Marina benefits breast cancer (full article in Examiner)

Seventh renewal of event that last year raised $34K for Komen Foundation. Seven years ago, restaurant owner Eddie Savino's sister Deborah signed up for a breast cancer fundraising walk. She had just moved to town and knew few people she could hit up for donations. Her brother, the owner of the Brazen Head restaurant, decided to help raise money for the walk by hosting a block party near his Marina eatery. Sunday's event will include people walking on stilts and a casino tent, organizers said. Last year, the block party that features everything including live music, food, a silent auction and a raffle raised $34,000 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, said Maria Sousa, the foundation's affiliate executive director. Sunday's free block party in the 3100 block of Buchanan Street will offer something for everyone during the silent auction, Savino said. There will be signed baseballs, hotel stays, gift certificates, signed jerseys, cases of wine, restaurant vouchers, leather bags, spa visits and art, the restaurant owner said. He has an incredible silent auction,? Sousa said.

Anyone who has been to Pleasanton for the Wednesday Summer Evening Street Parties knows that closing downtown is exciting stuff especially when it involves community/church/school/scout troops/other groups showing us what they do.

There is only one problem – the community comes out in droves and has fun!

– Written by Fiona