There are all kinds of theories for explaining helping behavior. We do it out of a sense of reciprocity. We do it because it makes us feel like good people. We do it because of cognitive dissonance. But if we are really honest with ourselves then we can see that philanthropy is largely motivated by the acquisition and consumption of tasty things. Bake sales are a prime example of this "help someone, fill your belly" cycle of pro-social behavior. Volunteer Now's Hearts on the Trinity event will be conducted in a similar vein. A $35 ticket gets do-gooders a night of good eats and drinks from the likes of LUCK, Scardello Artisan Cheese, Cold Beer Co., Saint Arnold Brewing Co., Oak Highlands Brewery and more. Proceeds help VolunteerNow expand volunteerism in North Texas. You give, they get, you eat. Win, win, win.
What it be: Hearts on the Trinity
When it do: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, November 19
Where dat is: 3015 Gulden Lane
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Deep Ellum venues located on Main Street open their doors every third Thursday evening for Wine Walk. This event is perfect for the browser whose resveratrol levels could use a little pick-me-up. For $10 you get a specially designed wine glass which will be topped off as you meander through participating shops and galleries. This week is the Thankful Edition of Wine Walk, and includes five new stops along the way.
What it be: Wine Walk
When it do: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, November 19
Where dat is: Kettle Art, 2650-B Main
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Here's another event that benefits a great cause and then feeds you. But this time there's the added fun of potential indigestion! Fifteen teams will compete at TUPPS Brewery as part of their Hot Tech Chili Cookoff. A $20 ticket includes a souvenir mug, one beer and all the rootin' tootin' gastrointestinal pollutin' chili you can eat. Proceeds benefit The Werx Foundation and The Love Life Foundation.
What it be: Hot Tech Chili Cookoff
When it do: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, November 20
Where dat is: 721 Anderson St.
*****
The Dallas chapter of the French-American Chamber of Commerce (FACCD) will forego collective baguette-nibbling this Friday for their, how do you say, Cannes Film Festival-inspired soirée. For $65, a general admission ticket includes food and wine tastings, a swanky wine glass and a silent auction. Participating vendors include Bisous Bisous Patisserie, Lavendou Bistro Provencal, Cadot and Hotel St. Germain.
What it be: 32nd Annual Beaujolais and Beyond Wine Festival
When it do: 7-9 p.m. Friday, November 20
Where dat is: 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd.
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BrainDead Brewing will have their first ever Beer Festicle this Saturday. What is a festicle, you ask? Our expert source tell us a festicle is what happens when chesticles fester. That is, they become festicles. Then again, our expert source is also nine, so maybe we should just go with the press release on this one. BrainDead's Festicle will entail the release of their first barrel-aged Biere de Garde and Imperial Wheat Porter. Only ticket holders will be able to purchase these aged-libations on the day they are released, and the word on the street is that they will sell out. Ticket holders will also be provided with 12 two ounce samples from BrainDead's expansive beer selection. Admission to the Festicle costs $30 in advance, $40 at the gate or $55 for VIP.
What it be: BrainDead Festicle
When it do: 2-6 p.m. (VIP entry begins at 1 p.m.) Saturday, November 21
Where dat is: 2625 Main St.