5 Things You Need To Know Today: October 18

1. Animal advocates have organized a free open house at the , 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. West, to discuss ways to Make Manatee a no kill community.  The meeting, which will include time for questions, begins at 6:15 p.m.and will continue until 7:45 p.m. People are welcome to come and go throughout the meeting. While foster homes are needed for dogs and cats, there are plenty of other opportunities for people who can't foster or adopt an animal. Manatee County Animal Services is always looking for people to walk dogs or play with the cats. They also need food donations and people who can help organize and collect such donations. Other needs are transportation for animals. For more information or to volunteer contact Shona Otto at 941-713-6531, or Sheri Clinard at 536-5795.

2. "Tickled Pink Happy Hour" takes place today from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Pier 22. Enjoy views of the Manatee River as you sip pink cocktails and nosh on hors d’oeuvres all while donating to a cause. There is a $5 minimum donation cover charge and a raffle with prizes including a cooking class for 2 with and dinner for four. Pier 22 has partnered with Manatee Memorial Hospital and will donate proceeds from the sales of pink drink specials, raffle tickets and the cover cover charge to benefit Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

3. Put on your pink bras and take part in the event on Saturday at the .  Registration and a survivor's breakfast take place at 7:30 a.m. The program begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk kicks off at 9 a.m. The walk has already raised just over $139,000. Its not too late to contribute, sponsor a walker or join the walk. Contact Denise Cotler at 941-328-3761 or denise.cotler@cancer.org for more information. 

4. Staff and students at Webster University collected more than fifty pair of socks and donated their time to the homeless of Manatee County. The staff, students and alumni crew joined the Community to sort and organize donations earlier this month. Annually, Webster University sponsors the Webster Works Worldwide program, a campus-wide community service day in partnership with local agencies and nonprofit organizations.

5. The Manatee County YMCA Association Offices have moved to the 2nd floor of the Synovus Bank on 26th Avenue in Bradenton. The new address is 2520 Manatee Ave W, Suite 210, Bradenton, FL 34205. Phone 941 798-9622  Fax 941 761-3854. Visit www.manateeymca.org.