Social calendar

“Gypsy” SpokAnimal CARE Benefit Performance - Friends of SpokAnimal are invited to attend a special performance of this hit musical. Golden Circle tickets include premiere seating in the front center section of the theater with a wine/dessert reception beginning at 5:30 p.m.; General admission tickets allow entry to the event at 6:30 p.m. All ticket holders will have the opportunity to participate in drawings and a silent auction in the lobby throughout the evening. Wdnesday, 7:30 p.m., Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. $50/Golden Circle; $35/general admission. (509) 325-2507.

“Love Letters” - Ellen Travolta and Jack Bannon will star in this joint benefit for Lake City Playhouse and the Coeur d’Alene Public Library Foundation. The piece is comprised of letters exchanged over a lifetime between two people who grew up together, went their separate ways, but continued to share confidences. As the actors read the letters aloud, what is created is evocative, touching, and frequently funny. Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m.; May 31 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Lake City Playhouse, 1320 E. Garden Ave., Coeur d’Alene. $25. (208) 667-1323.

10th Annual Light the Way Dinner Auction - This year’s theme is Hope Soars. Event benefits childhood cancer patients, survivors and their families in the Inland Northwest. Beef, chicken or vegetarian menu options are available. KXLY’s Mark Peterson will host. Friday, 5:30-11 p.m., CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. $75. (509) 999-6514.

U-District Foundation Sixth Annual Night of Encouragement - Dinner, two drink tickets, live and silent auctions, live music and dancing. All proceeds go straight to the U-District Foundation. Reservations taken online and by phone. Visit www.udistrictpt.com/foundation. Friday, 6 p.m., The Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post St. $55. (509) 458-7686.

Summer Soiree - Silent auction and dinner presented by the Moscow Chamber of Commerce. 5 p.m. social; 7 p.m. dinner. Reservations requested. May 31, Best Western Plus University Inn, 1516 Pullman Road, Moscow. $50/per person. (208) 885-6465.

Creative Spirits Auction - A fundraiser for a free children’s art program in the summer months, and classes for teens and seniors throughout the year. There will be a selection of craft beers and fine wines, finger foods, cheesecake and coffee. The silent auction will include art, donations from local businesses, quilts, gift baskets, garden items, wine, food, and much more. May 31, 5 p.m., Blanchard Community Center, 685 Rusho Lane, Blanchard, Idaho. (208) 437-1037.

“Gypsy” Benefit Performance for Partnering for Progress - A portion of funds raised from the June 4 production will benefit Partnering for Progress’ mission to bring health, education and water to residents in developing countries. Doors open at 6:30 for socializing, raffle prizes, wine tasting by Northwest Cellars. June 4, Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. $35/adult, $30/student. (509) 325-2507.

Artisans Golf Tournament - This is the main fundraising event of the year for The Artisans; all monies raised are used in support of the mission to provide services necessary for individual job development, employment support and employment opportunities in the community for persons with disabilities. June 7, 8:30 a.m., Esmeralda Golf Course, 3933 E. Courtland Ave. $89 includes greens fees, cart, catered lunch, golf shirt and gift bag. (509) 325-4489.

Fry Healthcare Foundation’s Sixth Annual Golf Tournament - Nine holes of best ball and nine holes of scramble. The event includes dinner, prizes, and lots of fun. Buy your golf balls for the second annual golf ball drop. June 13, 11 a.m., Mirror Lake Golf Course, 701 U.S. 95, Bonners Ferry, Idaho. $50. (208) 267-4851.

Comedian Fred Newman - Proceeds benefit Spokane Public Radio. June 18, 7:30 p.m., Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. $20. (800) 325-SEAT.