Residents of Long Beach help people all year through a variety of activities. Listed below are the results of some projects, as well as more opportunities to reach out to others.

The first annual Fire Chief Chili Cookoff/Silent Auction fires up at 6 p.m. tonight (Thursday) at Rock Bottom Brewery at Ocean Boulevard and Pine Avenue. All proceeds go to the Friends of Long Beach Firefighters. For more information, call 308-2255.

Dancing, snacks and a variety of vendors will be part of a fundraiser from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 28, at the McDowell School of Dance, 324 Redondo Ave. The money raised goes to the McDowell School and the Esencia Flamenca Dance Company. For details, call 7621-1618.

The Junior League’s 2008 charity ball, “A Sentimental Journey,” featuring the Swing Dolls, gets underway at 5:30 p.m. this Saturday, March 29, at The Reef, 880 S. Harbor Scenic Dr. “Glamour a must, black tie optional,” according to the organizers. Tickets start at $50. The money raised goes to help the Long Beach community and at-risk children. Call 989-6400 or go to www.jllb.org.

Top of the World, a gala to raise money for the programs of the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center, begins at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at the Carpenter Center, 6200 Atherton St., on the California State University, Long Beach, campus. The evening starts with a champagne reception followed by dinner, a live auction and a performance by the Mighty Echoes. Tickets start at $200. Call 985-8580 or go to www.CarpenterArts.org.

Hooters is raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association with its “Pop A Shot” promotion through the end of the month. For $1 or $5, participants can purchase a personalized shamrock that will be displayed on the Hooters walls of fame at 130 Pine Ave. The money raised is used to help send children to summer camp.

Enjoy a special wine dinner and make a contribution to Miller Children’s Hospital between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, at the Sky Room, 40 S. Locust Ave. atop the historic Breakers building. The five-course dinner features entrée choices of New York Steak or Colorado Rack of Lamb and much more and a different wine paired with each course. The price is $95. Call 983-2703.

The Multiple Sclerosis Walk 2008, raising money to help fight the disease that affects residents of Long Beach as well as throughout the Southland, will step off at 10:20 a.m. Sunday, April 6, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. In addition to the 5K walk, there will entertainment. To participate, call (310) 479-4456 or go to www.nationalmssociety.org.

The “Party for a Purpose,” a benefit for Children’s Day USA, runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday, April 10, at Sachi, 6400 E. PCH. The event is a project of California State University, Long Beach’s Communications 337, an events planning class. The money supports Children’s Day USA, which provides schools with projecst to teach children how to “Be Community Friendly.” A $5 donation is requested.

Tee off in the annual Msgr. Folliard Golf Tournament at 10 a.m. Friday, April 12, at Skylinks Golf Course. The event is a fundraiser for St. Cornelius Catholic School and includes golf and the awards dinner. Tickets are $135. Call 889-9168 or send an e-mail sme@eilerhome.com.

April 12 is the date for the Fiesta for the Children, a fundraiser for St. Barnabas Parish School. The event includes dinner, silent auction, live auction, dancing and more. Tickets are $75. Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available. Call 424-7476.

The Long Beach All-Stars will tip it off against the Harlem Ambassadors in a charity basketball game at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 24 on the Long Beach City College Liberal Arts Campus, 4901 E. Carson St. The Long Beach All-Stars will be made up of City Council members and other well-known members of the community. The event is a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Long Beach and the Downtown Long Beach Lions Club. Tickets are $10. Call 595-5945 for more information.

The Family Service fundraiser “The Cruise,” begins at 6 p.m. Friday, May 2, at the Renaissance Hotel, 111 E. Ocean Blvd. It’s a casino night, with a silent auction, live music, food and a contest for best cruise attire. Call 493-3201 or visit www.familyservicecares.org.

The Westerly Grand Fair, a fundraising event for Westerly School, begins at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the Westin Long Beach, 333 E. Ocean Blvd. “Festive Western” or “Flashy Fair” attire is encouraged for the evening, which includes silent and live auctions, dinner, dancing and more. Tickets start at $175. Call 981-3151.

The Long Beach Kiwanis Club presents a Grand Royal Luau from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way. There will be Polynesian food, mai-tais, canoe races and much more. The money raised goes to help underserved children and children with special needs. Tickets are $135 and are available by calling 495-3193 or by e-mail to kiwanislb@aol.com.