Benefit, auction raise money for Drop-In Center

Volunteer Kristie Mullenix, Lawrence, entertains guest Jean Grant, Lawrence, with a palm reading during the Chocolate and Tea at 3 benefit for the Community Drop-In Center, 214 W. 10th St.

The center held the second annual event from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Springhill Suites by Marriott, and tables were loaded with cake, brownies and delicacies from local bakers.

Last year the event raised $5,000. Event organizer Barb Sweeten said this year’s goal was $7,000.

That money was raised through a silent auction of products donated by local merchants as well as the $25 ticket price.

Proceeds go toward expanding employment services for people experiencing homelessness.

Recycling: City compost giveaway Wednesday to Saturday

Gardeners looking to enrich their soil are invited to bring their shovels, buckets and pickup trucks to the city of Lawrence’s annual compost giveaway from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, at 901 E. Eighth St., the city’s composting facility.

The compost is the byproduct of the city’s weekly collection of grass clippings and raked leaves.

The giveaway is intended for the private use of Lawrence residents not for resale or commercial use. City officials reserve the right to limit quantities.

To reach the facility, go east on Eighth Street past the railroad tracks. The facility is on the south side of the street.

Children: Advocacy group reports modest improvements

Topeka Kansas has made “incremental improvements” in child safety, security, health and education, according to the 2002 Kansas Children’s Report Card.

Kansas Action for Children will release the report Tuesday on the south steps of the Capitol.

At 11 a.m. the students will arrive at the Kansas Judicial Center and then walk with KAC director Gary Brunk across the street to the Capitol for the announcement.

Funding for the KAC report card was provided by a grant from the Kansas Health Foundation.

Benefit: Run raises $10,000 for cancer patient’s care

Last month’s benefit for a Lecompton resident suffering from cancer raised $10,000, organizers said.

The benefit, named “The Great Pumpkin Pursuit,” was to help Melissa Wingert pay expenses while she battles cancer. It included 10- and 5-kilometer runs and a 1-mile walk.

About 150 people participated, said Cindy Johnson, owner of TherapyWorks, 1112 W. Sixth St., where Wingert is employed.

“That’s pretty good, considering the weather was cold and rainy,” Johnson sai