Leaves slowly start to change colors, ocean waves rise with the wind, minds are focused on Chargers strategy, and we hope for rain to guide us into a fire-free season. Autumn is a magical time for San Diego lifestyle.

You’ll never hear us locals complain about entertainment options, but ideal range isn’t what we obsess over either. San Diego events are no longer just about having fun, they’re about giving back. Upscale and unique charity events in San Diego are the best way to help out a great cause without sacrificing your lifestyle. October just happens to be overflowing with amazing charity events, and we’ve narrowed down a few of the best affairs your conscience can’t afford to miss.

Chef Celebration Dinner Series – Every Tuesday in October
The 14th Annual Chef Celebration Dinner Series takes place every Tuesday in October and will focus on fusing each renowned chef’s unique talents into a delectable five-course dinner. Teams of chefs will join forces at some of our city’s finest dining establishments including 1540 Kitchen, Cowboy Star, Cucina Urbana, Pamplemousse, and Terra Restaurant. Each chef will contribute one of their most notable recipes and throughout the dinner make special appearances to mingle with the guests. Details here.

Some Like It Hot! – Saturday, October 10
La Jolla Symphony & Chorus kicks off its 2009-2010 season with a sizzling Gala and Benefit “Some Like It Hot!”at The Westgate Hotel. The evening features a special tribute to noted San Diego program annotator and concert lecturer Eric Bromberger. The evening begins with a silent auction and hors d’oeuvre/wine reception followed by a Gala dinner and tribute, live auction, and dancing to the big-band sound of Big Band Express. Emcee for the evening is KUSI weatherman Dave Scott. The Benefit supports LJS&C’s artistic mission and educational programs. Details here.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes – Thursday, October 15

To bring awareness to domestic violence in our community, brave men (and women) will walk in high-heeled shoes at the second annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event from 4-7pm in downtown San Diego. The one-mile walk  fundraiser is a family-friendly event that calls light-hearted attention to the very serious subject of domestic violence and builds awareness of its impact on the community. One-hundred percent of the proceeds go to support the YWCA’s Becky’s House Domestic Violence Programs.

AJ’s Kids Crane – Friday, October 16

Dad-to-be AJ Macado is goin’ up in the crane early this year to collect toys for Rady Children’s Hospital. For the eighth year in a row, AJ has taken up residence (eating, sleeping, etc.) on an 8’ x 10’ platform that is elevated up to 60-feet above ground until his annual toy collecting goal is achieved. “AJ’s Kids Crane” will take place in the Mission Valley IKEA parking lot. It took 7 days to reach last year’s goal of 101,000 toys. Details here.

Over the Edge – Saturday, October 17
Courageous San Diegans will push themselves to the limit by rappelling from the 33rd story of the Manchester Grand Hyatt. This hotel is the west coast’s tallest waterfront building – known best for the two iconic towers that keep guard over the harbor – and will become the setting for a unique fundraising event never before experienced in Southern California. Participants will join together atop the Hyatt and rappel 33 stories down to make a difference in children’s lives, with donated proceeds to help Kids Included Together continue its mission to support child and youth development programs. If you are at least 12 years old, weigh under 300 lbs., are recreationally healthy, and can raise at least $1,000 for the cause before October 15, you’re in! Details here.

In The Huddle – Saturday, October 17
The San Diego Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) is proud to host their annual Celebration of Hope Gala and Auction taking you “In The Huddle” with San Diego Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner, Quarterback Philip Rivers and Linebacker Shawne Merriman along with Honored Guest Don Coryell and ESPN’s Monday Night Football crew. This evening will also feature food, cocktails, silent and live auctions, as well as a chance to mingle with San Diego Chargers players, local celebrities and corporate leaders. Proceeds from the event will benefit the care and research programs of HDSA. Details here.

Chef Showdown – Thursday, October 22
Center for Community Solutions announces the fifth annual Chef Showdown 2009. The Chef Showdown culinary competition fundraiser, which honors Domestic Violence Awareness Month, will feature a lively culinary 'Iron Chef' style competition involving chefs from San Diego’s top restaurants. This event will be emceed by Bernard Guillas of the Marine Room and Emmy award winner, Sam Zien, a.k.a. Sam the Cooking Guy. Details here.

Chefs and Champions for Kids – Saturday, October 24
Promises2Kids, formerly the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation, will host its 8th annual fundraising event, Chefs and Champions for Kids – A Benefit for Promises2Kids, at the San Diego Hall of Champions in Balboa Park. Capture the Magic, the benefit gala and magical-themed evening, will feature food stations and cocktails from award-winning chefs, mimes, and magic tricks by magicians for guests. Details here.

Giving Hands Awards – Saturday, October 24
The Boys & Girls Clubs of South County Annual Giving Hands Awards – A Night of Celebration, Cocktails and Casino will be hosted by Otay Ranch Town Center. This amazing event will include exciting casino games, a live auction, entertainment and food samplings from some of Chula Vista’s finest restaurants. Funds raised at this event will greatly impact the lives of children and make a difference by providing club programs and services to enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. bgca.org

Tantrums & Tiaras – Sunday, October 25
The first annual Battle of the Bar Queens is a daring and outrageous "beauty" pageant you have to see to believe! Watch these divas break out their highest platform heels with their finest evening gowns and flashiest make up to battle for the tiara. The vision is for Battle of the Bar Queens to be a night to remember for the contestants, the judges, and of course, the audience. 100% of the proceeds raised during the “FUN-D-RAISER” will benefit MAMAS Kitchen. Details here.

Insider Tip: Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is celebrating PINKTOBER all month long with funds from suites, parties, dinner, spirits and spa treatments benefiting the breast cancer cause. Coming to San Diego in October? Support PINKTOBER.

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