1. The third annual “Chowdown for Charity” is today from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Riverhouse Reef and Grill Restaurant, 955 Riverside Drive, Palmetto. The “Chowdown for Charity” is organized by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and all proceeds from the event benefit Culinary Arts programs in Manatee County’s public schools. During the event, talented Culinary Arts students representing Manatee Technical Institute, Manatee High and Southeast High will compete for prizes in a contest to be judged by local celebrity chefs Jamie Gregorich,  of “Hell’s Kitchen” fame, also an MTI instructor and sous chef at Eupemia Haye; Ray Arpke, chef/proprietor of Euphemia Haye; and Tommy Klauber, chef and owner of Pattigeorge’s and the Polo Grill. The proceeds will be used to aid students with lab fees and textbooks or educational materials. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased from Riverhouse Reef & Grill, O'Brick's, Renaissance on 9th, or Anna Maria Oyster Bar; or at www.chowdown2011.eventbrite.com.

2. Watch Southeast High's football game live on the internet tonight. Students in Southeast High School’s award-winning TV Production program are operating the cameras, directing and producing live internet video production of home football games and other select Seminole athletic events. Approximately 25 to 30 students usually take part in the productions and the games are aired live at www.floridacast.com and on a delayed basis on EDV-TV.

3. Students and staff at Central High School are participating in a “Passionately Pink Campaign” until October 21, to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.  Pink t-shirts are being sold for $6.00, with $1.25 of each shirt going to support this global outreach project.  Students can wear these t-shirts instead of their regular uniform polo shitrs for the rest of the year. For more information contact Central High Math Department Chair Debbie Daigle at 751-7900, ext. 2248.

4. Chick-fil-A at Creekwood Crossing will host a daddy-daughter date night from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30p.m. on Saturday for about 150 dads and daughters. The evening is designed to be a fun, memorable event for dads and daughters to connect. There will be live music, free photos and goody bags, the Chick-fil-A dad and daughter cows, and tableside service. Reservations are required. Visit daddydaughterdate.com/tampastpete to make a reservation.

5. Turner's Donuts won 49 percen of the votes for the best doughnut shop in Your Patch Picks. Bradenton Donuts and Dunkin Donuts tied for second place with 16 percent each.