Join Floresta in helping the rural poor by attending the Planting Hope Gala on Saturday, October 10, at the San Diego Marriott La Jolla. Guests will enjoy silent and live auctions, a fancy dinner, and a Fund A Need auction to directly benefit program needs in the countries in which Floresta works. Bill Menish will serve as auctioneer. The evening will be a celebration to recognize Floresta’s 25 years of helping the rural poor, and in attendance will be two directors from the organization’s Tanzania and Dominican Republic programs. Tickets are $105. (858/274-3718, www.floresta.org/gala2009)