Opportunities (to Help Schools) are Knocking

You'll want to get your tickets before they're all gone for the big magic show Sunday, Jan. 29, so I'm starting off this week's listing of upcoming school fundraisers with the last first. Between now and then, you can take in dinner theater — in Novato — and dine on some great burgers to support Novato schools and the Novato Theater renovation.

: Watch Him Pull Some Dollars out of Your Wallets and into Hamilton's Coffers

Sunday, Jan. 29, the fantastic Jay Alexander, master magician, will hold two shows at Marin Center Showcase Theater in San Rafael. As always, this year's annual Magic Fundraiser Show benefits , with all proceeds going to fund music, art and after school enrichment for the Hamilton kids. A parent of two Hamilton students, Jay's really stepping up to the plate -- or onto the stage -- to support his kids' school. Bring your whole family to either the 2 p.m. or 5 p.m. show. Dare I suggest you keep the receipt and take it as a tax deduction? I wonder if Jay can make a tax audit disappear? Tickets are $20 each and can be had through the Marin Center box office. 

School Supporting Novato Theater Renovation

Here's a twist for you on the whole fundraise-for-the-schools premise of this column: a fundraiser by a school and a local restaurant for the Novato Theater renvoation. Give it up for Advanced Drama Cafe Theater which will be performing at Ghiringhelli Pizza Bar and Grill on Tuesday, Jan. 17, in a dinner theater event to benefit the downtown Novato Theater renovation. Dinner, which attendees buy on their own, starts at 5:30 p.m. The performance itself begins at 7 p.m., and the $10 cover tickets are available at San Marin's front office and at Ghiringhelli's. Seats are limited. The cover charge and 15% of each dinner check will be donated to Novato Theater. More details can be found on the uploaded flier, including cast information.

Phyllis' Giant Burgers is at it Again!

Thursday, Jan. 19, make sure you head on over to . I highly recommend the curly fries. Make sure you buy a lot because 20% of the sales will be donated back to . Giant kickback, Phyllis!