If you're a fan of delicious food and drinks, learning new things, and dogs (Who isn't these days?), then this #PattyJDotCom weekend guide is for you! 

1.  Food Truck Friday Night.

Tomorrow evening, May 1st starting at 5:30pm, The Alex and Ani Center (That's 2 Kennedy Plaza where the ice rink is.) will be transformed into a super cool truck stop that will be every foodie's (and beverage lover's) dream, with all the proceeds going to the RI Community Food Bank. Tickets for Eat Drink RI Festival: Truck Stop are $75 and still available (Click here to see the full list of restaurants and beverage companies who are signed on and to buy tix.), so why not pop over after work? Their last truck stop style event was awesome and raised over $106,000 for hungry families in RI.

PS - My friend, #PattyJDotCom guest blogger and RI Food Bank'er himself Hugh Minor will be there, so be sure to say "hello".

2. TED Goes To The West Side.

 I used to work for a guy who was a natty dresser (He wore pocket squares and patterned socks for starters.), defended me when regionals came in from out of state and tried to trash me (Yes!) and always referenced TED Talks. At the time, I honestly had no idea what the h*ll he was talking about.  Now though, I know better. (For the record, the TED global conference series is run by the non-profit Sapling Foundation and its mission is to spotlight 'ideas worth spreading'.) In fact, I even have tix to this Saturday's TEDxProvidence at The Columbus on Broadway. (Btw, that "x" means that PVD's is organized independently of the global TED but still adheres to most of their protocol and guidelines. And I grew up not far from there on Chapin Ave.) There's an impressive roster of notables this year (including local legend Len Cabral), speaking about everything from finance to entertainment to the environment.  (I believe) There are a few tix still available, but they're going fast. #Hurry 

3. Dog Walking...Cardio For You And Your Dog For A Cause!

On Sunday morning, the RI chapter of the American Cancer Society is hosting its annual Bark For Life Walk at Warwick City Park, 180 Asylum Rd., Warwick, RI 02889. (Check in and day of event registration is 10am sharp.) It's an event designed to recognize what amazing companions dogs are, especially for those who are struggling with cancer, and raise money for cancer research. It's not to late to donate or sign up to walk with your dog. (You might even see local Instagram star @GoldenDoodleLouie! He's walking too.) For more info, click here. #ThankYouKindly #Woof

Ciao For Now,

PattyJ

Photo Credit: Photos of The Columbus and Louie the Golden Doodle are courtesy of PattyJ.com; All others are courtesy of FB and Google Images.