It's a shot gun start for charity events in Butler County.

With the limited ability to fund raise in the last two years because of COVID-19 and rising inflation rates hitting the cost of everything, nonprofits are counting on county residents to open their wallets and are offering a variety of fun ways for us to do it.

People who champion the Butler County Humane Society have just put away their dancing shoes after the gala April 30. Now it’s time to get out the tennis shoes.

Running enthusiasts can join the Patti J. Nelson Foundation run/walk May 21 in Evans City and support the Evans City Library.

Want to try Zelienople's first ever Bed Bug Race? The June 11 event benefits the Zelienople Area Public Library's capital campaign.

The Cranberry Community Chest wants to fill its coffers, and participants in the Cranberry Community Chase 5K Run/Walk on July 16 can help.

Is cow patty bingo more your style? The 22nd Kids Day America plans to host just such an event May 14 at the Butler Farm Show grounds to raise funds to benefit Butler Catholic Schools.

Unusual? No more than a Mad Hatter's tea party, which last weekend benefited the Stop The Judgment Project. The nonprofit is dedicated to ending the stigma, shame and judgment surrounding addiction.

With more than a dozen courses in Butler County, there are quite a selection of fundraising golf outings for duffers. A few include the second golf scramble for mental health on May 21 at Bonniebrook.

Try for a hole in one at the Caravan 14’s Dale “Pinky” Pinkerton Golf Classic on June 4 at Lake Arthur Golf Club, which supports the Shriners.

The GWFC Junior Women's Club of Butler will use its nine-hole tournament on June 5 at Aubrey's Dubbs Dred Golf Course to support a number of charities in Butler.

Would you like to raise money for instruments to help those on the autism spectrum? Band Together Pittsburgh is hosting a event June 10 at the Buffalo Golf Course. More interested in supporting a scholarship? There is one that benefits the Tana (Willetts) Frangioni Scholarship at Moniteau Junior/Senior High School on Aug. 21 at Hiland Golf Course.

Those who want to support veterans in need and ride their motorcycles too won't want to miss Butler Bikes & BBQ on July 22 to 24.

The point is spend your entertainment dollars and help your neighbor at the same time.

Purse bash? Middlesex Township Volunteer Fire Company had one May 7. Dinner and a raffle? The family of COVID-19 patient Stephen Miller is hosting one May 21 at the Prospect Fire Hall.

Check the Butler Eagle as you fill out your social calendar and find those opportunities — and have fun while you fund a good cause.

— DJS