Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego is hosting Wags for Wishes at Otay Ranch Town Center in Chula Vista on July 10-12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wags for Wishes expects hundreds of dogs that will compete in events, including agility, flyball, lure coursing, disc dogs, splash dogs, obedience and conformation. The public is invited to come and see what their dog can do.

Event proceeds will be used to grant wishes to San Diego children who are battling life-threatening medical conditions.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children who have life threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Since its inception in 1983, the San Diego chapter of Make-A-Wish has granted more than 2,300 wishes.

Admission and parking are free, and guests are invited to bring their well-behaved dogs on leashes to the event.

The Otay Ranch Town Center is located at 2015 Olympic Pkwy. in Chula Vista. To learn more about the organization, visit www.wishsandiego.org. For more information on Wages for Wishes or Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego, visit www.wagsforwishes.com or call 858-707-9474.

The Center is seeking volunteers for the Youth Apprentice and Mentorship Program. Employment mentors offer jobs, teach program youth about different occupations and industries, model responsible behaviors and help youth develop stronger workplace skills that will improve their employability. By becoming part of the social network of adults and community members who care about youth residing at the Youth Housing Project, mentors can help youth develop and reach positive academic, career and personal goals. For more information on how to become a volunteer, contact Justina Estrada at 619-255-7854, ext. 101, or jestrada@thecentersd.org

The Greater San Diego Business Association will hold its annual Rainbow Pride Mixer, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 16, at Bourbon Street, located at 4612 Park Blvd. The mixer is an official San Diego Pride event leading up to Pride weekend on July 18 and 19, and it is among the most well attended each year, says GSDBA Chief Executive Officer Joyce Marieb.

Food from Lei Lounge and live entertainment will be provided, as well as giveaways and opportunities for members and guests to network. This year marks the GSDBA’s 30th anniversary, and the organization currently ranks as the second largest LGBT-supportive chamber in the country, with more than 800 members.

“The Pride mixer is our way of kicking off the business community’s participation in the upcoming Pride festivities. It is a fun start to a very busy weekend,” adds Marieb.

The cost is $10 for GSDBA members and $15 for guests, which includes food and the first drink free. A portion of the proceeds will go the San Diego LGBT Community Center.

For more information, or to inquire about membership, call 619-296-4543, or visit the Web site: gsdba.org.

The San Diego Equality Campaign (SDEC) has partnered with Stonewall Young Democrats (SYD), Dyke March San Diego, and the American Red Cross to host ‘Right to Save.’ The event will take place on Saturday, July 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rich’s Nightclub, located at 1051 University Ave. in Hillcrest. While this blood drive will operate like any standard drive sponsored by the American Red Cross, a main goal of the event will be to highlight the discriminatory Food & Drug Administration (FDA) policies that ban gay/bisexual men from donating blood, regardless of their health status.

The FDA enacted the policy, which permanently bans men who have sex with men (MSM) from donating blood, in the 1980s when HIV was devastating the gay community. Now, more than 20 years later, the policy is outdated and unequal. With modern testing procedures and increased public knowledge of HIV, a blanket ban on all MSMs is unnecessary. According to Sara Beth Brooks, executive chair of SDEC, “every healthy adult should have the right to save up to three lives by donating a pint of blood.”

The American Red Cross is currently on record as being against this ban, but must comply with all FDA regulations. The sponsor organizations are working with the American Red Cross to highlight the arcane policy through this event. Besides blood collection, the event will also include a petition drive, information, balloons, face painting, and a special appearance by “Buddy the Blood Drop,” the American Red Cross’ blood drive mascot. Blood donation appointments are being accepted now, and are highly encouraged.

Men who have sex with men may not give blood at this event. Those who are ineligible because of this reason are asked to find an eligible female or straight male to donate on their behalf. Gay and bisexual men are encouraged to volunteer at the event to educate the public about the ban.

For more information, to sign-up for an appointment or to volunteer, please e-mail sdec.volunteers@gmail.com.

San Diego Single Payer Healthcare Coalition is sponsoring a rally at Congressmember Susan Davis’ office in Hillcrest on Tuesday, July 14, at 4 p.m. The rally will be held weekly throughout the summer. Organizers ask participants to bring a sign to hold at the rally. Congressmember Susan Davis’ office is located at 4305 University Ave., Suite 515 in City Heights. For more information, call 619-226-1116 or e-mail info@activistsandiego.org.

On Tuesday, July 14, Urban Mo’s will begin San Diego Pride kick off with the Reality Party. Four reality television stars will be appearing at the event, including Ruthie from “The Real World,” Steven from “Big Brother 10,” Keesha from “Big Brother 10,” and Jade from “Rupal’s Drag Race.” All will be available for photographs and autograph signings from 9 p.m. to midnight. DJ Tova will be spinning throughout the night. Doors open at 7 p.m., and there is a $5 cover to attend. Urban Mo’s is located at 308 University Ave. For more information, call 619-491-0400 or visit www.urbanmos.com.