The kids at the New Foundation in Scottsdale have a lot on their minds: substance abuse, depression, and a roof that could crumble in the middle of a session. While its therapists and counselors work on the emotional problems, the foundation hopes its third annual "Lark in the Park" event -- including a 5K and 10K run, walk and skate -- will help take care of the rest. "It's kind of hard to do therapy when your roof is falling and the air conditioning is faulty," says Karol Kozak, an administrator at the New Foundation, which began helping troubled and disadvantaged kids 30 years ago.
After taking off at 9 a.m. this Saturday, March 20, the Lark winds through Scottsdale's Eldorado Park, continues through Vista del Camino, and ends back at the New Foundation campus at 1200 North 77th Street. Participants get breakfast, a barbecue lunch, and an event tee shirt with the $20 registration fee. Sign up online at www.thenewfoundation.com or at 8 a.m. the day of the event. For more information, call 480-945-3302, extension 148. -- Joe Watson
Rush Party
A fast crowd convenes at Tempe Town Lake
THU 3/18
Every good ol' boy thinks race-car drivers walk on water, and this Thursday, March 18, they come close. From 5 to 9:30 p.m., Tempe Town Lake hosts Speedfest, a real-life edition of Car & Driver. Fans of the IRL IndyCar Series, IRL Infiniti Pro Series, U.S.A.C. Silver Crown and National Midget Series gather to pay homage to internal combustion. First, hats off to file by the show cars, shining like starlets in the setting sun. Next, autographs from the drivers. And all evening long, Indy Racing Simulators and games like the Indy Pit Stop Challenge. And since the oval road to glory contains some potholes, the evening's entertainers belt the blues. With its danceable mix of R&B, gospel and Delta blues, girl group Shri sets the mood for the car trouble nobody knows. Admission is free. For more information, call 602-252-3833 or see www.phoenixintlraceway.com. -- Kim Toms
Enjoy the Violence
Battles get dirty during RITC
SAT 3/20
Being born male implies certain brutal truths. At some point in your life, for instance, you'll throw down with another male of the species to fulfill your minimum macho requirements. After a certain age (say, 5), such exploits lose their charm, but it doesn't mean you can't applaud them from the safety of a ringside seat.
Cheer in the clear when the big boys collide at Rage in the Cage 60, set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 20, at Celebrity Theatre, 440 North 32nd Street. John "The Saint" Renken squares off with Joe "Diesel" Riggs in the main event of an evening also featuring Aaron Brinks versus local favorite Cory "Tugboat" Timmerman. Call 602-267-1600 or visit www.rageinthecage.com. -- Craig Wallach