Every time I turn around lately, I see another charity event involving food.

Perhaps it's due to the fact that people are more likely to attend indoor events in the winter than the summer?

At any rate, there are some awesome events to choose from coming up in Southeast Michigan. (Some are even within half an hour's drive or less from me, which is ... unusual.

You might consider one of these three events coming up in the next six weeks or so:

• This Saturday, Feb. 1, try an authentic Russian dinner, First Presbyterian, 1432 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. It will fund mission work. For details about the menu, guest speaker, mission and costs, check out Ann Arbor MLive or go to the church's website. RSVP required; call 734-662-4466.

• The next one's in my neck of the woods. Enjoy Freedom Work Opportunities, Inc.'s 30th anniversary celebration on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 59West, 786 W. Highland Road, Highland Township, MI 48357. The $50 entry fee includes dinner with your choice of top sirloin with au jus or chicken marsala entrees paired with garlic parmesan mashed potatoes, mostaccioli, green beans almondine and a dessert/coffee bar. A photo booth, a silent auction with a wide variety of items  and a live auction with  Highland Township Supervisor Rick Hamill serving as auctioneer is featured. Among the great prizes for the live auction are a drive for two around the General Motors Proving Grounds track and four "park hopper" tickets to Walt Disney World are all part of the fun. For more information about the silent or live auction items, or to purchase tickets, go to Freedom Work Opportunities' website.

• Metro Detroit Empty Bowls event is from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 16 in the Assumption Cultural Center, 21800 Marter Rd., St. Clair Shores, MI 48080. A $10 minimum donation is accepted. The event features food from top area restaurants and inspirational music by The Ambassadors. To purchase tickets, or to donate, click here. For more information, see the listing in Hour Detroit.