If you're a foodie or gourmand or chowhound or whatever you call yourself, then it doesn't take much to convince you to attend a food event. Or the opening of a bag of chips, for that matter! But just to satisfy your conscience and your stomach, there are two good events coming up that you should look into. Both are for great causes and include food and drink, plus there's sure to be mingling aplenty.

Sacramento Public Library Foundation's 2008 Authors on the Move

The 6th annual iteration of this event occurs Saturday, March 1 at the downtown Hyatt Hotel, and will include dinner and a chance to meet a slew of authors. The "authors on the move" part refers to 39 California writers who will move from table to table, chatting with attendees. [full disclosure here: I am one of the authors who will be moving. Come find me!] Afterwards, the authors will sign copies of their books, which will be available for sale. This year's theme is "Food for Thought," so there will be quite a few cookbook, wine, and health subject authors on the menu. They include locals Georgeanne Brennan and Rick Kushman, as well as author David Shalleck, who used to work for NapaStyle chef Michael Chiarello. All proceeds will benefit the foundation. For a full list of authors and RSVP info, visit the SPLF site.

First Annual "A Toast to Hope"

This is a beer tasting and silent auction fundraiser to benefit Chicks in Crisis. CIC is a great organization that helps women experiencing crisis pregnancies. Their mission is to help women become productive members of society while making informed decisions for themselves and their children. I learned about them when I was looking into adoption options, as they sometimes have clients who choose to place their children. The event will be at Pyramid Brewery on K Street, Saturday March 8, 6 to 8 p.m. You'll get hors d'oeuvres as well as a variety of Pyramid brews. Register for the event and learn more about CIC at their site.