The third annual Nautica South Beach Triathlon takes place on Sunday, April 11 to benefit pediatric cancer research for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Participants expected in this year’s 2010 races include co-anchor and national correspondent for NBC‘s “Today”, Natalie Morales, actress, Eliza Dushku, former NBA player, Rick Fox,  Australian triathlete and five-time Ironman champion, Chris “Macca” McCormack, NBC’s “Biggest Loser”, winner Ali Vincent, The Bold and the Beautiful’s, Heather Tom, three-time Winter X Games freestyle skiing gold medalist, Sarah Burke, WPLG Local 10’s news anchor, Sasha Andrade, and WKMG Orlando’s news anchor Michael Garolfalo. The “fun” starts at 7:00 a.m. (yes, in the MORNING) on 5^th street and Ocean Drive.  For more information, please visit www.SouthBeachTri.com.

The American Red Cross presents its annual Red Cross Ball on March 27, at 7 p.m. at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne (455 Grand Bay Drive).  In light of recent disasters, the Red Cross needs your support more than ever,  so consider joining over 400 influential leaders of Miami’s social and corporate communities for a night of elegance, delicious food, music and dancing.  In addition to the auction which features items such as cruises, trips and other fabulous items, Will Earl Spanheimer, a young artist in residence with the San Diego Opera will perform. Tickets cost $500 per person.  Tables are also available.

For more information contact Kenia Tedesco at 305.728.2512 or email:  tedescok@usa.redcross.org.

This concert will be held from noon-10 p.m. on March 28, at the Central Broward Regional Park, located at 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, Fl and feature several musical genres including, Kompa, Reggae, R&B, Hip-Hop, Soca, Gospel and Latin.  The stellar line-up of invited guests include: Tabou Combo, Nu Look, Jahnesta, Sweet Mickey, Sister Sledge, Donna Allen, Whodini, Special Ed, Nadine Sutherland, Glen Washington, Singing Melody, Abijah, Causion, King Banton, Barbee, Twiggy, Maurice, Hope for Tomorrow, Junior Tucker, Sherell Rosegreen, and DJ Griot.

Tickets cost $15.00 and are available online at www.tohaitiwithlovebenefit.com or by calling 888-695-0888 or at various ticket outlets across Broward and Dade County.

RA Sushi (5829 SW 73^rd St.) and Yelp.com invite all levels of competitive eaters to enter its Maki Madness sushi-eating contest on Wednesday, March 31, from 6-9 p.m. to benefit Miami Children’s Hospital’s Radio Lollipop.®.  The grand prize winner will receive free sushi for a year, and bragging rights as the RA Sushi MAKI MADNESS champion.  Second place gets a $100 gift certificate and third place gets a $50 gift certificate.  All participants will receive a RA Sushi sweatband or t-shirt and participants (21 years and older) who do not advance to the final three will receive Penny Drink and/or Appetizer Cards for use during their next visit.

Maki Madness is limited to the first 30 entries. Applications are available at RA Sushi in South Miami.  The deadline to register is Monday, March 29 and all eaters must be at least 18 years old to participate. Registration to compete includes a $10 entry fee (cash only), which will be donated to Radio Lollipop® of the Miami Children’s Hospital along with donations from guests at the door. Round 1 starts at 6:30 p.m. and the Championship Maki Madness is at 8:30 p.m.  For more information call 305.341.0092.