Thursday is Sept. 11, so it seemed like a good time to highlight events benefiting first responders and law enforcement.

First, the Winder Fire Department’s third annual 9-11 Memorial Cross Country 5K and Fun Run is Saturday at Fort Yargo State Park, 210 S. Broad St. in Winder. The 5K will be run primarily on trails through the park, with some portions on pavement. The fun run will be on the road.

Registration starts at 4:30 p.m. It's $25 for the 5K or $20 for the fun run. There's also a $5 parking fee. The fun run starts at 5:30 p.m. and the 5K starts at 6 p.m. You can register there or in advance; see bit.ly/1uiPeV1 for full details. Proceeds benefit the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation.

Next, Crime Stoppers' 2014 Blue Jean Ball, which benefits the Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta Reward Fund, will be from 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 18 at a private home in Buckhead. The evening will feature entertainment by country singer Bill Gentry, owner of Wild Bill's in Duluth.

Kristin and Clark Dean and Eridan and Keven Lake are chairing the event.

“The Blue Jean Ball is not only an incredibly fun event, but it’s for a great cause, as all the proceeds go directly to Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta,” Keven Lake said. “We look forward to another unique and entertaining evening.”

Last year's Blue Jean Ball raised nearly $110,000 for Crime Stoppers, which provides payment for tipsters who offer valid information about unsolved crimes. Tipsters may remain anonymous and share information with authorities by calling 404-577-TIPS (8477) or using the online form at crimestoppersatlanta.org.

Individual tickets to the Blue Jean Ball start at $200. See csgabluejeanball.com for full details.

Finally, the Atlanta Fire Foundation’s fifth annual Breakfast With Our Bravest fundraiser will be from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Nov. 21 at the Marriott Atlanta Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center.

The event, with Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran as host and Channel 2 anchor Jovita Moore as emcee, is being co-chaired by Megan Sparks and Addison Meriwether. Jacques Murphy is chair of the Atlanta Fire Foundation Board of Directors.

Sponsorships begin at $1,000 for four tickets. See atlff.org/atlff and click on the "Breakfast With Our Bravest" tab for full details.

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