Before blowing all your money this weekend, think about giving some of it away. Friday, Saturday and Sunday all have opportunities to make a difference in the community, county and around the world.

Faith E. Free lock-in

The list has mostly filled up for youth to stay at Faith Evangelical Free’s lock-in Friday night (1800 12th St. SW), but there is still room for interested youngsters to attend a concert by AGAPE and Silverline and donate to a worldwide cause. Faith Evangelical Free, along with St. Olaf Lutheran Church, is hosting 30 Hour Famine, a nationwide fast where middle and high school students fast for 30 hours and raise money for World Vision, which aims to end hunger. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m., but lock-in attendees will stay well into the next day.

Relay for Life

Gambling may not seem like the best way to spend money, but when proceeds go toward cancer research, it’s a much easier decision. Relay for Life’s Team Believe is holding another Texas Hold ’Em tournament 1:30 p.m. this Saturday at the Eagles Club, 107 11th St. NE. The buy-in is $20, but a good portion of the pot goes directly toward cancer research.

Pheasants Forever banquet

Want to have a good time while preserving local wildlife habitat? Attend the Pheasants Forever annual banquet 5 p.m. Saturday night at the Holiday Inn, 1701 Fourth St. NW, and do just that. Individual membership tickets are $55, $20 extra for a spouse and $20 for anyone 17 and younger. The list of silent auction and raffle items is extensive, with 27 guns up for grabs, two puppies and a whole lot more. A few tickets may be available at the door; otherwise tickets can be purchased from Double K Specialty or by calling 507-433-1048.

Band with native ties turns Galactic

The musicians from outer space have returned, but this time they landed in Albert Lea. The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra, with Blooming Prairie ties, will play 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Lighthouse Event Center in Albert Lea, 621 Marshall Street. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door and $5 for students.

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon fundraiser

One more opportunity to raise funds happens early on Sunday, when the American Legion Post 91 in Austin, 809 12th St. SW, hosts a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon fundraiser. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is a program that creates a network of individuals who have the means to help active duty servicemembers, veterans and their families. Those who volunteer to join Beyond the Yellow Ribbon become outreach points for those with military ties who need help with chores, getting groceries, watching kids, fixing the family car or other daily hassles. The breakfast/ fundraiser is from 8 a.m. to noon.

Finally, we’ve plugged it, teased it and told you all about it; I’m telling you one more time. Look for the Herald’s Progress 2012 section this Sunday. Once again, it’s spectacular.

Look to Reporter Matt Peterson’s column every Friday for more about upcoming events in Austin. For even more, check out the calendar on Page 4 every day in the print edition and the AustinDailyHerald.com homepage.