I am a great supporter of the Childrens Charities in Calis, but I do feel every social event does not have to be about raising money for the charities. When we lived in the UK we had all sorts of sweepstakes etc. which were just done for the fun and benefit of the entrants.
Also Volkan and the staff at Vojo's are great supporters of the Embrace Children's charity, holding table top sales every Wednesday, acting as a drop off point for donations etc.
Mark