Now that autumn is in the air, the Mission is too clammy and cold, the Avenues are too foggy, and the Marina is too the Marina. So, why not spend your Thursday night in the lovely, twinkly, high-rise building-y downtown area. It simply crackles at night. And it's chic. And it has a good mix of San Francisco ilk. And there's no better venue than 111 Minna, who will be hosting some of the city's best gastronomic sweet treats.

Starting at 7 p.m. at 111 Minna, Sugar Rush: A Benefit for Spark's Youth Apprenticeship Programs will feature desert tastings from such luminous eateries as Boulevard, Chez Panisse, Michael Mina, Range, Recchiuti Confections, Sibby's Cupcakery, and Humphry Slocombe.

Tickets range from $50 to $60, which is a total deal. In addition to the artisan sugar rush you'll feel at this place, you ticket price goes to Spark.

What is Spark? Well, it's billed as "the only program in the nation addressing the dropout crisis by re-engaging at-risk middle school students in their education with individualized, hands-on apprenticeships."

If you care about today's youth and/or the care of your sweet tooth, you will come to Sugar Rush.

What: Sugar Rush: A Benefit for Spark's Youth Apprenticeship Programs
Date: Tonight, November 12
Time: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: 111 Minna Gallery (at Second Street)
Tickets: $50 if purchased online or $60 at the door