Offstage drama is under way at Lyric Opera San Diego, but it’s for a good cause. Benefactor Bud Fischer promises to match $1 for every $1 donated to help the group and its operation of the Birch North Park Theatre. General Director Leon Natker says they’re 70 percent there in reaching $100,000 in donations to be matched in the challenge grant. Go to lyricoperasandiego.org for details. The auditorium is an important anchor for North Park’s resurging business district because it packs ’em in on show nights … Meanwhile, the San Diego Opera says it received $1 million from Erna and Andrew Viterbi to underwrite a lecture series held in conjunction with Verdi’s beloved opera “Nabucco.” The money will also be used to help produce the aria fest next year. The first lecture is set for Jan. 27. Read more at sdopera.com ... The Eco Investment Club planned to premiere the Chevrolet Volt at a special event in Solana Beach on Nov. 20, an event unveiling a pre-production version of GM’s new green machine. Observers say the extended range vehicle, expected to go into production next year, is a “gas.” The vehicle will run on zero gasoline and produce zero emissions for those driving less than 40 miles per day ... Laurie Ann McMillin Ray, owner of several home-furnishing stores in San Diego, invites the public to attend a book signing at her Point Loma boutique Dec. 12. Laurie Ann is the daughter of the late home builder Corky McMillin. The exact time and place can be found at laurieann.com ... With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s time to help those in need ... Vibra Bank and the Chula Vista Police Activities League are sponsoring a toy drive through Dec. 4. Drop off your toys at the bank located at 530 Broadway from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. … AT&T and its employees active and retired kick off a food drive for the San Diego Food Bank, part of a nationwide effort to help the hungry in a tough time of the year. The general public can donate $5 by texting the word “Share” to 20222 on any mobile device. Donations will be used to support AT&T’s effort to end childhood hunger in the U.S. by 2015. Go to strength.org for more info … The Cajon Classic Cruise’s annual “Parade of Lights” drive-by takes place 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9 on El Cajon’s main drag. Admission is free. But bring a toy, as the event features a toy drive sponsored by The Salvation Army. Steer on over to downtownelcajon.com for the fine print ... Finally, just for fun! Jose’s of La Jolla says it will host the first ever World Flauta-Eating Contest on Dec. 6, a chow-down sanctioned by the World Federation of Competitive Eating. The winner gets $2,000, and a bad case of indigestion! 

Contributing Editor Tom York pens the SDBJ Insider column. He’s a guest business commentator Thursday mornings on the Mark Larson Show on KCBQ-AM 1170.