The Escondido Children's Museum's first annual fund-raising campaign is "Going Strong," literally and financially.

"Going Strong" is the theme for the campaign launched earlier this month and going through April 15, "since that's what we're doing," said museum Executive Director Katie Ragazzi. The goal is to raise $10,000.The effort is well on its way, having passed the $7,000 mark last week.

Adding to the bottom line is a commitment by county Supervisor Pam Slater to match every dollar raised up to that $10,000 mark. All the money will go toward increasing museum programs and the number of hours it is open. To contribute, visit www.escondidochildrensmuseum.org.

The museum is also benefiting from proceeds raised through a tile-painting project at Westfield Shoppingtown, North County. The public is invited to paint tiles that will line the walls of a new family lounge at the mall. Cost is $25 for the first tile, $15 for the second and $10 for the third. Money raised is being donated to the museum and the Palomar Family YMCA.

More good news for Ragazzi and museum board President Kirsten Younkin is their attendance this week at a two-day Museum Leadership Institute at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. The Getty reduced the tuition for the local duo by 75 percent to allow them to attend the workshops, which are focused on small museums.

"It seems like an incredible opportunity," Ragazzi said. "It's going to be very helpful for us."

Sweet sounds: Classical music lovers and bargain-hunters can get the best of both this week by checking out the California International Young Artists Competition.

Much of the music performed by violin virtuosos from all over the world at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, will be free for the listening. That which isn't is still a big bargain.

"People literally will have the opportunity to hear some of the great artists of the next decade in the early stage of their career," said Mel Takahara, executive director of the competition.

Sessions from noon till 8:30 p.m. Thursday, from 3 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and the semifinals from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday are all free. The finals at 3 p.m. Sunday are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $5 for students.

The same prices are in place for today's 7:30 p.m. competition kickoff, featuring pianist Ching-yun Hu, winner of the 2003 young artists competition piano gold medal. Ms. Hu is also doing a concert at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at San Pasqual High School. Other artists from the competition will perform at 10 a.m. Friday at the Joslyn Senior Center.

Try your luck: "Wheel of Fortune" fans can try out for a spot on the popular game show during a contestant search Thursday at the Barona Casino. The "Wheelmobile" will be at the resort from 5 to 9 p.m. About 20 people will get a chance to compete for a future audition.

Contact staff columnist Jeff Frank at (760) 740-5419, fax (760) 745-3769 or jfrank@nctimes.com.