Washington
#1 Political Event
The association marked its 100th anniversary in 2014. Its dinner is but one part of a weekend full of events from media brands that attract Hollywood and Washington celebrities. This year, comedian Joel McHale performed at the dinner with an opening set delivered by President Obama. Next: April 25, 2015
Naples, Florida
#6 Benefit (new to the list)
Since 2001, the event has raised more than $123 million for the Naples Children & Education Foundation, including $13.3 million in 2014, which organizers believe makes it the most successful charity wine auction in the world. A highlight of the event is its vintner dinners, in which top chefs and vintners from across the country host small dinner parties in homes throughout the city. Next: January 23-25, 2015
#17 Entertainment Industry Event
The magazine’s annual event takes place at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills and celebrated 20 years last year with A-list honorees including Reese Witherspoon and Penelope Cruz. Calvin Klein Collection, L'Oréal Paris, and David Yurman were among the sponsors of the 2013 event, which turned the hotel ballroom into a refined, minimalist dining room for a celebrity-heavy crowd. Next: Fall 2014
#5 Art & Design Event (up from #6)
Lacma’s weekend-long program for donors ends with a gala dinner at the museum each spring. This year’s event in April was sponsored by JPMorgan Private Bank and raised a record-breaking $4.1 million toward acquisitions. In its 29 years, the event has made 202 acquisitions through donations totaling more than $32 million. Next: Spring 2015
#6 Art & Design Event
The benefit is the museum's most important fund-raiser and one of the county’s most prominent social events. The 2014 black-tie gala was presented by Louis Vuitton on the Bridge of Gardens at South Coast Plaza—the first-ever event held on the structure. Next: Spring 2015
#6 Benefit (up from #7)
This year's annual honors, which began in 1977 and acknowledges women in a male-dominated industry, brought a glittering show hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross to the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. Presenters included Amy Adams and Kristen Bell, and Cate Blanchett and Kerry Washington received awards. Next: June 2015
