Fundraiser

Floating candles topped the round tables, where futuristic bowls held glowing LED lights.

With a guest list of more than 3,000 high-profile philanthropists, the Robin Hood Foundation used a large portion of the Javits Center's south entrance hall for check-in.

Rather than arrange the check-in tables alphabetically this year, the foundation employed IML's technology for automated guest registration. At each station, staffers were able to mark who had arrived and upload guest information to the cards used for donations through the IML devices.

Switching from last year's circular tunnel, the entrance to the cocktail area was triangular, a nod to the arrowhead-shaped emblem and superhero theme of the event. Verbs key to the organization's mission splashed across the walls.

Animated graphics displayed on the video screens throughout the highlighted important information about New Yorkers in need of food, shelter, and education.

The centerpiece of the cocktail section was an enormous sign depicting the event's arrowhead symbol and tagline. Oversize illuminated arrows pointed outward from this point, guiding guests to sections themed around the issues the foundation works on.

The different sections of the cocktail area held different displays. For instance, one corner was dedicated to homelessness, and highlighted by facts and figures such as "38,000 without a home tonight."

The whimsical look, which included a star-shaped bar, was designed to empower the foundation's donors and illustrate the importance of their contributions.

Flower-free centerpieces showed more superhero images and served as holders for IML's devices.

NBC Nightly News anchor and Robin Hood Foundation board member Brian Williams hosted the evening's program. Like other presenters, the TV personality's appearance on stage was accompanied by an animated superhero version on-screen.

The producers once again used IML devices to solicit donations from guests during the dinner program. In total, the gala raised $47.4 million.

To emphasize its new program to provide aid to New York City's veterans and their families, Robin Hood brought Kid Rock and 300 uniformed military personnel to the stage to perform "Care."

The contest hosted by Lady Gaga and Robin Hood allowed the public to vote for one of five charities targeting local youth. The winner, SCO Family of Services, was announced at the gala and the performer presented the first of two $500,000 grants at the event.

A full-length concert from Lady Gaga followed the dinner. The foundation offered fans the opportunity to win tickets to the performance through its Facebook page.

The comic-book-style cartoons continued in the dining room, decorated in Robin Hood's green color scheme.

#4 Sports Event
"The People's Marathon" sold out its capped field of 30,000 participants this year in a record two hours and 41 minutes and will include events around the race such as the Health & Fitness Expo and the First Timers Opening Night party. Next: October 28, 2012

#5 Sports Event
Venus and Serena Williams again highlighted the World TeamTennis event, which drew fans including Michelle, Sasha, and Malia Obama. Next: July 2013

#6 Sports Event
Acquired by Competitor Group in February, the triathlon expects to continue its streak of sell-outs dating from 2007. Next: September 9, 2012

#7 Sports Event
The race sold out in its first year rebranded as part of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series with 24,000 runners. Next: March 16, 2013

#1 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
Now in its 30th year, the Rammys remain the top food industry event in town. The 2012 event drew 1,500 chefs, sommeliers, restaurateurs, and other industry members. Next: Spring 2013

#2 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
What started as a local event has grown to Houston and Dallas and now includes cooking demos, tastings, workshops, book signings, exhibitors, and appearances by food-world notables including Tom Colicchio and Giada De Laurentiis. Next: November 3-4, 2012

#3 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
The festival from the Washington Post focuses on local talent and features chef demos, a grand tasting, and events such as the Sommelier Showdown and a mixologists challenge. Next: February 14-17, 2013

#4 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
This year's event drew 1,600 guests to the National Building Museum, where they sampled food from more than 75 of the city's top chefs, restaurants, and mixologists and raised $150,000 to fight childhood hunger in America. Next: April 8, 2013

#5 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
The fifth annual edition drew 10,000 people and offered a larger floor plan with more pavilions, an extended pier, and more live music. Next: Spring 2013

#6 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event (new to the list)
The event drew 1,900 people for the 29th annual edition of the southern food fest and managed to maintain fund-raising levels despite moving to a smaller venue. Next: Spring 2013

#2 Political & Press Event
A ticket to the actual dinner remains tough to get: Even the president makes room on his calendar for this event. However, it's not so much the dinner, but the four days of brunches, dinners, cocktails, and after-parties sponsored by media organizations from Vanity Fair and Bloomberg to NPR that bring in the crowds. Next: April 27, 2013

#3 Political & Press Event
Not as splashy as its White House cousin, the event still drew nearly 750 journalists, Capitol Hill lawmakers, Hill staffers, and invited guests this year. Next: February 6, 2013

#4 Political & Press Event
The event, hosted by the American Conservative Union Foundation, draws a mix of A-list Republican politicians including Sarah Palin, who gave this year's closing speech. Next: March 14-16, 2013

#5 Political & Press Event
The annual AIPAC Policy Conference featured speeches from President Obama as well as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The event, which drew some 13,000 attendees, is the largest gathering of the pro-Israel movement. Next: March 3-5, 2013

#9 Political & Press Event
The 2011 dinner featured keynote speaker President Barack Obama and entertainment from singers Cyndi Lauper and Greyson Chance along with actress Sarah Jessica Parker presenting the HRC Ally for Equality Award to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Next: October 6, 2012

#11 Political & Press Event
This year marks the 42nd edition of the annual conference and, in light of the presidential election, will focus on voter rights and voter suppression. Next: September 19-22, 2012

#12 Political & Press Event (up from #14)
With guest of honor Prince Harry of Wales speaking—and marking his first visit to the nation's capital—this year's event suddenly had an international profile. Next: spring 2013

#13 Political & Press Event
Honoring local television and radio broadcasters, this year's event also feted actress Glenn Close for advocacy to eliminate the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. Next: June 3, 2013

#14 Political & Press Event
This year's Secretary of State’s Award for International Women of Courage included remarks from First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as they honored advocates for women's rights from countries including Afghanistan, Brazil, Libya, and Sudan. Next: spring 2013

#15 Political & Press Event
While its annual conference changes cities, the National Governors Association's winter gathering is always in Washington and includes meetings with President Obama and Vice President Biden, members of the administration, business leaders, and other experts. Next: February 22-25, 2013

#17 Political & Press Event
This year, activists from MoveOn.org, the "Occupy" movement, labor unions, civil rights, and women’s rights groups along with liberal luminaries such as Van Jones, Paul Krugman, Senator Bernie Sanders, Sandra Fluke, and Howard Dean spoke with attendees and shared strategy for building a progressive movement. Next: 2013

#18 Political and Press Event
More than 1,200 young people gathered for the event, which champions progressive causes and this year featured House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. Next: summer 2013

#1 Holiday Event
A-list talent including Justin Bieber, Cee-Lo Green, and Jennifer Hudson perform at the annual Christmas special that airs on TNT. Next: December 2012

#2 Holiday Event
The 134th annual White House Easter Egg Roll promoted physical fitness and healthy eating with all-star athletes and celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, while the event also added a social media dimension by awarding last-minute tickets to parents who follow First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign on Twitter or Facebook. Next: April 1, 2013

#3 Holiday Event
The fireworks show and concert aired live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol this year and had a new host in Dancing With the Stars's Tom Bergeron. Next: July 4, 2013

#4 Holiday Event
The National Park Foundation livestreamed last year's holiday concert and tree lighting, which featured host Carson Daly and entertainment from acts including OneRepublic, Ellie Goulding, and Kermit the Frog; this year will mark the 90th edition of the event. Next: December 2012

#5 Holiday Event
PBS and the American Forces Network air the annual concert, which honors military service with performances from the National Symphony Orchestra and several pop and rock bands. Next: May 26, 2013

#1 Parade, Walk & Festival
One of Washington's signature events celebrated its centennial this year with nearly a month of cultural and creative programming, including the 750-person Pink Tie Party. Next: March 20-April 14, 2013

#4 Parade, Walk & Festival
More than 40 events made up the two-week "Be True. Be You!" Capital Pride 2012 celebration, although the centerpiece remains the parade and the street festival, which drew 250,000 people this year. Next: May 29-June 9, 2013

#5 Parade, Walk & Festival
The motorcycle rally over Memorial Day weekend that draws attention to Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action attracts nearly one million people; it celebrated its 25th year in 2012. Next: May 26, 2013

#6 Parade, Walk & Festival
Participation dropped to 25,000 this year in the breast cancer research and awareness event after it opted to stop funding breast cancer screenings at Planned Parenthood (the decision was reversed); in previous years, as many as 60,000 people have participated in what remains one of the largest Komen races in the country. Next: Spring 2013

#1 Art & Entertainment Event
Among the highest achievements in the arts, the 2011 honors went to Meryl Streep, singer Neil Diamond, actress and singer Barbara Cook, musician Yo-Yo Ma, and musician Sonny Rollins; the event was televised on CBS. Next: December 2012

#2 Art & Entertainment Event
Ford's Theatre Society Annual Gala mixed musical performances with tributes to luminaries such as Nobel Peace Prize-winner Elie Wiesel and actor Morgan Freeman, and the weekend of activities included a V.I.P. reception that President Barack Obama hosted in the White House. About 550 people attended the events, which raised $1.5 million. Next: Spring 2013

#3 Art & Entertainment Event
First Lady Michelle Obama hosted this year's event in the East Room of the White House, honoring innovators, including lifetime achievement winner TED Conference creator Richard Saul Wurman. Next: Summer 2013

#4 Art & Entertainment Event
The fifth annual BET Honors at the Warner Theatre featured First Lady Michelle Obama along with honorees Maya Angelou, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Spike Lee, Olympic coach Beverly Kearney, and the Tuskegee Airmen, and the night before held a private, 250-guest dinner at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Next: February 2013

#5 Art & Entertainment Event
Comedian Will Ferrell received the prize last year; this year's event will honor Ellen DeGeneres, who will be the fourth woman to receive the distinction. Next: October 22, 2012

#6 Art & Entertainment Event
This year Washington’s politicians, lobbyists, and journalists joined The Shakespeare Theatre Company for its 10th Will on the Hill and raised more than $400,000—a record high—for education, artistic, and community engagement programs. Next: May 2013

#7 Art & Entertainment Event
More than 27,000 attendees celebrated the 10th anniversary of annual documentary festival this year with the screening of 114 films representing 44 countries, a free outdoor screening, live performances, and a five-day professional documentary conference. Next: summer 2013

#8 Art & Entertainment Event
The eighth annual festival expanded to more than 125 performances, including a tribute to the late godfather of go-go Chuck Brown at the Hamilton and a 15,000-person Jazz in the Garden concert at the National Gallery of Art. Next: spring 2013

#9 Art & Entertainment Event
The city's oldest festival—it marked 26 years in 2012—drew 23,000 people with a program of more than 80 features, documentaries, and shorts, with a special feature this year on films from the Caribbean. Next: April 11-20, 2013

#1 Literary & Publishing Event
This year's event, a staple on the National Mall, will recognize "Books That Shaped America" and feature authors including Nobel Prize-winner Mario Vargas Llosa; Pulitzer Prize-winning novelists Geraldine Brooks, Jeffrey Eugenides, and Junot Diaz; and American novelist Philip Roth. Next: September 22-23, 2012

#2 Literary & Publishing Event
The event drew 1,900 people and this year evoked the ambiance of a vintage ice cream parlor. The event used two floors of the National Building Museum, with the American Beverage Association hosting the Publishers Reception for sponsors in a separate room on the second floor. Next: summer 2013

#4 Literary & Publishing Event
The Week's Opinion Awards recognize the nation's best opinion journalists and this year drew honorees and guests to a dinner at the W Hotel, where host David Gregory of NBC used his Meet the Press skills to interview Obama official Austan Goolsbee and Senator Lindsey Graham. Next: November 2012

#5 Literary & Publishing Event
Judges selected The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka as the winner after reading more than 350 works of fiction published in 2011 and honored her at a dinner in the Folger Elizabethan Theatre. Next: May 2013

#6 Literary & Publishing Event
The competition continued its partnership with ESPN as the nation watched teens, preteens, and, for the first time, even a 6-year-old, spell words such as this year's winning "guetapens." Next: Spring 2013

#1 Benefit
The theme of this year's Washington National Opera's annual fund-raiser was "Arab Hospitality," as the ball met for the first time at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates; the A-list event drew 500 guests and raised $1.1 million. Next: Spring 2013

#2 Benefit
In 2011, the boxing benefit Fight Night drew some 1,700 guests and raised just more than $2 million, while sister gala Knock Out Abuse raised $541,000 to fight domestic violence. The events have different themes and entertainment and are run by separate organizations, but get together for a joint after-party. Next: November 1, 2012

#3 Benefit
This year's ball drew 800 guests who raised $300,000 to support the Corcoran's College of Art and Design and outreach programs—beating the fund-raising goal of $200,000. Next: April 19, 2013

#4 Benefit
This year marked the 25th anniversary of the event, which raised $3 million; the 1,800-person guest list makes this one of the city's largest non-political black-tie affairs. Next: March 23, 2013

#6 Benefit (up from #12)
Last year's gala drew a record 800 guest and raised $3.2 million to fund research into the disease; this year the event will celebrate its 10th anniversary. Next: November 10, 2012

#7 Benefit
This year's gala, with a theme of "Modern + Majestic = Switzerland," saw more than 800 guests, raised more than $1.4 million, and featured an online fund-raising campaign from foundation board member David Tutera. Next: Spring 2013

#8 Benefit
Last year's event celebrated the 150th anniversary of Italian unification and featured keynote Barack Obama speaking in front of more than 2,000 guests, who included singer Frankie Avalon, actors Joe Pantoliano, Tony LoBianco, David Faustino, John Doman, and Fabio Lanzoni. Next: October 13, 2012

#9 Benefit
The popular event was held for the last time in late January and in October will combine with the fall soirée, this year with a Dracula theme to pair with the ballet's two-week run of Dracula. Next: October 5, 2012

#10 Benefit
This double event—which includes the only gala to take place on the National Mall—raised more than $2 million for the redesign and restoration of the historic lawn. Next: Spring 2013

#11 Benefit
With a Mardi Gras theme, the 14th annual gala added four mixologists to create specialty drinks during the cocktail hour in addition to its lineup of small plates at 47 stations; the event drew 700 guests and raised $480,000. Next: February 12, 2013

#12 Benefit
In 2012, School Night, hosted by Gail Simmons of Bravo’s Top Chef, brought together 500 guests and raised $650,000, with cocktails, dinner, dessert, and after-dinner entertainment at the "School Night Blues Club" with a performance by Grammy-nominated Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue. Next: Spring 2013

#13 Benefit
This year's Alice in Wonderland theme came from the ballet's production of Alice; the event drew 400 guests and increased its fund-raising total from last year to $335,000. Next: Spring 2013

#14 Benefit
The gala, formerly a tasting event known as the Sweet Charity Benefit, shifted names and format and now features a fashion show—and plenty of chocolate. Next: Spring 2013

#16 Benefit
At the 30th annual gala, guest chefs—members of Congress and other Washington dignitaries—participated in a competitive cook-off during the cocktail reception; the event raised $855,000. Next: May 1, 2013

#17 Benefit
The annual event benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Next: September 12, 2012

#18 Benefit
This year the ball is paired with the first Global Leadership Summit but keeps its traditional format of dinners hosted by foreign Ambassadors as well as the White-Meyer House followed by dessert and dancing at Meridian House. Next: October 12, 2012

#19 Benefit
The black-tie event featured four dance performances followed by dinner and dancing on the Kennedy Center's roof terrace this year. Next: February 5, 2013

#20 Benefit
Last year's gala celebrated the Shakespeare Theatre Company's 25th anniversary. Among the 775 guests were Chelsea Clinton and Patrick Stewart, who has performed with the company. The event raised $900,000. Next: October 15, 2012

#21 Benefit
The 91st year of the annual event drew record attendance of 430 people and 10 new sponsors, requiring a new seating layout for dinner and helping it exceed a fund-raising goal of $550,000. Next: May 3, 2013

#22 Benefit
The sold-out event celebrated its 25th anniversary by raising $525,000 and inviting the more than 750 guests to bring their dogs as dates. Next: 2013

#23 Benefit
Professional athletes help make the sports-theme gala—last year with the motif "Make a Muscle, Make a Difference"—a success, drawing 300 guests and raising $247,000. Next: October 23, 2012

#24 Benefit
Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell performed for the 620 guests at this year's annual gala, which raised $915,000. Next: April 6, 2013

#25 Benefit
The fund-raiser celebrated its 80th anniversary, raising $232,250 and entertaining the 206 guests with entertainment that included a send-up of the NPR program Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me, complete with actual announcer Carl Kasell and regular panelist Roxanne Roberts, who was the gala's host. Next: April 11, 2013

#26 Benefit
The Capital Area Food Bank’s ninth annual Blue Jeans Ball on April 22 raised $416,000 for struggling Washington residents, exceeding last year’s total by $100,000. First Lady Michelle Obama served as the honorary chairwoman. Next: Spring 2013

#27 Benefit
Formerly the Fire & Ice Ball, the Salute to Service Gala raised more than $500,000 after making a successful move from the fall to the spring; Admiral Mike and Deborah Mullen were the honorees, along with Colonel Greg Gadson and six wounded warriors. Next: May 4, 2013

#28 Benefit (new to the list)
The fifth annual Artini cocktail fund-raiser from the Corcoran Gallery of Art’s 1869 Society attracted a sold-out crowd of 750 despite a rise in prices for general admission and V.I.P. tickets. Next: March 30, 2013

#1 Fashion & Beauty Event
The popular event continues to grow, attracting 1,700 guests and big-name sponsors such as Audi; for its fifth year the event challenged its runway walkers to boost fund-raising, and the $700,000 total smashed records. Next: April 13, 2013

#2 Fashion & Beauty Event
More than 200 guests attend the fashion show at Nordstrom Tysons Corner that follows cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and features collections from Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbaba, Michael Kors, and others. Next: June 2013

#3 Fashion & Beauty Event
D.C. Fashion Week draws designers from Washington and around the world for a mix of ticketed, free, and invitation-only events, including a new challenge this year: creating fashions from partner Inova Health System's surgical blue wrap. Next: September 17-23, 2012

#4 Fashion & Beauty Event
The local edition of the event drew shoppers to the Georgetown Business Improvement District with activities such as cosmetic company Lush's roller-disco-themed party and fashion fortune tellers from Gilt City at the tented BrightestYoungThings.com lounge outside Dean & Deluca. Next: September 6, 2012

#5 Fashion & Beauty Event (new to the list)
This year, thousands of shoppers and local fashion editors flocked to retail and residence center Bethesda Row for The Front Row's fourth edition, which included a fashion show, book signing from Bravo's Andy Cohen, a film screening, and interactive sponsor activations. Next: Spring 2013

#1 Trade Show & Convention
President Obama stopped by this year's expo, which showcases the automobile industry before Congress, federal agencies, and other visitors. Next: February 1-10, 2013

#2 Trade Show & Convention
The 19th run of the expo began with Zumba instead of a ribbon cutting and upgraded the acoustics for its panel discussions to improve the experience for its 85,000 attendees. Next: March 16-17, 2013

#3 Trade Show & Convention
Ty Pennington of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was a highlight of the show in 2012, the first edition produced by Marketplace Events. Next: March 22-24, 2013

#5 Trade Show & Convention
More than 17,000 people attended the 2012 show, a 15 percent increase, and about 200 exhibitors had booths. Next: March 9-10, 2013

#6 Trade Show & Convention
The 30th anniversary of the expo, produced by the Smithsonian Women's Committee, had 121 exhibitors, including 44 new to the show. Next: April 24-28, 2013

#7 Trade Show & Convention
The 25th anniversary of the contemporary crafts show is this fall, held each year at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Next: November 16-18, 2012

#8 Trade Show & Convention
The antiques and fine arts show includes appraisals, dealer talks, and guided walks. For the 2013 Washington Winter Show, the event will have the theme "The Thrill of the Chase: Antiques of the Sporting Life" and feature honorary chairwoman Penny Chenery, owner of Triple Crown winner Secretariat. Next: January 10-13, 2013

#9 Trade Show & Convention
This year's featured country was Jamaica in honor of its 50th year of independence and included a volunteer reception at the Jamaican Embassy; the annual mart usually draws 10,000 people a day. Next: May 3-4, 2013

#10 Trade Show & Convention (new to the list)
The show draws more than 20,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Next year the show will include events such as a digital Kawasaki Design-A-Bike, a stunt show from the Smage Brothers of America's Got Talent, and "Just for Women" gatherings and seminars. Next: January 4-6, 2013