SCVC Inspiration

#1 Benefit 
The prestigious ball, which serves as a model fund-raiser for other society chapters, raised around $3.3 million this year—up substantially from $2.1 million in 2013. Held at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, the night featured a live performance from country singer Keith Urban and had whimsical style ideas such as cocktails served from a lemonade stand. Next: April 25, 2015

#8 Benefit 
Dubbed “A Fair to Remember: Chicago, 1893,” last year’s event let guests tour the temporary exhibition "Opening the Vaults: Wonders of the World’s Fair." The gala drew 700 guests, raised $2.1 million, and had an inventive decor scheme that featured hanging Ferris wheels. This year’s fall event will have a “Caribbean Rhythms” theme. Next: October 25, 2014

#11 Benefit (up from #15)
With the theme “Ignite,” this year’s event at Navy Pier drew some 850 guests representing Chicago’s business, medical, and social communities. To underscore the heart-health theme, guests had a healthy dinner of roasted cod with fig salad. In 2013, the association's big benefit raised more than $1.7 million—this year, it broke records by raising an impressive $2.6 million. Next: April 11, 2015
 

New York
#1 Benefit
The event, which funds antipoverty initiatives in New York, raises the most money of any gala in the city. This year it raised $60 million at a celebrity-filled event that included appearances by comedians John Oliver and Jim Gaffigan, plus performances by Fun and headliner Bruno Mars, who was joined by Sting. Next: Spring 2015

Los Angeles
#4 Benefit (up from #5)
The museum’s annual gala celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2014 and also marked two other milestones: the appointment of a new director, Philippe Vergne, and a fund-raising effort that pushed its endowment to more than $100 million. Diana Ross performed for the 850 guests, and the evening raised $2.4 million. But as much as it’s known for being a reliably strong fund-raiser, guests have come to expect creative production that, appropriately for an institution with its mission, challenges and entertains its guests. “The unique part of the MoCA Gala is that the format changes every year depending on the artistic direction,” says Paula Morehouse, the museum’s development and special event manager. “On occasion, the creative lead is taken by an artist—for example Rob Pruitt in 2013, Marina Abramovic in 2011, and Doug Aitken in 2010—and other times the decor and concept is imagined by the event chairs and event producer.” The event also partners with what Morehouse calls “significant brands,” such as last year’s presenting sponsor Louis Vuitton. Another change over the years: Even as society seems to be moving in a more casual direction, the gala is not. Once requiring only cocktail attire, the event is now a black-tie affair. Next: Spring 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

Chicago
#9 Benefit
The ball raised a record amount this year—$3.3 million—with major companies such as Boeing, HP, and United buying tables and more aspects of the event underwritten by benefactors. Singer Keith Urban was the featured entertainer. Next: April 25, 2015