Benefits Southern California 2019

Elton John’s annual fund-raiser continues to stand out as a must-attend event for A-listers on Oscar night, taking over a 40,000-square-foot tent in West Hollywood. In 2019, the event raised $6.3 million in one evening—a new record over last year’s $5.9 million. The benefit includes a dinner, live auction, and performance from a big-name musician; this year featured the Killers, plus a performance by Rocketman star Taron Egerton. In the past 27 years, the event has raised almost $70 million to help people at risk for or living with H.I.V./AIDS. Next: February 9, 2020
See more: Oscars 2019: Glamorous Party Highlights From the Week's Biggest Events

Previously known as J/P Haitian Relief Organization, actor Sean Penn’s disaster relief nonprofit has been expanded to CORE: Community Organized Relief Effort, now raising money for the Caribbean and the United States in addition to Haiti. Its annual gala dinner, which typically takes place the weekend of the Golden Globes, draws a who’s-who of Hollywood’s biggest names. The 2019 event, which was emceed by Jamie Foxx and featured performances by Macy Gray and Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), raised $3.5 million—which included a $750,000 donation from singer Jason Derulo. Next: January 2020
See more: Golden Globes 2019: Get Inspired by This Year's Glamorous Parties

Up from #5
The high-profile annual gala typically centers its theme and decor around its newest exhibit—which in 2019 was a dog-theme display. The resulting black-tie take on a canine theme drew 1,000 guests and offered playful touches such as a carnival-inspired cocktail party, a 10-foot-tall dog made of flowers, and a pun-filled dinner menu (think: chocolate bark for dessert). The 21st annual Discovery Ball broke fund-raising records, generating more than $2 million to support the museum's educational programming and exhibits. Next: March 6, 2020 See more: See a Black-Tie Take on a Dog Theme

The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association’s 49-year-old benefit is one of the city’s biggest—and more casual—fund-raisers; last year’s event drew 1,000 people and raised more than $1.5 million for local and global conservation and education initiatives. Guests, who are invited to dress in “safari casual” attire, get an after-hours glimpse at the zoo before a live auction and musical performance. The 2019 edition this month will honor marine biologist Sylvia A. Earle and feature desserts curated by Food Network star Duff Goldman. Next: May 18, 2019

Held May 10, the 26th annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Beverly Hilton honored actress Selma Blair and the Hausman Family Foundation. Fashion brand Alice & Olivia hosted a runway show during the benefit, and there were performances by Flo Rida and Elle King. While fund-raising totals are still being calculated, the 2018 edition raised $1.6 million; overall, the gala has raised almost $50 million for Race to Erase MS and its Center Without Walls program. Next: Spring 2020

The fourth-largest opera company in the United States was inaugurated in 1986 and annually celebrates its season opening with a black-tie, on-stage gala. Last year’s gala included a performance from Sondra Radvanovsky; the following day marked the opening night of Don Carlo starring Placido Domingo, followed by a post-performance reception. Proceeds from the opening weekend benefit L.A. Opera’s artistic productions and education and community engagement programs, which reach more than 140,000 students and community members annually in Los Angeles. Next: September 2019

The Los Angeles Philharmonic marked its 100th anniversary in September with a concert presentation directed by Elkhanah Pulitzer that celebrated the creativity of the state of California, followed by a post-concert party. The anniversary celebrations will continue at this year’s Rolex-sponsored gala, which will feature three music directors from the past and present sharing the stage. Proceeds from the event support the L.A. Phil’s music education programs, serving more than 150,000 kids, families, and teachers each year. The Philharmonic also kicks off its summer season with a fund-raiser at the Hollywood Bowl. Next: October 24, 2019

The Concern Foundation—a mashup of CONquer canCER Now—was created in 1968 to raise grant dollars to support cancer research worldwide. The 2018 iteration of its large annual fund-raiser drew 4,000 people and raised $1.8 million; the 45th annual event in July will be held at Paramount Studios in Hollywood and will have a “California Dreaming” theme with more than 75 food and beverage vendors. Next: July 13, 2019

Since 2002, the ball has raised more than $16 million to support Chrysalis programs; it’s the area’s major fund-raising event for the homelessness and low-income support organization. Each June, more than 700 attendees gather at a private Mandeville Canyon estate; the 2018 event, which raised $1.8 million, honored Paramount Pictures C.E.O. Jim Gianopulos, Activision co-president Stacey Sher, and chef Curtis Stone. Next: June 1, 2019

New to the list
The Women's Cancer Research Fund, a program of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, has been hosting its fund-raiser for more than 20 years. This year's edition, held in Los Angeles in February, raised more than $1.5 million and honored actresses Kate Hudson and Gabrielle Union; Miley Cyrus performed. Rita Wilson, Kate Capshaw, and Steven Spielberg serve as honorary chairs for the annual event. Next: Winter 2020