Washington's Top 100 Events 2012 - Benefits

#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