Miami/South Florida's Top 100 Events 2012 - Benefits

#1 Benefit
Last year, the InterContinental Make-a-Wish Ball hosted 900 guests for a Truman Capote-inspired black and white benefit, raising $1.1 million. Next: November 3, 2012

#3 Benefit
This fall the Best Buddies Gala's 16th outing will have a Russian theme. Rob Lowe, Cindy Crawford, and Tom Brady have been among the 800-odd guests at past galas. Next: November 16, 2012

#4 Benefit (up from #6)
Last year, the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Diamond Ball more than doubled its fund-raising haul, pulling in $4.5 million from 700 guests. Next: October 27, 2012

#5 Benefit
In 2011, Destination Fashion at the Bal Harbour Shops took a hiatus, but is set to return this fall with Tom Brokaw hosting and Enrique Iglesias performing. Next: November 10, 2012

#7 Benefit
Hosted by philanthropist Roy Black and wife Lea (of Real Housewives fame), the Blacks’ Gala featured performances from Tony Bennett and Queen Latifah this year. Next: spring 2013

#8 Benefit (up from #9)
The 38th annual edition of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation’s Love and Hope Ball hosted 500 guests, and, combined with a preview party in November, raised more than $1 million. Next: February 2, 2013

#9 Benefit
Entertaining 400 guests at a Fort Lauderdale costume party, the Déjà vu Ball raised $200,000 for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County. Next: October 2012

#10 Benefit
Basketball great Alonzo Mourning’s 15-year-old fund-raiser, Zo’s Summer Groove, features a golf tournament, comedy shows, and celebrity performances. Next: To be announced

#11 Benefit
In December 2011, the Baptist Hospital Ball was replaced by a Celine Dion benefit concert, but the event will return in 2013. Next: fall 2013

#12 Benefit
The culmination of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Art’s Young Arts Week, An Affair of the Arts Gala honored Robert Redford in 2012. Next: January 12, 2013

#13 Benefit
Saluting the region’s artistic community, the Miami Art Museum Ball is a festive party that serves as one of the highlights of the Miami Art Week surrounding Art Basel. December 1, 2012

#14 Benefit
This year, the MOCA Gala marked the Museum of Contemporary Arts’ 15th anniversary with a fete that celebrated the many international artists who have been a part of the museum’s history. Next: spring 2013

#15 Benefit
This year, the masquerade ball for 400 will feature a Halloween theme. The Denim & Diamonds Gala benefits Deliver the Dream, which helps families touched by crisis or illness. Next: October 27, 2012

#16 Benefit (up from #19)
The annual fund-raiser for the Bass Museum of Art, known as a Night at the Museum, has become one of the hottest tickets for the artsy socialite set in just three years. Next: April 2013

#17 Benefit
One of the first events held at the new Marlins ballpark in 2011, Florida Marlins’ Fish ’N Chips Fund-Raiser hosted 700 outside the new stadium. Next: August 30, 2012

#18 Benefit
At the fourth iteration of the fund-raiser for the Humane Society of Greater Miami, Pawpurrazzi raised more than $500,000 from 500 people (and their furry friends). Next: January 25, 2013

#19 Benefit
This fall, March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction is set to mark its 23rd year of fund-raising from foodies. Next: September 15, 2012

#20 Benefit (new to the list)
Continuing to grow, the FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala brought out 750 people for its 10th annual outing this year, hosted by television personality Daisy Fuentes. Next: May 2013