#1 Benefit
The Boston Ballet's gala, initially planned for five days after the Boston Marathon bombings, was planned twice this year—and was still a great success. The gala, held in June after being pushed back from an April date, raised more than $2.5 million and drew more than 500 guests to Castle Park Plaza with the largest stage in the event’s history. Next: Spring 2014
#2 Benefit (up from #6)
The Institute's annual event has become the gala that everyone wants attend—especially the in-the-spotlight socialite-types and stars of the art world. It's in a neighborhood and an institution that everyone's buzzing about, and it always features innovative ideas. This year, the gala raised a more than $1 million to benefit the I.C.A.’s exhibitions and programming. Models were styled by Louis Boston and Solange Knowles was the guest DJ. Next: May 16, 2014
#3 Benefit
The 31st annual spring celebration gathered corporate and philanthropic leaders throughout the city for a gourmet box meal, cocktails, and a concert, with special guest Jason Alexander. Next: June 2014
#4 Benefit (up from #10)
Members of the association's Boston Marathon running team were guests of honor at this year's Old Hollywood-themed gala that raised $800,000 from 550 guests. Next: May 3, 2014
#5 Benefit
The 14th annual gala at the Museum of Fine Arts, the ball drew 500 attendees and raised more than $1.6 million for MassGeneral Hospital for Children’s emergency and trauma services, including a new pediatric emergency department. Next: Fall 2014
#6 Benefit
This year's benefit, the eighth annual party, was held in partnership with the Berklee College of Music for nearly 600 guests. The event raised $2.5 million for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. Next: May 16, 2014
#7 Benefit (up from #15)
The fund-raising gala held at Boston’s Revere Hotel raised $350,000 from 300 attendees, with an appearance by honorary chair, actor Zachary Quinto. Next: February 2014
#8 Benefit
The 23rd annual dinner raised a record $3.1 million for students from 1,000 guests. Next: April 3, 2014
#9 Benefit
The 14th annual fund-raiser, held at the House of Blues and emceed by WCVB’s Bianca de Garza, featured music by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals and Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. Next: Winter 2014
#10 Benefit
Boston’s junior socialite soiree marked its 10th anniversary this year. Next: Summer 2014
#11 Benefit
The gala holiday concert, led by maestro Keith Lockhart, celebrated its 29th anniversary in 2012. This year the event will include a performance by Kristen Chenoweth. Next: December 2013
#12 Benefit
The InterContinental Hotel hosted special guests Leonard Lauder and Deborah Norville at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation's event this year. The benefit, which had a Feather, Glitz, and Glam theme, drew nearly 400 guests and raised more than $850,000. An after-party was held for the first time. Next: May 20, 2014
#13 Benefit
The theater company raised a record $1 million at this year’s event. Next: Spring 2014
#14 Benefit
More than $1.3 million was raised from 1,100 guests at the Seaport World Trade Center. Next: May 21, 2014
#15 Benefit
The 10th annual tented luncheon was held in the Back Bay Fens with more than 800 guests. The Olmsted Tree Society raised more than $840,000. Next: May 15, 2014
#16 Benefit
With an Americana theme, this year's gala celebration and dinner raised more than $750,000, supporting scholarships for conservatory students. Next: February 22, 2014
#17 Benefit (up from #18)
The gala raised nearly $450,000 from 500 guests to support babies born into poverty. Next: November 16, 2013
#18 Benefit
With special guest speaker Mayor Tom Menino, the 17th annual gala raised more than $2.5 million to support services at Boston Medical Center. Next: May 10, 2014
#19 Benefit
The gala raises funds for diabetes care and research with a cocktail reception and live auctions. Next: November 23, 2013
#20 Benefit
The gala reception, dinner, and silent auction for 900 attendees included performances by Kool & the Gang. Proceeds benefited the Berklee City Music Program. Next: October 25, 2014
#21 Benefit
More than $1.3 million was raised from 2,000 healthcare leaders at the annual dinner to support the relationship between patients and caregivers. Next: November 21, 2013
#22 Benefit
The Greater Boston Food Bank's signature annual event raised $1 million from 450 guests this year, enough to provide more than two million meals to needy eastern Massachusetts families. Next: April 24, 2014
#23 Benefit
More than 20 restaurants catered this year’s gala, which promots empowerment and employment assistance for Boston’s homeless population. A live auction and raffle featured New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox memorabilia. Next: April 10, 2014
#24 Benefit (up from #26)
The opera opened its 37th season with the signature gala, raising a record $645,000. The gala’s dinner was followed by the Boston Lyric Opera’s world premiere of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Next: Fall 2014
#25 Benefit
The fifth annual black-tie ball supported crucial services at Boston Children’s Hospital, with music provided by Legit Band. The event raised $125,000. Next: Winter 2014
#26 Benefit
The annual event, raising funds to deliver quality behavioral health care to underserved Boston families, will showcase performances by R&B legends the Isley Brothers this year. Next: November 3, 2014
