#1 Benefit (up from #3)
The Best Buddies nonprofit welcomed 850 guests to Marlins Park for an epic gala last year, building two separate rooms on the stadium’s field for a reception and concert in which LMFAO performed. The event raised $2 million. Next: November 22, 2013
#2 Benefit
A must-attend event on the Miami socialite calendar for 19 years now, this year’s Make-a-Wish Ball featured a vaudeville-inspired fashion show, a performance by American Idol veteran Adam Lambert, and a record-breaking haul of more than $2 million. Next: November 2014
#3 Benefit
The longstanding Palm Beach affair marked its 58th outing in 2013 with a move back to its one-time home at the Breakers. As always, many ambassadors and dignitaries were among the 450 guests in attendance. Next: February 7, 2014
#4 Benefit (up from #6)
One of the most venerable events in the Top 100 list, the 57-year-old Vizcayan Ball is still a must-attend for a broad spectrum of social-minded Miamians. This year’s ball will feature a Venetian masquerade theme, complete with masked attendees. Next: November 23, 2013
#5 Benefit
A Brazilian carnival theme, a performance by singer Juanes, and a bevy of large gifts helped the hospital boost its fund-raising take to more than $5 million at the 2013 outing of the Diamond Ball. Next: October 2014
#6 Benefit (up from #7)
Lea Black of Real Housewives fame has helped make the annual bash she throws with husband Roy a nationally covered event, with presenting sponsor Grey Goose and a guest list in 2013 that included celebrities like Lance Bass, Dennis Rodman, and Taylor Hicks. Next: Spring 2014
#7 Benefit (up from #8)
Singer Barry Gibbs is booked to bring extra panache to the 40th anniversary edition of the black-tie gala. Next: February 15, 2014
#8 Benefit (up from #9)
The largest annual fund-raiser for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County had a “Magic of Motown” theme in 2013, welcoming more than 400 guests to new venue Hard Rock Live in Hollywood. Next: Fall 2014
#9 Benefit (new to the list)
For its 25th anniversary event in 2013, the symphony projected scenes from West Side Story onto the exterior of its new Frank Gehry-designed building, while 600 guests helped raise more than $1.3 million. Next: February 8, 2014
#10 Benefit (up from #11)
Baptist Health South Florida’s reconfigured annual event was a hit with a “Mad for Mod” 1960s theme in 2013 and will return to the U.S. Century Bank Arena at Florida International University this spring. Next: May 17, 2014
#11 Benefit (up from #12)
The National YoungArts Foundation honored choreographer Debbie Allen, violinist Joshua Bell, and actor Adrian Grenier in 2013, helping raise more than $1 million for youth arts programs. Next: January 11, 2014
#12 Benefit (up from #13)
Formerly the Miami Art Museum Gala, the event has been renamed to commemorate the opening of the new Herzog & de Meuron-designed building and is expected to be one of the marquee draws of Miami Art Week. Next: December 7, 2013
#13 Benefit (new to the list)
The museum’s 12-year-old benefit has taken a place in the spotlight with the announcement of a new $275 million facility on the way—with its opening date to be unveiled at the 2014 gala. Next: March 15, 2014
#14 Benefit (up from #15)
More than 400 guests helped Deliver the Dream—a nonprofit that organizes retreat programs for families facing serious illness and crisis—mark its 10th anniversary with blue jeans and caviar in 2013. Next: Fall 2014
#15 Benefit (up from #16)
The Bass Museum of Art’s fourth annual fund-raiser included a private preview of the "From Picasso to Koons: the Artist as Jeweler" exhibition for some 500 guests. Next: March 12, 2014
#16 Benefit (up from #20)
Former Miami Dolphin’s coach Don Shula was honored at St. Jude’s 11th annual event in 2013, with co-founder Daisy Fuentes making a special appearance to greet the 900 gala guests. Next: Spring 2014
#17 Benefit (up from #18)
Some 500 Miami V.I.P.s and their furry friends helped bring in more than $550,000 at the fifth outing of the four-legged fund-raiser for the Humane Society of Greater Miami. Next: January 24, 2014
#18 Benefit (up from #19)
A comprehensive roster of Miami chefs appeared at the 24th edition of the food-focused fund-raising extravaganza on November 6. Next: Fall 2014
