#1 Benefit (up from #2)
With its record-setting nearly $4 million fund-raising total, new corporate partnership with Under Armour, and high bar for entertainment, Fight Night has become the biggest benefit in town. The event, centered on live boxing matches and moving into its 25th year, is constantly tweaking its format to engage guests and encourage giving. Sister gala Knock Out Abuse, which hosts a joint after-party with Fight Night, had a Great Gatsby theme. The evening had a performance by Eric Benét and raised $560,000. Next: November 2014
#2 Benefit
One of Washington society's most anticipated events, the Washington National Opera's annual ball raised $1.3 million for the cultural organization, an increase from last year. The event, with its reception at the residence of the Italian ambassador, celebrated several regions of Italy and its culture. Next: Spring 2014
#3 Benefit (up from #4)
As one of the largest fund-raisers in the city, nearly 2,000 people attended the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s 26th annual ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The night’s headliners included Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts Band and comedian Dana Carvey, and the event raised $2.75 million. Next: March 22, 2014
#4 Benefit (up from #5)
With a cast that included Cloris Leachman, the annual spring benefit presented My Fair Lady to a sold-out crowd at the Concert Hall. The evening began with a reception and dinner for 800 at the Kennedy Center's rooftop venues. The benefit raised $2.2 million. Next: May 4, 2014
#5 Benefit (up from #6)
The Metro DC chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation hosts the largest fund-raising event for the foundation around the country, raising more than $4 million. One way the event boosts its take is from its high-end silent and live auctions, which this year included a trip to Greece, an "ultimate N.F.L. fan football package," and a 1967 Lincoln Continental convertible. Next: November 2014
#6 Benefit (up from #7)
The gala's Italian theme was interpreted by event designer David Tutera, who happens to be a member of the foundation's board. More than 800 guests attended the event, which raised more than $1.3 million for cancer prevention and early detection. Next: March 7, 2014
#7 Benefit (up from #8)
The gala is the culmination of a weekend of events that celebrate Italian culture and heritage. With guests including Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, the 38th edition of the event handed out several awards to business, government, and entertainment luminaries. Comedian and actor Joe Piscopo, who co-hosted with journalist Maria Bartiromo, performed at the after-party. Next: October 18-19, 2014
#8 Benefit
Vibrant colors inspired by the galleries of the Corcoran Gallery of Art set a festive tone for the 58th annual Corcoran Ball. Guests dined on a three-course meal at elaborately decorated tables set up throughout the museum’s eight galleries, atrium, and rotunda—the only time food and drink are allowed in these spaces. The benefit from the museum's Women’s Committee drew 721 guests and raised nearly $300,000. Next: April 25, 2014
#9 Benefit (up from #10)
The Trust for the National Mall's Ball on the Mall, the only gala to take place on the celebrated stretch, celebrated its fifth year in 2013. The event theme took inspiration from motifs echoing architecture and design of 1791, the year Pierre L'Enfant created the original plans for Washington, D.C., and the Mall itself. Combined with the luncheon, the events raised more than $2 million to restore and improve the National Mall. Next: May 1, 2014
#10 Benefit (new to the list)
The annual salute to the nation’s service men and women drew 950 guests to the Washington Hilton and raised $1.6 million. The evening included a performance from singer Wynonna Judd and sponsorships from companies such as Chevron. Next: October 17, 2014
#11 Benefit
More than 40 chefs contribute dishes at the gala, which this year raised $500,000 from its 750 guests. Honorary chef chair Adam Sobel of Bourbon Steak hosted the event. Next: February 25, 2014
#12 Benefit (up from #18)
A gathering of top policy makers, business leaders, diplomats, and other D.C. luminaries, the Meridian Ball follows the Meridian Global Leadership Summit. The event marked its 45th year in 2013 with its traditional formula of dinners hosted at the White-Meyer House as well as at ambassadors' residences with the ball at the Meridian House. Next: October 2014
#13 Benefit
The theme of this year's Washington Ballet Spring Gala was "A Movable Feast: the Hemingway in Paris Ball" at the Library of Congress. Dancers from the professional company dressed in character and evoked performers from the legendary Moulin Rouge. Guests sipped authentic 1920s-period cocktails presented under the guidance of Hemingway cocktail aficionado Philip Greene. Next: April 2014
#14 Benefit (up from #21)
This year the Phillips Collection's gala drew 400 guests, one of its largest galas ever. Produced in partnership with the Italian Embassy, the evening had theme-appropriate touches such as chef Lidia Bastianich collaborating on the menu and an after-party featuring a La Dolce Vita dessert bar, an Italian fashion display, and a boccie court where Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito played a round with the Italian ambassador. Next: May 16, 2014
#15 Benefit (up from #24)
Glee star Matthew Morrison headlined the annual gala, which raised $880,000 for the society's education and concert programming. Next: May 10, 2014
#16 Benefit (up from #20)
This year the Shakespeare Theatre Company awarded Downton Abbey star Elizabeth McGovern with its William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre at the gala. The event drew 425 guests and raised $689,000. Next: October 2014
#17 Benefit
The hospital hosted its 13th annual gala at the Four Seasons Hotel, drawing a crowd for dinner, an auction, and dancing. Next: October 2014
#18 Benefit
Members of Congress serve as celebrity chefs at this political riff on the traditional tasting event. Using the flavors of their home states, the chefs competed for awards in categories such as American Regional Cuisine, Easiest Preparation, and People's Choice. A record 44 members of Congress participated in the event, which raised more than $925,000 for the charity's programs and research. Next: May 7, 2014
#19 Benefit
The annual event benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and celebrated its 35th year in 2013 at the JW Marriott Hotel. Next: September 2014
#20 Benefit
The event, held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Opera House, includes a performance with dinner and dancing for 850 guests afterward. The event grossed more than $725,000, which will support Ailey’s programs in the city including new works, arts-in-education activities, and scholarships for dance students. Next: February 4, 2014
#21 Benefit (up from #22)
More than 820 people and 400 pets attended the Washington Humane Society’s 26th annual Bark Ball at the Washington Hilton. The event raised a record amount of more than $550,000 for its programs and services. Next: June 14, 2014
#22 Benefit (new to the list)
Political, business, and cultural leaders gathered on the Filene Center stage at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts and raised more than $1 million to support Wolf Trap Foundation arts and education programs. Produced this year in partnership with the Embassy of France, the event had a Parisian theme. Next: September 13, 2014
#23 Benefit (up from #27)
This year, the gala's decor centerpiece was a wall of 3,000 photos arranged to form the organization's logo against a colorful backdrop. The images showed how the American Red Cross impacted people's lives through blood drives, disaster relief, and health and safety training. The event drew 500 people and raised $500,000. Next: October 18, 2014
#24 Benefit (up from #26)
The less-formal gathering still raises big-time donations, about $330,000 this year from its 800 guests. Chef Spike Mendelsohn was this year's special guest, and 35 restaurants provided food stations at the event. Next: April 13, 2014
#25 Benefit
More than 200 guests attended the 2013 gala, which raised $260,000 for the Folger Shakespeare Library’s programs. The event had an Irish theme and included a comedic Shakespeare performance followed by dinner. Next: April 23, 2014
#26 Benefit
Expats of 13 Southern states have organized the food-centric benefit for more than three decades. The 31st annual event’s theme was Roaring Southern Nights, a nod to The Great Gatsby. It drew about 2,000 guests and raised more than $200,000 for charities in the participating states. Next: March 29, 2014
#27 Benefit
A successful name change and format have kept the benefit current. Models wearing elaborate fashions made from chocolate—this year had a literary theme—strutted down an elaborate runway at the Mandarin Oriental in September. Proceeds allowed organizers to donate nearly 10,000 books to children. Next: Fall 2014
#28 Benefit (new to the list)
The annual “Taste of the Stars" event raises money for the foundation's efforts benefiting chronically and terminally ill children throughout the region. Through a creative room layout, lively music, and eye-popping decor, the event's organizers aim to provide a fresh gala experience for guests. Next: November 2014
