#1 Benefit
From its beginning in 1978, the event, which takes over the Beverly Hilton Hotel every two years, has raised more than $75 million towards finding a cure for diabetes. Chairman Barbara Davis and her committee raise big dollars through sponsorships (like presenting sponsor Mercedes-Benz), a live and silent auction, underwriting, and contributions. Past performances have come from the likes of Beyoncé, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Celine Dion, and Whitney Houston. Next: October 11, 2014
#2 Benefit
Hosted by multiple sclerosis survivor and patient advocate Nancy Davis, the gala raised more than $1.75 million at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza this May. CeeLo Green, Natalie Cole, and Steven Tyler were among the performers. Next: April 24, 2015
#3 Benefit
This year the fund-raiser got an ancient Italian look and feel, inspired by “Pompeii: The Exhibition,” and appropriately took over the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The event grossed $1.35 million and has grossed more than $15.5 million since the inaugural ball in 1999. Christina Sion heads up the annual event, which typically draws its theme from the opening of a new exhibit. Next: March 2015
#4 Benefit
The gala opens the season at Walt Disney Concert Hall. This year, the Los Angeles Philharmonic will celebrate John Williams, with sponsorship from Rolex. Gustavo Dudamel is the conductor, and Itzhak Perlman will be on violin. Next: September 30, 2014
#5 Benefit (up from #6)
The nonprofit's biggest annual benefit raises money to support homeless and low-income individuals. The event hit a fund-raising record this year of $1.4 million, with Al Gore as a presenter. Gavin Rossdale and Karmin performed at June’s 13th annual program. Next: June 2015
#6 Benefit (up from #7)
This year's annual honors, which began in 1977 and acknowledges women in a male-dominated industry, brought a glittering show hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross to the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. Presenters included Amy Adams and Kristen Bell, and Cate Blanchett and Kerry Washington received awards. Next: June 2015
#7 Benefit (up from #8)
The cancer research nonprofit’s big fund-raiser celebrated 40 years on July 12 with a “Fiesta Grande” theme—and a new approach to a tribute journal, which this year was looped digitally instead of printed. Last year, the block party raised $1.6 million, a significant increase over the previous iteration. Next: Summer 2015
#8 Benefit
The opera’s opening-night gala will celebrate the premiere of the 29th season, benefitting the company’s artistic and educational programs. The 2014 event will debut La Traviata with Plácido Domingo. The gala begins with a pre-performance champagne reception and ends with a dinner catered by Patina and an Art Deco-style after-party. Next: September 13, 2014
#9 Benefit
In 2013 the organizers of the black-tie biannual fund-raiser broke with tradition and dubbed the gathering the Grand Centennial Celebration in honor of the museum’s 100th anniversary. The event exceeded its hefty fund-raising goal of more than $2 million. Next: June 13, 2015
#10 Benefit (up from #15)
This year the event at the Skirball Center took in a record-breaking $2.3 million for the organization. The bash is held annually on Golden Globes weekend and is the largest annual fund-raiser for the group. Mercedes-Benz was the title sponsor in 2014, and next year, Marina Abramović and Amber Heard will take home awards. Next: January 10, 2015
#11 Benefit
This year events for the car show in Beverly Hills nodded to the city’s centennial anniversary. The Greystone Mansion version in May is hosted by the city as a fund-raiser for the former Doheny family venue and includes a fashion show, award ceremony, and vendor marketplace. Another popular incarnation of the Concours (without a benefit component) is free to the public and takes over Beverly Hills’s Rodeo Drive on Father’s Day weekend, drawing thousands. Next: May 3, 2015
#12 Benefit (up from #17)
The benefit kicks off the summer season, as well as raises money for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and its education programs that reach more than 120,000 kids. Opening night includes a V.I.P. pre-concert reception followed by a dinner prepared by Patina and served in guest boxes prior to the concert. A fireworks display caps it off. This year’s lineup included Kristin Chenoweth, the Go-Go’s, and Pink Martini. The 2013 benefit concert raised more than $1 million. Next: June 2015
#13 Benefit
This year’s benefit will be held at West Hollywood’s the Lot Studios, with a program that includes a dinner, fashion show, and live auction. The event launched by Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete raises money for those living with autism and Parkinson’s. It debuted in 1999 as a mixer for 50 people at the Peete home and is now in its 16th year. Next: July 19, 2014
