#1 Benefit
With a performance from Sean Paul and attendance by many of the Miami social scene’s A-listers, the Best Buddies nonprofit’s 17th annual event boosted donations to more than $3 million. Next: November 21, 2014
#2 Benefit
Having raised more than $14 million in its 20-year run, this year’s gala at the InterContinental Miami will include a performance from Diana Ross. Next: November 1, 2014
#3 Benefit (up from #4)
Although it's been around for 58 years now, the long-standing black-tie ball, which raises money to preserve Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, is still one of the most anticipated events of the year for Miami’s socialite set. Next: November 22, 2014
#4 Benefit (new to the list)
A staple on the Palm Beach social calendar, the Everglades Foundation's annual benefit takes place at the Breakers and features A-list entertainment like this year's artist, Zac Brown Band. The event raised about $2 million in 2014. Next: February 14, 2015
#6 Benefit
Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation’s newly renamed event (it was formerly called the “Diamond Ball”) raised more than $5 million in 2013. Next: October 25, 2014
#7 Benefit
The 20-year fixture on the fall gala calendar features a red carpet entrance, a live auction, and well-known performers, including Taylor Hicks and Flo Rida in 2013. Next: October 15, 2014
#8 Benefit
Now in its 41st year, the black-tie gala is enough of a draw on the annual social calendar that even its preview party in the fall draws a list of heavy-hitter social types, while the Valentine’s Day event itself is among the biggest parties of the winter season. Next: February 14, 2015
#9 Benefit (up from #11)
More than 800 guests helped boost fund-raising to $1.5 million at the 2014 edition of the National YoungArts Foundation ball, which honored architect Zaha Hadid, actress Rita Moreno, and Girls actor Andrew Rannells, a YoungArts alumnus. Next: January 10, 2015
#10 Benefit (up from #12)
Formerly the Miami Art Museum, PAMM’s gala coinciding with the opening of its new Herzog & de Meuron-designed building was a prime draw of Miami Art Week last year; this winter the gala moves to January. Next: January 17, 2015
#11 Benefit
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County’s annual fund-raiser draws some 600 guests to Hollywood, Florida, raising $200,000 in 2013. Next: November 1, 2014
#12 Benefit
The next edition of the 600-person black-tie benefit will double as a 70th birthday party for the symphony’s co-founder and artistic director, Michael Tilson Thomas. Next: February 7, 2015
#13 Benefit
Often the closing event of the spring social season, Baptist Health South Florida Foundation’s annual bash chose a “Whimsical Wonderland” theme in 2014 and was held in the Arena at Florida International University. Next: May 16, 2015
#14 Benefit
The newly named science museum’s 13-year-old black-tie benefit (and Big Bang after-party) is an increasingly big social draw in Miami, especially with the institution’s $275 million new home set to open in 2016. The event raised $1 million this year. Next: April 18, 2015
#15 Benefit (new to the list)
House of Cards star Kevin Spacey took to the stage, performing in concert with the Henry Mancini Big Band Orchestra, for the eighth edition of the performing arts center’s annual fund-raiser, its most successful outing to date. Next: Spring 2015
#16 Benefit
The Marriott Harbor Beach Resort will be decked out with a “Big Apple” theme for the 11th outing of the casual blue jeans ball this fall, held in support of the nonprofit, which organizes retreat programs for families facing serious illness. Last year the benefit raised more than $270,000. Next: October 25, 2014
#17 Benefit
At the Bass Museum of Art’s fifth annual fund-raiser this spring, some 500 guests celebrated couture fashion while exploring the museum’s “Vanitas: Fashion and Art” exhibit, presented in coordination with Vogue. Next: March 2015
#18 Benefit
Some 600 guests helped St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital raise more than $460,000 at the 12th edition of the fund-raiser founded by Daisy Fuentes. Next: May 17, 2015
