New York
#1 Benefit
The event, which funds antipoverty initiatives in New York, raises the most money of any gala in the city. This year it raised $60 million at a celebrity-filled event that included appearances by comedians John Oliver and Jim Gaffigan, plus performances by Fun and headliner Bruno Mars, who was joined by Sting. Next: Spring 2015
National
#2 Benefit (up from #4)
The Foundation for AIDS Research’s gala series celebrates men’s fashion and style at events across the globe. The one-night affairs—held in New York, São Paulo, and Los Angeles in 2014—have raised more than $16 million. Next: October 29, 2014, Los Angeles
New York
#3 Benefit
The Museum of Modern Art’s spring benefit draws a glamorous crowd and this year raised $4 million. The 2014 honorees were actor Daniel Craig, director Steve McQueen, and museum trustee Maja Oeri. Singer Lykke Li performed at the after-party. Next: Spring 2015
Los Angeles
#4 Benefit (up from #5)
The museum’s annual gala celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2014 and also marked two other milestones: the appointment of a new director, Philippe Vergne, and a fund-raising effort that pushed its endowment to more than $100 million. Diana Ross performed for the 850 guests, and the evening raised $2.4 million. But as much as it’s known for being a reliably strong fund-raiser, guests have come to expect creative production that, appropriately for an institution with its mission, challenges and entertains its guests. “The unique part of the MoCA Gala is that the format changes every year depending on the artistic direction,” says Paula Morehouse, the museum’s development and special event manager. “On occasion, the creative lead is taken by an artist—for example Rob Pruitt in 2013, Marina Abramovic in 2011, and Doug Aitken in 2010—and other times the decor and concept is imagined by the event chairs and event producer.” The event also partners with what Morehouse calls “significant brands,” such as last year’s presenting sponsor Louis Vuitton. Another change over the years: Even as society seems to be moving in a more casual direction, the gala is not. Once requiring only cocktail attire, the event is now a black-tie affair. Next: Spring 2015
New York
#5 Benefit (new to the list)
Benefiting the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, the dinner is held annually at the Waldorf Astoria in New York and raised more than $6 million in 2013. Every year it promises an evening with the world’s most famous athletes, which have included Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Andre Agassi, and Wayne Gretzky. Next: September 29, 2014
Naples, Florida
#6 Benefit (new to the list)
Since 2001, the event has raised more than $123 million for the Naples Children & Education Foundation, including $13.3 million in 2014, which organizers believe makes it the most successful charity wine auction in the world. A highlight of the event is its vintner dinners, in which top chefs and vintners from across the country host small dinner parties in homes throughout the city. Next: January 23-25, 2015
St. Paul, Minnesota
#7 Benefit
In 2014, the Starkey Hearing Foundation raised $8.7 million at its 14th annual benefit, which honored Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Forest Whitaker, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, Sandi Young, and representatives of the Parents Circle-Families Forum. The evening included entertainment from John Legend, Sammy Hagar, Rob Thomas, and Jessica Sanchez. Next: July 26, 2015
Dallas
#8 Benefit
The city’s premier benefit raised $5.1 million for children’s charities in 2013 and had a New York theme. Preceding the ball is the popular Best Dressed luncheon, with the 10 honorees modeling fashions from designer Nina Ricci at a sold-out luncheon sponsored by Neiman Marcus. Next: December 6, 2014
Chicago
#9 Benefit
The ball raised a record amount this year—$3.3 million—with major companies such as Boeing, HP, and United buying tables and more aspects of the event underwritten by benefactors. Singer Keith Urban was the featured entertainer. Next: April 25, 2015
Palm Beach, Florida
#10 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 performers, Zac Brown Band. The event raised about $2 million. Next: February 14, 2015
