San Francisco's Top 100 Events 2014 - Benefits
1. Tipping Point Community’s Annual Gala
#1 Benefit
Some 1,200 tech and investment leaders attended the benefit for the poverty-fighting organization in 2014, and the gala raised $12 million. Held at Pier 48, the gala featured a light show; a dancing robot performed when the initial $7 million fund-raising goal was beat. Next: Spring 2015
2. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Modern Ball
#2 Benefit
Stanlee Gatti typically designs the prestigious gala for the museum, which featured performances from Holy Ghost and Passion Pit this year. The event raised $3.2 million. Next: Spring 2015
3. San Francisco Ballet Opening Night Gala
#3 Benefit
In 2014, all three components of the event—the pre-ballet dinner, the performance, and the after-party—were sold out. The dinner drew 955 gusts; the performance saw more than 3,300; and the after-party had a crowd of 2,450. The event raised $2.6 million for the ballet. Next: January 22, 2015
4. San Francisco Wine Auction
#4 Benefit
Hosted by the Guardsmen, which provides resources for at-risk youth, the event features fine-wine tastings from more than 25 wineries. There are also rare auction lots, dinner, dancing, and live entertainment. Next: April 2015
5. San Francisco Jazz Gala
#5 Benefit
In 2014, the event raised more than $1.4 million for music education programs. Herbie Hancock, who received the evening’s lifetime achievement award, performed. Next: Spring 2015
6. JDRF Spring Fling
#6 Benefit
Held at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, the ritzy event hosted by the organization formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation takes place over the course of two days and includes golf, a luncheon, and a gala. In 2014, it raised $770,000. Next: Spring 2015
7. Oakland Museum Women's Board’s White Elephant Sale
#7 Benefit
Known as the biggest rummage sale in Northern California, the event takes over a 96,000-square-foot warehouse. Selling everything from vintage comics to boats, the sale is run by 1,000 volunteers. It raised $1.88 million for the museum in 2014, setting a new fund-raising record. Next: March 7-8, 2015
8. Macy's Glamorama
#8 Benefit
Attracting top performers such as Jason Derulo, the event takes place in markets across the country and has been held in San Francisco for 31 years. It has raised a total of $44 million for a variety of charities, including those that fight childhood illness, cancer, and H.I.V./AIDS. Next: Summer 2015
9. Junior League of San Francisco Fashion Show
#9 Benefit
Celebrating its 88th anniversary in 2015, the event draws more than 1,000 guests each year. Held at the Fairmont Hotel, this year’s show had an “Infinitely Chic” theme. It took place twice in one day: once, at an elegant luncheon, and then again at a black-tie gala. Next: March 2015
10. Great Chefs and Wineries
#10 Benefit
The fund-raiser, which is presented by Lifehouse and supports individuals with developmental disabilities, will mark its 25th year in 2015. The event raises around $500,000 each year, and it had 450 attendees in 2014. In 2013, organizers added live music; guests have included Huey Lewis & the News. Next: April 18, 2015
11. California Academy of Sciences’ Big Bang Gala
#11 Benefit
Held at the Academy of Sciences, the fund-raiser includes speeches from scientific leaders, dinner, and an after-party with cocktails, desserts, and dancing. Next: April 2015
12. Pigs & Pinot
#12 Benefit
Held at the Hotel Healdsburg and Dry Creek Kitchen, chef Charlie Palmer’s event draws food- and wine-loving philanthropists from across the country. More than 60 winemakers donated Pinot this year to help raise funds for Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign and local Sonoma County charities and scholarships. Next: March 20-21, 2015
13. Edgewood Fair
#13 Benefit
In 2014, the two-day function, which features an auction and a shopping marketplace, raised more than $300,000 to help improve the behavioral health of children, youth, and families. The event included a disco party and a luncheon. Next: May 5-6, 2015
14. Dine and Discover
#14 Benefit
Benefitting Spur, a Bay Area planning organization, the event offers cocktails and culinary creations from local chefs. In 2014, it was held at 140 New Montgomery, a freshly refurbished event space. Next: Spring 2015
15. Notes & Words
#15 Benefit
Benefitting Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland, the event features best-selling authors as well as actors and music groups on stage. At the 2014 event, held at the Paramount, guests included writers Jane Smiley and Kelly Corrigan. Next: April 25, 2015
16. Compassion Is Universal
#16 Benefit
Benefitting the Shanti Project, which provides emotional and practical support to those facing life-threatening illness, this year’s 40th anniversary event was sold out. Nordstrom was its presenting sponsor. Next: Fall 2015
