#1 Benefit
This is an off year for the massive gala, which takes over the Beverly Hilton every two years. Since beginning in 1978, the large-scale and star-studded event has brought in more than $77 million toward finding a cure for diabetes. Barbara Davis is the chair and works with a committee to rake in funds through sponsorships (in 2014, Mercedes-Benz was the presenting sponsor for the sixth consecutive time), a live and silent auction, underwriting, and contributions. Past performers have included such boldface names as Beyoncé, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Celine Dion, and Whitney Houston. Next: Fall 2016
#2 Benefit
Led by multiple sclerosis survivor and patient advocate Nancy Davis, the big annual fund-raiser last took in more than $1.75 million at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, with Ceelo Green, Natalie Cole, and Steven Tyler among the performers. This year Race to Erase MS will honor Tommy Hilfiger. Next: April 24, 2015
#3 Benefit
This year’s benefit bash got a Middle Eastern theme relating to the museum’s buzzy Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit. Christina Sion heads up the annual event, which has raised nearly $20 million since its inception and typically draws its theme from a big exhibit debut. Next: March 2016
#4 Benefit
The Los Angeles Philharmonic and conductor Gustavo Dudamel will kick off the new season—the milestone 30th—at Walt Disney Concert Hall with an opening-night gala. The affair begins with a pre-performance reception and ends with a dinner catered by Patina, plus an after-party. Next: September 29, 2015
#5 Benefit
Held at a private Mandeville Canyon estate, the affair is the biggest event of the year for the nonprofit Chrysalis. The Butterfly Ball raises funds to support homeless and low-income people, pulling in a record $1.4 million last year with Al Gore as a presenter and performances by Gavin Rossdale and Karmin. Next: June 6, 2015
#6 Benefit
The annual event held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel began in 1977 to acknowledge women’s talents in a male-dominated industry. Tracee Ellis Ross last year hosted Women in Film’s splashy award show, with Amy Adams, Kristen Bell, Cate Blanchett, and Kerry Washington among the honorees and presenters. Next: June 16, 2015
#7 Benefit (new to the list)
Drawing an A-list roster of guests and raising and impressive $6 million, the Help Haiti Home gala is an event that Sean Penn and his J/P Haitian Relief Organization hosted at the Montage in January. Buzz-generating attendees included Bill Clinton, Charlize Theron, Reese Witherspoon, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, and Salma Hayek, with performances by Coldplay and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Next: January 2016
#8 Benefit
The large fund-raiser for the cancer nonprofit celebrated 40 years last summer with a “Fiesta Grande” theme and 4,000 people. It raised $1.8 million, marking a steady increase in fund-raising over the years. Next: July 11, 2015
#9 Benefit
This year, the Los Angeles Opera’s season-opening gala will be the organization’s 30th anniversary celebration. Last year’s event had an Art Deco and Gatsby-inspired theme and honored County Supervisor and opera champion Zev Yaroslavsky. The gala followed the opening performance of La Traviata. Next: September 12, 2015
#10 Benefit
The benefit takes place each year on Golden Globes weekend and is the largest annual fund-raiser for the Art of Elysium. This year, the event had a high-concept feel—including a silent cocktail hour and multimedia experiential art—with direction from Marina Abramović. It raised more than $1.3 million. Next: January 2016
#11 Benefit
The black-tie event happens once every two years. And its last iteration was a biggie: In 2013, organizers hosted an event known as the Grand Centennial Celebration in honor of the museum’s 100th anniversary and exceeded their substantial fund-raising goal of more than $2 million. This year, it returns in its familiar format. The evening will be a farm-to-table affair, with dinner served alfresco in the new nature gardens, and will honor the museum’s president and director, Jane Pisano, who is planning her retirement. Next: June 13, 2015
#12 Benefit
The high-end car show has a May iteration at Greystone Mansion hosted by the City of Beverly Hills as a fund-raiser for the former Doheny family venue. It includes a fashion show, award ceremony, and vendor marketplace. Another popular version of the Concours (which does not include a benefit element) is free to the public and takes over Rodeo Drive each Father’s Day weekend, drawing a thick crowd. Next: May 3, 2015
