#1 Benefit
Some 1,300 tech and investment leaders attended the benefit for the poverty-fighting organization in 2015, and the gala raised $14.6 million. Held at Pier 70, the gala featured performances by Snoop Dogg, Girl Talk, Judith Hill, and DJ Ruckus. Next: Spring 2016
#2 Benefit (new to the list)
In 2015, the auction raised $4.5 million for kids' education in Sonoma County. The food-centric function brings together 200 winemakers and top chefs over Labor Day weekend. Next: September 2-4, 2016
#3 Benefit
In 2015, the event sold out of tickets for its pre-ballet dinner, performance, and after-party. The dinner drew nearly 1,000 guests; the performance saw more than 3,300; and the after-party had a crowd of more than 2,400. The gala raised a record-breaking $2.7 million. Next: January 21, 2016
#4 Benefit
Hosted by the Guardsmen since 1947, the auction provides resources for at-risk youth. The event features fine-wine tastings from 30 wineries with 400 attendees. There are also rare auction lots, dinner, dancing, and live entertainment. The approximately $2 million in proceeds annually sends 2,500 disadvantaged youth to outdoor programs and provides funds for 250 private school scholarships. Next: April 2016
#5 Benefit
In 2015, the event honored Joni Mitchell. Though Mitchell could not attend for health reasons, the evening featured performances of her work from the likes of Burt Bacharach. It raised more than $1.5 million for music education programs. Next: Spring 2016
#6 Benefit (new to the list)
Held at San Francisco's Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the glamorous benefit event raised more than $1.1 million for type 1 diabetes research. Next: May 21, 2016
#7 Benefit
Known as the biggest rummage sale in Northern California, the event takes over a 96,000-square-foot warehouse. Some 1,000 volunteers staff the sale, which slings everything from vintage comics to boats. It raised $2.1 million for the museum in 2015, setting a new fund-raising record. Next: March 5-6, 2016
#8 Benefit (up from #10)
The fund-raiser, which benefits Lifehouse and supports individuals with developmental disabilities, raised more than $550,000 in 2015. Huey Lewis is an honorary chair; past musical guests have included Huey Lewis and the News, Tower of Power, and Foreverland. Next: April 16, 2016
#9 Benefit (up from #11)
Held at the Academy of Sciences, the fund-raiser includes conversations with great thinkers, including University of California president Janet Napolitano. It also features dinner and an after-party with cocktails, desserts, and dancing. Next: April 2016
#10 Benefit (up from #12)
Chef Charlie Palmer’s event draws food- and wine-loving philanthropists from across the country. In 2015, more than 60 winemakers donated pinot to help raise more than $600,000 for Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. Proceeds also went to local Sonoma County charities and scholarships. Next: March 18-19, 2016
#11 Benefit (up from #13)
In 2015, the two-day function, which features an auction and a shopping marketplace, raised more than $370,000 to help improve the behavioral health of children, youth, and families. Held at the Golden Gate Club in the Presidio, the event also included a gala. Next: Spring 2016
#12 Benefit (up from #15)
Benefitting Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland, the event features best-selling authors as well as actors and music groups on stage. At the 2015 event, more than 2,000 guests convened at the Paramount, and featured writers included David Brooks and Anna Quindlen. Next: Spring 2016
#13 Benefit (up from #16)
Benefitting the Shanti Project, which provides emotional and practical support to those facing life-threatening illness, this year’s event will be hosted by actor Omar Sharif. Nordstrom is the presenting sponsor. Next: October 14, 2015
#14 Benefit
Benefitting Spur, the event offers cocktails and culinary creations from local chefs. In 2015 it was held at the One Kearny Club and featured dishes from chefs such as Adam Keough of the Absinthe Group and Justin Simoneaux of Boxing Room. Next: Spring 2016
