#1 Benefit
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the gala, which always draws a host of bold-faced names and red-carpet regulars among its 900 guests. Last year the gala raised $2.5 million for Best Buddies International, which connects volunteers with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Next: November 18, 2016
#2 Benefit
Last year, 800 guests gathered at the InterContinental in downtown Miami and raised $2.3 million to help grant wishes to seriously ill children. Next: November 12, 2016
#3 Benefit
This year is the 60th anniversary of the annual gala, where last year 240 guests enjoyed a Gilded Age theme and raised more than $200,000, topping the previous year’s fund-raising total. Next: November 19, 2016
#4 Benefit
At the 11th annual gala this year, a sold-out crowd of 800 guests at the Breakers Palm Beach were entertained by country singer Alan Jackson and comedian Jim Gaffigan, and raised more than $2.7 million for Everglades restoration. Next: February 18, 2017
#5 Benefit
Next year will mark the 60th anniversary of the gala, which this year entertained more than 500 guests with the theme “Spirit of America” at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach. Next: Winter 2017
#6 Benefit
Last year, more than 800 guests at the Miami Children’s Health Foundation’s annual gala raised more than $3 million for patients and families at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital at an event that honored entertainer Pitbull. The 10th anniversary will take place this fall at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami. Next: October 29, 2016
#7 Benefit
The more than 700 guests who attended the 35th anniversary of the National YoungArts Foundation’s annual fund-raiser raised more than $1.6 million to support young artists. Next: January 14, 2017
#8 Benefit
More than 450 guests enjoyed a night of cocktails, dinner, and dancing at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, and raised more than $725,000 for the Diabetes Research Institute. Highlights included model greeters as guests entered the hotel’s Sparkle Ballroom and a performance by Will & Anthony Nunziata. Next: February 2017
#9 Benefit
A record-breaking crowd of more than 800 philanthropists, civic leaders, arts patrons, and other guests enjoyed DJed and live entertainment, interactive art stations, and dishes created by Food Network star Alex Guarnaschelli; the event raised more than $1 million for the museum’s educational programming. Next: Winter 2017
#10 Benefit
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward’s annual gala featured C+C Music Factory at Hard Rock Live, and raised more than $335,000 for the nonprofit. The event will be hosted by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino again this year. Next: October 1, 2016
#11 Benefit
Malcolm McDowell emceed the gala, which celebrated the symphony’s milestone of having reached 1,000 alumni and featured live musical performances. Organizers declined to announce the fund-raising total. Next: February 11, 2017
#12 Benefit (up from #14)
The Arsht Center celebrated the 10th anniversary of its gala this year with concert performances by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, Florida Grand Opera, and more. Nearly 500 guests attended the dinner event, and 1,200 attended the concert. Next: April 2017
#13 Benefit (up from #15)
Last year, nearly 400 guests enjoyed a “Moroccan Dreams” theme, complete with a gathered fabric “tent” ceiling and a magic carpet, while raising more than $360,000 for the organization’s work assisting families in crisis. Next: November 5, 2016
#14 Benefit (up from #16)
More than 300 guests turned out for a “whimsical black tie” theme for the Bass Museum’s annual gala, which raised more than $2 million. Currently undergoing renovations, the museum is scheduled to reopen in November. Next: March 4, 2017
#16 Benefit (up from #19)
Next year will mark the 15th anniversary of St. Jude’s annual fund-raising gala, which raised $1 million for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital this year when 500 guests gathered at the InterContinental Miami. Next: May 20, 2017
#17 Benefit (new to the list)
More than 800 guests at Miami’s chic Soho Studios gathered to raise more than $2 million for the Jackson Health Organization. News anchor and mistress of ceremonies Laurie Jennings presided over a winterscape theme. Next: January 21, 2017
#18 Benefit (new to the list)
Elle Macpherson is honorary event chairwoman for the fund-raiser at which more than 900 guests shop in support of women-centric initiatives, raising $350,000 toward nonprofit efforts that support girls and women. Next: March 16, 2017
