Washington’s Top 100 Events 2016 - Benefits

#1 Benefit
Held November 10 at the Washington Hilton’s Columbia Ballroom, Fight for Children's boxing-themed benefit raises money for early childhood education in the metropolitan areas of Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. This year’s event, attended by about 1,900 people, had Under Armour as a presenting sponsor, and raised a record $5.2 million. The event showcased a number of boxing matches, including the IBF/USBA featherweight championship bout between Daniel Franco and Derrick Murray; a Muay Thai fight between Jovan Davis and Terrell Hobbs; and a middleweight bout between Ernesto Berrospe and Isiah Seldon. New in 2016, the Fight Night Party Deck had a reception, interactive elements, tickets to the main event, access to the after-party, and a designated area with a full bar and a buffet-style dinner. Next: November 2, 2017

#2 Benefit
The 60th annual Opera Ball, held on May 21, had intimate pre-event dinners hosted by various ambassadors at their residences and embassies throughout Washington. This year's event concluded at the headquarters of the Organization of American States. About 500 people attended the Washington National Opera's signature gala, which featured a performance by the Dolls and included such notable guests as Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, designer Nina McLemore, National Public Radio legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg, philanthropist Adrienne Arsht, and Kennedy Center chairman David Rubenstein. Next: Spring 2017

#3 Benefit
Produced by and benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the 29th annual event held March 12 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center introduced a Young Professionals ticket option this year, allowing access to the gala starting at 9 p.m., as well as balcony seating, drinks, dessert, and viewing of the mission moment and entertainment. Rock band Barenaked Ladies and comedian Kathleen Madigan provided the entertainment for the 2,000 guests. The event raised $3.2 million. TV personalities and spouses Craig Melvin and Lindsay Czarniak will host the 2017 gala, which will include entertainment from singer Andy Grammer and comedian Jim Gaffigan. Next: March 11, 2017

#4 Benefit
Raising about $2 million this year, the event held on June 5 had the theme "How Sweet It Is: A Tribute to Marvin Gaye." Whoopi Goldberg hosted the concert with performances from Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Leslie Odom, Jr., Jussie Smollett, Mary Wilson, Valerie Simpson, Andra Day, and Ledisi. Also new this year was the presentation of the first Kennedy Center Awards for Human Spirit to Wallis Annenberg, who received the Distinguished Philanthropist Award, and Theaster Gates, who received the Citizen Artist Award. About 2,110 people attended the performance at the Kennedy Center's Concert Hall, while more than 800 were at the gala fund-raiser dinner preceding the show. Boeing was the event's premier sponsor. Next: Spring 2017

#5 Benefit
The year’s Celebrate Every Breath Gala: A Grand Chefs Event, presented by sponsor CIM Group, brought together 320 of Washington’s corporate and community leaders to experience cuisine from about 30 leading chefs in the Washington area. Held on November 13 at the JW Marriott Washington, D.C., the event's opening reception had restaurant tasting stations with specialty cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, as well as a silent auction. Glass Projects Resource and EagleBank were among the event's prominent sponsors. Former Marriott executive Kathleen Matthews served as emcee of the gala, which presented the Hitchcock Humanitarian Award to Robert J. Beall, Ph.D., former president and C.E.O. of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Next: Fall 2017

#6 Benefit
The 22nd Prevent Cancer Foundation's Annual Spring Gala, held March 11 at the National Building Museum, had the theme of "La Vie En Rose" and honored France, with France ambassador Gérard Araud serving as honorary patron and giving remarks. The gala's decor, which included an 11-foot Eiffel Tower replica in the center bar area, was designed by David Tutera, who is a member of the foundation’s board and attended the event. Other highlights include an artist who live-painted at the event, and can-can dancers who circulated throughout the cocktail hour. The event drew 900 guests and raised $1.5 million. Eisai, Pfizer, and Novartis Oncology were among the major sponsors. Next: March 10, 2017

#7 Benefit (up from #9)
Taking place November 21 at the Washington Hilton, the 28th annual event had the theme “Developing Minds… Delivering Dreams,” and was hosted by Wendy Williams. Honorees included included Twitter and Square C.E.O. Jack Dorsey, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law dean Katherine “Shelley” Broderick, and Beveridge & Diamond managing principal Benjamin F. Wilson. Koch Industries was the gala's presenting partner. Gallup, Wells Fargo, Altria Group, and Breakthru Beverage were among the event's other major corporate partners. About 1,500 people attended the event, which raised $4 million. Next: November 2017

#8 Benefit (up from #10)
In conjunction with the National Park Service’s Centennial Celebration, the Trust for the National Mall’s ninth annual luncheon highlighted the next 100 years of the National Mall, where the event was held on April 28. Scandal co-star Bellamy Young, who serves as ambassador for the trust, emceed the luncheon, and National Park Service director John Jarvis received the History, Heroes, and Hope Award. The event raised $1.3 million to help restore and improve the National Mall. In 2017, for the 10th anniversary of the partnership with the park service, the trust will host an evening gala, the Ball for the Mall, instead of the luncheon, recalling its former Ball on the Mall event. Next: May 11, 2017

#9 Benefit
The 10th annual event—held April 15 at at the Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.—raised money to support children and families through care and research. Chaired by Children’s National president and C.E.O. Dr. Kurt Newman and his wife, Alison, this year's event was attended by about 800 people and raised $3.2 million. Cerner Corporation was honored for the impact its healthcare technology has on pediatric medicine. Next: April 7, 2017

#10 Benefit (up from #11)
The black-tie event, held on October 15 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, is the culmination of a two-day celebration of Italian-American culture. About 1,400 people attended the 41st annual gala, which was produced by RGI Events, while the weekend overall attracted more than 2,500 guests. Actor Joe Piscopo and National Italian American Foundation president John M. Viola hosted the gala, and honorees included sibling filmmakers Joe and Anthony Russo; football star Franco Harris; and singer Tony Renis, who gave his first live performance in 20 years. The gala raises about $1 million annually. Next: October 2017

#11 Benefit (up from #12)
On October 6 at DAR Constitution Hall, the 75th anniversary of the United Service Organizations was celebrated at the nonprofit's annual gala, which honors the nation's military families and recognizes U.S.O. supporters and volunteers. Ryan Seacrest hosted the event, which was attended by about 1,000 people and included celebrity appearances from Alex Trebek, Ann-Margret, Carla Hall, Craig Morgan, Kellie Pickler, Nigel Barker, Trace Adkins, and Zac Brown Band. Hargrove provided the event's design, while Atmosphere handled the lighting and Occasions provided the catering; the menu was curated by chef and U.S.O. tour veteran Robert Irvine. Next: October 2017

#12 Benefit (up from #13)
On October 14, Meridian International Center presented its 48th annual fund-raising event at its Washington headquarters. Attended by about 800 people, include several ambassadors, the gala's Orient Express-inspired decor was created by Syzygy, with flowers donated by FTD. Specific elements that played on the luxury travel theme involved a rotating conveyor “wheel” in the outside garden offering guests choices of fresh french fries and sweet potato fries from caterer Design Cuisine; luggage accessories and leather furniture throughout the event space; and a dinner menu that had courses labeled as “All Aboard,” “En Route,” and “Arrival." Since Paris was one of the most popular depots on the Orient Express, the dance tent was transformed into a Moulin Rouge-style setting, complete with marquee letters spelling out the word "Meridian." Key sponsors included Chevron and Gallup. Next: October 2017

#13 Benefit (up from #14)
The gala, held April 29 at the 1,000-person Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, paid tribute to the late David Bowie. TalkingTree Creative spearheaded the "Bowie Ball" production, which included massive video projections of Bowie, guest of honor Septime Webre, and a simulation of a starry night with a rotating planet Mars. The gala serves as a fund-raiser for education and community programs. Next: May 12, 2017

#14 Benefit (up from #15)
Held May 13 at the Phillips Collection and attended by about 450 people, the spring gala had the theme "Patterns of Beauty East-West, A Salute to Qatar," which paid tribute to the impact of arabesque on modern art. The museum was in between exhibitions, which allowed empty gallery space to be transformed into themed decor, such as a tented ceiling and a fountain. The event benefits the Phillips Collection's educational programs for children. The gala counted AT&T as a major sponsor. Next: Spring 2017

#15 Benefit (up from #17)
Washington Performing Arts president emeritus Douglas Wheeler was honored at the 49th annual gala, which took place March 5 at at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. Japanese Ambassador Kenichirō Sasae and his wife were the honorary diplomatic chairs. The event included entertainment from Doc Scantlin Imperial Palms Orchestra and violinist Midori. Nora Pouillon of the restaurant Nora provided the catering. Next: March 11, 2017

#16 Benefit (up from #18)
The Shakespeare Theatre Company's 26th annual Harman Center for the Arts Gala was held September 25 at the National Building Museum. Charles Dance was given the William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre, and Donald E. Graham received the Sidney Harman Award for Philanthropy in the Arts. The event's performance, directed by Artistic Associate Craig Baldwin, included pieces from the company's 2016-2017 season production of Romeo and Juliet, as well as opera singer Kate Aldrich, San Francisco Ballet principal dancers Carlo Di Lanno and Vanessa Zahorian, music selections from O’Connor Band, and a performance by Song of the Goat Theatre. Next: September 2017

#17 Benefit (up from #19)
More than 800 guests attended this year's fund-raiser for the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts's arts education and community programs. The event, which raised a record $1.58 million, was held September 16 at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Vienna, Virginia. The gala celebrated the centennial of the National Park Service with themed decor provided by Design Foundry, catering by Design Cuisine, and flowers by Karin's Florist. Former president George W. Bush, Laura Bush, and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell were among the notable attendees. Lead sponsors were Dan and Gayle D’Aniello, with the Boeing Company and Microsoft as presenting sponsors. Next: September 2017

#18 Benefit (up from #20)
Held on September 27 at the National Building Museum, the gala honored Jocelyn Wood with the club’s highest honor: National Youth of the Year. About 4,500 people attended the event, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, congressman Steny Hoyer, ballet dancer Misty Copeland, singer Ashanti, and actor/comedian JB Smoove. The Youth of the Year program is presented by the Walt Disney Company with support from signature partner Toyota. Next: Fall 2017

#19 Benefit (up from #21)
House Speaker Paul Ryan and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, along with other members of Congress, united for a friendly competitive cook-off at the 34th annual March of Dimes Gourmet Gala, held May 17 at the National Building Museum. U.S. senators, representatives, and their guests participated as celebrity chefs, competing in six categories of achievement. In lieu of a seated dinner, the 650 attendees enjoyed additional time participating in tasting of the cuisine and networking with other guests. The event, which raised more than $1 million, attracted about 90 corporate sponsors, including BNSF, Mars, Volkswagen, Wine Institute, Chevron, and Microsoft. All proceeds of the event support March of Dimes programs and research aimed at improving the health of babies by preventing premature birth, birth defects, and infant mortality. Next: May 23, 2017

#21 Benefit (up from #22)
Held at the Kennedy Center's Opera House, the gala benefit is the launch of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s annual engagement at the Kennedy Center. The event's proceeds support Ailey's programs in the Washington area, including the creation of new works, arts-in-education activities, and scholarships for dance students to attend the Ailey School in New York. Southern Company is a major sponsor of the event. Next: February 7, 2017

#22 Benefit
For the first time since it began in 1994, Knock Out Abuse Against Women's annual gala separated from the male-centric, boxing-theme Fight Night. The two fund-raisers used to be held on the same night at different venues, coming together for a joint after-party, but this year, due to scheduling conflicts, Knock Out Abuse took place on November 3 at the Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C., a week before Fight Night. About 525 people attended the gala, which raised $500,000 and had decor from Events by Andre Wells. The fund-raisers will reunite for the 2017 editions. Next: November 2, 2017

#23 Benefit (up from #24)
Held October 29 at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C., the 16th annual gala benefited expanding oncology programs and the newly renovated Sibley Memorial Hospital. Stephanie and Dan Lennon chaired the sold-out event, which was attended by 320 people, and raised more than $800,000, including $70,000 in a mobile bidding opportunity for Sibley's pediatric radiation oncology program. The gala showed two special videos; one with a new hospital tour and one featuring one of Sibley's young pediatric radiation oncology patients. Next: Fall 2017

#24 Benefit (up from #25)
Held June 11 at the Washington Hilton, the 29th annual Bark Ball welcomed more than 1,000 guests and about 500 dogs in support of the Humane Rescue Alliance, formerly known as the Washington Humane Society. The black-tie gala raised more than $580,000, and included celebrity guests Bob Dole and Elizabeth Dole, as well as Washington Redskins players Kirk Cousins and Dustin Hopkins. The Emanuel J. Friedman Philanthropies and the Friedman-French Foundation returned as the Canine Champion Sponsor. The Ralph & Frances Dweck Family Foundation, ExxonMobil, and the National Association of Manufacturers were Leader of the Pack sponsors. Design Foundry oversaw the stage design. Next: June 17, 2017

#25 Benefit (up from #26)
Held November 19 at Hilton McLean Tysons Corner in McLean, Virginia, the gala celebrates those who respond to and help people recover from emergencies. Holland & Knight was the V.I.P. reception sponsor at the event, which had entertainment from the Kaleidoscope Orchestra. The Lifetime of Service honoree was retired Lockheed Martin Corporation chairman and C.E.O. Norm Augustine, while Army veteran Jaspen Boothe received the Tiffany Circle Distinguished Woman Warrior prize, and Center for a New American Security co-founder and C.E.O. Michèle Flournoy was honored with the Exceptional Service Award. Next: November 18, 2017