New York
#1 Benefit
With a theme of love and leadership, the poverty-fighting organization transformed the Javits Center into Sherwood Forest for the mega fund-raiser. Hosted by Michael Strahan, the dinner entertainment featured Miley Cyrus and Dave Chappelle followed by a closing concert by Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland of Coldplay. The 4,000 guests were inspired to give during the evening, and the benefit raised nearly $55 million for New Yorkers in need. Next: May 14, 2018
New York
#2 Benefit (up from #3)
Benefiting the museum’s annual fund and the maintenance of the Abby Aldridge Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, the spring dinner for 650 guests honored the artistry and philanthropy of art-world couples Eva and Glenn Dubin and Susan and David Rockefeller, as well as collection artists Vija Celmins and Carrie Mae Weems. An after-party, which was attended by 1,200 guests, included a performance by James Blake. The event raised $4.1 million, slightly more than last year. Next: Spring 2018
Los Angeles
#3 Benefit (up from #4)
While honoring Jeff Koons, and taking in the musical genius of John Legend, 600 guests raised $3 million during a cocktail reception and black-tie dinner in the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. The evening’s cocktail hour included a viewing of the exhibition Carl Andre: Sculpture As Place, 1958-2010. Next: May 12, 2018
Naples, Florida
#4 Benefit (up from #6)
More than 60 top-shelf live auction lots dazzled the festival’s 600 attendees, including the first Audi MY 18 R8 Spyder to be physically delivered in the United States as well as a 2017 McLaren 570 GT. Top vintners and celebrity chefs cooked up 18 dinners, producing $10.5 million. Next: January 26-28, 2018
Dallas
#5 Benefit (up from #7)
The fund-raising dinner and contemporary art auction brought in $7.5 million for Amfar and the Dallas Museum of Art, which join forces for the event—Amfar’s largest annual benefit nationwide. The sold-out, black-tie affair was attended by 500 guests, chaired by philanthropist and arts patron Nancy C. Rogers, and is hosted each year by Cindy and Howard Rachofsky at their Richard Meier-designed home. Next: October 28, 2017
St. Paul, Minnesota
#6 Benefit
Record attendance of more than 1,500 guests at the RiverCentre brought in upward of $7 million for the Starkey Foundation, which provides hearing aids to those in need. Honorees at the benefit included Ben Affleck for his work with Eastern Congo Initiative; Esther Lungu, first lady of Zambia; the Wilf Family Foundations; Scott and Sandi Borchetta, Big Machine Records, and Music Has Value; and FedEx. Performances were given by Steven Tyler and the Loving Mary Band, Darius Rucker, John Fogerty, Grace VanderWaal, ARIA, and Portia Clark. Next: July 15, 2018
San Francisco
#7 Benefit (up from #8)
The city’s largest event in the fight against poverty raised $16 million in 2017, making the year one for the organization’s record books. Held once again at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, the evening kicked off with a performance by original Hamilton cast member Daveed Diggs and closed with a performance by the band Phoenix. In between, the more than 1,200 guests heard from three young people who have graduated from Tipping Point-supported programs, and photographer Travis Jensen contributed portraits of others whose lives have been impacted by the organization’s work. Next: May 3, 2018
Dallas
#8 Benefit (up from #9)
A mainstay of the Dallas social calendar since 1952, the gala supports local children's charities. Held at the Hilton Anatole, the event had a theme of “To Everything There Is a Season,” and drew 1,500 guests. A lead-up event, the Crystal Charity Ball Ten Best Dressed Luncheon, featured the debut of fashion designer Zac Posen’s fall collection. This year, ball organizers aim to raise more than $5.8 million. Next: December 2, 2017
Washington
#9 Benefit (up from #10)
A benefit with live boxing, the IBF/USBA Featherweight Championship bout between Daniel Franco and Derrick Murray was witnessed by 1,900 guests—and garnered 285 million media impressions. Performances during Fight Night After Dark were given by Foreigner, Sheila E., and other entertainers. The event raised more than $5.1 million to support Fight For Children’s early education programs. Next: November 2, 2017
East Hampton, New York
#10 Benefit (new to the list)
Hosted at Ron Perelman’s East Hampton home, the summer benefit for the Apollo Theater welcomed A-list attendees such as Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez, Chris Rock, Jamie Foxx, and many others, as well as performances from Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams, Lenny Kravitz, the Roots, Darlene Love, Jon Bon Jovi, Mary J. Blige, and Ciara. The eighth installment of the benefit raised more than $5 million. Next: Summer 2018
Chicago
#11 Benefit (new to the list)
Raising money to support more than 24,000 opportunities for teens to work in the arts, communications, leadership, sports, and STEM, the cocktail reception and dinner was held in the new Wintrust Arena. In 2016, the benefit raised $4.5 million, and this year’s event boasted honorary chairs Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Amy Rule, as well as former mayor Richard M. Daley. Next: Fall 2018
