Washington's Top 100 Events 2018 - Benefits

#1 Benefit
Hit musician Flo Rida headlined the 29th annual Fight Night, the nonprofit Fight For Children's fund-raiser to support at-risk children. The evening's entertainment centered around a Championship Boxing match with the USBA Jr. Welterweight Championship fight between Sonny Fredrickson and Manuel Mendez. With more than 1,600 guests in attendance, the event raised over $2 million, adding to the more than $65 million raised over the years. The evening also included an appearance from the star of Creed II, Florian Munteanu, and the film’s director, Steven Caple Jr. The event has been known for year as the quintessential guy’s night out with boxing, steak, and cigars, but this year in light of the #MeToo movement and changing cultural mores, the event’s scantily-dressed ring girls, cheerleaders, and table hostesses were replaced by men and women dressed as referees. Next: November 14, 2019

#2 Benefit
This annual gala is Washington National Opera's largest fund-raiser and this year was no exception, raising nearly $1 million to advance the opera’s artistic, education, and community engagement programs. A full-house crowd attended this performance, which capped off the Kennedy Center’s yearlong celebration of Leonard Bernstein by enlisting famed singers like Patti LuPone, Alek Shrader, Nathan Gunn, and Isabel Leonard. The event ran with last year's format shift from a ball to a gala, hosting 400 guests for a cocktail reception on the Kennedy Center’s River Terrace along with post-performance dinners hosted by ambassadors and foreign dignitaries. Next: May 18, 2019

#3 Benefit
One of D.C.'s largest non-political black tie events, the Leukemia Ball drew in 1,700 guests in 2018 and raised more than $3 million. The theme of this year's event at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center was "Illuminate: Shining A Light On Progress," and comedian Jeff Foxworthy and musician Phil Vassar provided the entertainment. Next year, the ball will move venues to the Marriott Marquis. Next: March 16, 2019

#4 Benefit
The 24th Prevent Cancer Annual Spring Gala raised $1.7 million for the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the most the gala has ever raised in its 24-year history. Held in May at the National Building Museum, the gala's decor from event designer and Prevent Cancer Foundation board member David Tutera was inspired by the Republic of Singapore. Singapore’s ambassador, Ashok Mirpuri, and Mrs. Gouri Mirpuri served as honorary patrons for the gala, which had a “Sensations of Singapore” theme. More than 30 members of Congress were among the 1,000 guests that attended the event. Organizers attribute the stellar fund-raising results in part to a change in the night-of donation appeal: A combination of commitments secured ahead of time and matching gifts helped jumpstart the fund-raising. Last year's donation appeal raised just over $10,000, and this year, it raised nearly $100,000. Next: May 9, 2019

#5 Benefit (up from #12)
Meridian Ball hosted its 50th annual event in October, and its format hasn't changed since 1969. The evening begins with embassy dinners hosted by 35 ambassadors, then it’s on to an evening of dancing and desserts at the historic Meridian House, without speeches or formal programming. The Washington Post described the ball this year as one of the last of its kind, an event that "transcends party lines, even in these fraught times." The ball hosted more than 800 guests, a record number, and organizers said it raised a record amount of money to benefit Meridian International Center’s efforts to advance diplomatic engagement (Meridian declined to disclose the fund-raising total). Notables in attendance included Kellyanne Conway, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Rod Rosenstein, Rickie Niceta, and Congressmen Francis Rooney, Don Beyer, Mark Meadows, and John Delaney. Twenty former Meridian Ball chairs joined together to spearhead this year’s "golden anniversary" efforts. Next: October 25, 2019

#6 Benefit (up from #7)
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund raised more than $5.6 million at its 31st anniversary awards gala, held at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel—an increase over last year's $4.3 million total. The audience included 1,000 civic, corporate, and education leaders and more than 400 students from the TMCF’s Leadership Institute. Urban One was this year’s media partner and guest presenters included TV personalities Nene Leakes and Terrence J. Thanks to gala entertainment partner Honda North America, the evening's entertainment included a live performance by Alvin Garrett alongside the Howard Gospel Choir. Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, president of Tennessee State University, received the Educational Leadership Award; the Boeing Company's Dennis A. Muilenburg received the C.E.O. of the Year Award honoree; and WGL Holdings Inc. and Washington Gas's Leslie T. Thornton received the Thurgood Marshall Legacy Award. Next: October 19, 2019

#7 Benefit
Legendary singer Mavis Staples headlined this year's Kennedy Center Spring Gala Concert, which looked back at her more than 60-year career. The evening included performances from guests like bluegrass/country singer Alison Krauss, multi-instrumentalist Bruce Hornsby, and singer-songwriter Neko Case. The event also honored actor/musician Gary Sinise as the Citizen Artist and Eli and Edythe Broad as the year's Distinguished Philanthropists, recognized for their commitment to making the arts accessible to everyone. The event raised $1.8 million and boasted more than 600 attendees. Next: Spring 2019

#8 Benefit
More than 750 guests enjoyed a party amongst the monuments under the stars at the Trust for the Mall's beloved gala Ball for the Mall. CNN’s Wolf Blitzer returned as master of ceremonies for the April event from this official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service. Author Cokie Roberts and her daughter Rebecca Boggs Roberts delivered the keynote address (with an introduction from businessman and philanthropist David M. Rubenstein). Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke presented the “History, Heroes, and Hope Award” to two longtime National Mall volunteers. Corporate sponsors included Wells Fargo and American Airlines among many others, and the ball raised $1.4 million. Next: May 9, 2019

#9 Benefit
The Children’s Ball raised $3 million, on par with last year's event, to support Children’s National, the Washington region’s pediatric hospital. Fox News' Bret Baier emceed for the 10th year in a row, also sharing the stage with CBS This Morning co-host Norah O’Donnell and Amanda Merrell, a 16-year old student athlete who survived a rare and life-threatening form of cancer thanks to the treatment she received at Children’s National. More than 800 attendees were encouraged to “Rock the Red” with Union Station's beautiful architecture bathed in red light. Guests enjoyed sports-related fun throughout the black-tie evening. Next: April 13, 2019

#10 Benefit (up from #17)
This September's Wolf Trap Ball raised a record-high $1.7 million in support of Wolf Trap Foundation’s national arts and education programs, dressing up the performing venue in the iconic symbols of Great Britain. Silver Lining Design Group played with influences like classic tweeds and punk rock London fashion. Lighting effects included a ceiling of chandeliers fashioned from nearly 100 oversized umbrellas, and a dance floor backdrop depicted the London Eye. Kim Darroch, British Ambassador to the United States, and Lady Darroch served as honorary hosts for the 900-guest, three-course dinner. Next: September 2019

#11 Benefit (up from #14)
More than 400 guests dined among the Phillips Collection's masterworks during this annual gala, which raised $1 million to support the museum's educational programs. The theme this year centered around the summer exhibit "Marking the Infinite: Contemporary Women Artists from Aboriginal Australia." The event coincided with the Contemporaries Bash: Bondi Beach at Dock 5 at Union Market, which brought together more than 700 young professionals for cocktails, dancing, music, Australian-themed food, and fashion. Next: May 10, 2019

#12 Benefit (up from #13)
After hosting the annual spring gala at the National Air & Space Museum, the Washington Ballet hosted its "Raising the Barre"-theme event at the Anthem at the Wharf in May. The concert hall transformed with chartreuse accents and lighting, a striking lily sculpture to welcome guests, and floral arrangements of grass and lilies. The sit-down dinner raised $760,000 in support of arts and education programs. The Ambassador of Germany Dr. Peter Wittig and his wife, Huberta von Voss-Wittig, served as honorary gala chairs, and guests included Ambassador of Denmark Lars Gert Lose, Ambassador of Armenia Grigor Hovhannissian, Senator Roy Blunt, Congressman Don Beyer, D.C. Councilmember Jack Evans, and Kay Kendall, chair of the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities. Sponsors included the Boeing Company and FedEx Corporation. The event featured catering from Occasions Caterers, florals and rentals from Amaryllis, and lighting by Atmosphere Inc. with DJ Alkimist providing the music. Next: May 10, 2019

#13 Benefit (up from #15)
In order to accommodate more guests, the Washington Performing Arts Gala moved to the National Building Museum, drawing nearly 600 guests. The event raised $1 million to support arts education initiatives and the presentation of artists at 10 different venues each season. This year, founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture Lonnie Bunch III received the Ambassador of the Arts Award. Singer Eric Owens, dance troupe Step Afrika, and the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir all performed during the evening. Next: March 30, 2019

#14 Benefit (up from #16)
Actress Phylicia Rashad's award-winning career on the stage in classical theatre earned her the Shakespeare Theatre Company's prestigious William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre during this year's gala at the Harman Center for the Arts in October. Lifelong champion of the arts Jacqueline Badger Mars received the Sidney Harman Award for Philanthropy in the Arts. More than 600 guests attended the event, which began at Sidney Harman Hall with a champagne and wine reception. The award ceremony included performances, and then guests headed to the National Building Museum for a three-course dinner and dancing. Next: November 3, 2019

#15 Benefit (up from #18)
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year program has celebrated young leaders from across the U.S. for more than 70 years. For the September gala, 500 guests gathered at the National Building Museum for musical performances by club youth and the award of 2018-19 National Youth of the Year. The event raised $1.4 million, with appearance from celebrity alumni and supporters including actor Denzel Washington, Redskins player Josh Norman, singer Kelly Rowland, WWE's Stephanie McMahon, Democratic Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, and congressional leaders. The program was presented by Disney with additional support from Toyota. Vendors included TallOrder Productions, Freestyle Productions, Occasions Catering, and Helen Olivia Flowers. Next: September 25, 2019

#16 Benefit (up from #22)
The 25th anniversary of the Knock Out Abuse Gala raised a record-breaking $1 million in November to benefit women and children who are survivors of domestic abuse — a third more than what was raised during the 2017 gala. Norma Commons Ramsey, Ann Walker Marchant, and Denise Grant served as chairwomen for the event, which took over the Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. ballroom and was designed by Events by André Wells. Notable speakers included former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, Senator Mark Warner, and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, with news anchor Andrea Roane as mistress of ceremonies and a performance by singer/songwriter Shaléa. The event coincided with Fight Night, and attendees from that party were invited to join the dance party after the program. Next: Fall 2019

#17 Benefit
The National Italian American Foundation returned to the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel for its 43rd annual gala, hosting 2,000 Italian Americans and special guests from Italy for a weekend-long celebration in October of music, wine, food, and culture. The event kicked off with a private dinner and a book signing with cookbook author and chef Lidia Bastianich, followed by Expo Italiana, Saturday evening’s black-tie Gala Awards Dinner with a feast of Pugliese-inspired dishes and wines, and an after-hours party. Gala sponsor Cibo Italia and Oropan were behind items in the impressive spread of food. Actor and comedian Mark DeCarlo served as master of ceremonies. The foundation declined to release the gala’s fund-raising total. Next: November 1-3, 2019

#18 Benefit (up from #19)
April's Gourmet Gala raised a record $1.2 million to support the health of mothers and babies, as more than 600 attendees flocked to the National Building Museum in Washington for a competitive cook-off between more than 45 Members of Congress. Six won awards for everything from Nashville-style hot chicken to guacamole. Acclaimed D.C. chefs like Ris Lacoste of RIS, Scott Drewno of Chiko, and Mike Friedman of the Red Hen and All Purpose served as celebrity judges. Legacy chefs were also honored during the evening for participating as Celebrity Chefs for 10 or more years. Next: May 9, 2019

#19 Benefit (up from #21)
Alvin Ailey kicked off a weeklong Kennedy Center engagement in February with its annual benefit performance and party at the venue. Over 800 guests raised over $900,000 and headed upstairs for drinking and dancing after a performance that included the D.C. premiere of Ailey star Jamar Roberts’ blues-inspired work Members Don’t Get Weary, with Ailey’s masterpiece Revelations as the finale. Gina Adams, Lyndon K. Boozer, Sela Collins, and Debra L. Lee served as gala co-chairs. The evening was supported by a grant from Southern Company, with Southern Company’s C.E.O. Thomas A. Fanning serving as corporate chair. Next: February 5, 2019

#20 Benefit
In November, 250 of Washington’s business elite gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at the annual Celebrate Every Breath Gala. Hosted by the Metro DC Chapter, the event brought together 16 chefs and one mixologist for a night of fine dining, wine pairings, and fun. Attendees supported the foundation through live and silent auctions, which included trips to Hawaii, Tuscany, and Aruba and a lively Bid for a Cure. Alan Holmer was honored with the Hitchcock Humanitarian Award in honor of his work for the cystic fibrosis community. Presented by the CIM Group, other sponsors included Heidrick & Struggles, Eagle Bank, Oliver Agency, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The gala raised $380,000. Next: Fall 2019

#21 Benefit
In honor of a big milestone, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's 40th Annual Ambassadors Ball moved to the Anthem in the Wharf District. Japanese Ambassador Shinsuke Sugiyama and his wife Yoko Sugiyama served as honorary co-chairs, and the Japanese Embassy provided a sake tasting at the reception as well as an ikebana flower arrangement display. Taiko drumming troupe Nen Daiko performed and the band Big Ray and the Kool Kats kept attendees on the dance floor after dinner. The first Champion Award was presented to Rear Admiral Susan Blumenthal, who served as the first deputy secretary on women’s health in the Department of Health and Human Services, where she advocated for neurological disease research and women’s health. The ball raised more than $525,000. Next: Fall 2019

#22 Benefit (up from #23)
This black-tie gala for dogs and their owners raised $750,000, surpassing last year's total and the 2018 goal of $715,000, all benefiting the Humane Rescue Alliance. Held at the Washington Hilton, the event drew 1,100 guests for a reception, silent auction, and seated vegan dinner. Former Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole took part in the event, as did Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer and his wife, Erica May-Scherzer. Sponsors who committed more than $15,000 include EJF Philanthropies, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Louie and Ralph Dweck, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, and the National Association of Manufacturers. Next: October 10, 2019

#23 Benefit (new to the list)
Fantastic food and poker are big draws at the Chance for Life presented by the Boeing Company, which hosted more than 2,000 guests and raised more than $1.6 million for pediatric cancer research at the March 13 event at MGM National Harbor. All proceeds fund pediatric cancer research at Children’s National Health System and through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. The event, in its 13th year, included a 700-person daytime poker tournament, a presentation from top restaurants, a sprawling silent auction, and an after-party hosted by NBC4’s Doug Kammerer and Angie Goff featuring musical performances by Blues Traveler frontman John Popper and DJ Skribble. Notable attendees included football legend Joe Montana, former New York Mets star Dwight “Doc” Gooden, and former Washington Redskins players Chris Samuels and Santana Moss. Next: March 9, 2019