From clever uses of unusual items like space blankets and plastic sheeting to acrobatic performers and porcupine petting, here are the best ideas, themes, and trends from benefits held across North America this spring.
Museum of Modern Art’s Party in the Garden
Photo: Cornelia Stiles/BizBash
Brooklyn Museum's Artists Ball
Photo: Susie Montagna
The Friends of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Spring Gala
Photo: Sly Photography
Unicef Hope Gala
Photo: Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images for UNICEF
High Line Spring Benefit
Photo: Van Wyck & Van Wyck
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Benefit
Photo: Joe Schildhorn/BFA.com
Cincinnati Children's Celestial Ball
Photo: Courtesy of Cincinnati Children's Celestial Ball
Chicago Zoological Society’s Whirl Fund-Raiser
Photo: Kelly Tone
The Lyric Opera of Chicago's 'King & I' Celebration
Photo: Courtesy of the Lyric Opera of Chicago
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay’s Storybook Ball
Photo: Courtesy of Storybook Ball
Heal the Bay’s Bring Back the Beach Gala
Photo: Getty Images
Bouquets to Art Opening Night Gala
Photo: Drew Altizer Photography
Children’s Place Association’s Once Upon a Time Gala
Photo: Ana Miyares Photography
Blaffer Art Museum's Odyssey Gala
Photo: Max Burkhalter
Ice Age Hair Ball
Photo: Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging
SickKids’ Scrubs in the City Fund-Raiser
Photo: Courtesy of SickKids Scrubs in the City
Robin Hood Foundation Benefit
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
California Science Center’s Discovery Ball
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
Tate Americas Foundation's Artists Dinner
Photo: Benjamin Lozovsky/BFA.com
Public Art Fund's Spring Benefit
Photo: Taylor McIntyre/BizBash
New World Symphony Gala
Photo: Courtesy of New World Symphony
Amfar Inspiration Gala New York
Photo: Michele Laufik/BizBash