As fall draws to a close, here's a look back at ideas from big benefits held across North America this past season. From a cotton-candy-filled bash inspired by Anna Nicole Smith to a somber September 11 commemoration, these events offer inspiration for affairs of any stripe. And if you're getting a head start on planning for next year, there's also inspiration for classic fall themes such as breast cancer awareness and Halloween.
The Lyric Opera of Chicago's Opening Night Gala and Opera Ball
Photo: Jaclyn Simpson Photography
Whitney Museum of American Art Gala & Studio Party
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Keep a Child Alive's 10th Annual Black Ball
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris
The American Cancer Society's Battle of the Bras Fashion Show
Photo: Gabe Ginsberg
Allium Goes Pink
Photo: Myranda Zarlengo
Boobyball
Photo: Jenna Marie Wakani
The Boston Children's Museum's Centennial Gala
Photo: Scott Indermaur
The InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball
Photo: Manny Hernandez
The Los Angeles Philharmonic's 10th Anniversary Concert
Photo: Luke Kraman
The Miami Children's Hospital's Diamond Ball
Photo: Courtesy of Miami Children's Hospital Diamond Ball
AmeriCares's Fund-Raiser
Photo: Insider Images
Keep a Child Alive's "Dream Halloween"
Photo: 2me Studios
Unicef Black & White Masquerade Ball
Photo: Courtesy of Shiraz Events
National September 11 Memorial & Museum Gala
Photo: Jamie Watts Photography
The U.S.O. Gala
Photo: Doug Van Sant Photography
The New York City Ballet Gala
Photo: Julie Skarratt
The Boston Lyric Opera Gala
Photo: Eric Antoniou
New York City Opera's 'Anna Nicole' Opening Night Party
Photo: Elena Olivo
The Washington Ballet Grande Masquerade Soiree
Photo: Tony Brown/imijphoto.com
The Museum of Science and Industry's Columbian Ball
Photo: Courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
Diffa Chicago's Dining by Design
Photo: Barry Brecheisen for BizBash
New York University's Tisch School of the Arts West Coast Benefit Gala
Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
Lowline Anti-Gala Benefit Dinner and Speakeasy After-Party
Photo: André Maier Photography
Chicago Botanic Garden's Harvest Ball
Photo: Robert Kusel
Wolf Trap Ball
Photo:Â Neshan H. Naltchayan
Adler Planetarium's Celestial Ball
Photo: Courtesy of Adler Planetarium
Mount Sinai Hospital Auxiliary's 60th Birthday Bash
Photo: Tom Sandler
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's Medicine Ball
Photo: Robert Carl
Night Nouveau
Photo: Ben Powell
Joslin Diabetes Center's Ritmos de Salud Gala
Photo: Michael Blanchard Photography