A Guide to the Area’s Hottest Charity Events

1/9  Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia’s Fourth Annual Shining Star Awards Gala
Location: Hyatt Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia
Beneficiary: March of Dimes
Presented by members of the Philadelphia 76ers, Eagles, Flyers and Phillies, the Shining Star Awards honor six special children who reflect the urgent needs and goals of the March of Dimes. Players will be meeting with honorees prior to the event.
Contact: shiningstarawards.com.

1/11  Eighth Annual Lemon Ball
Location: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
Beneficiary: Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
The Lemon Ball offers cocktails and dinner, plus silent and live auctions and a raffle—all in celebration of the life and legacy of young cancer patient Alex Scott. Alex Scott Crystal Cup Recipients, Stand Hosts of the Year and Volunteers of the Year will be recognized for their commitment to the foundation and the fight against childhood cancer. Contact: thelemonball.org.

1/18  Hair O’ the Dog
Location: Sheraton Center City, Philadelphia
Beneficiary: Claddagh Fund
“Let the Good Times Roar” at this 20th annual gala, featuring a DJ set and a live performance by Havana Brown. Contact: hairothedog.com.

1/25  Academy of Music 157th Anniversary Concert and Ball
Location: Academy of Music and the Hyatt at the Bellevue, Philadelphia
Beneficiaries: Academy of Music
This year’s version of Philadelphia’s premier white-tie gala features the Philadelphia Orchestra, with conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, and special guest Jill Scott.
Contact: philorch.org.

1/31  54th Annual Louis Braille Awards
Location: Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia
Beneficiaries: Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
At this annual luncheon, recipients of the Louis Braille Award are recognized for their outstanding contributions on behalf of the blind and visually impaired community.
Contact: asb.org.
 

2/7  Philadelphia Auto Show Black Tie Tailgate
Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center
Beneficiary: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Division of Neonatology
Join the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation for a preview of the hottest automobiles featured at the 2014 Philadelphia Auto Show, with catering by the Garces Group. Contact: blacktietailgate.com.

2/15  Philadelphia Heart Ball
Location: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
Beneficiary: American Heart Association
Community members, medical professionals and corporate leaders come together at this black-tie gala to celebrate the crucial work of the American Heart Association. The evening includes a dinner, a live auction, entertainment and more.
Contact: philadelphiaheartball.ahaevents.org.

2/22  The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Red & White Ball

Location: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
Beneficiary: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter
The society’s Eastern Pennsylvania chapter hosts its inaugural Red & White Ball, a black-tie gala featuring food, cocktails, silent and live auctions, and entertainment from Eddie Bruce Orchestra.
Contact: lls.org/epa.

2/27  Gala Opening of Treasures from Korea: Arts and Culture of the Joseon Dynasty, 1392-1910 
Location: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Beneficiary: PMA
The Women’s Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art celebrates the opening of Treasures from Korea, featuring some 150 masterworks from the renowned holdings of the National Museum of Korea, along with public and private collections.
Contact:  twcpma.org.

2/28  Philadelphia International Flower Show Preview Party  
Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center
Beneficiary: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as you preview the exhibits at this year’s Flower Show, themed “ARTiculture.” An elegant dinner in the Grand Ballroom follows.
Contact: theflowershow.com.
 

3/8  The Red Ball
Location: Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia
Beneficiary: American Red Cross
Some of the area’s most renowned chefs and caterers prepare a gourmet buffet for Red Ball attendees.
Contact: theredball.org.

3/13  The Emergency Aid’s Taste of the Main Line
Location: Radnor Financial Center
Beneficiary: Emergency Aid of Pennsylvania Foundation
The Wayne-based Emergency Aid of Pennsylvania Foundation celebrates its 100th anniversary with its Taste of the Main Line event. Some of the best restaurants on the Main Line prepare food for hundreds of attendees supporting the Foundation’s mission of improving the futures of local children and families.
Contact: eafoundation.org.

3/24  Sweet Charity Event
Location: Bunch’s Auction House, Chadds Ford
Beneficiary: Chester County Community Foundation
Chester County’s finest pastry chefs conceive a unique blend of aromas, tasting and giving—all to benefit the Chester County Community Foundation.
Contact: chescocf.org.

3/27  Life & Hope Award Gala
Location: Union League of Philadelphia
Beneficiary: Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network
The Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network’s second annual gala welcomes this year’s honored speaker, Glenn Beck.
Contact: lifeandhope.com.
 

tba  Step into Spring
Location: TBA
Beneficiary: Steppingstone Scholars
This gala benefits an organization dedicated to supporting educationally undeserved students and families.
Contact: steppingstonescholars.org.

tba  Legacy Youth Tennis and Education’s 31st Annual Benefit
Location: TBA
Beneficiary: Legacy Youth Tennis and Education
Celebrate the 31st anniversary of an organization that empowers young people, especially from families and communities lacking resources and opportunities.
Contact: legacyyte.org.

tba  Please Touch Museum’s Storybook Ball  
Location: Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia
Beneficiary: Please Touch Museum
Kids are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes to this family event that celebrates the riches of children’s literature.
Contact: pleasetouchmuseum.org.

tba  Donors Are Heroes
Location: TBA
Beneficiary: The Gift of Life Donor Program
The Gift of Life’s 12th annual event offers music, cocktails, food and fun.
Contact: donors1.org.

4/5  Thorncroft’s 29th Annual Victory Gallop
Location: TBA.
Beneficiary: Thorncroft Equestrian Center.
This annual black-tie gala benefits the therapeutic riding programs at Thorncroft Equestrian Center in Malvern.
Contact: thorncroft.org.

4/7  Let Them Eat Cake
Location: Double Tree Hotel, Philadelphia
Beneficiary: City of Hope
This premier wedding cake design pastry competition allows attendees to sample more than 40 pieces of cake from some of the top bakeries and students in the region.
Contact: cityofhope.org/cake.

4/24  Franklin Institute Awards Ceremony and Dinner
Location: Franklin Institute, Philadelphia
Beneficiary: Franklin Institute
This esteemed program has honored thousands of scientists, engineers, inventors and entrepreneurs since its inception in 1824. Proceeds subsidize admission fees for school children.
Contact: fi.edu.

4/25  Philadelphia Antiques Show Preview Party
Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center
Beneficiary: Penn Center for Human Performance.
Preview the 2014 Philadelphia Antiques Show at this annual party celebrating one of the most prestigious shows of its kind in the country.
Contact: thephiladelphiaantiquesshow.org.

4/28  Baker Industries 33rd Anniversary Gala
Location: Merion Cricket Club, Haverford
Beneficiary: Baker Industries
Baker Industries’ annual gala and silent auction celebrates the work done at this Malvern-based not-for-profit.
Contact: bakerindustries.org.
 

tba  Utley’s All-Star Animals Casino Night  
Location: The Electric Factory, Philadelphia
Beneficiary: Pennsylvania SPCA
Now in its sixth year, this event offers guests the opportunity to mingle and gamble with local celebrities, including many of Chase Utley’s Phillies teammates.
Contact: theutleyfoundation.com.

tba  12th Annual Yoga on the Steps for Living Beyond Breast Cancer
Location: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Beneficiary: Living Beyond Breast Cancer
Hundreds roll out their mats on the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps at 8 a.m. for an outdoor yoga class. Afterwards, participants enjoy a light breakfast while browsing a healthy-living expo featuring foods, natural cosmetics and loads of information on women’s health issues.
Contact: lbbc.org.

tba  Chester County SPCA’s Walk for Paws
Location: TBA
Beneficiary: Chester County SPCA  
Games, music, food and prizes keep human types entertained, while pets up for adoption get much needed love and attention.
Contact: ccspca.org.

tba  Friends of Elwyn Ball
Location: TBA
Beneficiary: Friends of Elwyn
More than 500 guests are expected for this annual black-tie event, featuring dinner, music and dancing. Established in 1969, Elwyn’s Philadelphia chapter assists children and adults with a variety of disabilities.
Contact: elwyn.org

tba  Renaissance Ball
Location: TBA
Beneficiary: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s Philadelphia-Delaware Valley Chapter.
This annual black-tie gala features cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner and dancing.
Contact: ccfa.org/chapters/philadelphia.

tba  Chocolate Symphony Auction Garden Party
Location: Glen Foerd on the Delaware, Philadelphia
Beneficiary: Alzheimer’s Association of the Delaware Valley
There will be plenty of chocolates and other confections to go around at this event, not to mention champagne, wine, a martini bar, hors d’oeuvres and a buffet. Contact: alz.org.

5/3  Mother’s Day Tea and Fashion Show for the Maternal and Child Health  Consortium of Chester County 
Location: Milestone Events, West Chester
Beneficiary: Maternal and Child Health Consortium
MCHC’s annual Mother’s Day Tea includes a fashion show and other activities geared to women of all ages. Expect a raffle, plus an assortment of tea sandwiches, desserts and beverages.
Contact: ccmchc.org.

5/8   Health Care Heroes Luncheon
Location: Neumann University, Aston
Beneficiary: Today Media Charitable Foundation
Main Line Today honors the best of the best in the healthcare profession. Contact: mainlinetoday.com.

5/8   113th Annual Student Annual Exhibition Preview Party
Location: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia
Beneficiary: PAFA student scholarships
The Annual Student Exhibition fills the galleries of PAFA’s Hamilton Building with the work of graduate students and third- and fourth-year undergraduates. A preview party affords a first glimpse at—and first dibs on—more than 1,000 paintings, sculptures, installations and more. Contact: pafa.org.

5/9   Philadelphia Go Red for Women Luncheon
Location: Hyatt at the Bellevue, Philadelphia
Beneficiary: American Heart Association
This annual event raises awareness and funds to help fight the number one killer of women.
Contact: heart.org/philadelphiapagoredluncheon.com.

5/17   84th Radnor Hunt Races
Location: Radnor Hunt, Malvern
Beneficiary: Brandywine Conservancy
Come early for the 84th running of the area’s premier steeplechase event, where a field of international horses and riders competes for a purse worth more than $200,000.
Contact: radnorhuntraces.org.

5/22   Women Against MS Luncheon
Location: Loews Hotel, Philadelphia
Beneficiary: National Multiple Sclerosis Society
This luncheon benefits the Women Against MS’s mission to educate women about the disease and broaden their knowledge of the society’s work and mission.
Contact: nationalmssociety.org.

5/22-6/1  Devon Horse Show and Country Fair
Location: Devon Horse Show Grounds
Beneficiary: Bryn Mawr Hospital
A Main Line tradition since 1896, the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair has evolved into a weeklong event that’s hailed as the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed horse competition in the country.
Contact: devonhorseshow.net.

5/30  Camp Hill Special School’s 
Location: Phoenixville Foundry
Beneficiary: Camphill Special School
Hosted by the Camphill community and school for special-needs youth, the gala features food, custom cocktails, live and silent auctions, and dancing. The following day, a tennis tournament and related events are held at Whitford Country Club in Exton. Contact: camphillspecialschool.org
 

6/10  Great Chefs Event
Location: Philadelphia Navy Yard
Beneficiary: Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
The legacy of Alex Scott lives on in Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a multimillion-dollar philanthropic campaign aimed at eliminating pediatric cancers. Likewise, the Great Chefs Event has grown in size and importance as a true culinary spectacle.
Contact: alexslemonade.org.

6/12  Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man & Woman of the Year Grand Finale
Location: Union League of Philadelphia
Beneficiary: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter
This spirited evening features an awards ceremony, dinner, drinks, auctions and more. Contact:  lls.org/epa.

6/15  12th Annual Gary Papa Run
Location: Eakins Oval, Philadelphia Museum of Art
Beneficiary: Prostate Health International
This annual Father’s Day run is named in honor of the late sportscaster Gary Papa, who lost his life to prostate cancer.
Contact: garypaparun.com.

6/21  Jazz at Brushwood Gala
Location: Brushwood Stable, Malvern
Beneficiary: Home of the Sparrow
Enjoy dinner, an open bar and dancing to the live music of the Chatterband, plus live and silent auctions. Proceeds benefit Home of the Sparrow, which helps homeless women and children lead independent lives.  
Contact: homeofthesparrow.org.

7/24  Best of the Main Line & Western Suburbs Party
Location: Drexelbrook Corporate Events Center, Drexel Hill
Beneficiaries: Devereux Foundation
Main Line Today’s signature event is also the summer bash of the year, with more than 1,500 attendees on hand to sample the finest food and drink from local restaurants, along with other goods and services. The more than 90 vendors are winners selected by readers and critics in the magazine’s July “Best of” issue.
Contact: mainlinetoday.com.
 

9/12-14  Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance Road Rally & Ball
Location: Radnor Hunt Clubhouse, Malvern
Beneficiary: Thorncroft Equestrian Center
This weekend-long celebration is centered on a nationally recognized motorcar event. The black-tie dinner features a silent auction, an art show and dancing.
Contact: radnorconcours.org.

9/13  Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation’s 14th Annual Gala
Location: The Baldwin School, Bryn Mawr.
Beneficiary: Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation
Held annually for Ovarian Cancer Month, this gala supports the foundation’s mission of offering support to ovarian cancer survivors and their families, educating the public about ovarian cancer, and raising funds for research.
Contact: sandyovarian.org.

9/25-26   Main Line Today’s Food & Wine Affair 
Location: Desmond Hotel , Malvern
Beneficiary: Chester County Food Bank
This annual event includes a multi-course wine-pairing dinner on Thursday and an evening of tasting on Friday.
Contact: mainlinetoday.com.
 

tba  Gravediggers’ Ball 
Location: Crystal Tea Room, Philadelphia
Beneficiary: Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery
This unique fundraising event includes a cocktail hour, entertainment, auctions and more.
Contact: thelaurelhillcemetery.org

tba  Pink Tie Ball
Location: TBA
Beneficiary: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
The traditional black-tie gala goes pink with this sophisticated evening of dinner, auctions and more.
Contact: komenphiladelphia.org

tba  USArtists: American Fine Art Show Preview Gala
Location: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia
Beneficiary: PAFA student scholarships
The show features more than 40 national dealers and galleries. Gala attendees get a sneak preview of the exhibition before it opens to the public. Proceeds benefit student scholarships at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
Contact: usartists.org.

tba  CC-OIC Awards Banquet and Gala
Location: The Desmond Hotel, Malvern
Beneficiary: Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center
The awards dinner focuses on the achievements of CC-OIC students and clients, while the silent auction includes items made or donated by students. CC-OIC is dedicated to providing free literacy education and essential life skills that prepare adults for employment and self-sufficiency.
Contact: cc-oic.org.

10/18  Butterfly Ball
Location: Loews Hotel, Philadelphia
Beneficiary: Living Beyond Breast Cancer
This annual gala features an awards presentation, live and silent auctions, entertainment, and dinner.
Contact: lbbc.org.

10/23  Main Line Today’s Women on the Move Luncheon
Location: Drexelbrook Corporate Events Center, Drexel Hill
Beneficiary: PathWays PA
A luncheon honoring the women featured in Main Line Today’s annual “Power Women” issue.
Contact: mainlinetoday.com.              

10/29  Garces Foundation Gala
Location: Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
Beneficiary: Garces Foundation
This annual evening of culinary delights from some of the area’s finest culinary minds supports celebrated chef Jose Garces’ foundation, which aids immigrant families in the areas of healthcare and education.
Contact: garcesfoundation.org.
 

tba  16th Annual PAFA Bacchanal Wine Auction and Gala
Location: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia
Beneficiary: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Internationally known winemakers and celebrity chefs converge at this annual event, which also features silent and live auctions, dancing, and a gourmet dinner. Proceeds benefit student scholarships and other educational programs. Contact: pafa.org.

tba  Devereux Gala Celebration
Location: TBA
Beneficiary: Devereux Foundation
This annual gala benefits the foundation’s comprehensive national network of clinical, therapeutic, educational and employment programs and services.
Contact: devereux.org.

tba  Grapes and Grain Wine Opener
Location: TBA
Beneficiary: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Premium offerings from international and domestic wineries, delicious cuisine, live entertainment, and a silent auction are all part of Grapes and Grain’s relaxed yet lively vibe.
Contact: cff.org. 

tba  “Fashion to Fund the Future” Show 
Location: The Desmond Hotel, Malvern
Beneficiary:  Home of the Sparrow’s Elizabeth B. Stull Education Fund
Discover new styles and timeless looks at this annual event. The Elizabeth B. Stull Education Fund facilitates participation in educational, vocational, enrichment and life-skills training programs while supporting women and children in Home of the Sparrow’s transitional housing program. 
Contact: homeofthesparrow.org.

tba  Philadelphia Charity Ball
Location: Union League of Philadelphia
Beneficiary: TBA
Featuring dancing and a live performance, this traditional debutante gala places a strong emphasis on family involvement.
Contact: philadelphiacharityball.com.
 

tba  West Chester Charity Ball
Location: West Chester Golf & Country Club
Beneficiary: Friends Association for Care and Protection of Children
This black-tie ball features cocktails, gourmet food stations, a dessert bar, and live and silent auctions.
Contact: friendsassoc.org.

Community Events and Sponsorships

Main Line Today is actively involved in supporting various projects and organizations that reflect the region’s cultural diversity, support the arts and education, and contribute to the fabric of our community. Every year, we receive hundreds of publicity and sponsorship requests from area organizations. We honor as many as our time and resources will allow.

Publicity

For local events that provide an important public service, we offer free listings in our digital mainlinetoday.com calendar. We welcome submissions but caution that listings are provided as space permits. They are not guaranteed based on monthly editorial coverage and/or sold advertising space.

Sponsorships  

Every year, Main Line Today chooses to sponsor a limited number of events. Those that qualify are often large in scale, allowing us to cultivate our relationship with the most readers and potential readers. In addition, these events offer opportunities for us to work with the organizer through advertising, public relations, media placement, point-of-purchase and media cross-promotion. Submit your event and/or request to our publisher by emailing jbraun@mainlinetoday.com or calling (610) 325-4630.