The fall season is packed with a number of fundraisers that offer great opportunities to socialize, do good, and get those end of the year tax deductions. Here are five events Men’s Life DC suggests you don’t miss:
HRC’s Chefs for Equality – Oct. 9
HRC’s Chefs for Equality brings together the capital region’s top chefs, pastry chefs and mixologists for an evening of food, cocktails and music to benefit the Human Rights Campaign’s fight for full LGBTQ equality. The event features savory tasting and drink stations headed by renowned chefs and mixologists from the D.C. area, as well as personal chef tables — an opportunity to dine with celebrity chefs for a lavish five-course meal in the middle of the action during the evening. In addition to impressive fare, silent and live auctions also take place. The seventh annual Chefs for Equality will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9, at the Washington National Cathedral. Individual tickets start at $200 and include access to VIP pre-reception, all chefs and mixologists tasting stations, and after-party.
Lucky Dog Animal Rescue Casino Night – Oct. 13
Try your luck at craps, roulette, blackjack, and the money wheel at the Lucky Dog Animal Rescue Casino Night. The event is a great opportunity to have fun, win great prizes, and support a volunteer-powered nonprofit dedicated to rescuing homeless, neglected, and abandoned animals from certain euthanasia and finding them loving forever homes. This year’s event will honor recent Hurricane Florence animal rescuer Leland Vittert, the Emmy-nominated anchor of America’s News Headquarters on Fox News Channel. In addition to Las Vegas style gaming, the evening will include live music, silent auction, and food and drink. The sixty annual Lucky Dog Animal Rescue Casino Night will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Clarendon Ballroom. Individual tickets start at $125.
SMYAL Fall Brunch – Oct. 14
Each fall SMYAL holds a brunch to celebrate another year of dynamic work in Washington, DC, and show support for our area’s LGBTQ youth. Hosted by NBC’s Wendy Rieger, the SMYAL Fall Brunch brings together LGBTQ and allied community members, friends, and families in support of the inspirational youth SMYAL works with every day. The event includes an open bar cocktail reception, a fabulous silent action, a three-course brunch, and a chance to hear from some of our community’s most inspiring leaders. The 21st annual SMYAL Fall Brunch will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 14, at the Marriott Marquis. Individual tickets start at $150 for general seating.
Fair Chance Butterfly Bash – Oct. 19
The Butterfly Bash is Fair Chance’s signature event to raise funds and honor leaders committed to improving the lives of children and youth. Proceeds from the event allow Fair Chance to strengthen community-based nonprofits. Since 2002, it has engaged more than 100 nonprofits and reached 80,000 children, youth and families in Washington, DC. This year’s event will recognize the Honorable Carlos M. Gutierrez, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, for his philanthropic and advocacy work as co-founder of TheDream.US. NBC4 TODAY morning anchor Eun Yang will emcee the program that include live music, dancing, and cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The Fair Chance Butterfly Bash will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, at the Washington National Cathedral. Individual tickets start at $150 for young patrons (35 & under) and $200 for general tickets.
March of Dimes’ Signature Chefs Gala – Oct. 24</strong>
For more than two decades the March of Dimes’ Signature Chefs Gala has raised important funds used to advocate for policies that prioritize the health of moms and babies, fund scientific research, and provide resources and programs to help moms before, during and after pregnancy. Attendees at this year’s event will be able to sample food and drinks from more than 40 of the area’s celebrated chefs, mixologists, bartenders, and vintners. The evening will also include auctions with unique dining, entertainment, travel and leisure packages. The March of Dimes’ 22nd annual Signature Chefs Gall will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24, at the Marriott Marquis. Individual tickets start at $250.
