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Start with one part fundraiser. Add a celeb-packed guest list. Throw in some live music from Stevie Wonder, food from Thomas Keller and Charlie Palmer, or a silent auction with Louis Vuitton goodies or tennis lesson from Andre Agassi. Season to taste with black ties and cocktails. You’ve just whipped up one of Night+Day’s Best Annual Charity Events, some of the hottest parties on the social calendar.
Best Annual Charity Events in....
Best Annual Charity Events
Los Angeles
Elton John Academy Awards Viewing Party
Pacific Design Center, February or March ejaf.com
The Draw: The Rocketman’s AIDS fundraiser is a star-studded bash with a guest list that reads like a who’s who guide to the entertainment world’s biggest and hottest names. The Scene: Still the premiere gala on Oscar night, its 18th edition was one of its most profitable, raising $3.7 million for the fight against AIDS. The lavish dinner and viewing party includes a red-carpet cocktail party, live music performances, and a silent auction that could include private tennis lessons from Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf or the costume John wore for a Grammy performance. Hot Tip: The Pacific Design Center event is one of the most exclusive tickets in town. Unless you have Ari Gold–like connections, rubbing shoulders with A-listers here may cost you a sizable donation to the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF).
Stevie Wonder’s House Full of Toys Benefit
Nokia Theatre, 777 Chick Hearn Ct., December, 213-763-6000 nokiatheatrelalive.com
The Draw: A Motown legend whose heart is as big as his talent. The iconic singer/songwriter is joined on stage by the best and brightest of today’s music artists, for a cause benefiting under-privileged families. The Scene: Now in its 15th year, the one-night extravaganza highlights Stevie Wonder’s love of collaboration. Be it with current superstars (Kanye West, Alicia Keyes, John Legend) or past legends (Earth, Wind & Fire, Slick Rick), the 22-time Grammy winner graciously shares the stage for duets of old favorites and impromptu medleys. Fans are asked to bring an unwrapped gift to the venue for the Christmas season event. Hot Tip: The show’s move to the Nokia Theatre from the Forum has modernized the event, while offering mid-sized intimacy. But the smaller venue will more easily sell out (especially with guest appearances from the likes of Dave Chappelle), so get tickets early.
Hullaballoo for Silverlake Conservatory of Music
3920 Sunset Blvd., October 31, 323-665-3363 silverlakeconservatory.com
The Draw: Part community vaudeville show, part VH-1 all-star concert, this fundraiser hosted by Anthony Kiedis and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers funds music scholarships and instruments for community youths. The Scene: Heading into its sixth year in 2010, the intimate Halloween Night concert frequently draws big-name musicians. Past participants in the jam sessions include Metallica, Eddie Vedder, Tracy Chapman, and Jack Black. The $150 donation for tickets includes an open bar, limitless gourmet tacos, and access to a silent auction. Hot Tip: The silent auction features one-of-a-kind items from Flea’s famous friends—think Marc Jacobs, Ben Harper, and Neil Young.
