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Four-legged friends are welcome at the Fur Ball (but they need to have a ticket). L to R: Katherine Gomez, Jack Nelson, Isabelle Photo courtesy Richmond SPCA
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Guests are invited to dress in costume for the Fairy Tale Ball. Photo courtesy Virginia Repertory Theatre
Forget the ho-hum evening with rubber chicken, boring speakers and an empty dance floor. With pets as gala guests, family friendly soirees, art auctions, New York-style fashion shows and over-the-top decorations, these five charities know how to throw one heck of a party that pays.
Fur Ball
The Richmond SPCA's Fur Ball is the area's only black-tie gala that welcomes four-legged friends. "It creates additional fun for the attendees and reminds everyone of the mission that is being supported for the evening: the care of orphaned animals," says Maya Erhardt, manager of major gifts. About 450 people attended last year's sold-out event to raise more than $500,000 for the SPCA. A highlight of the Fur Ball, held at The Jefferson Hotel, is the pet parade down the grand staircase. Volunteer escorts ensure that human party guests can enjoy themselves. Tickets are $175 per person or per pet. The 2014 Fur Ball will be held on Nov. 1. richmondspca.org
Treasures in Paradise
This year will mark the 10th anniversary of the World Pediatric Project's Treasures in Paradise, which in past years has featured New York-style fashion shows by designers such as Rachel Roy and Chris Benz, along with an auction of vacation packages to destinations like the Galápagos Islands west of continental Ecuador; a five-star villa in Florence, Italy; and an estate in Mustique, part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The tropical-theme event, which benefits the organization's mission of providing critical-care health services to children in the Caribbean and Central America, last year attracted 500 people to raise $650,000 for WPP. The event will be held on Nov. 7 this year. worldpediatricproject.org
Fairy Tale Ball
In its 17th year, the Virginia Repertory Theatre's Fairy Tale Ball will move this year from spring to fall, with a date of Oct. 14, and will be held at the Children's Theatre of Virginia. At this black-tie family event, costumed characters cavort with the crowd, children's activities keep little ones busy and the whole family can dance to a live band. The event will also include a performance from the cast of Charlotte's Web. Children — and even adults — are invited to wear costumes in lieu of formal dress. Last year's event raised more than $110,000 for children's theater. va-rep.org/fairytale
Heart Ball
Last year, more than 700 people attended the black-tie Heart Ball at the Science Museum of Virginia. With the theme of "Conquering the Heart," the American Heart Association event featured actors playing Julius Caesar and gladiators, a large model of the Coliseum and ceiling projections that mimicked the Sistine Chapel. Though the gala is known for its over-the-top flourishes (provided by event caterer Mosaic), it also is a significant fundraiser for the association's Richmond chapter, bringing in more than $11 million during its 22-year history. The 2014 Heart ball, with the theme, "Ignite a Revolution," will be held on April 26. richmondvaheartball.ahaevents.org
Art for Autism Gala
For the past 13 years, the Faison School for Autism has raised money to support its mission by holding a live art auction. Last year's Art for Autism Gala, held at the Hippodrome, raised about $380,000 and featured work by artists including Tanja Softic, Gordon Stettinius, Bill Fisher and Sally Bowring. Bev Reynolds of Reynolds Gallery works each year to pull together the auction pieces, says Lisa Cirillo, annual fund manager. The gala also includes a silent auction and late-night dancing to a live band. The 2014 Gala will be held on April 4. thefaisonschool.org
