Charity Ball
Mark your calendars and get your evening wear ready. February 11 is the date of What A Wonderful World, the 97th Anniversary Charity Ball, which will take place at the Hotel del Coronado. Plans are underway for a spectacular evening of dining, dancing, and a celebration of the wonderful tradition that is the Charity Ball. This year’s event will be chaired by Mari Hamlin Fink and will benefit the Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which treats the most critically ill newborns, many of whom suffer from severe heart and lung conditions or are born extremely premature. (858/966-7793) — Jane Shiomi

A List At The Athenaeum
Motivating the masses to go out for an evening of culture can often be a daunting task, but combining art, music, snacks, and adult refreshments is a painless way to meet the artist as well as see his art on the Athenaeum walls prior to the official opening. The A List is the brainchild of Annina Torri, daughter of the talented Erika and her husband Fred, and has taken off since its initial event a few months back, expanding just as the Athenaeum is. The next event is Wednesday, February 1 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, where guests can mingle with Los Angeles-based painter Luc Leestemaker while enjoying his cloud-filled landscapes.
(858/454-5872, www.ljathenaeum.org) — Nanette Martin

Fashion Benefits Breast Cancer
It is a growing trend that more and more fashion houses and celebrities are doing their part for breast cancer research. Recently Drs. Sevil and Johan Brahme joined in the effort, throwing a benefit opening bash at their new boutique, Melange, in La Jolla. Guests were treated with Champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and a showcase of the newest arrivals from London and Milan. The event drew many well-known La Jolla fashionistas, and a portion of the proceeds were donated to the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Fund. The Brahmes promise that this will not be the last time they host such a worthy cause. (858/551-4226) — Jane Shiomi

Art At The Omni
San Diego has long been influenced by eclectic artwork, and now it will be represented at the Omni Hotel’s L Street Fine Art Gallery. Located in the Gaslamp District, the brand new 7,000-square-foot gallery opened this past November with a lively party celebrating artists from all over the country. The artwork is displayed in a pre-function area that can accommodate up to 350 guests and can be divided into four private meeting rooms for exclusive parties. The gallery, which was designed by Lendrum Fine Art out of Los Angeles, is open to the public from 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday, and 1pm to 5pm on Sundays. The Omni Hotel, already an exciting addition to downtown, has truly embraced the spirit of fine art by introducing a gallery that can be appreciated on many levels. (619/645-6540) — Christie Heatherly

The Rolls Goes Convertible
At The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe, Silver Oak Cellars teamed up with Symbolic Motors and Rolls-Royce of North America to host an exclusive showing of the Rolls-Royce 100EX experimental convertible. Guests were treated to lavish hors d’oeuvres, Champagne, fine cigars, and of course, up close and personal tours and test-drives of several exquisite Rolls-Royce vehicles. — Jane Shiomi

Isabella Center Dedicated
Members of the Ecke family recently gathered with Planned Parenthood officials and community leaders in Carlsbad to dedicate the Isabella Center, a new health facility named for Elizabeth (Jinx) Ecke. This state-of-the-art clinic, which celebrates Ecke’s lifetime commitment to issues of women’s health and reproductive freedom, was funded by gifts made by Ecke’s three children. Mark Salo, who retires this month after 31 years as president and CEO of the San Diego-based Planned Parenthood affiliate, personally thanked the Ecke family for their generous support that made the Isabella Center possible. The new center replaces the smaller Oceanside clinic and serves the fast-growing Coastal North County region. — Jane Shiomi

A Lifetime of Conservation
The gathering at Kim Heller’s lovely home in Sun Valley was a two-pronged occasion. For nearly two decades, the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy has been preserving land along the river valley and carving out a continuous trail inland from the sea for the enjoyment of the whole county. This evening, the Conservancy presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to Ramona Salisbury-Kiltz for her extraordinary energy in serving the cause. (Since Ramona was ill, her husband Max accepted in her place.) Plus, the crowd was celebrating having raised $340,000, which entitles them to an $800,000 grant from the state. That means they’re close to being able to buy and safeguard Lake Sutherland East, near Ramona, and extend the trail eastward — a lot to be happy about. — Sparkle Stiff

Save The Date

1st Annual Diamond In The Rough Gala
1/21: This black-tie optional gala will debut at the Manchester Grand Hyatt with all proceeds going to Pro Kids Golf Academy and Monarch School. Included will be a wine tasting reception, silent and live auctions, dinner, and a live performance by Grammy Award winner Trisha Yearwood. (619/281-GOLF)

5th Annual Mardi Gras Ball & Pageant
1/22: Come and celebrate Mardi Gras and support Tri-City Medical Center’s North County Child Study Center. This event will include music by Lafayette’s Bayou Boys and jazz sensation Ronnie Kole. Food will be prepared by acclaimed New Orleans chefs. A parade and a night full of dancing will delight all. (760/940-3370)

6th Annual Go Red For Women Luncheon
2/3: Red is the dress code at this luncheon held at the Hotel del Coronado, designed to raise awareness among San Diego’s women about the risk for cardiovascular disease. (858/410-3833)

97th Annual Charity Ball
2/11: San Diego’s longest running philanthropic event, this year’s Charity Ball will benefit Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Themed “What a Wonderful World,” the gala will be held at the Hotel del Coronado. (858/966-5932)

10th Annual Young Women’s Spirit of Leadership
3/11: This event will be held the Manchester Grand Hyatt in support of young women turning strength into leadership. (619/294-8000)

MCASD Golf Tournament
3/13: MCASD will return to the La Jolla Country Club for its 18th Annual Golf Tournament sponsored by The ResMed Foundation.  Celebrity guest Cheech Marin will return to the green, joined by guest artist Steve Hannock. (858/454 3541)

Taste The Decade
4/9: This will be a celebration of the 1940s to support the American Lung Association’s programs with live music, walk-around sampling of great restaurants, and a fun auction. (619/297-3901)

Mama’s Day ’06
5/12: Mama’s Kitchen’s signature fundraising event will be held at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla, Aventine. Enjoy more than 65 of San Diego’s finest chefs who provide a food tasting adventure showcasing their most popular and lavish culinary specialties. There will also be entertainment, an opportunity drawing, silent auction, and an Absolut vodka bar. (619/233-6262)