Best Gala:
Jewel Ball
Since 1946, Las Patronas has donated over $10 million to charitable organizations throughout San Diego, all of it the result of its annual Jewel Ball. One of the biggest parties of the year for the who’s who of San Diego, each year’s Jewel Ball — always held at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club — encompasses a theme and offers extensive auction prizes, dinner prepared by top local chefs, and entertainment. Of course, the black-tie affair would be nothing without the dedicated women of Las Patronas, the real success story here, who spend all year preparing. This year’s event, ARTrageous, will take place August 4. (www.laspatronas.org)
— Alicia Garcia

Best Place To Propose:
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove’s lapping waves hugged
by sandy cliffs creates a picturesque backdrop that is surely the setting for memories that will last a lifetime. This gorgeous location welcomes millions of visitors a year including tourists and sea life alike. When celebrating an intimate occasion, the Cove is San Diego lovebirds’ number one spot. (619/235-1169, www.sandiegoweddings.com) — Kaila Lee

SAVE THE DATE

ElderHelp 10th Anniversary Wine & Dine Soirée
3/2: Taking place at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, the evening features premier regional wines from California, specially crafted beers from local breweries, and cuisine from a collection of San Diego’s finest restaurants. The event promises to host one of the most exciting auctions of the year, the proceeds of which help the seniors of San Diego. (619/284-9281, ext. 20, www.elderhelpofsandiego.org)

Shatter the Silence...This Is Not My Fault — Mariel Hemingway Speaks About Suicide And More
3/8: Vista Hill’s Women’s Council on Mental Health’s spring luncheon program at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, where Mariel Hemmingway, granddaughter of Nobel prize-winning famed novelist, Ernest Hemingway, will speak candidly about the genetic tendencies toward mental illness, and a childhood plagued with pain and heartbreak. Today, her message is clear; there is a way out, there is help, and it is not her fault. (858/514-5153, www.vistahill.org)

Volunteers Needed To Deliver Colorful Daffodil Days Bouquets
3/12: Volunteer drivers are needed to help deliver thousands of daffodils to businesses and schools throughout the county from 9am-12pm. The 24th annual American Cancer Society Daffodil Days campaign raises money for cancer research, education, and patient services. (619/682-7425)

Kyoto Laureate Symposium Gala 2007
3/14: Gala 2007 at the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina kicks off the Kyoto Laureate Symposium’s sixth annual symposium in San Diego, introduces the 2006 Kyoto Prize Laureates, and raises money for college scholarships. (619-235-4542, www.kyotoprize.org)

Ole Madrid
3/15: The San Diego chapter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital presents the 11th annual dinner and auction event at the Harbor House restaurant in Seaport Village to benefit the children of St. Jude. (800/227-6737, www.stjude.org/sandiegochapter)

Free To Be Wild Benefit
3/17: Lisa DeSantis, owner of Art of Walls, is hosting a fundraiser in Santaluz to help promote the conservation of orangutans. The evening features Balinese dancers, fire breathers, stilt-walkers, food from around the world, fire gods, the sounds of the jungle and smells of exotic flowers, and more. Tickets are $175 per person. (858/337-3452, ldesantis1@cox.net)

Silver Lining Gala
3/17: The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers will celebrate their 25-year anniversary at Silver Lining, a black tie dinner dance in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Torrey Pines Hotel. Funds raised will benefit the four local daycare centers that serve the needs of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and their caregivers. (619/543-4700)

27th Annual Domino’s Pizza St. Patrick’s Day Run
3/17: Set to benefit Children’s Hospital, the event includes a 10K run and 2- and 4-mile walks at Mission Bay Park. (858/966-8597)

Heart & Soul Gala
3/17: The Jewish Family Service Heart & Soul Gala takes place at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine and will feature a cocktail reception and exciting silent auction followed by dinner, award ceremony, and entertainment. (858/637-3034, www.jfssd.org)

19th Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon Of The Women’s Auxiliary
Of Seacrest Village Retirement Communities
3/19: Taking place at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, this event features a cocktail reception, silent auction, prize drawing, luncheon and fashion show produced by Neiman Marcus. Funds raised will help to provide housing and healthcare services to the residents of Seacrest Village Retirement Communities. (760/632-0081)

Kids Korps USA Gala
3/24: Kids Korps USA presents its annual fundraising gala at the US Grant. Emceed by CNN’s Larry King and themed An Era of Elegance, the evening event will feature silent, mini, and live auctions; dinner; and dancing to NRG Music and Productions. (858/259-3602, www.kidskorps.org)

Third Annual San Diego Race for Autism
3/24: 5K run/walk and 1-mile fun walk in scenic Balboa Park. Registration begins at 7am, and the race will raise funds for programs that benefit children diagnosed with Autism in San Diego. (858/679-8800, www.nfar.org)

Palms Classic Horse Show
3/24: World class Grand Prix Jumper riders compete in a World Cup Qualifier under the stars in Del Mar. Private boxes and stadium seats available. (760/754-5500, ext. 29, www.casadeamparo.org)

North Coast Repertory Theatre’s 25th Anniversary Gala
3/25: The award-winning Solana Beach theatre’s silver anniversary celebration will take place at the Marriott Del Mar, and will include a cocktail hour, silent and live auctions, dinner, and entertainment. (858/481-2155, ext. 11)

Some Still Like it Hot Celebrity Gala
3/25: Taking place at the US Grant, the event will feature a Champagne reception followed by dinner and live auction of more than 70 collectible Marilyn Monroe photos. Attendees will enjoy live entertainment, a creative menu consisting of Marilyn’s favorite foods, and many other surprises. Proceeds benefit the Balboa Theatre Foundation’s restoration program. (619/233-1333, www.thebalboa.org)

42nd Annual Women Of Dedication Luncheon
3/26: The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of San Diego County presents the 42nd annual Women of Dedication Luncheon at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Emceed by KUSI’s Sandra Maas and our own Andrea Naversen, the luncheon will include reception and boutique shopping. (619/446-0273)

National Conflict Resolution Center 19th Annual Peacemaker Awards
3/29: The Peacemaker Awards dinner and ceremony, held at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, recognizes individuals and organizations for creative and effective collaborations and solutions to crises and conflict in 2006. (619/238-2400)

Glamourama’s Mor-Rockin’ Shopping Adventure
3/29: Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary — North Coast Unit presents a fundraiser at the Olivenhain home of Matt and Amy Battiata that features the sights, sounds and aromas of a Moroccan market and an exclusive unveiling of the most coveted luxury items to hit the market. Guest will also enjoy music, food, wine, shopping, and a silent auction. (www.cha-ncu.org)

Prom For Teens
3/30: The Friends of Scott Foundation is teaming up with Rady Children’s Hospital to host the first prom for the children who have cancer at San Diego Hall of Champions. Prom is the highlight of a teenager’s high school years, however, most of these children have never or will never experience the thrill of prom. Seeking donations of following items/services: catering, decorations, DJ/music, dresses, entertainment/activities, flowers, hair/make-up, photography/video, printing, and transportation/limos, among other items. (858/472-5102, www.friendsofscott.org)

Sounds Of Hope For Children
3/30: Multi-platinum-selling recording artists the Goo Goo Dolls will perform a benefit concert by invitation for Rady Children’s Hospital and Health Center’s Asthma and Immunology Department. Presented by the Hospital Auxilliary’s Carmel Valley Unit, the concert will be held at Schubach Aviation in the Premier Jet Building at McClellan-Palomar Airport. The facility will be transformed into a spectacular one-night-only concert venue. (858/792-5868)

5th Annual Renaissance Ball
3/31: Scripps Clinic and Scripps Green Hospital’s fundraising event at Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine, titled Tivoli, is an elegant evening filled with aromatic flowers, fountains and scenes of the Italian Renaissance. (858/678-6814)

Grossmont Hospital Foundation’s Invitational Golf Tournament
4/19: At Sycuan Resort, noon shotgun start on Willow Glen and Oak Glen courses. Proceeds benefit Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s patient services and programs. (619/740-4200)

Solana Beach Ball 2007
4/21: Taking place at the Historic Mission Tower Ballroom & Plaza, Del Mar Race Track, proceeds will benefit Solana Vista and Skyline Elementary schools in the areas of science, technology, art, and physical education. The event includes silent and live auctions that include one-of-a-kind handmade items from Solana Vista and Skyline classrooms. (www.sbfl.org/beachball)

Evening In The Sky
4/28: The American Lung Association, San Diego Chapter’s benefit for clean air held at the San Diego Aerospace Museum. Ticket price includes dinner, dancing, and live auction. (619/683-8650)

Church Of St. Luke luncheon And Fashion Show
Presented at St. Luke’s Church, featuring a fashion show by Gretchen Productions with styles from show sponsor Viejas Outlet Center. (619/447-6912.

4/29: Velourouge — The Second Annual Help Us Heal Them Fundraiser For Multiple Sclerosis
Enjoy great food, cocktails, an elaborate cabaret-style performance by some of San Diego’s finest dancers, and a performance by Atomic Groove at The Belly Up in Solana Beach. (760/445-1192, www.helpushealthem.org)

Lux After Dark
5/5: Lux Art Institute presents its annual gala and auction. Taking place at the art-filled home of Lux Art board member Linda Brandes, this lively party will feature dinner by Jeffrey Strauss of Pamplemousse Grille and music by Left 4 Dead. (760/436-6611)

San Diego Hospice & Palliative Care’s Wine And Cheese art reception
5/6: This free event offers an opportunity to meet local artists and view original works, 2-4pm at the center. (619/278-6440)

Mama’s Day
5/11: Mama’s Kitchen annual fundraising gala. This year at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. (619/233-6262)

Stars And Stripes Ball
5/19: USO celebrates 66 years with its fundraising gala themed Heroes — Past, Present, and Future to benefit local military. The event is emceed by Carol LeBeau and takes place at the Sheraton San Diego Resort & Marina. Auction, dinner and special entertainment. (619/235-6503 www.usosandiego.org)

Grecian Grandeur
5/19: The Rancho Santa Fe Unit of Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary will host their annual gala at a private Rancho Santa Fe estate. The event promises a unique evening of entertainment with silent and live auctions and a sit-down dinner catered by Pamplemousse Grille. Net proceeds benefit the hospital’s Pediatric Trauma Center. (858/204-9973; www.cha-rsf.com)