Banner above: The Grand Del Mar

Best Gala Venue:
The Grand Del Mar
(Runner-Up: Four Seasons Resort Aviara)
The Grand Del Mar took two years of construction and meticulous planning before it opened its elaborate doors, but it was worth the wait. Located on 24 lush acres, it has the look and feel of an old world Mediterranean estate. Besides the 18-hole golf course, the 249-room hotel has 20,000 square feet of space to host a gala, including a 10,000-square-foot grand ballroom. "It’s not just the grandeur of the physical space with the built-in stage, the high vaulted ceilings, and the lovely padded fabric walls," says Charles Stuart, director of catering. "It’s the way we do food and beverages that makes a gala special. We have synchronized delivery of meals straight from the kitchen for each table rather than bringing a whole tray full of entrees. This ensures guests, even if there are 600, feel pampered." (858/314-2000, www.thegranddelmar.com) — Michelle Zive

Best Place To Get Married:
Hawaii
(Runner-Up: La Jolla Cove)
Imagine a place where the average daily temperature is 70 to 80 degrees and where the breeze blows tropical. Imagine paradise with miles and miles of beaches of soft multi-colored sand, waterfalls, and majestic mountains. Picture palm trees, gorgeous sunsets, a deep turquoise-colored ocean, and the scent of coconut and pineapple ripe in the balmy air. Well, you don’t have to imagine it. The place is Hawaii, and it is the ideal island paradise for a wedding. Whether you want something intimate or extravagant, Hawaii is the perfect backdrop for that special day.
— Michelle Zive

SAVE THE DATE

Springtime At South Coast Plaza
Thru 3/22: Carousel Court becomes a gardener’s paradise, with flowers, vegetables, and plenty of frolicking animal families, including the Easter Bunny. The Macy’s Home Store Wing also welcomes the Easter Bunny, and has been transformed into a whimsical spring garden bursting with hydrangeas, lilies, tulips, and hanging begonias. The Bunny Carousel offers rides for $1. (714/435-2083)

Jewish Family Service Annual Heart & Soul Gala
3/1: The 2008 theme, Share Your Heart, celebrates the accomplishments of Marsha Berkson, Merle Fischlowitz, and Carole and Jerry Turk. All proceeds benefit the programs of Jewish Family Service. Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. (858/637-3048, www.jfssd.org)

The Magic Of Music: A Magical Night To Remember
3/8: San Diego Chamber Orchestra presents an elegant, fun-filled evening of dinner, dancing, entertainment, and auctions at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. (858/350-0290, ext. 7, mom@sdco.org)

Women of the World — Women’s Day Celebration & Awards
3/8: In celebration of International Women’s Day, Soroptimist International of San Diego will hold its 36th annual fundraising event at the Sheraton San Diego Grande Ballroom. Escondido Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler will serve as honorary chair for the event that features a fashion show, boutique, luncheon, and presentation of the Making a Difference for Women Awards. NBC 7/39’s Rory Devine will serve as guest emcee. (619/795-4612)

Designing Dreams
3/10: The Women’s Auxiliary of Seacrest Village Retirement Communities presents its 20th annual fashion show (produced by Neiman Marcus) and luncheon at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines. (760/632-0081, tmelone@seacrestvillage.org)

North Coast Women’s Connection’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
3/11: Enjoy the sounds of bagpipes along with a brief history of their origin from 9:45-11:45am at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, featuring guest speaker Mary Beth King, certified professional coach and motivator. (760/436-2295, kathym2195@aol.com)

Kyoto Laureate Symposium
3/12-14: This three day, tri-national event begins with a gala on March 12, which assists in funding the Kyoto Scholarships, available to San Diego and Tijuana-area high school students who have been inspired to pursue the betterment of humanity through their life’s work as the laureates have done. Complimentary public presentations by the laureates continue on March 13 and 14 on the campuses of Symposium co-hosts SDSU, UCSD, and USD. (858/467-1727, www.kyotoprize.org)

Glamourama 2008 — Springtime In Paris
3/13: Presented by the North Coast Unit of the Children’s Hospital and Health Center Auxiliary, this year’s event will feature dinner prepared by the Four Season’s finest chefs, a fashion show, and vendor exhibits resembling a Parisian marketplace. All proceeds will benefit the Chadwick Center, which provides services for abused children. (858/205-3754, www.rcha-ncu.com)

Creations In Chocolate
3/13: San Diego Youth & Community Services and San Diego’s top dessertiers present an evening of chocolate delectables with special guest Robin Leach to commemorate Southern California’s first deaf group home for youth, the Bridgman Home. McMillan Event Center at NTC Promenade. (619/221-8600, ext. 235, www.sdycs.org)

Spring Fashion with Tatiana Boutique
3/14: Guests will enjoy lunch and an incredible display of the latest fashions from Tatiana Boutique. (858/756-8000)

Fashion Valley & The San Diego Humane Society’s Haute Dog Couture Fashion Show
3/14: Dogs and their owners are encouraged to attend as some of the Humane Society’s heroes, Pet Therapy Pups, will be wearing fashions and products from some of Fashion Valley’s premier retailers including Kiehl’s, Old Navy, CH Carolina Herrera, Louis Vuitton, and many more! The Humane Society will also have their Mobile Adoptions Unit at River Plaza from 1-5pm with lovable pets looking for good homes. (www.simon.com)

17th Annual American Red Cross CPR Saturday
3/15: A free, three-hour CPR training offered by the San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross will be held downtown in Golden Hall at the San Diego Concourse, with classes beginning on the hour from 7am-1pm. Children ages 5 to 11 are invited to a fun, educational adventure in basic aid training and Whales Tales water safety while their parents get trained. (858/309-1275, www.sdarc.org)

Pump Up The Volume For Torrey Pines High School
3/15: Torrey Pines High School Foundation presents a dance and auction at the Belly Up featuring music by Atomic Groove and Bill Menish as master of ceremonies. (858/793-3551, bobbi.karlson@sduhsd.net)

2008 Health Hero Awards
3/20: Bill Menish will emcee an event at The Prado recognizing honorees for the contributions they have made to the local health industry through their community activism. (858/636-4158, cwalsh@combinedhealth.org)

Canyon Crest Academy’s 3rd Annual Gala & Auction — Dreams In Motion
3/29: Takes place at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe with 10News’ Carol LeBeau as mistress of ceremonies and musical entertainment provided by the Mar Dels. Proceeds will help sustain Canyon Crest Academy’s current programs and pay for new initiatives in academics, the arts, athletics, student services, and engineering and technology. (www.canyoncrestfoundation.org)

4th Annual San Diego Race For Autism
3/29: Presented by the National Foundation for Autism Research (NFAR), this race aims to raise money for local research and educational programs, and serve as a "march to awareness" to help increase community understanding about autism in advance of Autism Awareness Month in April. The race consists of a 5K run/walk and 1-mile family walk, and also features an informative resource fair, children’s activities, live music, refreshments, and a variety of prizes. All registered race participants will also receive a race T-shirt. (858/679-8800, www.raceforautism.org)

Wedding Party Bridal Show
3/30: The Wedding Party features creative and talented vendors, exciting fashion shows, wine tasting, and hors d’oeuvres in a stylish atmosphere at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. (www.sandiegowedding.com)

MoPA Vintage 2008 — 100 Point Tasting
3/30: The world’s highest rated wines are gathered for an extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime tasting at David and Diane Zeiger’s exquisite home in Rancho Santa Fe that will also feature appetizers prepared by Urban Kitchen Catering, the operators of Laurel and Chive restaurants. Guests will sample wines rated perfect by Wine Spectator or Robert Parker. For reservation details please call the event committee. (619/238-7559, ext. 208)

Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito Author’s Luncheon
3/31: Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito presents its 13th major fundraiser at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa. This year’s event features well known author and TV producer Phil Doran, who will present portions of his travel narrative, The Reluctant Tuscan, a charming memoir of his family’s move to Tuscany. (760/634-9844, www.alrsd.org)

Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Women Of Dedication Luncheon
4/1: The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of San Diego County presents the 43rd annual Women of Dedication Luncheon at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, featuring reception, boutique, and silent auction. (619/446-0273, www.sandiego.salvationarmy.org)

National Conflict Resolution Center Peacemaker Awards
4/3: The National Conflict Resolution Center celebrates 25 years of successful problem solving at its annual Peacemaker Awards, which recognizes individuals and organizations for their creative and effective collaborations and solutions to crises and conflict. The 2008 AT&T National Peacemaker Award recipient is the International Rescue Committee; El Centro Cultural de la Raza is the local honoree. San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina. (619/238-2400, ext. 221, www.ncrconline.com)

San Diego Home Design & Landscape Expo
4/4-6: San Diego’s top interior design and landscape show celebrates 100 years of home shows as well as the Navy’s centennial in San Diego, packed with more special features, designers, and exhibitors than ever before. Admission is free for all wildfire survivors. San Diego Convention Center. (www.sandiegodesignexpo.com)

A Passage in Time Gala
4/5: The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers, Inc. will host an elegant dinner dance at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. Proceeds will benefit The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers’ programs and services. (619/543-4700 or www.alzheimerhelp.org)

11th Annual Hats Off To Children
4/18: The Del Mar Unit of Children’s Hospital Auxiliary presents a luncheon at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine, featuring boutique shopping, silent and live auctions, and a runway show by Leonard Simpson. Proceeds will benefit the Ernest Hahn Critical Care Unit at Rady Children’s Hospital. Ashley and Bonnie Garrett are co-chairs. Tickets are $100-150 (619/423-3727)

Art Alive
4/11-13: The San Diego Museum of Art’s annual celebration of art and flowers marks its 27th year with a theme of Paris in the Park. The weekend will be filled with exciting activities, programs, and chic parties. Complementing this year’s theme is featured designer Jeff Leatham, artistic director of the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, who will lead the popular floral demonstration/lecture and master class. (619/696-1999, artalive@sdmart.org)

Valentino At Valenti
4/12: The Valenti Foundation presents a benefit for homeless and foster children in San Diego County with a Valentino fashion show and entertainment by the legendary Chubby Checker at the Valenti International World Headquarters in Rancho Santa Fe. Funds raised will go towards building A Children’s Village in San Diego’s East County, which will be a new home for more than 200 children who have no home. (858/759-9239, g.ledger@valentiinternational.com)

University Of San Diego High School — Cathedral Catholic High School’s 50th Anniversary Gala
4/19: Titled The Golden Don, this event takes place at the Claver Center on the CCHS Campus. Auctions, gourmet dinner, and rousing entertainment to benefit Cathedral Catholic High School. (858/523-4000, ext. 1117, www.cathedralcatholic.org)

Rancho Santa Fe Library Guild’s Spring Fashion Show
4/23: At the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club and will, once again, feature the designs of LA designer, Lourdes Chavez. (858/759-9611)

2008 GOPINK! Fashion Show and Silent Auction
4/26: Benefit fashion show featuring local designers and boutiques from 2-5pm. Prior to the fashion show, a silent auction featuring small to large ticket items donated by several San Diego companies will be on display to receive bids. A reception featuring gourmet hors d’oeuvres and complimentary drinks will occur simultaneously. All net proceeds raised will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Breast Cancer Fund. (teamgopink@hotmail.com)

Make-A-Wish’s 20th Annual Golf Tournament
4/28: Takes place at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club; all proceeds will be used to grant wishes to local children with life threatening illnesses. (858/707-9474, www.thegolfclassic.com)

Secret Garden Tour Of Old La Jolla
5/10: The largest annual fundraiser for the La Jolla Historical Society features a tour of seven gardens and homes known either for their coastal views, spectacular location, historic significance, or their stately magnificence. Scores of volunteers, local design teams, artists, and musicians provide a garden fantasy at each location. (858/726-0227, www.lajollahistory.org)