Support These Fundraising Events, Parties, and Galas in November

There are several great events taking place throughout November to raise money and/or awareness for important causes, charities, and nonprofit organizations. So I decided to devote a blog post specifically to highlight them. I’ll update this list with more charitable nightlife events as the month progresses. In most cases, advance tickets can be purchased by visiting the websites listed.

Friday, November 4

Pink Soles
Support this cause in style at a fashion show featuring some of Charlotte’s most fashion-forward boutique designs. Also enjoy networking, hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, raffles, specialty vendors, and more. Hosted by media personality Janine Davis, along with a live performance by R&B singer Amanda Pollard. Presented by Ivey Production Management. Event benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure. 6:30 p.m. VIP mixer; 7 p.m. red carpet; 8 p.m. show time. $25 general admission; $45 VIP. Luski-Gorelick Center for Philanthropy (new home to Foundation For The Carolinas), 220 N. Tryon St., pinksoles.org.

drIDme Alzheimer's Fundraiser
Personal health record service company drIDme invites you to a night of live jazz music, good food, and a Chinese auction. Event benefits the Alzheimer's Association, to help find a cure for the disease. 7-10:30 p.m. $50. Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, 551 S. Tryon St., dridmealzfundraiser.eventbrite.com.

Saturday, November 5

Paint the Town Red White & Blues
It’s a fun night of music, art, food, drinks, and silent and live auctions at this eighth annual event. Cocktail attire required. Hosted by CCFA’s Young Professionals Group, with entertainment by Z Trio. Event benefits the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America Carolinas Chapter. 7:30-11:30 p.m. $60. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St., ccfaredwhiteandblues.com.

Tuesday, November 8

Start Something BIG
Learn more about the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte's African-American Recruitment Task Force (AARTF) by attending this networking reception. The primary goal of the AARTF is to assist with achieving recruitment goals established by BBBS. 6-9 p.m. Free, but donations accepted; click here to register. Aquavina, 435 S. Tryon St., bbbscharlotte.org.

Friday, November 11

S.O.S. Gala
The Foundation For Tomorrow presents this fifth annual gala to support its humanitarian work in impoverished countries. The night’s schedule consists of a silent auction and passed hors d’oeuvres (6:30-8 p.m.); dinner, presentation, live auction, and dancing (8-10:30 p.m.); and concludes with the after-party (10 p.m.-2 a.m. Butter NC, at NC Music Factory, 950 Seaboard St.). $100 for young professional ticket; $200 donor ticket; $325 couples ticket; $300 host ticket; $1,500 to $5,000 for varying levels of support that includes a table for eight. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St., thefoundationfortomorrow.org.

Black and White Gala
For the ninth year in a row, this popular gala will bring together Charlotte’s young professionals. Guests will enjoy music, dancing, a silent auction, great views of the city, and access to the galleries at the Mint Museum. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and complimentary beer and wine, in addition to a cash cocktail bar, will be served. An after-party follows (10 p.m.-2 a.m., Suite, at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St.), with complimentary transportation provided from the museum to the nightclub. Hosted by Young Affiliates of the Mint. Event benefits Project FundaMINTal, in support of educational programs, community outreach, and more at the museum. 7-11 p.m. $70 for YAM members; $95 for non-members; no tickets will be sold at the door, must be purchased in advance. Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St., youngaffiliates.org.

Saturday, November 12

Go Wild 2011
It’s a benefit concert featuring the Blue Dogs, along with a photo auction. Admission includes free parking, two drink tickets, and hors d’oeuvres. Event benefits Carolina Raptor Center. 5-9 p.m. $60; $100 for couples. The Saloon, at NC Music Factory, 935 N. Graham St., thesalooncharlotte.com.

YMCA Ballroom Battle
Twelve prominent community leaders are competing in a ballroom dance competition modeled after Dancing with the Stars. These brave souls include Pamela Davies, president of Queens University; Robyn Hamilton, director of business relations for the DNC Charlotte Host Committee; Michael Marsicano, president and CEO of Foundation For The Carolinas; and Jim Noble, owner of Noble's, Rooster's Wood-Fired Kitchen, and The King's Kitchen restaurants; among others. They've been training with professional dancers from the Metropolitan Ballroom of Charlotte, and now you can witness their skills at this black-tie event. The night will also feature cocktails, complimentary beer and wine, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction. Event benefits the Community Support Campaign of the Center City YMCAs. 7-11 p.m. $125. The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte, 201 E. Trade St., ymcacharlotte.org.

Friday, November 18

Art, Wine, and Cheese Charity Event
Charlotte nonprofits, The Nzinga Creative Arts Center and Beyond The Arts, Inc., are joining forces to bring you an evening of fine art, wine tasting, and fun. Everyone from beginner to expert is encouraged to attend. Certified art instructor Cathay Dawkins will show you how to re-create an art piece by famous Charlotte native Romare Bearden. 7-9 p.m. $20, includes paint supplies. The Nzinga Creative Arts Center, 3218 Benard Ave.,  eventbrite.com, nzingacac.com.

Be sure to bookmark www.charlottemagazine.com/Blogs/Dusk-Till-Dawn to stay plugged into Charlotte nightlife.