The Top Social Events this Spring (An Ode to Fundraisers)
Charlotte is a very philanthropic city. Not only do we give, but we enjoy doing it. In fact, we tend to make philanthropy and charitable giving an event within itself, which is why many of the social events I list here on Dusk Till Dawn are fundraisers. And since spring is when there’s typically an influx of charitable events, from fashion shows and tastings to dance parties and galas, I decided to dedicate this blog post to several great fundraising events taking place this month and next. The proceeds from each of these annual events benefit specific causes, and together they help make this city a better place.
Let the party begin!
Taste of the New South: Savor the Sixties
Wednesday, April 9
Levine Museum will take you through the iconic 1960s during an evening of great cuisine, cocktails, music, raffles, and more. Each room at the museum is being transformed with festive décor to reflect great moments from that era, with live entertainment to match, such as a Jimi Hendrix cover band, go-go dancers, and a tribute to Motown. Proceeds will support the museum’s education programs and community outreach. 6-9 p.m. Museum members, $85; nonmembers, $100. Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. Seventh St., museumofthenewsouth.org.
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte Girls’ Night Out
Thursday, April 24
It’s a night that caters to the ladies while supporting a great cause. Enjoy cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a fashion show, and silent auction. The runway will feature fashions from several upscale boutiques and retailers, and some of the models are “Model Moms,” women who have stayed in a Ronald McDonald House. Also on this night, the winner of the 2014 Isabella Santos Award will be announced, presented in partnership with The Isabella Santos Foundation. 6 p.m. $60 and up. The Fillmore Charlotte, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd., rmhofcharlotte.org.
Second Annual Florence Crittenton Services Charity Fashion Show
Saturday, April 26
The theme for this year’s event is “Beside Every Good Man… Salute to Power Couples,” and the fashion show will feature professional athletes, celebrities, and community members. Guests will also enjoy cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, dancing, and an auction. Proceeds benefit Florence Crittenton Services, which provides comprehensive services to pregnant and at-risk women and girls in crisis situations. 7 p.m. General admission, $75; VIP, $150. Extravaganza Depot, 1610 N. Tryon St., fcsnc.org.
Dancing for Hope
Saturday, May 3
Watch how the professional dancers get down, and then join in the fun yourself. The night will also include great food, music, a silent auction, and more. Proceeds benefit Hope Haven, an agency that provides recovery, life skills, and housing for chemically dependent adults and families leading to independence. 7:30-11 p.m. $75. Infinity Ballroom, 4038 Old Pineville Rd., hopehaveninc.org.
Third Annual Pass the Purse Empowerment Tea
Saturday, May 10
Girl Talk Foundation, Inc. hosts this high-tea fundraiser, highlighting several of the organization’s participants paired with influential “Women of Inspiration,” who will pass along their wisdom to the girls. The event will feature both a silent and live purse auction. 1-3:30 p.m. $100. The Ritz-Carlton, 201 E. Trade St., girltalkfoundationinc.com.
Thomas Davis Charity Weekend
Friday, May 16 – Saturday, May 17
Carolina Panthers’ star linebacker Thomas Davis, through his Thomas Davis Defending Dreams Foundation, hosts a charity weekend each year featuring several of his NFL and celebrity friends. The group will visit kids at Levine Children’s Hospital, visit a local school, and put on a free youth football camp. The highlight for the adults is the annual casino night, taking place on Friday, May 16. The theme for the event is Moonlight Masquerade and it will feature casino games, prizes, celebrity appearances, appetizers, and a cash bar. Cocktail attire with mask is recommended. 8 p.m.-midnight. $50. Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, 551 S. Tryon St., defendingdreams.org.
Sweet Escapes: A Chocolate Affair
Saturday, May 31
You’ll want to bring your appetite (and sweet tooth) to this fundraising party. The event will feature 500 pounds of chocolate—chocolate sculptures, candies, cookies, brownies, and even a chocolate river—in addition to heavy hors d’ oeuvres, beer and wine, entertainment, and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit Community Link, an organization that helps move working families from homelessness to housing. 7-10 p.m. $50 and up in advance. Harris Conference Center, 3216 CPCC Harris Campus Dr., sweet-escapes.org.
Photos courtesy of each of the respective organizations. Verify dates, times, prices, and other info at the web addresses listed for each event.
Be sure to bookmark www.charlottemagazine.com/Blogs/Dusk-Till-Dawn to stay plugged into Charlotte’s nightlife and social scene. Click here to sign up to receive the weekly Dusk Till Dawn e-newsletter. Follow me on Twitter @HollidayInk; email me at jarvish@grownpeopletalking.com.
