The International Hospital for Children’s “Treasures in Paradise” fifth annual benefit on Nov. 13 raised more than $500,000 for the Richmond-based humanitarian organization. More than 400 guests enjoyed auctions, raffles, tropical food and foliage in a paradise setting inside the tented salon in front of Coplon’s clothing store.

The Children’s Home Society of Virginia raised more than $38,000 at its fourth annual “Raise the Roof” fundraiser Nov. 7 at Rolling Run Farm in Goochland County. Many of the more than 220 guests enjoyed the springlike weather while listening to the bluegrass band Jackass Flats. Some visited with horses, while a few brave souls rode a mechanical bull. The menu featured barbecue and roasted oysters.

Central Virginia’s Legal Information Network for Cancer held its fourth annual “It’s in the Bag” benefit auction Nov. 5 at the Westin Richmond hotel. About 250 guests purchased $25 tickets for the privilege of bidding on 150 one-of-a kind purses designed and/or donated by 90 local artists and philanthropists. “This event raises funds to support the many area cancer patients and their families who are helped by LINC’s staff, volunteer attorneys, financial planners and other professionals,“ said Cathy Strauss, LINC’s board president. “These dedicated individuals help solve the non-medical challenges arising from cancer, enabling our clients to focus on their treatment and health. We are very grateful to the artists and purse designers who contributed their work to the auction.“

Vintage Maymont, the 12th annual auction of travel, wine, entertainment and culinary treasures, was held Oct. 23 at The Jefferson Hotel to benefit the Maymont Foundation. Robert Henley and Anne Innes served as co-chairs for the event, which began with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner and a live auction. “We are so grateful for the generous support of the community that makes Vintage Maymont a huge success year after year,“ Innes said. “Three hundred enthusiastic supporters had a wonderful evening and helped to raise $225,000 for a favorite Richmond treasure, Maymont.“

The James River High School field hockey team will hold an alumni game Saturday as part of a daylong carnival to raise money for a former player. Carolyn Heuser Powell, a 2000 James River graduate and a mother of two, collapsed when her heart stopped July 5. She suffered neurological damage and has been undergoing extensive physical therapy. Meanwhile, friends set up a Facebook page and made plans for a fundraiser to help her family with medical bills.

WHAT’S HAPPENING The 2300 Club, housed in a restored home on East Grace Street in Richmond’s Church Hill, was the setting July 10 for a benefit “Dinner with George Washington.“ “This is the first in a series of fundraisers we will be hosting in support of our community,“ said John Johnson, event organizer and a 2300 Club board member. “Our history-filled city inspired me to theme these benefits around historic personages who have Richmond ties. Because Virginian George Washington was our country’s first president, he was the perfect guest to highlight our first benefit.“

The last stop on Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr.‘s trip to Virginia came along Henrico County’s affluent River Road corridor, where he attended a private fundraiser for Democratic gubernatorial candidate R. Creigh Deeds. Standing in the spacious, but crowded kitchen of Leon and Lisa Roday, Biden told roughly 100 well-heeled donors that Deeds is the “real deal” who would not change his beliefs for the sake of political expediency.

“Rock for Seeds,“ a fundraiser for Shalom Farms, will be Saturday, July 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of Best Buy, 1560 W. Koger Center Drive, Midlothian. The Richmond nonprofit Shalom Farms raises food for local low-income families. The group is part of the United Methodist Urban Ministries of Richmond. The event will feature a setup of the video game “Rock Band,“ where people can play and let out their inner rock star for a $1 donation. All proceeds will go to Shalom Farms.

Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) raised more than $115,000 at its Seventh Annual Progressive Dinner and Auction. The funds will be used to support SCAN’s Family Support Program, Child Advocacy Center and FAM (Families Are Magic) Public Education Program. About 275 guests gathered April 4 at the home of Missy and Sandy Gullquist for cocktails and appetizers and then had dinner in small groups in 19 homes around Windsor Farms, Cary Street Road and Three Chopt Road. Guests gathered together again for dessert, the silent and live auctions and dancing to the music of Butter at the Tuckahoe Women’s Club.

The Richmond SPCA’s Progressive Dinner provided a feast moving through homes on Monument Avenue on April 25. The homes of John-Lawrence Smith and Tully Welborn, Frances Lewis, Marsha and Ronald Merrell, and Mary and Dick Fowlkes were opened to 100 guests for “A Progressive Dinner for a Progressive Organization.“ The fundraiser was the third annual event and is estimated to have raised $20,000 for the Richmond SPCA.

Denim & Diamonds was this year’s theme for Benedictine High School’s annual Blast fundraising event, held April 25 at Rolling Run Farm in Manakin-Sabot. About 275 alumni, friends and parents of students were treated to a casual western décor, with a silent auction arranged in horse stables, a live auction, dinner, a bull-riding contest, a chance to win a diamond pendant, and dancing to live music by Soulercoaster.

Boy Scout Troop 14 of Orange County will hold a Pancake Supper fundraiser from 5 to 6:30 p.m. April 21 at Orange Elementary School, 230 Montevista Ave., Orange. Pancakes, sausage, bacon, orange juice, milk and coffee will be served. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children age 10 and younger. The troop is a member of the Stonewall Jackson Area Council and is chartered by the Rotary Club of Orange. It currently serves 38 boys ages 11 to 17.

Discover an array of international food selections at the fourth annual “A Food Tasting” on April 4 from 14 p.m. at the Petersburg Regional Art Center, 132 N. Sycamore St. in Petersburg. “A Food Tasting” offers an opportunity to sample Latin American, Italian, Asian, Greek, and even English pub food. On the domestic side, there will be treats such as barbeque, chicken salad, beef tenderloin, and clam chowder. Great desserts and beverages are also included. More than 15 food vendors representing Petersburg area restaurants and caterers will offer their finest selections.

The race that keeps on running is also one that keeps on giving. The Monument Avenue 10K, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, is best known from a philanthropic standpoint as a fundraiser for the Massey Cancer Center.

WHAT’S HAPPENING The Jepson Alumni Center at the University of Richmond was the setting Feb. 27 for the “Boilin’ Good Time” benefit for the International Rett Syndrome Foundation. An 18-wheeler that acted as a rolling billboard welcomed guests as they arrived. Once inside the center, the more than 250 participants were treated to an evening of cocktails and low-country fare. A raffle and silent and live auctions led by Benefit Auction Specialists of Manassas tempted and entertained throughout the evening.