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.“

Guests took in Italian opera and the Belle Isle String Quartet while also enjoying watching living statues on Oct. 24 at Christian Youth Theater Richmond’s second-annual fundraiser, “Bella Notte, An Evening in Italy.“ As more than 150 patrons enjoyed Italian hors d’eourves and bidding at the silent auction, theater students Emma Fitch and Morgan Patrick stood completely still, dressed in white from head to toe.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Fashion, food and fun were the focus Oct. 15 when Saks Fifth Avenue at Stony Point Fashion Park closed to the public and opened its doors to ticket-holders for the kickoff to the 2009 Key to the Cure. The four-day national shopping campaign/fundraiser at all Saks stores supports women’s cancer research and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The Science Museum of Virginia held its fourth annual Kugel Ball and after-party Oct. 9 to support educational science programs for youngsters in the Richmond area and throughout Virginia. This year’s black-and-white theme was inspired by Truman Capote’s celebrated black-and-white masked ball of 1966. Appropriately, most of the 275 guests were outfitted in glamorous black-and-white formal attire, and many donned dramatic masks of feathers, beads and satin.

In honor of its 25th anniversary, the Hospital Hospitality House of Richmond brought together four nationally acclaimed chefs and some of Richmond’s best chefs for SAVOR: A Delicious Way to Make a Difference, an epicurean event and benefit held Oct. 3 at SunTrust Bank. The 230 guests at the sold-out event were treated to auctions, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a five-course dinner, wine and culinary demonstrations.

The State Fair of Virginia welcomed guests to its new site, the Meadow Event Park in Caroline County, at the Black Tie and Boots benefit gala Sept. 23. Award-winning Virginia wines, gourmet food, auctions, live music and dancing, the midway grand illumination and private access to games and rides pulled in more than 480 guests on the eve of the fair’s opening. Approximately $40,000 was raised from the event.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Richmond’s Bull & Bear Club on the 21st floor of 901 E. Cary St. was the setting Sept. 21 for “21 Jewels,“ a Richmond retail “pop-up” shop—a one-night-only shopping event benefiting VCU Massey Cancer Center. Guests had the opportunity to preview and purchase fine jewelry, watches, writing implements and china showcased by vendors represented by Schwarzschild. Said one of the event’s organizers, Susan Morgan, “A pop-up is a shopping experience that is the epitome of our high-speed, short-attention-span culture—here one minute and gone the next. It’s hip and totally unexpected from Schwarzschild or the Bull & Bear.“

In celebration of the first year in its permanent home on North Hamilton Street, SPARC—the School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community—hosted its SPARCTACULAR 2009 on July 21. “This event was our official groundbreaking for the center’s renovation and an opportunity to showcase results of our arts-training programs,“ said Mary Ellen Stumpf, capital campaign manager.

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.“

WHAT’S HAPPENING What better thing to do than strut your mutt on Monument Avenue on a beautiful Saturday? During its May 30 block party between Allen and Lombardy streets, Richmond Animal League’s Woofstock gave plenty of folks the opportunity to do just that while raising funds for Richmond’s nonprofit, no-kill humane society. Established in 1979, the league’s mission is to be the leader in providing temporary housing for homeless animals until they can be adopted, medical care and sterilization.

A picture-perfect evening on the lawn of St. Joseph’s Villa, now in its 175th year, was the setting May 8 for the 15th annual Hoedown benefiting the Flagler Home. A yellow Model A Ford truck bedecked with sunflowers and hay bales marked the spot where 200 guests and donors gathered to enjoy friends, festive bluegrass music and a palate-pleasing barbecue.

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.