Southern California's calendar for the upcoming season is filled with galas, charity walks, and benefit dinners that span from Downtown Los Angeles to Pasadena, Beverly Hills, and Duarte. Modern Luxury reported on the slate of local gatherings aimed at raising funds for medical research, higher education, local hospitality workers, and regional arts programs.
Arts and culture organizations account for several high-profile gatherings on the schedule. At the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on Miracle Mile, the annual Art+Film Gala will honor artist Vija Celmins and filmmaker Denis Villeneuve. Proceeds from the evening support LACMA’s ongoing exhibitions, film screenings, and educational initiatives. Downtown, the Library Foundation of Los Angeles is set to host its inaugural Centennial Gala at Vibiana at 6 p.m., focusing on advancing literacy, digital access, and creative programs across the Central Library system.
Several events are dedicated to healthcare support and medical research. City of Hope in Duarte will host a 9:30 a.m. walk to fund cancer research, inviting families and teams to participate. At the Petersen Automotive Museum in Miracle Mile, two separate 6 p.m. events are scheduled: one benefitting the Triumph Foundation to support individuals living with paralysis across Southern California, and another supporting St. Jude to fund treatment for children with cancer and serious illnesses. Meanwhile, the McCourt Foundation will host multiple athletic events, including the Rose Bowl Half Marathon and 5K in Pasadena starting at 7 a.m., along with a 5K dash at Dodger Stadium and the full ASICS Los Angeles Marathon winding through the city. Downtown, the Millennium Biltmore Hotel will host the Cure Awards at 6 p.m. to support brain health research, and the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation will hold its annual gala to champion medical education and scientific innovation.
Education and youth empowerment serve as the focus for several additional gatherings. Children’s Institute will hold a 6 p.m. event at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, honoring Jamie Lee Curtis and Jesse Draper for their contributions to local children and families. At L.A. Trade Tech College in DTLA, the NCRF Winter Wonderland Gala will begin at 4:30 p.m. to raise scholarship funds for students overcoming barriers to higher education. The United Negro College Fund will host its annual ball at the Skirball Cultural Center at 5 p.m. to aid college access, while the NAVA Foundation will host a 5 p.m. benefit gala at the Skirball Cultural Center focusing on voice actor advocacy, ethical AI protections, and emergency aid. In Westmont, Chester Washington Golf Course will host its annual 7 a.m. golf tournament and toy drive to collect gifts for local children.
Food, hospitality, and labor initiatives are also featured. Downtown's Rossoblu will host a 6 p.m. multicourse family-style dinner featuring chefs Dave Beran, Maynard Llera, Brad Mathews, Phil Pretty, and Jon Yao, with 10% of proceeds going to the Independent Hospitality Coalition. The AHLA Foundation will hold a gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City to fund hospitality scholarships and grants. Additionally, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) will celebrate 37 years at 6 p.m. at the JW Marriott in DTLA, while the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor will mark Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy at a 9 a.m. gathering at the Long Beach Convention Center.
Rounding out the schedule are music, entertainment, and aviation honors. The 24th Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards will take place at 6 p.m. at The Beverly Hilton. At the Peacock Theater in DTLA, MusiCares will honor U2 at a 5 p.m. tribute concert and dinner supporting crisis and recovery services for musicians, following a previous gala featuring artist Laufey. In West Hollywood Park, the Elton John AIDS Foundation will host its 34th annual Academy Awards viewing party, joined by Sir Elton John, David Furnish, Neil Patrick Harris, and David Burtka to support communities affected by HIV/AIDS. Other regional benefit events include the LACAAEA Black History Month Gala at the Omni Hotel in DTLA and Union Rescue Mission’s event at the Fairmont Century Plaza.
