VENERALIA PATRON PARTY
March 6 Patrons of this year’s fundraiser for the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University (April 6 at the Fox Theatre) are invited to a private party hosted by patron chairs Bill Torres and Jack Sawyer. For patron information, contact Gail Habif at 404/727-2251.

DREAM LUNCHEON
March 7 11:30 AM-1 PM. Fundraiser for Second Wind Dreams™, a non-profit organization that makes dreams come true for seniors in elder care communities, held at Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church in Alpharetta. $300 for a table of 8. 678/624-0500.

ARTISTIC AFFAIR
March 8 Guests will “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” at the Atlanta Athletic Club as the celebration begins for the start of construction of the new Spruill Center for the Arts on Ashford Dunwoody Rd. Partygoers will enjoy a delicious dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions and artist demos and take home a miniature commemorative brick to mark the occasion. Call Sandra Bennett at 770/394-3447, ext. 226.

CANDLELIGHT BALL
March 8 7 PM. Major fundraiser for CADEF: The Childhood Autism Foundation at the InterContinental Buckhead. The black-tie ball will feature a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, dinner and dancing. $200. Proceeds fund programs and services for individuals with autism in Georgia. Stephanie Huddleston, chair. 404/712-2384.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE LUNCHEON AND FASHION SHOW
March 8 10:30 AM-1:30 PM. “Stronger Together,” presented by Georgia Cancer Foundation will celebrate Bosom Buddies’ 25th anniversary and honor breast cancer survivors. Held at the Westin North Atlanta at Perimeter, the event will feature fashions from Belk’s at Phipps Plaza and an inspirational address by keynote speakers and cancer survivors. Vince and Barbara Dooley. $75. 770/396-7995.

INTERNATIONAL CONSULAR BALL
March 8 6:30 PM. Friends of the diplomatic community will honor the 60 members of the Georgia Diplomatic Corp at an elegant dinner dance and auction at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. $200. Sponsored by the Georgia Council for International Visitors (GCIV). 404/681-9728.

MAKE A MINT FOR CHILDREN
March 8 4th annual benefit for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta hosted by Northside/Springlake Friends at Ansley Golf Club. This cocktail attire benefit features a fabulous silent auction, heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts, wine and beer. Contact Nicole Theis at nicole@theisonline.com for an invitation.

“REACHING FOR THE STARS, A FOUNDATION OF HOPE FOR CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY”
March 8 2nd annual benefit for RFTS, Inc. will be a festive affair at the Atlanta History Center with a cocktail buffet, dancing, an extensive silent auction and “celebrity artwork.” reachingforthestars.org or 404/281-9773.

SEASONS OF LOVE VI
March 8 A unique cabaret spectacular featuring dozens of Atlanta’s most talented entertainment professionals and creative personalities at the Ferst Center for the Arts on the campus of Georgia Tech. $45. All proceeds go to support the CHRIS Kids’ Rainbow Program. 404/894-9600.

BEST OF ATLANTA PARTY
March 10 7-10 PM. One of Atlanta’s best food events brings together more than 60 of Atlanta’s best restaurants at the Cobb Galleria Centre for an evening of music, great food, drinks and fundraising for a good cause. Proceeds benefit Camp Twin Lakes. Call 404/231-9887.

CASA LUNCHEON
March 12 Enjoy lunch and a fashion show from several Buckhead boutiques at this annual fundraiser for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) held at Maggiano’s Little Italy, 3368 Peachtree Rd. NE. $65. 404/874-2888.

IRIS GARDEN CLUB CHARITY LUNCHEON
March 12 10 AM-2 PM. “Tablescapes Adventure: An Exhibition of Dining Styles by Leaders of Design” at 103 West will feature themed tables created by 30 Atlanta interior and floral designers. Guests will be entertained by The Lyric Theatre. Proceeds will benefit Shepherd Center’s garden and dining terrace outside the center’s new cafeteria. James, Alana and Harold Shepherd, honorary chairs. Kay Quigley and Cindy Voyles, chairs. For tickets contact Patra Evans at patra312@gmail.com.

DINING FOR A DIFFERENCE
March 13 10th anniversary for this fundraiser for Families First at the Buckhead Westin. Retired Carter and Associates executive Jim Carson will receive the Champion Award. Actress/dancer and child advocate Victoria Rowell, guest speaker. Artwork, inspired by the dreams of Families First children, from local artists including Steve Penley will be included in a silent auction. 404/853-2836.

TOAST OF THE TOWN
March 13 Kick-off party for the Junior League of Atlanta’s annual Tour of Kitchens (March 29, 30). This fun evening at Residential Construction Specialties on Miami Circle features delectable food, creative cocktails, live music and silent auction. $45. 678/916-3100.

DELTA CLIPPED WINGS FUNDRAISER
March 14 10 AM-3 PM. The 800 members of Delta Airlines Clipped Wings Club are hosting a benefit at the Waverly Hotel at the Galleria for CURE Childhood Cancer, Dreams Come True and the Ladies Day Fund. Call Suzanne Neiman at 404/321-5480.

CIRCLE FOR CHILDREN CHARITY BALL
March 15 “Jewel of the Nile” is the theme for this 81st annual black-tie ball benefiting The Center for Children and Young Adults at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Guests will join honorary chair Jeff Foxworthy, comedian and TV host, in enjoying cocktails and silent auction followed by dinner, live auction and dancing to the music of the band “14 Karat Gold.” $175. Cindy Samples, chair. Carol Greenbaum, co-chair. Call 770/590-8490.

THE SWIFT SCHOOL FUNDRAISER
March 15 7-9:30 PM. Elegant dinner party at the Alpharetta residence of Deborah Price to benefit the Swift School that serves children with dyslexia and language based learning difficulties. Chef Mark Swearingen will create a delicious dinner and guests will have the opportunity to bid on fabulous silent and live auction items. Allan Baitcher with Red Baron Antiques will be the evening’s auctioneer. 770/789-4350.

“RAISING THE GREEN”
March 17 6-9:30 PM. 12th annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration and fundraiser for Art Station Theatre in historic Stone Mountain Village. There will be plenty of green beer, delicious “tastes” from area restaurants, musical entertainment, auctions and raffle prizes. $20 advance; $25 at the door. 770/469-1105.

INTERFAITH LUNCHEON
March 25 “War: The Rules of Engagement” is the theme for this 9th annual luncheon sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women at The Temple on Peachtree St. $60. Guest speakers will discuss finding ethical solutions to today’s dilemmas through the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament and the Koran. Debbie Neese and Valerie Hartman-Levy, co-chairs. 404/843-9600.

OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATION
March 25 7-10 PM. A benefit for the Emurototo Primary School in the Mara and the African Children’s Art Project at Mason Murer Gallery, 199 Armour Drive, honoring Stephanie and Arthur Blank who joined celebrated photographer Sandee O. on an African safari through the Masai Mara of Kenya. Donations accepted. 404/879-1500.

ATLANTA OPERA GUILD LUNCHEON
March 26 Members and friends of the Atlanta Opera Guild are invited to the Cherokee Town Club for this benefit luncheon with operatic entertainment. Elizabeth Spiegel, chair. 404/351-0081.

DARE TO DREAM
March 27 6 PM. Signature fundraiser for The Adaptive Learning Center and its innovative Inclusive Preschool Program celebrates its silver anniversary at Twelve Hotel and Residences in Atlantic Station. The dinner will honor community and corporate leaders. $175. 770/509-3909.

HIGH MUSEUM ATLANTA WINE AUCTION
March 27-29 The largest charity wine auction in the country benefiting the arts celebrates its 16th year with the theme “The Sensational Sixteenth HMA Wine Auction: How Sweet It Is!” Held under big-top tents in Atlantic Station, events include 16 Winemakers Dinners on Thurs., a Gala Dinner Dance on Fri., and a Vintner’s Reception and Live Auction on Sat. Liz Lazarus and Joan Marmo, co-chairs. 404/733-4585.

CHEF’S EXTRAVAGANZA
March 28 7:30-10:30 PM. “Wheeling in the Meals for SSNF.” Enjoy menu samples from 15 leading North Fulton restaurants, musical entertainment, live and silent auctions at the Alpharetta Marriott to benefit Senior Services North Fulton. Jocelyn Dorsey, WSB-TV news anchor, emcee. 404/993-1906.

COBB SYMPHONY GALA
March 29 6:30 PM. Guests will enjoy “Dancing with the Stars” at the Cobb Galleria Center with fine dining, exciting auctions, musical entertainment and more to benefit the Cobb Symphony Orchestra. $125. 770/426-1509.

FURKIDS ANIMAL RESCUE 6TH BIRTHDAY BASH
March 29 The event, at The Pavillion of Dunwoody, will include both live and silent auctions featuring a full array of bid items including pet products and services, jewelry, home furnishings, artwork, sports memorabilia, vacation packages and other merchandise. The birthday celebration will have live entertainment, an extraordinary dinner buffet and an open bar for wine, champagne and beer. Furkids will use the proceeds to expand its shelter veterinary services from part-time to full-time. For more information, please visit furkids.org.

NIGHTINGALA
March 29 Guests and members of the DeKalb Medical Center Foundation will have a ball at “Nightingala’s Seaside Soiree - A Flip Flop Formal” at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead. The fun kicks off at 7 PM with cocktails followed by dinner and dancing at 8 PM. Proceeds support Wellness on Wheels, a mobile health vehicle that serves low income populations. 404/501-1344.

THE EVENING OF HOPE GALA<br> March 29 Guests will spend an evening in King Arthur’s kingdom at the “Excalibur Ball – A Night in Camelot” and enjoy an elegant dinner, dancing and auction at the Atlanta History Center. $250. Proceeds will support the American Cancer Society and The Hope Lodge in Atlanta. Vince and Barbara Dooley, speakers. Co-chairs are Dr. and Mrs. Alex Gross and Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Wojcik. Contact Mary Ulich at 404/582-6103.
APRIL

AN AUCTION OF UNIQUE PLANTS
April 3 6:30 PM. Festive, fun-filled evening at the Atlanta Botanical Garden with the opportunity to purchase unusual plants from local, regional and national nurseries and botanical gardens. $35. Michele Ellis, chair. Lindsay Carter, co-chair. 404/591-1539.

“ATLEXIS 2008”
April 5 7:30-9 PM. Theatrical Outfit hosts its inaugural benefit-gala, an evening of wit and wisdom, music and dramatic reading by some of Atlanta’s most famous residents and artists at the historic Balzer Theater at Herren’s. $110 (includes 6 PM reception at the Rialto Center) and $220/VIP (includes post-show cast party). Contact Rhonda Belser-Davis at 678/528-1506.

VENERALIA 2008
April 6 “A Night in Nubia” benefiting the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University will pay tribute to the Carlos’s new exhibition “Lost Kingdoms of the Nile: Nubian Treasures from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.” This year’s gala will be held in the Egyptian Ballroom of the Fox Theatre and will feature a fabulous dinner created by Chef Linton Hopkins, a silent auction of first-class items and spectacular decor. Ann and Ben Johnson, honorees. Annette Joseph and Kent Alexander, chairs. 404/727-2251.

HEROES, SAINTS AND LEGENDS<br> April 8 6 PM. Annual awards dinner at the Piedmont Driving Club hosted by the Foundation of Wesley Woods honors Walter E. Massey, Colleen O’Brien Nunn and B. Franklin Skinner. $225. Proceeds benefit the Wesley Woods Parkinsons and Alzheimers programs. Carl Swearingen, honorary chair. 404/728-6381.

“EXTRAVAGRAND: THE TASTING”
April 9 7 PM. A wine-tasting gala at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta hosted by Jewish Family and Career Services. The party features new and interesting wines, fine spirits, fare by some of Atlanta’s most popular caterers and restaurants and a silent auction. $75, $50. Proceeds benefit the JF & CS’s non-sectarian Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program for adults with developmental disabilities. 770/677-9329.

ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BENEFIT
April 12 “Passport to Italy” at the Atlanta International School in Buckhead will let guests enjoy the rich traditions of Italy with authentic cuisine, live entertainment and a fabulous live auction reflecting a “Venetian Masquerade” theme and featuring several trips to Italy. This 21st annual benefit will also feature a great silent auction celebrating Tuscany. $200. Angela Turner, honorary chair. Anita Leopold, chair. 404/841-3841.

ATLANTA STEEPLECHASE
April 12 Popular event held at Kingston Downs near Rome which benefits the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation and UGA College of Veterinary Medicine. The top Steeplechasers in the country vie for a purse of $200,000. Other fun events include picnics, hat contest, pony rides, pig races, music and more. $30. 404/237-7436.

MOCA GALA ART AUCTION
April 12 6:30 PM. Gala benefit featuring cocktails, dinner and exceptional art in both silent and live auctions at The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia in its new location at TULA Art Center, 75 Bennett St. MOCA GA’s co-founder David Golden and his wife Elizabeth, honorees. Bobbie and Jon Golden, host committee co-chairs. 404/367-4542.

ELEGANT LADIES HAT LUNCHEON
April 16 11:30 PM. The Beauty Becomes You Foundation invites you to don your most elegant chapeau and join them for a delicious lunch at the Swan Coach House. $75. The Foundation provides free beauty services to low income seniors. Cindy Kishel, chair. Call Alison O’Neil Andrew at 678/421-0500.

FLAVORS OF ATLANTA<br> April 16 Culinary gala at the Georgia Freight Depot to benefit the American Liver Foundation. Twenty-nine Atlanta chefs will prepare sumptuous 4-course meals for tables of 10. Also live and silent auctions. $250. (VIP reception $450). Chef Robert Gerstenecker, chair. 404/633-9169.

CALABASH COTILLION
April 19 6:30 PM. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of North Fulton Community Charities at the Alpharetta Marriott. Partygoers will enjoy great food, live and silent auctions and the beach party music of Athens long-time favorite band, The Jesters. $150. 770/841-6576 ext. 251 or 770/640-0399.

DECORATORS’ SHOW HOUSE AND GARDENS OPENING NIGHT PARTY
April 18 7 PM. Stroll through the gardens of this year’s show house at 3750 Tuxedo Rd. and be the first to tour this beautiful home decorated by Atlanta’s top designers. Tickets $150. Sponsored by the Atlanta Symphony Associates. 404/733-4116.

TOAST OF THE TOWN April 22 7-9 PM. A wine tasting evening benefiting Stage Door Players presented by The Fresh Market at 5511 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. $25. 770/396-1726.

DINING OUT FOR LIFE
April 23 Dine out today at any of nearly 200 participating restaurants and help Open Hand provide home-delivered meals and nutrition services to senior citizens and individuals with chronic and debilitating diseases. Twenty percent of food and beverage sales will be donated to Open Hand. For a list of restaurants, call 404/419-3333 or visit diningoutforoh.org.

HOMETOWN HEROES GALA DINNER
April 23 Join the 850 attendees representing some of Atlanta’s top companies, organizations and community partners at the Georgia Aquarium for this annual dinner benefit for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. Honorees are Malon S. Mimms, Kathleen Pattillo, Desmond Brown and CheckFree Corporation. Call 404/527-7586.

HOOCHIE ON THE COOCHIE
April 25 Gather under the stars along the banks of the Chattahoochee River at the beautiful home of Bo and Eileen DuBose on Garreaux Rd. for an evening of casual fun benefiting The Nature Conservancy. $100. Cody and Linda Laird, honorary chairs. Hardman Knox and Jeannie Wright, co-chairs. 404/253-7255.

ROSWELL’S TOAST TO CHILDREN
April 25 7-11 PM. Sample wines, hors d’oeuvres and desserts and enjoy a silent auction and live music at this benefit for Children’s Healthcare at the Gardens at Great Oaks. $65. 404/785-7316.

A SPLASH OF CARE AFFAIR
April 26 7 PM. 25th year for this wine tasting and live auction at The Forum at DeFoor Centre sponsored by the Atlanta area TriDelta Alumnae Association. $60. Proceeds benefit CURE Childhood Cancer research at Emory University School of Medicine. April Voris, Maria Croley and Rachel Hueneseld, co-chairs. 678/427-8635.

“NO BALL AT ALL” PATRON PARTY
April 26 Atlanta’s animal lovers will come together at a private home for this unique fundraiser for the Atlanta Humane Society. The Society annually hosts a “non-event” and invites patrons to donate contributions - all of which benefit the animals. Contributors above a certain level are then invited to this elegant evening supporting our four-legged friends. 404/875-2600, ext. 236.

SWAN HOUSE BALL
April 26 “A Celebration of the Cultural Leadership and Memory of Frances Floyd Cocke.” One of Atlanta’s most admired ladies, a founder of the Forward Arts Foundation, is the inspiration for this year’s elegant black-tie dinner dance benefiting the Atlanta History Center. Mrs. Cocke’s daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Dameron Black are honorary chairs. Susan Tucker, chair. 404/814-4000.

WINE AND ROSES GALA
April 26 “Under Spanish Skies,” a black-tie dinner dance benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, will be held at the Atlanta Athletic Club and feature fine Spanish wines paired with a gourmet dinner, a champagne reception, dancing and both silent and live auctions. Wes Sarginson, emcee. Kessel D. Stelling, honorary chair. $200. 404/325-6973.

CHILDREN’S HOSPICE BIG-TO-DO AT THE ZOO
April 27 5:30 PM-dark. Evening of family fun at Zoo Atlanta with children’s activities, animal demonstrations, music and barbeque. Adults $60; children (3-12) $30. Benefits Visiting Nurse/Hospice Atlanta’s Children’s Program. Barb Ghegan and Ann Madden, co-chairs. For more information, call 770/936-1172.

SANDY SPRINGS SOCIETY PATRON PARTY
April 30 6:30-9 PM. Patrons of the Society’s 7th annual Garden Tour (May 3,4) will be treated to an evening of wine and hors d’oeuvres at the lovely home of Bert Russo and Dr. Deborah Levi. Patrons also receive 4 tickets to the tour. For more information, call 404/847-9245 or 404/372-9126.
MAY

LA BELLE SOIREE<br> May 1 6:30 PM. A special benefit for the Atlanta Opera at the Buckhead home of Max and Lisa Hart with cocktails, dinner, silent auction and operatic entertainment. $175. Lisa Hart, chair. Elizabeth Klump and Mary Calhoun, co-chairs. 404/881-0421.

SHARE OUR STRENGTH’S TASTE OF THE NATION®
May 1 20th anniversary for this hugely successful fundraiser to end childhood hunger held at the Georgia Aquarium. Guests will enjoy cuisine prepared by 50 of Atlanta’s premier chefs and restaurants. Tom Colicchio. honorary chef. Ted Turner and his daughter Laura Seydel, honorary chairs. Pano Karatassos and George McKerrow co-chairs. For tickets, call 770/436-5151.

PASSPORT TO FRANCE
May 2 The many flavors, colors, scents and beauties of France will be highlighted at this annual black-tie event presented by the Atlanta Chapter of the French American Chamber of Commerce at the InterContinental Hotel Buckhead. Francophiles will enjoy a seated dinner, silent auction and musical entertainment. 404/846-2500.

DERBY DAY PARTY
May 3 2-10 PM. Watch the live broadcast of the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby on big screen TVs and enjoy live music by 2 bands, BBQ, games, live and silent auctions and more at Foxhall Farm in Douglasville. $60 advance, $70 at the gate (includes roundtrip transportation from Buckhead). Proceeds will go towards Shepherd Center’s Therapeutic Recreation Program. Leah Humphries and Meredith Repp, co-chairs. 404/350-7302.

GIFT OF LIFE GALA
May 3 The National Kidney Foundation of Georgia will celebrate its 20th annual gala with a “Roaring 20s” party at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead. Guests can enjoy an elegant cocktail party, dinner, silent auction and live entertainment. Chuck Fruit, honoree. Marie Quintero-Johnson, honorary chair. $250. 770/452-1539, ext. 18.

HEARING CHILDREN’S VOICES
May 3 6:30 PM. SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center, Inc. will honor a child who has shown exceptional courage and an adult who has effected positive change in the lives of children at this annual fundraising reception and dinner at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest. $125. Ted Hall, emcee. 770/801-3469.

HENRY MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION PARTY
May 3 7 PM. Black-tie gala at Club One at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton benefiting Henry Medical Center. Guests can enjoy cocktails, buffet dining and great entertainment by The Drifters. $150. Debbie Lorenzo, chair. Call Janice Mason at 678/604-1045.

JOHNS CREEK DERBY DAY PARTY
May 3 4-8 PM. Get your friends and come out to watch the Kentucky Derby, sip mint juleps and enjoy traditional derby cuisine at The Standard Club to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Sponsored by Johns Creek Friends. 404/785-7337.

ROTARALLY<br> May 3 Noon-6 PM. Red Baron’s Antiques teams up with the Atlanta Peachtree Rotary Club to run a road rally and raise $10,000 for the Atlanta Children’s Shelter. The rally designers are developing an automobile scavenger hunt that will be challenging and surprising. The grand finale will be a fabulous party at a secret location. Register at rotarally.eventbrite.com.

VSA ARTS OF GEORGIA GALA
May 3 6:30-10:30 PM. Annual fundraiser benefiting VSA Arts of Georgia’s services for people with disabilities and low incomes. The party at Margaret Mitchell House includes a buffet, entertainment and silent and live auctions. $50, $100. Jeffrey Flowers, chair. 404/221-1270, ext. 207.

WINGS OF MERCY BALL
May 3 “Mercy Mystery...A Wonderment of Compassion and Care” is this year’s theme for the black-tie benefit for Saint Joseph’s Mercy Care Services at the InterContinental Buckhead. The evening will feature a seated dinner and dancing to the music of Rupert’s Orchestra. Dr. Judith Rochon James, chair. 404/851-7521.

A CELEBRITY TRIBUTE TO DR. MAYA ANGELOU
May 4 Festive celebration of Dr. Angelou’s 80th birthday in Atlanta Symphony Hall. Reception 6 PM; program 7 PM. All proceeds will go to the Young Family YMCA Maya Angelou Teen Center. For more information, call Sonjia Young at 404/758-9121 or call the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA at 404/523-9622.

LANDMARK LUNCH
May 7 11:30 AM-1:30 PM. 12th annual fundraiser for the Piedmont Park Conservancy. Location TBA. Frank Blake, chairman, President and CEO of Home Depot will be keynote speaker. $125. Jim and Jan Harralson, co-chairs. 404/875-7275, ext. 240.

A NIGHT OUT WITH NATURE
May 10 Annual black-tie gala under a tent at the Chattahoochee Nature Center with dinner, live entertainment, dancing, auctions and wildlife demonstrations spotlighting the work of the Nature Center. $150. Laura Seydel will receive the Partner in Education Award. Chris and Julie Sawyer, honorary chairs. Vaden and José Creamer, chairs. 770/992-2055, ext. 224.

A TASTE OF THE HIGHLANDS<br> May 10 2-5 PM. Intown Friends of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Fifth Group Restaurants host this fun event at John Howell Park in Virginia-Highlands. Sample great food from area restaurants and enjoy live entertainment. $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Visit tasteofthehighlands.com.

G-CAPP FUNDRAISER
May 12 Join three generations of Fondas including Jane Fonda, Peter Fonda, Bridget Fonda and Troy Garity who will candidly discuss their film careers, their favorite scenes and the Fonda who started it all with Turner Classic Movie host Robert Osborne. Stars from Atlanta to Hollywood will join sponsors for a VIP pre-party, fabulous silent and live auctions and a tribute to Henry Fonda with a screening of one of his films. $1,500 per couple. Proceeds benefit Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (G-CAPP). 404/475-6046.

ATLANTA SYMPHONY ASSOCIATES SPRING LUNCHEON
May 13 Friends and members of this support group of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra are invited to Bloomingdale’s for an elegant luncheon with informal modeling of the latest designer fashions. Elizabeth Spiegel, chair. To receive an invitation call 404/351-0081.

2008 BEASTLY FEAST
May 17 6:30 PM. The grounds of Zoo Atlanta will again host this black-tie fundraiser for the zoo which aims to top the $1 million mark for the 11th year. Guests will enjoy a seated dinner, spectacular live and silent auctions, dancing and a car display by sponsor Ford Motor Company. Governor Sonny Perdue and his wife Mary, honorary co-chairs. Cecelia and David Ratcliffe, co-chairs. Call 404/624-5908.

“A TASTE OF BUCKHEAD BUSINESS”<br> May 21 5:30-9 PM. Many of Buckhead’s favorite dining establishments and businesses will fill the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Buckhead for this 4th annual free event. About 1,000 patrons are expected to attend. If you would like to be an exhibitor or sponsor, contact Sharon Silva at 404/467-7607.

WINE FESTIVAL/HIGHLANDS, NC<br> May 29, 30 Wine aficionados will enjoy this wine festival at Highlands Country Club. On Thurs., there will be an evening wine tasting with hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and raffle and an appearance by special guest Michael DeLoach. On Fri., there will be a lecture by DeLoach, a wine and champagne brunch and live auction. Call Donna Woods at the Bascom-Louise Gallery. 828/526-0207.
JUNE

MARCH OF DIMES DINING OUT
June 13 Enjoy a specially created dinner for your table of 10 guests at one of Atlanta’s top restaurants and kick off this unique fundraiser to benefit the lives of Georgia’s babies. At 9 PM, everyone will get together at Opera Nightclub on Crescent Ave. for coffee, dessert and dancing. Tables for 10, $1000 or $1500. 404/350-9800, ext. 208.

LOST OASIS June 14 8 PM-midnight. Guests are invited to “Tango on the Tundra” at this popular fundraiser for Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Held at Fernbank, the evening will feature live music by Limelight, cuisine from Proof of the Pudding, an open bar, silent auction and prizes. $100. All proceeds benefit BONES for Kids (Building on Experiences in Science). Kevin and Adrienne Maxim, honorary chairs. Sam and Ryan Dunlap and Tracey and Darren Moore, co-chairs. 402/929-6404.

THE MAGNOLIA BALL
June 14 Gala black-tie benefit for historic Bulloch Hall in Roswell at the Atlanta Country Club in Marietta with dinner, silent and live auctions, and dancing to the music of “The Grapevine.” Call 770/992-1731, ext. 230.

CHRIS KIDS PREMIERE PARTY
June 29 5-9 PM. A cocktail party at the Georgia Freight Depot benefiting homeless youth served by CHRIS Kids. $35. 404/564-3411.