Lady LUX

Though the holidays are winding down, the New Year brings lots of exciting charitable events to cities across the country. Kick off 2013 on a high note by attending one of these philanthropic events in your city.

San Diego

Hotel Del’s Skating by the Sea ~ Jan 1-5

San Diegans will not want to miss the chance to enjoy this unique experience. Celebrating its 8th anniversary this year, the beautiful Hotel Del Coronado has transformed its oceanfront Windsor Lawn into a festive ice-skating rink complete with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Skating is available from 2pm-5pm and 6pm-9pm daily, with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego.

Phoenix
Graffiti Run ~ Jan 6

Promising to be “the most colorful day of your life,” the Graffiti Run delivers a fun, active way to help a worthy cause. This 5k run is designed to be accessible to all ages and fitness levels; just don’t forget to wear white! As you run, skip or dance your way through the course, you will be doused in all the colors of the rainbow to become a “beautiful, jogging piece of art.” A portion of proceeds benefit the Special Olympics of Arizona, which supports over 190 athletes and inspires communities throughout the state.

Miami
An Affair of the Arts Performance and Gala Benefit ~ Jan 12

Support the next generation of emerging artists by attending this glam gala event. YoungArts makes a critical difference in the lives of young artists by providing a foundation of support for diverse programs, scholarships and exposure to master teachers across every discipline. The Gala will consist of a special performance by YoungArts alumni followed by dinner and dancing. An awards ceremony will honor Adrian Grenier, Joshua Bell and Debbie Allen for their artistic achievement and contributions to this cause.

Pawpurrazzi ~ Jan 25

Pet-lovers of Miami will be flocking to this beloved event benefiting the Humane Society of Greater Miami. Now in its 6th year, Pawpurrazzi invites their human and canine friends for great food, live musical performances, a silent auction and special activities. Four-legged guests will enjoy makeovers and their own gourmet buffet and dessert bars. Celebrate this non-profit’s 75th anniversary, meet like-minded people and enjoy some Q.T. with your best furry friend at this special event.

San Francisco
VS85 ~ Jan 17

This event honors the life and legacy of the legendary hairstylist Vidal Sassoon on what would have been his 85th birthday. Attendees will enjoy food, drinks, live performances and a runway show of models wearing wigs of Vidal’s greatest hairstyles. Get some inspiration for your locks and support Project Open Hand, a nonprofit that has been delivering meals to people living with HIV/AIDS and other serious illnesses as well as seniors since 1985.

Los Angeles
Venice Beach Clean-up ~ Jan 19

Venice Beach is an iconic section of LA enjoyed by both locals and tourists throughout the year. In 2013, pitch in at the Nothin’ But Sand Beach Cleanup to keep the beach beautiful for all. The cleanup starts at 10am and will be a great way to get involved in your community.

New York City
Match and Mixer ~ Jan 20

Here’s something different! Check out StreetSquash’s 4th Annual Match & Mixer to enjoy a cocktail party in Grand Central Station’s beautiful Vanderbilt Hall while taking in three world-class professional squash matches. Even those of us who have never held a squash racket will savor the opportunity to mingle with young NYC professionals, bid on fabulous silent auction items, and support summer scholarships for StreetSquash students. This program provides summer opportunities to over 100 Harlem public school students each year, including sleep-away camps and pre-college programs.

Brave is Beautiful ~ Jan 17

The Somaly Mam Foundation invites you to a special event to benefit their efforts to fight human trafficking and support victims of modern-day slavery. Mam is a human rights activist, survivor of sex slavery and widely recognized leader of this movement. She will be speaking at the event that will also feature live music, an art installation by Andrew Sotomayer and a silent auction. This is a great opportunity to support this important cause.

Party in the Park – Jan 31

New Yorkers, head to Celsius in Bryant Park to enjoy a beautiful winter scene as you enjoy cocktails, light bites, entertainment and raffle and auction items in support of the Lustgarten Foundation. The Foundation supports pancreatic cancer research and is currently planning clinical trials in early detection, therapies and immunotherapy. Support this vital work as you view the ice skaters outside and party the night away inside.

NDDS Gala and Auction ~ Jan 31

Another solid option on the 31st is the National Down Syndrome Society’s annual gala and auction at Cipriani 42nd St. Featuring many fabulous items, this event will celebrate the non-profit’s mission to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and acknowledge those who support it. Savanna Guthrie, co-anchor of TODAY, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Uncasville, CT

Sun WineFest ~ Jan 25-27

The Sun WineFest at Mohegan Sun is only a two and a half hour drive from New York City, and it will be worth the trip for all serious foodies and winos. The weekend features a tempting lineup of events including Bourbon Tasting; the Grape Stomp presented by Ciroc; Bubbles and Bon Bons featuring desserts by world-class pastry chefs and bubbly by Moet & Chandon; and, of course, the Grand Tasting featuring beer, wine, premium spirits and delectable dishes from over 1,000 brands. Celebrity chefs including Bobby Flay, Todd English, Mary Ann Esposito and many more will be on hand to share their food and wisdom. Even more, a portion of proceeds benefit Channel 3 Kids Camp, which provides an unmatched camping experience for children regardless of their ability to pay, and the University of Connecticut Foundation.

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