Lady LUX

While many are already getting their pink ready in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October is a big month for many other charities as well. Discover unique events across the country that support everything from breast cancer research to walruses to our next great writer. Add one to your social calendar and enjoy a fun and feel-good event for a very worthy cause.

New York City

What: Meeting of Giants Benefit Gala
When: October 4
Reaching the height of swank, this event will be held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel with Alec Baldwin as Master of Ceremonies. It promises to be an elegant affair that also happens to support two great causes. The Norman Mailer Center is dedicated to supporting writers who fearlessly interrogate the world around them and challenge their reader’s perspective on the issues that matter. The Muhammad Ali Center, represented at the event by Ali himself, carries on his legacy and vision by providing award-winning exhibits, educational programming and global initiatives that seek to find the greatness within us.

What: Run for the Wild
When: October 6
As one of NYC’s favorite charity events, Run for the Wild is planning to go bigger and better in 2012. This year, the annual 5k will be held on October 6 at Brooklyn’s Coney Island to benefit the Wildlife Conservation Society’s and the New York Aquarium’s efforts to save the walrus. As this animal’s natural habitat is threatened by climate change and increased industrialization of the Arctic, the WCS has stepped up it’s efforts to research and advocate for these lovable creatures. All participants will receive a free commemorative WCS Run for the Wild t-shirt, two free rides at Luna Park and complimentary admission to the New York Aquarium. Even more exciting, the organization has added some seriously awesome fundraising incentives. Raise $750 and receive a big, wet kiss from a sea lion!

What: Bid Against Hunger
When: October 16
Sadly, hunger is a very real issue for many of our friends and neighbors across the country. Fortunately, City Harvest has a solution. By rescuing surplus food from restaurants, farmers’ markets, grocers and wholesalers around the city, the organization is able to deliver approximately 115,000 pounds of food each day to those in need. Support their amazing work on October 16 as they host the annual Bid Against Hunger at the Metropolitan Pavilion. Guests will bid on many lux prizes in both live and silent auctions while enjoying cuisine from over 70 of New York’s top restaurants.

What: Rita Hayworth Gala
When: October 23
Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that is now the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. The Rita Hayworth Gala, now in its 29th year, has raised over $56 million dollars for the Alzheimer’s Association that has helped make significant progress towards the elimination of this disease. This year, organizers expect over 700 guests to attend the Gala on October 23 in the iconic Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria hotel. Attendees will enjoy a cocktail reception, three-course dinner, auctions and live music while celebrating the individuals at the forefront of the fight to end Alzheimer’s.

Los Angeles

What: 2012 Designs for the Cure
When: October 13
Hosted by Lauren Conrad and attended by Hollywood’s elite, this event combines fashion and philanthropy for a very special “pink tie” evening to benefit the LA chapter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. On October 13, supporters from all over the city and beyond will enjoy exciting fashion that celebrates the beauty of cancer survivors and a fabulous silent auction featuring many unique items and experiences. The event will raise money to provide essential services to those battling the disease and further the organization’s vital research efforts.

What: Les Girls Cabaret
When: October 15
The National Breast Cancer Coalition invites you to the 12th Annual Les Girls Cabaret on October 15 to support their mission to end breast cancer by January 1, 2020. This event promises to keep it sexy with exciting cabaret performances and offers a cocktail hour, silent auction and many special guests. In years past, the likes of Felicity Huffman, Brooke Shields, Busy Philipps and many more have gotten in on the action. Don’t miss!

San Francisco

What: Walk for Farm Animals
When: October 13
Whether you are vegan, vegetarian or, like most of us, an all-out omnivore, everyone can agree that animals subjected to modern factory farming methods can use some help. Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, invites you to assist them in their mission to educate the public, fight for reform and provide rescue and refuge for animals in need. On October 13, San Francisco residents have the chance to come together and advocate for compassion, all while enjoying musical performances and some fall weather on the Bay.

Salt Lake City

What: Best Friends Super Adoption Weekend
When: October 5 – October 7
If you have been considering adding a furry friend to your family, here is the perfect opportunity. Join Best Friends Animal Society on October 5 – October 7 to meet hundreds of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens eager to find their forever homes! Last year, almost 400 animals went home and the organization hopes for a great turnout and even higher numbers in 2012. With a special adoption rate of $25 for cats and $75 for dogs, there is no excuse not to open your heart to a kitty or pup in need of some love. Best Friends invites animal-lovers far and wide to help them in their mission to achieve a time of no more homeless pets.

Chicago

What: “A Little Night Music” Gala
When: October 27
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are bowel diseases that affect the every day lives of thousands of Americans. The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America is dedicated to cure these conditions and improve the quality of life for the many adults and children affected. On October 27, CCFA invites all supporters to put on their best cocktail attire and start grooving at their third annual benefit gala. The event will directly support the organization’s research efforts, support programs and Camp Oasis, a summer camp devoted to enriching the lives of children struggling with these diseases.

Tagged in: charity, causes, philanthropy, breast cancer awareness, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness month, gala, susan g. komen for the cure, alec baldwin, crohn’s and colitis foundation of america, wildlife conservation society, lauren conrad, best friends animal society, farm sanctuary, city harvest, walrus, run for the wild, alzheimer's, alzheimer's association,