Every April a tidal wave of pale pink overtakes Prospect Heights, attracting visitors (a record 37,000 one day last year) from across the five boroughs and beyond to the 52-acre Brooklyn Botanic Garden. This year, the month-long Hanami celebration culminates with the Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival on April 28 and 29. “Hanami is derived from a tradition practiced in Japan for centuries,” says director of public programs Anita Jacobs. “Hanami is all about observing and appreciating each moment of the cherry blossom season, from the first buds to the burst of blossoms to the carpet formed by hundreds of thousands of petals falling to the ground.”

The BBG’s more than 200 cherry trees in more than 40 different varieties are one of the world’s most diverse collections outside Japan. “Seventy-six of our specimens are the glorious, bright pink, upright Prunus Kanzan, which form two allées on the Cherry Esplanade,” says Jacobs. During the Sakura Matsuri—which literally translates to cherry blossom festival—visitors can also learn origami, watch bonsai demonstrations, participate in traditional tea ceremonies, or dance along to taiko drumming.

Next month, the BBG will also debut a new 20,000-square-foot visitors’ center designed by New York-based firm Weiss/Manfredi. Located at the garden’s Washington Avenue entrance, the sinuous glass structure will include a leafshaped event space, 10,000-square-foot living roof, interpretive exhibits, and more. 900 Washington Ave., Brooklyn, 718-623-7200

PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA BULLENE

Share Our Strength
What: Chefs from New York City’s premier restaurants including A Voce’s Missy Robbins and Landmarc’s Marc Murphy join host chefs at The Four Seasons in preparing the No Kid Hungry campaign benefit dinner. The national movement hopes to end childhood hunger in America by 2015.
When: Wednesday, April 4
Where: The Four Seasons, 99 East 52nd Street
Contact: strength.org

Food Bank for New York City
What: This year’s star-studded Can-Do Awards dinner honors Barilla, Liz Krueger, and The River Fund alongside special guests Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick; master of ceremonies Stanley Tucci; and chairs Mario Batali, Susan Cahn, Nancy and Jimmy Fallon, Jon Stewart, and Michael Stipe.
When: Tuesday, April 17
Where: Cipriani, 55 Wall Street
Contact: foodbanknyc.org

City Harvest
What: An Evening of Practical Magic celebrates the individuals and organizations that are dedicated to helping hungry New Yorkers, and specifically honors Union Square Hospitality Group this year. Last year, the annual event raised $1.5 million for the organization.
When: Tuesday, April 24
Where: Cipriani, 110 East 42nd Street
Contact: cityharvest.org

National Dance Institute
What: Board member and Conair heir Babe Rizzuto joins honorary chair Alec Baldwin in supporting the National Dance Institute at its 35th anniversary gala. The affair raises money to sponsor arts programs for public schools.
When: Thursday, May 3
Where: Best Buy Theater, 1515 Broadway

Operation Smile
What: The New York City Smile Event, now in its 10th year, has raised more than $1 million annually for Operation Smile. The dinner dance honors founding chairs including Vanessa and Donald Trump Jr, Lacey Tisch, and Christian and Gillian Hearst Simonds.
When: Thursday, May 3
Where: Cipriani, 55 Wall Street
Contact: operationsmile.org

Conservation International
What: This year marks the 25th anniversary of the environmental organization and the 15th anniversary of its annual New York Gala. Henry Arnhold will be honored for his outstanding contributions.
When: Wednesday, May 30
Where: Pierre Hotel, 2 East 61st Street
Contact: conservation.org

PHOTOGRAPHY BY  LEANDRO JUSTEN/PATRICKMCMULLAN.COM (SHARE OUR STRENGTH); CLINT SPAULDING/PATRICKMCMULLAN.COM (CITY HARVEST)

Seeds of Peace
What: Throughout its seven-year existence, the Peace Market has raised $2.5 million for Seeds of Peace. Guests join chairs Matt Jung and Grishma Parekh for music and a live auction in an exotic marketplace setting.
When: Thursday, March 1
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St.

New York Junior League
What: This year’s Winter Ball transports guests across the world with “Moonlight in Marrakesh.” The annual benefit’s silent auctions, cocktails, and dinner light up the night at The Pierre.
When: Saturday, March 3
Where: The Pierre, 2 E. 61st St.
Contact: nyjl.org

The School of American Ballet
What: Diana DiMenna, Julia Koch, and Betsy Pitts chair the annual Winter Ball, featuring a special performance by the advanced students. Proceeds from the fête support the historic academy’s scholarships, student programming, and facilities.
When: Monday, March 5
Where: David H. Koch Theater, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza
Contact: sab.org

American Museum of Natural History
What: Enjoy a festive evening in anticipation of the museum’s upcoming “Creatures of Light” exhibit at the annual Museum Dance. The event benefits the AMNH’s scientific and educational programs.
When: Thursday, March 8
Where: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St.

Citymeals-on-Wheels
What: Join chef Daniel Boulud in celebrating his birthday with wine chair Daniel Johnnes and 150 other guests at a casual dinner. A silent auction featuring rare wines, among other items, precedes the meal and benefits Citymeals-on-Wheels.
When: Sunday, March 25
Where: Daniel, 60 E. 65th St.

Wine & Wishes
What: The ninth annual Make-a-Wish Foundation fundraiser, hosted by WCBS’s Chris Wragge and The Charmer Sunbelt Group, supports the charity’s Metro New York and Western New York chapters. The tasting boasts wines from nearly 40 vineyards and fare from approximately 20 of Manhattan’s top restaurants. Since its inaugural year, Wine & Wishes has raised nearly $4 million.
When: Wednesday, March 28
Where: Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers, W. 23rd St. at the Hudson River

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL PRIEST (WINE)

InterSchool Orchestras of New York
What: Carnegie Hall InterSchool Orchestras of New York celebrates its 40th anniversary with a gala benefit concert. The ISO Symphony and Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson, principal flutist of the Metropolitan Opera, will perform the premiere of Lowell Liebermann’s “Air for Flute and Orchestra.”
When: Thursday, February 2
Where: Stern Auditorium, Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall, 881 Seventh Avenue
Contact: isorch.org

The Drama League
What: Honoring Broadway legend Kristin Chenoweth, the 28th annual Drama League Benefit Gala will include a musical spectacular featuring songs from Chenoweth’s greatest Broadway hits. The evening benefits the organization’s educational initiatives.
When: Monday, February 6
Where: The Pierre Hotel, 2 E. 61st Street
Contact: dramaleague.org

Metropolitan Museum of Art
What: This year’s annual family benefit is themed “Gods & Goddesses: An Evening of Myth & Mystery at the Met.” With fun demonstrations, activities, and dancing, it’s a great event for children, too.
When: Monday, February 6
Where: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue
Contact: metmuseum.org

City Harvest
What: For the first time, City Harvest brings Mardi Gras to Manhattan with “The Big Easy in the Big Apple” soirée. Southernstyle fare from restaurants such as Gravy and The Little Owl and live music energize the celebration, which supports City Harvest in its fight to help feed the hungry.
When: Tuesday, February 7
Where: Apella, Alexandria Center, 450 E. 29th Street
Contact: cityharvest.org

The American Foundation for AIDS Research
What: Last year’s annual New York black-tie gala raised more than $1.5 million for AI DS research and featured special performances by Elton John, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, and Stevie Wonder.
When: Wednesday, February 8
Where: Cipriani, 55 Wall Street
Contact: amfar.org

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
What: Cycle for Survival launched just five years ago and has raised more than $9 million to fund MSKC ’s clinical trials and research studies. Held in six cities across the nation, teams of up to eight riders register a bike for the four-hour ride.
When: February 11–12
Where: Equinox Graybar, 420 Lexington Avenue Contact: cycleforsurvival.com

	Julie Andrews will receive the Prince Rainier II Award at the Princess Grace Foundation Awards Gala.

Princess Grace Foundation
What: Princess Grace Awards Gala. Supporters of emerging artists in theatre, film, and dance gather in the presence of TSH The Prince and Princess of Monaco and watch as Julie Andrews receives the Prince Rainier II Award for her outstanding career and philanthropic endeavors.
When: Tuesday, November 1
Where: Cipriani 42nd Street
Contact: pgfusa.org

New York Landmarks Conservancy
What: Dame Angela Lansbury and Regis Philbin are among those being honored for their contributions to the city at the Living Landmarks Celebration, while former Mayor David Dinkins receives the Lew Rudin Living Landmark Award for Public Service.
When: Wednesday, November 2
Where: The Plaza Hotel, Central Park South
Contact: nylandmarks.org

Silver Hill Hospital
What: Carrie Fisher— author, screenwriter, award-winning actress, and former patient of Silver Hill—will be honored for her advocacy to address mental illness at this black-tie gala. The hospital treats its patients for psychiatric and addictive disorders in a nurturing, uplifting environment.
When: Thursday, November 3
Where: Cipriani 42nd Street
Contact: silverhillhospital.org

New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
What: The nonprofit, which helps vulnerable children throughout the city recover from the trauma of abuse and provides other protective services, will honor New York Knicks’ assistant manager Allan Houston and his wife, Tamara, with the Strength of our Society Award.
When: Thursday, November 10
Where: The Plaza Hotel, Grand Ballroom
Contact: nyspcc.org

Guggenheim Museum
What: Guggenheim International Gala. Guests will gather to fête Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan. Proceeds will benefit the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, the preeminent institution for the collection, preservation, and research of modern and contemporary art.
When: Thursday, November 10
Where: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Avenue
Contact: nyspcc.org

French Heritage Society
What: The French Heritage Society celebrates 29 years of French-American friendship with its Gala Dinner Dance and honors the Château de Fontainebleau, the legendary palace outside of Paris where the society will hold its 30th anniversary and whose history includes the reigns of several monarchs and two emperors.
When: Wednesday, November 16
Where: Metropolitan Club, 1 E. 60th Street
Contact: frenchheritagesociety.org

The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Associates Committee
What: The Fall Party, a glittering event, benefits the Pediatric Family Housing Endowment, which pays for overnight stays at nearby accommodations when children and their families come from out of town for treatment and are unable to afford the expense.
When: Wednesday, November 16
Where: The Four Seasons Restaurant, 99 E. 52nd Street
Contact: mskcc.org

Sandra Lee and Lee Brian Schrager at the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival 

Food Bank for New York City
What: Hosted by and benefiting the Food Bank for New York City and Share Our Strength, the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival brings together legendary culinary icons from around the globe, as well as America’s most beloved television chefs, to fight hunger in the five boroughs.
When: September 29–October 2
Where: Locations throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn
Contact: nycwineandfoodfestival.com

New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center
What: Cabaret 2011. Proceeds will support the ongoing work of the medical center in patient care, research and medical education; a special performance by Tony-nominated singer Kelli O’Hara completes the night.
When: Wednesday, October 12
Where: Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Avenue
Contact: nyp.org

American Museum of Natural History
What: The 18th annual Family Party, one of the museum’s best-loved traditions, features educational activities and entertainment by Laughing Pizza. Proceeds from the evening help support the Museum’s programming.
When: Tuesday, October 18
Where: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street
Contact: amnh.org

God’s Love We Deliver
What: The Golden Heart Awards Celebration pays tribute to those who support this charity in its work to home-deliver nutritious meals to people who are too sick to shop or cook for themselves. Carolina Herrera will be honored at this year’s celebration.
When:Wednesday, October 19
Where: Skylight Soho, 275 Hudson St.
Contact: glwd.org

Alzheimer’s Association
What: Rita Hayworth Gala. With the continued support of donors, the association works toward a world without Alzheimer’s, funding research that will lead to earlier identification of this fatal disease and therapies that will one day slow or stop its progression. Named in honor of Rita Hayworth, who died as a result of the disease, the evening includes a cocktail reception, three-course dinner, live entertainment and more.
When: Tuesday, October 25
Where: The Waldorf-Astoria, Grand Ballroom, 301 Park Ave.
Contact: alz.org

Whitney Museum of American Art
What: Whitney Gala and Studio Party. Celebrate the museum’s history and future with studio cochairs Georgina Chapman, Amanda Hearst, Miranda Kerr and Naomi Watts, along with heavyweights from the art, fashion, media, business and corporate communities who support the museum’s mission of championing emerging voices and artistic innovation.
When: Tuesday, October 26
Where: Hudson River Park, Pier 57
Contact: whitney.org

Executive director Jilly Stephens

City Harvest
What: The Brooklyn Local
When: Saturday, September 17
Where: Tobacco Warehouse, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sample the best bites Brooklyn has to offer and help City Harvest in its quest to feed hungry New Yorkers. cityharvest.org

American Cancer Society
What: Follies
When: Wednesday, September 21
Where: Marquis Theatre, 1535 Broadway
The Kennedy Center’s lavish new staging of James Goldman and Stephen Sondheim’s musical masterpiece, complete with a 28-piece orchestra, is the highlight of the Fall Theatre Benefit. cancer.org

Just Food
What: Let Us Eat Local
When: Wednesday, September 21
Where: The Altman Building, 135 West 18th Street
Chefs from top NYC restaurants use locally grown produce for a night of sampling and sharing. justfood.org

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
What: The Sweet Life Kitchen
When: Wednesday, September 21
Where: Mondrian Soho Penthouse, Terrace, 9 Crosby Street
Enjoy an intimate, interactive four-course dinner with wine pairings hosted by celebrity chef Sam Talbot, and help JDRF in its mission to cure diabetes. jdrf.org

Dress For Success
What: Making Change: Women in Business
When: Thursday, September 22
Where: New York Stock Exchange, 11 Wall Street
A breakfast celebrating the power players who help women climb the professional ladder by offering inspiration, guidance and opportunities. dressforsuccess.org

American Theatre Wing 
What: Annual Gala
When: Monday, September 26
Where: Plaza Hotel, Central Park South
Kick off the fall theater season with some of the biggest names on Broadway while toasting Sir Howard Stringer for his unwavering commitment and dedication to the arts. americantheatrewing.org

National Osteoporosis Foundation 
What: A Gift from Mothers to Daughters
When: Monday, September 26
Where: The Pierre, Fifth Avenue at 61st Street
Build healthy bones for life at this fundraising afternoon that includes a silent auction and Judith Ripka shopping boutique. nof.org

One of the cutest combinations of the summer has arrived:Saturday Gelato Fever hosted by Jussara Lee and Popbar. Pair a little summer shopping with some summer noshing at Lee’s Meatpacking District shop, where the brand’s summer line of basic knits and fresh cottons will go for half-off and Popbar will be distributing delicious gelato on a stick. We adore Lee’s chic men’s Bermuda shorts and women’s reversible knit dresses and we’re always up for gelato (on a stick or otherwise) so this one’s a no-brainer. Saturdays only, August 13 to August 27 (NOON–6 PM). Jussara Lee Boutique, 11 Little West 12th St., 212-242-4128

Exhale Spa at Hotel Gansevoort in the Meatpacking District is offering an exclusive Renewal Day Package ($299), allowing guests to soak up the sun on the rooftop terrace and enjoy a luxe personalized spa treatment. The pampering treatment package is available in the spa or in one of the hotel's private rooftop cabanas and includes a 30-minute massage, 30-minute facial, manicure/pedicure and a poolside cocktail. Serenity-seeking New Yorkers have until September 30 to take advantage of the package. Exhale Spa, 18 9th Ave, 212-660-6733

On August 4, Great Performances and City Winery will host a splendid summer supper ($125, per person) featuring farm-to-table cuisine, made with organic produce sourced from Katchkie Farm and local wine, cheese, meats and fish, in an elegant Tribeca courtyard setting. Menu highlights include a barrage of Hudson Valley duck (roast duck, duck sausage, duck terrine, duck confit), Cayuga Farms' stuffed peppers, heirloom tomato and zucchini ratatouille, shaved fennel and artichoke salad and family-style toasts smeared with local shell bean hummus, parsley pesto and more. Proceeds will benefit the The Sylvia Center. (6 PM) 155 Varick St.; citywinery.com/events/167308