Some ways to give back (and have a blast!) in 2018
You can have fun while helping others.
A new year brings with it a new schedule of gala, fund-raiser and charity events in Dayton. While these events are a great opportunity to dress up, see and be seen, the best part is that these events benefit great causes.
Beginning as early as February, the Gem City will be alive with festive functions that dazzle attendees with eye-popping food and decor, music, and excellent opportunities to meet impactful people in the Dayton community.
Details are still emerging on a few of these events, so be sure to check the appropriate websites for updated information.
BREW HA-HA
Established in 2011, “Dayton’s old school beer festival” is an annual fundraiser for the Montessori School of Dayton. “Although each year has seen tremendous growth, we are committed to maintaining the event as a premier boutique beer tasting, where residents of our community can come to mingle, try regional and local beers, and learn more about the school and about craft beer,” according to Brew Ha-Ha’s event page.
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018 WHERE: Montessori School of Dayton, 2900 Acosta St., Kettering
TICKETS: $42 general admission, $52 for VIP
INFO: brewhahadayton.com
A MEMBER-ABLE EVENING OF WINE AND JAZZ
A ticket to this event not only comes with an evening of listening to live smooth jazz, wine samplings and mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres, but also one Glen Helen Association Membership. Glen Helen will be expanding their environmentally conscious community during this Memberable Evening.
WHEN: 6- 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3
WHERE: Glen Helen, 405 Corry St., Yellow Springs
INFO: www.glenhelen.org/ member-able-evening
2018 VALENTINES DANCE - DAYTON DANCING WITH THE STARS
Love will be in the air in the Nutter Center as guests dance the night away to benefit the Dayton Chapter of A Special Wish Foundation. The dance will feature “celebrity dancers” who will be paired with local community leaders as they go toeto-toe in a highly-anticipated dance competition.
WHEN: 7-11:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 WHERE: Wright State University Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Fairborn TICKETS: e.gesture.com INFO: aspecialwishdayton.org
THE LEGEND OF GEEK GALA 2018
In Dayton, Halloween isn’t the only chance to show off your most scandalous costume. Geek Gala is “Dayton’s hottest costume dance party for a cause.” The event, which will once again include video game consoles, arcade cabinets, pinball and even VR, is to benefit Dayton Children’s Hospital.
WHEN: 7 p.m.- 2 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17
WHERE: Blind Bob’s Bar, 430 E 5th St., Dayton
INFO: https://www.extralife.org/participant/The-Legend-of-Geek-Gala-2018
DAYTON HISTORY FIGHT NIGHT
Fight Night is the only opportunity to watch Dayton’s “VIPs” go toe-to-toe for three rounds in the same ring that legends Jack Dempsey and Muhammed Ali have once reigned. The actionpacked night of fighting, cocktails, food and live entertainment is to benefit Dayton History.
WHEN: 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24
WHERE: Dayton Memorial Hall, 125 E First St., Dayton
TICKETS: $15.00 INFO: www.daytonhistory.org
HOUSE OF BREAD EMPTY BOWLS
Empty Bowls is a fundraising event to raise dollars for the House of Bread to raise awareness of the reality of empty bowls for so many. Local restaurants donate soups and breads and attendees donate $25 and get to try different soups and take home a uniquely made bowl.
WHEN: 5 p.m. Thursday, March 1 WHERE: University of Dayton Center for Leadership, 1700 S. Patterson Blvd., Kettering TICKETS: $25 INFO: http://houseofbread.org
DAYTON ADULT PROM
Whether you were too cool for school to attend your own high school prom or you want one more chance at the prom queen tiara, this is your second chance. Each ticket includes two drink vouchers, a king and queen voting card, photo booth pictures, dessert bar and late night snacks. The dance is to benefit A Kid Again – Southwest Ohio Chapter.
WHEN: 8-11 p.m. Saturday, March 3
WHERE: The Deli at Webster Street & Top of the Market, 32 Webster St., Dayton TICKETS and INFO: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/dayton-adult-promtickets-40916600654
DOORS OF COMPASSION
This one-of-a-kind event begins with a delicious dinner prepared by one of the area’s elite chefs and served in one of 30 private residences throughout the Dayton area. After dinner, guests come together for a lively afterparty. There’s also a chance to win some serious cash during this evening to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton, as there’s a 1 in 750 chance to win $4,999.00.
WHEN: 6 p.m.- midnight, Saturday, March 3
WHERE: Mystery afterparty location will be revealed at dinner.
INFO: rmhcdayton.org
ARTEMIS CENTER MARDI GRAS ON BOURBON STREET GALA
A Mardi Gras celebration to benefit the Artemis Center, Dayton’s domestic violence resource agency. “Founded by a small group of women, often working without pay, Artemis was to provide services beyond the traditional housing and safety offered by shelters,” according to its website. More details of the event are coming soon. WHEN: March 10
WHERE: Sinclair Ponitz Center, Sinclair Community College.
INFO: artemiscenter.org
EUREKA: SIP, SAVOR, SCIENCE
This upscale, casual cocktail party was created in 2015 as an annual event by the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery’s Volunteer Association Board to support programs at the museum. The event takes guests into four exciting areas of the museum, each featuring special food and drink and a oneof-a-kind science experience.
WHEN: 7 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, March 10
WHERE: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 Deweese Pkwy., Dayton
INFO: boonshoftmuseum. org
WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY ARTSGALA
This is the 19th year for one of Dayton’s premier arts events. The ArtsGala at Wright State treats guests to a wealth of the university’s topnotch performances in art, music, theater, dance and motion pictures. Of course, fine dining is a must, along with a cigar and sports tent, bourbon and tequila tastings and much more.
WHEN: 6 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, March 24
WHERE: Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Performing Arts Center, Fairborn TICKETS: https://www. wright.edu/artsgala/tickets INFO: wright.edu/artsgala
DAYTON BOA & BOW TIE BALL
A unique cocktail party that is “the first of its kind in Dayton,” the Boa and Bow Tie Ball will feature entertainment, interactive food and spirits stations with “celebrity bartenders” and awards for the best dressed guests, said the previous year’s Bow Tie Ball coordinators. The Ball is hosted by JDRF Southwest Ohio Chapter. JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. WHEN: Friday, April 6 WHERE: Dayton Masonic Center, 525 W. Riverview Ave., Dayton
INFO: JDRF.org
WYSO SERIOUS
The third year for this “seriously funny” celebration, WYSO Radio is putting on another evening of comedy, hearty hors d’oeuvres, drinks and more to benefit WYSO 91.3FM. “The news can be pretty serious. So for one night, we won’t be,” said WYSO Radio on last year’s event page. WHEN: Saturday, April 7
WHERE: Memorial Hall, downtown Dayton
INFO: wyso.org
BOURBON & BUBBLES AT DAI
This event is the perfect opportunity to celebrate spring with an artsy cocktail party in the beautiful setting of The Dayton Art Institute’s Shaw Gothic Cloister and Great Hall. All proceeds will benefit the Dayton Art Institute. WHEN: 7-10 p.m. Friday,
April 20 WHERE: The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton TICKETS: $60 member tickets, $75 non-member tickets INFO: daytonartinsitute.
org
DAYTON VISUAL ARTS CENTER ART AUCTION
This year at the 24th Annual Art Auction, more than 100 works created by some of the region’s best and best-known local artists are up for sale at affordable prices. This “casual” gala offers great music, food, fun and art for everyone to support the mission of DVAC.
WHEN: 6:30- 9:30 p.m. Friday, April 27
WHERE: Ponitz Center, 444 West Third St., Dayton
COST: $50 member, $65 non-member, $75 at the door
INFO: www.daytonvisualarts.org
OPERA BALL 2018
Fittingly, the theme of this year’s Opera Ball is Singin’ in the Rain, as the evening will take place in the new Dayton Metro Main Library. The library’s central piece of art, Fractal Rain, will certainly create an enchanted ambiance for guests to make plenty of beautiful memories. Attendees will enjoy a culinary feast as the Bob Gray Orchestra returns with their “unbeatable dance sounds.”
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 28
WHERE: Dayton Metro Library, 215 E. Third St., Dayton INFO: operaguildofdayton.org
FLEURS DE FETE AT CARILLON PARK
The original “party in the park,” this is the event to shake off any leftover winter-blues you might have lingering come May. Guests are able to sample more than 400 wine tastings as well as delicious dishes from dozens of local restaurants.
WHEN: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, May 20 WHERE: Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton TICKETS: $70 in advanced, $75 at the door INFO: daytonhistory.org
DAYTON ART INSTITUTE ART BALL
Dayton’s premiere blacktie gala, the Art Ball is guaranteed to be an elegant evening with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and an exquisite dinner served right inside the galleries of the Art Institute. Live music, an open bar and more will follow dinner. WHEN: Saturday, June 9
WHERE: The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton
INFO: daytonartinstitute.
org
2018 DAYTON HEART BALL
More than 400 people are expected to attend this year’s Heart Ball as the region’s most influential people come together to celebrate the accomplishments of those who have made an extraordinary difference in the cardiovascular health and lives of those in our community.
WHEN: Saturday, March 24 WHERE: Sinclair Conference Center, 444 W. Third St., Dayton INFO: ahadayton.ejoinme. org
BOONSHOFT BASH 2018
The Boonshoft Museum wants you to join them for a night that will “light up your imagination.” The blacktie optional evening kicksoff on the red carpet before guests are led into a “glittering” experience of the museum while enjoying signature cocktails, delicious hors d’oeuvres, a seated dinner and a night of dancing away to the band This Side Up — a local favorite. WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 8 WHERE: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 DeWeese Pkwy., Dayton INFO: www.boonshoftmuseum.org
BIKE MS: DAYTON 2018
This one-day cycling fundraising event is perfect for bikers of all skill level, as multiple route options are available — all “well supported with fully-stocked rest stops every 10-15 miles, a great lunch stop and safety provided by medical personnel,” according to the event page. All funds raised for the event will benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society Ohio Valley Chapter. WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 9
WHERE: Eastwood MetroPark, 1385 Harshman Rd., Dayton
FUNDRAISING MINIMUM: $125
INFO: nationalmssociety.org
OKTOBERFEST AT THE DAYTON ART INSTITUTE
Oktoberfest is the DAI’s biggest fundraiser of the year — and for good reason. The two-day beer and food extravaganza boasts a variety of domestic and international craft beers, rare food finds, artisans from far and wide, two stages for Live music, kid-friendly art activities and much more. WHEN: Sept. 22 and 23
WHERE: The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton
INFO: daytonartinstitute.
org
DAYTON REGION’S WALK OF FAME LUNCHEON
Esteemed Dayton-area honorees are celebrated at this annual luncheon. “Since 1996, over 160 outstanding individuals and groups and their contributions to the Miami Valley have been memorialized at the September event and with granite stones on West Third Street in Dayton,” according to the Walk of Fame’s event page.
WHEN: September 2018; exact date to be announced
WHERE: Sinclair Conference Center, 444 W. Third St., Dayton
INFO: http://www.daytonwalkoffame.citymax.com
GLOGALA FOR EPILEPSY
Benefiting the Epilepsy Foundation Greater Dayton Region, this illuminated party has many opportunities to get involved. More information is to come about this event.
WHEN: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10
WHERE: The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton
INFO: https://www.ohioepilepsy.org/events/