Party Time: The Haute 5 Galas in Las Vegas

Get your tuxedo cleaned, pick out new frocks and open up your checkbooks. Gala season is about to arrive in Las Vegas. While many organizations hold events to raise funds for their causes, these events are on the lists of every socialite in town. Here’s a look at the Haute 5 galas in Las Vegas

Grand Slam for Children
Perhaps the biggest social event of the year takes place every October when the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education’s Grand Slam for Children comes to Wynn Las Vegas. The native of Las Vegas and tennis great Andre Agassi and his wife, who won more Grand Slams than Agassi, Stefanie Graf are always on hand. The night brings together music and comedy to raise funds for the organization. The year, the event takes place Oct. 9 with Elton John, Rob Thomas, Jason Mraz and the Canadian Tenors performing.

For tickets, visit the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education’s Web site.

Keep Memory Alive
The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health has its new Frank Gehry-designed building downtown and a star-studded gala to go with it. The Keep Memory Alive 14th annual Power of Love Gala last February reeled in $27 million and featured cuisine from Thomas Keller and Wolfgang Puck for the 1,000 guests and entertainment from none other than Barry Manilow. Brad Garrett, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Andre Agassi, Stefanie Graf, Leeza Gibbons and David Brenner all attended the event. Next year’s event takes place Feb. 26 and at the Bellagio.

For more information, visit the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health Web site.

Rock for the Cure
In November, socialites plan to attend Rock for the Cure, the Nevada Cancer Institute’s annual gala raking in 900 guests. Last year, celebrity entertainers supported the retro rock-themed event with entertainment provided by Jay Leno and Terry Fator. CNN’s Larry King even emceed the night. Brian Massie from the Light Group and Julian Serrano from Bellagio’s Picasso served up the fare. Mark your calendars for Nov. 11, when Rock for the Cure moves to Aria at CityCenter.

For more information, visit the Nevada Cancer Institute’s Web site.

Black & White Ball
Call this one the night for the ladies. The Nevada Ballet Theatre takes a night in January to honor legendary women who have made an impact on the performing arts. The annual fundraiser supports the state’s largest professional ballet company. Last year, Marie Osmond, who headlines on the Strip with brother Donnie, received the accolades. Former honorees have included Debbie Reynolds, Carol Channing, Celine Dion, Ann-Margret, Rita Rudner, Paula Abdul and Bette Midler. Mark your calendars for Jan. 29 when the ballet holds its next Black & White Ball at Aria at CityCenter.

For more information, visit the Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Web site.

Beaux Arts Ball
You might think of the Beaux Arts Ball as one coming out of left field, but this event has become an annual tradition on Halloween dating back more than 40 years. And in a town like Vegas, that’s a long time. The event kicked off as a private party for Las Vegas headliners to lose themselves in costumed fantasy and evolved into a party that benefit’s Golden Rainbow. Look for the casts of Strip shows to show off their talents while revelers don outrageous costumes, all benefiting the organization that provides housing and financial assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada. This year’s event takes place Oct. 31 at Studio 54 at the MGM Grand.

For more information, visit the Golden Rainbow Web site.