LOPEZ FOUNDATION
Who: Cofounded by comedian and kidney-transplant-recipient George Lopez, the Lopez Foundation raises awareness about kidney disease and organ donation, and helps underprivileged children, adults, and military families in areas of education and health.
What: May 7 marks The Fifth Annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic, giving supporters the opportunity to tee off with Lopez and his celebrity friends.
Where: Lakeside Golf Club, 4500 Lakeside Dr., Burbank
Website: georgelopez.com/lopez-foundation

ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY FOUNDATION
Who: Established in 1994, the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women has become one of the largest 5K fundraisers for women's cancer research in the nation.
What: The annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women on May 12 includes a health expo and raises awareness and funds for the cause. Supporters—who last year included Halle Berry and Alyson Hannigan—can register up until the morning of the event.
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, 3933 S. Figueroa St., LA
Website: revlonrunwalk.org

YWCA GREATER LOS ANGELES
Who: For more than a century, the YWCA (the LA chapter was founded in 1984) has worked to eliminate racism and empower women by providing sustainable resources for some 100,000 women and their families.
What: The 10th Annual YWCA Phenomenal Woman Awards Luncheon takes place May 16 and recognizes impactful female employees in the LA business community.
Where: Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza, 251 S. Olive St., LA
Website: ywcagla.org

NANCY DAVIS FOUNDATION FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Who: After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1993, Nancy Davis founded this LA nonprofit focused on treating and finding a cure for MS.
What: The celeb-favorite 19th Annual Race to Erase MS gala May 18—which last year drew Cindy Crawford and Paris Hilton—includes a silent auction, dinner, and live entertainment.
Where: Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, 2025 Ave. of the Stars, LA
Website: erasems.org

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN TO/GETTY IMAGES (LOPEZ); JEMAL COUNTESS/GETTY IMAGES (BERRY); GREGG DEGUIRE/GETTY IMAGES (DAVIS)

BREATHE LA
Who: Breathe LA works to improve Angelenos’ lung health and our city’s air quality. Known originally as the Los Angeles Society for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis, the organization promotes research, education, and technology to create cleaner air in LA.
What: On March 8, the second annual fashion show, Attire to Inspire, showcases the designs of Yotam Solomon and the label Moods of Norway and boasts a pre-show cocktail party, VIP lounge, and post-show dance party.
Where: The Conga Room, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., LA
Website: breathela.org

CURESEARCH FOR CHILDREN’S CANCER
Who: This nonprofit raises funds and support for children’s cancer research conducted at more than 175 hospitals across the country in an effort to reach a 100 percent survival rate. CureSearch also acts as manager of the operational center of the Children’s Oncology Group, the world’s largest cooperative research center.
What: Support the organization’s efforts March 11 at the family-friendly CureSearch Walk for Children’s Cancer, which honors children affected by cancer and raises funds for cancer research with activities, music, prizes, and food.
Where: Exposition Park, 700 Exposition Park Dr., LA
Website: curesearchwalk.org; curesearch.org

SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Who: Founded in 1982, Susan G. Komen for the Cure is an organization started by Komen’s sister, who was moved to action by Susan’s brave battle with breast cancer, during which she worked to improve the lives of other women suffering from the disease. The LA County affiliate has raised $8.9 million for the cause over its 16 years.
What: On March 24, meet fellow runners at Dodger Stadium to run or walk the annual 5k Race for the Cure, which raises funds for breast-cancer research. Celebs including Vanessa Williams and Sara Ramirez participated in last year’s event.
Where: Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., LA
Website: komenlacounty.org

THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
Who: The Humane Society has worked in support of animal rights 
for more than half a century. 
Backed by some 11 million 
American members, it promotes education and programs that
address animal cruelty.
What: Celebrate with The 
Humane Society at The 26th Genesis Awards March 24. Dancing with the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba hosts the event, which pays tribute to
major players in news and entertainment media who have generated awareness of animal-protection issues. The evening includes dinner and an awards presentation.
Where: The Beverly Hilton, 
9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills
Website: humanesociety.org

	The Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center 40th Anniversary Gala & Auction honors Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka

Lupus L.A.
What: More than 600 women are expected at the ninth annual Lupus LA Hollywood Bag Ladies Luncheon for a fashion show and silent auction of designer handbags to support those suffering from lupus.
Where: Beverly Wilshire Beverly Hills, A Four Seasons Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills
When: Friday, November 4
Tickets: lupusla.org

Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation 
What: SoHo Project hosts Masquerade: Unmasking the Face of Lung Cancer, a Parisianthemed evening raising money for the fight against lung cancer, with entertainment by Jared Lee and food by Gordon Ramsay.
Where: The London West Hollywood, 1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood
When: Saturday, November 12
Tickets: sohoproject.com

Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center 
What: The 40th Anniversary Gala & Auction honors Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka with a silent auction, dinner, and live entertainment.
Where: The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, 404 S. Figueroa St., LA
When: Saturday, November 12
Tickets: lagaycenter.org

Hamilton watches president Matthias Breschan, director Eli Roth, editor Sally Menke and actor Christoph Walz backstage at the 2009 Hamilton Behind the Camera Awards

The swagger in Jon Hamm's portrayal of the dashing, and sometimes devastating, ad man Don Draper would not be the same without the wardrobe stylings of Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant. On November 6, at L.A.'s Conga Room, the 5th Annual Hamilton Behind the Camera Awards will honor Bryant and nine of her behind the camera colleagues from the worlds of film and television. Old Spice frontman and viral sensation Isaiah Mustafa will emcee the awards (which will be cohosted by Los Angeles Confidential), during which actors and industry titans, including Jon Hamm, Harrison Ford, Michael Bay, Antonio Banderas, Jon Favreau and JJ Abrams, will present awards to this year's honorees. 

2011 Hamilton Behind the Camera Awards Honorees

Director: Chris Weitz, A Better Life

Producer: Agustin Almodovar, The Skin I Live In

Screenwriter: Yasmina Reza, Carnage

Production Designer: Mark Ricker, The Help

Cinematographer: Emmanuel Lubezki, The Tree of Life

Film Editors: Maryann Brandon and Mary Jo Markey, Super 8

Costume Designer: Janie Bryant, Mad Men

Property Master: Russell Bobbitt, Cowboys & Aliens

Visual Effects Supervisor: Scott Farrar, Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Stunt Choreographer: Vic Armstrong, Lifetime Achievement Award

Jamie Lee Curtis at Dream Halloween

LA’S BEST
What: LA’s BEST after-school enrichment program hosts UnWINEd, an annual wine tasting and silent auction.
Where: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica
When: Friday, October 14
Tickets: lasbest.org

COACHART
What: The organization that gives free lessons in arts and athletics to children and adolescents with chronic and life-threatening illnesses and their siblings hosts its 7th Annual Champion Ball Awards Dinner.
Where: The Beverly Hilton, 9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills
When: Thursday, October 20
Tickets: coachart.org

Susan G. Komen for The Cure LA County
What: The first annual pink-tie Designs for the Cure gala, hosted by fashion designer David Meister, benefits the breast cancer charity and includes a cocktail reception, dinner and silent and live auctions.
Where: Bel-Air Bay Club, 16801 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades
When: Friday, October 28
Tickets: lacounty.info-komen.org

Children Affected by AIDS Foundation
What: The 18th Annual Dream Halloween carnival raises funds for CAAF’s educational, recreational and other programs for children and families impacted by HIV/AIDS.
Where: Barker Hangar, 3021 Airport Ave., Santa Monica
When: Saturday, October 29
Tickets: dreamhalloween.org/la

The Fiat 500

Sit back, relax and catch a movie in the comfort of the new 2012 Fiat 500. The Italian automaker presents a fleet of the newly launched vehicles, along with a few classic films, to Santa Monica with its Simply More campaign. The weekend long Fiat fest begins in the afternoons (September 3–5; 2–8 PM) with local bands performing, bocce ball competitions and a Fiat food truck boasting Italian treats like espresso and gelato. Moviegoers can also feel the speed—and comfort—of the 2012 Fiat 500 with test drives offered throughout the day. As the sun goes down, move into any one of the fifty parked Fiat 500s (in all 14 colors) and catch a double feature of classic films and their remake (think Ocean’s Eleven, Romeo & Juliet and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). Santa Monica Pier; fiat.com

The White Buffalo’s gravelly voice and heart-wrenching lyrics have long attracted an avid and devoted crowd of fans to the oft-touring singer/songwriter’s shows. The SoCal-based White Buff recently released a new EP, Prepare for Black & Blue, showcasing his trademark grit and whiskey-tinged vocals with a mix of ballads and booze-fueled tunes captured in an intimate soundscape. We asked The White Buffalo a few questions.

What was your intention with Prepare for Black & Blue?
I wanted this EP to be spare, stripped down—something honest. It’s mostly guitar and vocals with minor arrangements. I didn’t want to complicate the songs.

How much of your lyrics come from personal experiences?
Some are purely biographical, others are bent versions of the truth, and some are complete fiction/fantasy. They are all meant to draw some kind of emotion or take the listener on a journey, whether it’s a love song or a desperate murder ballad.

What’s the best and worst thing about being on the road?
I tour by myself a lot—no tour manager, guitar techs, drivers, etc. I do it all, so it can be pretty grueling at times. But having a family as I do makes it insanely difficult to be away—that’s really the hardest thing.

If you could sing a duet with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Oohh, nice one. Did I say Luther Vandross out loud? Elvis, maybe?

In three words, sum up The White Buffalo’s music.
How about just one? Magical. [laughs]

On April 26, join hosts Brian Werdesheim and Sandy Climan for the Fulfillment Fund’s Sponsor Reception at a private residence at the Montage Beverly Hills. The Fulfillment Fund—which helps low-income students get through high school and into college—began as a nonprofit in 1977, supporting children with disabilities. It’s mission since has grown, and it’s end results are inspiring. 225 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, 323-900-8761; kroberts@fulfillment.org

Fans of designer Jude Steele’s JudeFrances collection will be in heaven May 1 at Traditional Jewelers in Newport Beach. A special viewing of the stunning pieces—golds, precious stones and diamonds combined into exquisite looks—includes Steele herself, as well as cocktails and hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Meyerhof’s and Cuisine M. The day of jewels will benefit CASA of Orange County. 203 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, 949-721-9010

As we witness the current disaster in the Gulf unfold, it’s reassuring to know that there is still hope for our waters and beaches thanks to the efforts of Tanna Frederick, founder of Project Save Our Surf, and a group of surfers who decided to take action. From the beginning, both Project SOS and Project Save Our Surf: SURF 24, an event that Frederick calls “a hybrid of competitive surfing and a huge ocean-celebration day of appreciation and awareness,” have only grown in size, support, energy and impact. Frederick, joined by world champion surfers PT Townend and Shaun Tomson, have created “the Le Mans of Surfing,” as they dub it, along with the perfect Hollywood-esque atmosphere: surfers in the water every hour, six bands, an eco-village and an impressive guestlist of filmmakers, artists and celebrities. Over the past three years, SURF 24 has quadrupled in size and raised more than $200,000 for the oceans. This year, the event will benefit Surfrider Foundation, which works on an international level; local organization Heal the Bay; and Inside the Outdoors, a non-profit that looks ahead to future generations.

Project SOS and Project Save Our Surf: SURF 24 combine environmental awareness with great entertainment in a compelling blend. Activities scheduled to grab the community’s attention include an outdoor screening of North Shore, a patio for camping out, sunrise yoga, a beach cleanup and petitions to sign calling for action regarding the Gulf… as Tanna Frederick puts it, “there isn’t going to be one minute that is not completely exciting.” 11 AM Saturday, June 19, to noon, June 20; Southside Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington Beach; 424-781-0865