Opportunities to step out in style while stepping up to support special causes are being offered over the next few months by a number of local organizations.

One of the premier annual events coming up is Denim & Diamonds, an elegant evening at Springfield's Crowne Plaza, with proceeds benefiting the Simmons Cancer Institute.

"My involvement with Denim & Diamonds has spanned a decade," says Erin Sabath, chairman. "Each year, I find more reasons to continue serving on the committee. The doctors and researchers at Simmons Cancer Institute are doing lifesaving work, and we as a community must support their efforts. The monies raised through Denim & Diamonds - over $1 million to date - stay right here in Springfield, helping our friends and families - maybe even ourselves."

This marks the 80th year for another one of Springfield's leading events: the Beaux Arts Ball, sponsored by the Springfield Art Association. Executive director Betsy Dollar stresses that while this is definitely a "fancy event," it is very much a family event as well. "This ball is our way of recognizing families who have supported the art association over the years by donating their time and energy," she says.

The Beaux Arts Ball also is the art association's major fundraiser of the year. "We raise about a quarter of our operating budget for the year through this event," Dollar says. "This is critical to keeping the programs of the art association running."

The latest fashions from Springfield boutiques will be showcased at the annual luncheon and style show sponsored by King's Daughters to support its charitable efforts among elderly members of the community. Since 2006, this organization has awarded grants totaling $355,000, according to Sue Shevlin, president.

"This is our primary fundraiser," she says. "The more money we make, the more we can give away in May."

Art Spectacular: Juried Fine Art Fair

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, rain or shine
Where: Rees Carillon, Washington Park at Chatham Road and Fayette Avenue, Springfield

The Art Spectacular fair features 46 artists in 15 different mediums. Also: Kids' Place, Kids' Art Sale, Patron Bucks drawings, gift basket raffle, silent auction, demonstrations, food vendors, live music. Please, no pets.

Admission to art fair free; Kids' Place $1.25 per child.

Information: 753-6219, or visit www.carillon-rees.org and click on Art Spectacular bell.

Art Spectacular is a fundraiser for the Rees Carillon. Funds are used for programs and structural maintenance of the carillon.  

Gala Premier of "Ragtime"

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30
Where: Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.

Cocktails, appetizers, silent auction, opening night performance of the musical, "Ragtime," and an after-show reception including cocktails, dessert, carnival games of chance and dancing

$50 per person for orchestra and box seats, $40 per person for loge seats and $30 per person for balcony seats

Reservations: Call 523-2787

Starry Night

When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15
Where: Executive Mansion, 410 E. Jackson St.

Cocktail hour with live jazz, dinner with live entertainment, live auction, dessert bar with live entertainment and casino games, $125 per person

Reservations: Call Morgan Fishburn at 793-2206, ext. 167, or visit www.spfldsparc.org
Reservation deadline: Monday, Oct. 3

With a retro Vegas theme, this 12th annual, black tie-optional event is the biggest fundraiser of the year for SPARC, a not-for-profit organization that supports children and adults with disabilities.

King's Daughters Annual Luncheon and Style Show

When: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24
Where: Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway

Luncheon, style show, silent auction and raffle, $25 per person

Tickets available Sept. 14-Oct. 18 (no sales at the door)

Reservations: Call Susan Fulks at 483-2774

All proceeds go to grants to enhance the lives of the elderly.

Denim & Diamonds

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22
Where: Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway

Dinner, entertainment, live and silent auctions

$125 per person; tables of 10 may be reserved for $1,250

Reservations: Call 545-0395 or go to www.siumed.edu/cancer

This 11th annual event will benefit Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.

25th Anniversary Gala for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois

When: 5:30-11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4
Where: Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway

Cocktails, dinner, auction, live entertainment by Moon Brothers Band$100 per person

Reservations: Contact Megan Mueller at 528-3314, ext. 148, or mmueller@rmhc-centralillinois.org or visit www.rhmc-centralillinois.org
Reservation deadline: Oct. 26

Proceeds will support Ronald McDonald House, which provides lodging for families of seriously ill children receiving medical care in Springfield.

Fine Arts Boutique

When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4
Where: Panther Creek Country Club, 3001 Panther Creek Drive

Art by approximately 30 local artists available for purchase, hors d'oeuvres and silent auction

$20 per person

Tickets: Call Lynn Freitag at 698-8857 or Kathy O'Marro at 698-9145

Sponsored by the Sangamon County Medical Society Alliance, this seventh-annual event will support programs to improve the health care and quality of life for citizens of Sangamon County.

Memorial's Festival of Trees Gala

When: 7 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Nov. 12
Where: Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds

Hors d'oeuvres, beverages, dessert, dancing to live music and an opportunity to preview the collection of decorated trees, wreaths, swags and centerpieces created for the Festival of Trees benefiting Memorial Medical Center, 

$95 per person

Reservations: Call 217-788-4700 or visit www.memorialsfestivaloftrees.com (tickets also available at the door)

This black-tie event is open to sponsors, designers and other special guests.

Dancing with the Starz

When: 6:30-11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19
Where: Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.

Silent auction, hors d'oeuvres and champagne, dance instruction, contest, demonstrations and dancing to the music of the Kevin Turner Trio

$75 per person for main floor; $50 per person for balcony

Tickets: Prairie Art Alliance locations in the Hoogland Center and at 221-223 S. Sixth St., call 544-2787 or 544-2727 or visit www.prairieart.org  
Reservation deadline: Friday, Nov. 11

This sixth-annual event is the major fundraiser of the Prairie Art Alliance.

Beaux Arts Ball

When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26

Cocktails, presentation of the court, dinner, live auction, dancing to live music

Where: Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway

$125 per adult; $75 per student for an adult meal; $50 per student for a child's meal

Reservations: Call 523-2631

Reservation deadline: Friday, Nov. 18

This 80th annual black-tie event benefits the Springfield Art Association and honors volunteers for their efforts on its behalf.

Story published Friday, September 2, 2011 ( Volume 6, Number 5 )