Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. Another social season and another round of fund-raising parties are upon us. Shift into high gear, because the coming three months have plenty to offer whether your tastes run to black-tie blockbuster events or to more casual and intimate evenings.

Here is an overview of many of the charitable fund-raisers booked from now to mid-December. Every weekend is studded with black-tie galas, theme parties, award dinners and the like. Each is an opportunity to give while playing and to play while giving.

The calendar covers fund-raising events sponsored by charities. Prices listed represent the lowest individual ticket cost unless otherwise specified. The weekly Social Calendar, which begins Sept. 14, provides updates on the charitable social scene.

September

· The Houston Symphony benefits from the Charity Wine and Food Tasting at the InterContinental Houston. Wine from five continents will be paired with tastings from some of the city's top restaurants -- Brennan's, Artista and Avenida Paulista, among others.

· The Harris County Hospital District Foundation benefits from a silver tea at the home of Leslie and Jack Blanton Jr. Honorary chair: Dr. Susan Cooley.

· "An Evening of Hope" at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts benefits prostate cancer research at Baylor College of Medicine. Honorees: Desiree and Richard Howe, Dr. Russell Scott Jr. and Lester Smith. Chairs: Kristin and Tony Masraff.

· The Mexican Institute of Greater Houston holds the "Gala de la Independencia" at the Hyatt Regency Houston. Chair: Rosanna Moreno.

· Celebrating its 90th anniversary, the Houston Symphony launches the season with the Opening Night Gala "Images of Italy" beginning with a concert in Jones Hall, followed by a dinner and dance, sponsored by the Symphony League at the Corinthian. Chairs: Tassie Nicandros and Vicky Nicandros Elliot.

· The Linda Lorelle Scholarship Fund presents the "Reach for the Stars, Shoot for the Moon" awards dinner and auction at the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa. Guest speakers are astronauts Jim Lovell and Dr. Mae Jemison. Chairs: Gail and Jim Norman and Becca and Scott Schwinger.

· The Fiestas Patrias Grand Ball at the Arabia Shrine Temple benefits the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children and the Shriners Burn Hospital for Children in Galveston. Honorees: Ana Lopez and Marcello Marini. Chairs: Mike Makris and Dr. M.N. Delgado.

· The Deacons of Deadwood, the motorcycle club for high-roller bikers, and the Porter & Hedges law firm co-sponsor the second annual Harley Dreams Make-a-Wish Ball at Rockefeller Hall. Brian Black and his band entertain. Biker feast by Abuso Catering. Proceeds benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

· The Art League of Houston celebrates its 55th anniversary at the JP Morgan Chase Bank building downtown with a dinner dance and art auction.

· The PetSet Soiree, benefiting the SPCA, serves as the initial fund-raiser of the new Houston PetSet, a friends group of the SPCA. Chairs: Kay Halbert and Kara Kinder Howes.

· Houston Polo Club presents the Polo Italia & Risotto Festival benefiting the Children's Assessment Center Foundation and featuring midway games, polo match and risotto competition. Chairs: Anne and Noble Carl and Jennifer and Lance Gilliam.

· Houston Junior Forum holds its fall tablescape luncheon at Lakeside Country Club. Honoree: the Isla Carroll Turner Friendship Trust. Chair: Jill Myers.

· The Theta Charity Antiques Show, benefiting a variety of charities, holds its preview party at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Chair: Beth Wright Evans. Show chair: Nancy Elizabeth Garfield.

The Nancy Owens Memorial Foundation annual benefit luncheon takes place at the J.W. Marriott Hotel with Susan Braun, president and CEO of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, as guest speaker. Proceeds benefit charities that support breast cancer education, research and patient care. Honorary chair: Maxine Myers.

· The Rice University School of Continuing Studies celebrates its 35th anniversary with a "Continuing Conversations" gala at Jones Graduate School of Management. Honorees: Melbern and Susanne Glasscock. Underwriting co-chairs: Ralph S. O'Connor and Sue and Steve Shaper.

· The Assistance Fund, Montrose Clinic and People With AIDS Coalition-Houston benefit from the Partners in Caring cocktail reception in the River Oaks home of Ginni and Richard Mithoff. Honorees: Mary and Tony Gracely. Honorary chair: Gary Teixeira.

· Rotary Club of Houston holds its annual Rotary Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award dinner at the J.W. Marriott Hotel. Honoree: Harris County Medical Society. Honorary chair: Dr. John P. McGovern.

· The Theta Charity Antiques Show Young Collector's Party, benefiting a variety of charities, takes place at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Chair: Stephanie Luther Hamilton. Co-chairs: Robin Roark Burke, Mary McFarlin Dyer and Ashley Brunson Clark.

· The Western Heritage Sale & Celebration featuring an auction of Western art and memorabilia at the Westin Galleria benefits the National Center for American Western Art in Kerrville. Honoree: Louis Pearce. Chairs: Ed McMahon and Jim Motley.

· Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas holds its 27th annual gala at the Warwick Hotel. Honoree: Burdine Clayton Johnson. Chairs: Beverly Robinson and Sally Russ.

· The Palmer Drug Abuse Program benefits from the dinner and dancing evening featuring the Oil & Gas Executive Late Night Players in The Chicken Ranch! Honorees: Arlene and Jim Payne.

· The Raindrop Foundation and the Institute of Interfaith Dialog present the Order of the Whirling Dervishes from Turkey in Cullen Performance Hall at the University of Houston.

· The Big City Concert to Beat MS at H'Town's Arena Theatre starring Tom Jones benefits the new Maxine Mesinger Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine and Methodist Hospital and the Lone Star chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Chairs: Mary and Everett Jackson.

· The Children's Museum of Houston holds its gala, "Where the Wild Things Are," at Verizon Wireless Theater featuring the designs of Maurice Sendak. Chairs: Andrea Minnis and Karen and Eric Pulaski.

· The Centrum Arts League holds its Best of the Northwest After-Concert Gala benefiting the Cypress Creek Foundation for the Arts and Community Enrichment at Raveneaux Country Club. Honorees: Anne and Baines Manning. Chair: Susan Diehl.

· Karen Hughes, former White House adviser, is guest speaker at Houston Baptist University's "Spirit of Excellence" evening at the Doubletree Hotel Post Oak. Chair: Dan Wilford. Co-chairs: Carla and Johnny Baker. Honorary chairs: former President George Bush and Barbara Bush.

· Communities in Schools' "Back to School Gala" featuring guest speaker Brent Staples, a member of the New York Times editorial board, takes place at the Dunstan in Rice Village. Chairs: Guardie Banister and Floyd LeBlanc. Honorees: Margot and John Cater.

· The Pink Ribbons Project benefits from the grand opening of Top Drawer Lingerie in Uptown Park featuring a fashion show, Pink Ribbons Project dancers and auction of artful bustiers decorated by artists and designers. Honorees: Pink Ribbons Project board. Chairs: Jane Weiner, Teresa Finan-Archer and Dow Hickam. Honorary chair: Carolyn Farb.

· Variety Club of Houston presents its "Variety Celebrity Talent Review" starring Ben Vereen in Zilkha Hall at Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Chairs: Jay Branson and Judy Foston.

· The Spay-Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) holds its "Paws & Claws on Parade" gala at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Honorees: Barbara and Bill Mackey. Chairs: Neil Sackheim and David Smith.

· The Texas Women's Empowerment Foundation Conference, featuring Susan Taylor of Essence magazine as keynote speaker, takes place at the Metropolitan. The half-day program features guest speakers Dr. Jamie E. Terry, Carla Cargill and the Rev. Gwenn Pierre.

· Houston Polo Club holds the Deloitte & Touche Texas Open and Texas Wine and Food Festival benefiting the Art Institute of Houston. Features a vintner's reception and chefs preparing Texas foods. Chair: Cleverley Stone.

· "What's Up Doc?" is the theme of the dinner at the John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science benefiting Texas Children's Hospital. Physicians serve as table hosts and answer questions. Chairs: Joy and Scott Plantowsky.

October

· ORBIS International holds its annual benefit dinner-dance and salutes the 75th anniversary of Houston Polo Club poolside at a private club. Honorees: June and Virgil Waggoner. Chairs: Betty and Jess Tutor. Honorary chairs: Phyllis and Roy Huffington.

· The Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library benefits from the "Dinner With ... Houston's Most Fascinating" at Houston Country Club. Honoree: the late Dr. Edward L. Crain Jr. Chairs: Dede Weil and Charlotte Crawford.

· The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Celebrity Waiters benefit dinner and dancing takes place at the Hotel Derek. Honorees: Johnny Carrabba, Damian Mandola and Rose Carrabba. Chairs: Lisa Bouley and Linda Ensley.

· The Institute of International Education holds its annual gala, "Educated Minds: A Passport to the World," at the InterContinental Houston. Honorees: June and Art Smith and Elizabeth and Malcolm Gillis. Honorary chairs: Gene McDavid and Bill Barnett.

· The Institute of Hispanic Culture holds the Noche de las Americas ball at the Hyatt Regency Houston. Chairs: Miriam Sera and Dionel Aviles. Honorary chairs: Marilyn and George A. DeMontrond III.

· Da Camera of Houston holds its opening-night concert and dinner at Cullen Theater in Wortham Theater Center. Chairs: JoAnne and Larry Doherty.

· The daylong HoustonPBS Speaking of Women's Health Conference, presented by the John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science, takes place at the Omni Houston Hotel. Experts in personal health areas are guest speakers. Honorees: Diane Riley, Faye Turner and Dr. Kathryn Lewis.

· Houston Grand Opera Guild annual awards brunch, benefiting HGO Education and Outreach programs, takes place at the Omni Houston Hotel. Chairs: Ginger Maughs, Rhonda Sweeney and Penny Parish. Honorary chairs: Linda and Fabian Worthing.

· The Deloitte & Touche Texas Open Finals polo competition and champagne reception at Houston Polo Club benefits ORBIS International. Honorary chairs: Phyllis and Roy Huffington. Chairs: Betty and Jess Tutor. Junior chairs: Elizabeth and Sam Jones.

· The Houston Museum of Natural Science holds a benefit luncheon, "Passion for Pearls," at the museum kicking off the Pearls: A Natural History exhibition. Guest speaker is Paula Mikkelsen of the American Museum of Natural History, a curator of the exhibit. Chair: Clayton Erikson.

· The city's first "Pink Ribbon House," a designer show house at 3311 Amherst benefiting the Breast Care Center at Baylor College of Medicine and Methodist Hospital is featured at a preview party. Party chair: Diane Riley.

· The "Pink Ribbon House" at 3311 Amherst opens for touring with proceeds benefiting the Breast Care Center at Baylor College of Medicine and Methodist Hospital. Chairs: Jane Parker and Jane Marmion. Honorary chair: Beth Moore.

· The Mary Joe Peckham Award luncheon benefiting the Assistance League takes place at River Oaks Country Club. Honorees: Emily Crosswell and Flo McGee. Chairs: Betty Puryear and Betty Latham.

· Scenic Houston holds its Scenic Visionary Award dinner at Houston Country Club. Honoree: Sadie Gwin Blackburn. Chairs: Kyle and John Kirksey and Julie and Leon Payne.

· The evening Fall Fiesta at Houston Polo Club benefits the Gathering Place and features flamenco music, dinner from Tampico Seafood & Cocina Mexicana and entertainment by Dr. Matt Eiseman, a professional comedian as well as a doctor. Chairs: Heather and Jeff Firestone.

· The Institute of Human Relations of the American Jewish Committee holds its award dinner at the Westin Galleria. Honorees: Donna and Tony Vallone. Co-chairs: Kelli and Martin Fein, Henia and Richard Leibman and Joyce and Arthur Schechter.

· The Irish Society holds its annual gala at the Petroleum Club. Honoree: The Rev. Michael Miller.

· The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, holds the Grand Gala Ball at the museum. Honorees: Bob Lanier, Meredith Long and Fayez Sarofim. Chairs: Martha Katherine Long, Allison Sarofim and Courtney Lanier Sarofim.

· Citizens for Animal Protection benefits from the Celebrity Paws Gala,"Underwater Fantasy," at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Chairs: Cathy and Jesse Marion. Co-chairs: Melissa and Lee Ellis. Honorary chair: Lucho Florez. Honorees: Gene and Astrid Van Dyke.

· Wally Kurth, who plays ruthless businessman Ned Ashton on ABC's General Hospital, and his band, Kurth & Taylor, present an afternoon concert at the Flying Saucer benefiting the Sunshine Kids.

· The "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" Breast Cancer Awareness Mother/Daughter brunch and fashion show takes place at the Hyatt Regency Houston and benefits the Mary Cobb's Building Dreams Foundation, the charity founded by WNBA champ Cynthia Cooper, and the Just Help Foundation. Cooper is guest speaker at the luncheon.

· The "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" program continues with a gala evening at Rockefeller Hall with proceeds benefiting Mary Cobb's Building Dreams Foundation and the Just Help Foundation.

· Houston Polo Club presents the Stanford Group USPA Silver Cup and International Day "Out of Africa" afternoon benefiting the William Holden Wildlife Federation and the Polo Players Support Group. Polo match is followed by dinner from Outback Steakhouse, live auction and dancing. Honorary chairs: Stephanie Powers and Mimi and Memo Gracida.

· The American Diabetes Association holds the "Shoot to Cure" sporting clays classic at American Shooting Centers. Honoree: Bob Rod. Shooter of the year: Bob Brister.

· The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake begins its Celebrity Chefs Gala, a series of special dinners in private homes. Dinners continue throughout the month. Chairs: Priscilla Magers and Peggy Baker.

· Abigail Van Buren, "Dear Abby," is guest speaker at the Houston Chapter of Hadassah program and dessert evening at the Radisson Hotel Astrodome Convention Center. Chair: Barbara Shurberg.

· The Houston Advertising Federation holds its Trailblazer Award Gala at the Downtown Aquarium. Honoree: Jim "Mattress Mac" McIngvale. Chairs: Joe Pogge, Mark Shecterle and Lara Bell.

· The Chinquapin School benefits from the evening featuring an Alley Theatre performance of Fully Committed and a buffet dinner by A Fare Extraordinaire. Chair: Leigh Ann Arnold.

· "A Samaritan Celebration" benefiting the Samaritan Center takes place at River Oaks Country Club. Honorees: Susan Arnoldy Hansen and John Scott Arnoldy, the Rev. Laurens A. Hall, Nancy Levicki and Ginni and Richard Mithoff. Chairs: Marsha and Jim Braniff and Bobbie and John Nau.

· The Cypress Fairbanks Educational Foundation holds the "Salute to Stars" gala at Cypress Ridge High School with dinner provided by Outback Steakhouse. Honorees: the district's Spotlight Teachers. Chairs: Diane Troyer and Linda Humphries.

· The James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University celebrates its 10th anniversary with a black-tie dinner, "To Lend a Meaningful Voice," on the Rice campus featuring Vice President Dick Cheney as special guest. Chairs: Cynthia and Bucky Allshouse.

· Regis Philbin will guest-star at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Lone Star Chapter Dinner of Champions to be held as the first event at Toyota Center. Honorees: Anadarko's Michael Rose and Houston Olympians. Chair: Stuart Burbach. Honorary chairs: Robert Eckels, Chip Goodyear, Nancy Quinn and Bill Transier.

· The Arab-American Cultural and Community Center holds its annual "Unity and Friendship" gala at the J.W. Marriott Hotel. Honorees: Bassam Barazi, Mayor Lee Brown and Ralph Nader. Chair: Munia Chehayeb. Co-chair: Susie Solanji.

· "Aquanet, the Montrose Hairspray" is the theme of the annual Halloween Magic production at the Edwin Hornberger Conference Center, benefiting seven HIV/AIDS-related charities. Pre-show cocktails and silent auction.

· The Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture at the University of Houston holds the annual Blueprint Ball in the college atrium featuring entertainment, dinner and auction. Honoree: Michael Rotondi. Chair: Carl Penland. Honorary chair: Carolyn Farb.

· The Northeast Hospital Foundation benefits from the gala evening, "Celebrate Life," at the Humble Civic Center. Honoree: The Kingwood Women's Club.

· The Houston Chronicle Book & Author dinner, benefiting literacy programs of Houston Public Library and the Houston Chronicle, takes place at the Westin Galleria. Guest authors are Margaret Atwood, David Baldacci, Barbara Bush, Larry Dierker, Anne Garrels and Oscar Casares. Chairs: Diann Lewter, Anne Graubart and Jack Sweeney.

· The Stanford Group USPA Silver Cup Finals "Salute to the Champions" benefiting the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center takes place at Houston Polo Club with polo match, cocktail reception and dinner and dancing. Chairs: Neda and Mohammad Ladjevardian.

· Former first lady Barbara Bush is keynote speaker at the End Hunger Network "Recipe for Hope" luncheon at the Westin Galleria. Honoree: H.E.B. Grocery Co., with president Scott McClelland accepting the Barbara Falik Humanitarian Award. Chair: Linda J. Messner.

· Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services holds its annual Spirit of Life Award luncheon at the Westin Galleria. Honoree: Shirley Stein. Chairs: Minnette Robinson, Mindy Brown and Beverly Robinson. Honorary co-chair: Regina Rogers.

· The Houston Texans present "Football With Style" at Saks Fifth Avenue with evening fashions modeled by players and their wives. Benefiting the Houston Texans Foundation and Family Services of Greater Houston.

· Society for the Performing Arts presents André Leon Talley, Vogue fashion editor-at-large and author of A.L.T. -- A Memoir, at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Chairs: Yvonne Cormier, Elyse Lanier and Courtney Lanier Sarofim. Honorary chair: Marcy Taub Wessel.

· The Blue Bird Circle holds its "Red, White & Blue Bird Ball" at the InterContinental Houston. Chair: Carole McGarry.

· WineFest 2003, benefiting the March of Dimes, takes place at the Corinthian, featuring a variety of wines and taste treats from area restaurants. Chairs: Tom Becker and Jill Gracely.

· The Park People presents its "Evening at the IMAX" benefit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science featuring the Houston premiere of the IMAX movie Jane Goodall's Wild Chimpanzees. Chairs: Vanessa McCalla and Andres Cueto.

· The "Accolades 2003" luncheon benefiting Children at Risk takes place at the Westin Galleria. Honorees: Catherine and Rob Mosbacher. Chairs: Nicole Perdue and Caroline Matthews. Honorary Chairs: Helen and Alan Buckwalter.

· "Cosmic Rendezvous -- An Evening Among the Stars" is the theme of the Westin Galleria gala benefiting the Challenger Center for Space Science Education. Chair: Dayna Steele Justiz. Honorary chairs: former President Bush and Barbara Bush. Numerous astronauts and their wives serve as honorary co-chairs. Lee Greenwood performs followed by Max Q for dancing.

· Houston Grand Opera Opening Night Dinner takes place onstage at Wortham Theater Center amid the Tosca sets and scenery and benefits HGO Education and Outreach programs. Honorees: Karen and Harry Pinson.

· The Houston Junior Chamber of Commerce presents the white-tie-and-tails Consular Forum Ball at the Doubletree Hotel Post Oak benefiting numerous educational entities with international connections. Honorees: the Houston Consular Corps with focus on the Netherlands. Chair: Cindy Hart.

· " ... And the Beat Goes On" is the theme of the Friends of the Stehlin Foundation gala at the InterContinental Houston featuring show band the Big Band Beat from San Francisco. Chairs: Donna and Norman Lewis.

· The Nature Discovery Center "Bug Ball" 10th annual Twilight in the Park benefit takes place under the stars in Russ Pitman Park. Honoree: Kathleen Ballanfant. Chairs: Raina Newsome, Lenora Carlson and Nancy Wise.

· Houston Children's Charity features Frank Sinatra Jr. at its annual gala at the Hyatt Regency Houston.

· OrchestraX holds the "Bewitched & Bedazzled Costume Ball" featuring music and merriment at Houston Studios.

· The Harris County Medical Society Alliance holds its "Shine on Harvest Moon" gala at the InterContinental Houston. Honorees: Dr. Lloyd Everson and LaVerl and Dr. Louis Daily. Chair: Vasu Reddy. Co-chairs: Mary Lou Castillo and Sushila Mathew. Honorary chairs: Irene Skor, Dr. Kenneth Mattox and Dr. Charles W. Bailey Jr.

· Inner City Catholic Schools holds a Trick or Treat Gala at the Edwin Hornberger Conference Center. Honorees: the Charity Guild of Catholic Women. Chairs: Janie and Todd Mason.

· "An Evening in Guatemala" is the theme of the Faith in Practice gala at Lakeside Country Club with proceeds providing medical aid for the impoverished of Guatemala. Co-chairs: Shelley and Steve Ferguson.

· The Houston Hospice & Palliative Care System Laura Lee Blanton Community Spirit Award dinner takes place at River Oaks Country Club. Honoree: Dr. Richard Wainerdi. Honorary chairs: Janet and Ernie Cockrell. Chairs: Harriet and Joe Foster.

· The Spirit of Healthy Families 20th anniversary luncheon benefiting Healthy Family Initiatives takes place at the Edwin Hornberger Conference Center and features Elizabeth Bartholet, Harvard Law School professor and child protection advocate, as guest speaker. Honorees: Lindy and Larry Neuhaus. Chair: Joanne Linden. Honorary chairs: Virginia and Russell McFarland.

· The Women's Fund annual luncheon at the Westin Galleria features Jackie Kallen, the most successful female boxing manager, as guest speaker. Honoree: Trini Mendenhall. Chairs: Harriet Hart and Meredith Barineau.

· "An Evening by the Bay" home tour preview party at a private home in Kemah benefits the Houston Symphony League Bay Area. Chair: Joy Edwards.

November

· Jeans & Jewels ... A Texas Size Party at Sam Houston Race Park Pavilion benefits Northwest Assistance Ministries. Honorees: Teresa and Paul Mueller. Chairs: Louise Slater and Sue Stewart.

· HITS Theatre holds the annual American Girl Fashion Show at Wortham Theater Center featuring fashions, snacks, games and a special appearance by HITS alumna Renee Elise Goldsberry, who just finished her yearlong stint as Nala in The Lion King.

· The Reata Ranch Polo Ball and Brinker Cup benefiting the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Texas takes place at Houston Polo Club and includes a polo match and dancing in a ranch-style environment. Chair: Allee Messina.

· Interface-Samaritan Counseling Centers holds its Seasons of Caring Luncheon at River Oaks Country Club. Honorees: Linda and Archie Dunham, Jeanette Clift George and the Rev. David Peterson. Guest speaker is Ron Stone. Chair: Nelda Womack.

· Fiesta San Felipe, an outdoor party on the grounds of the home of Marjorie Milby, benefits the Bayou Preservation Association. Chairs: Homoiselle and Carlos P. Bujosa. Honorary chairs: Katherine and Frank Smith.

· The Achievement in Radio Awards luncheon at Toyota Center benefits the March of Dimes. Honoree: David Saperstein. Chair: Mike Crusham. Co-chair: Karen Wildenstein.

· The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary kicks off the fall season with a benefit tea at the River Oaks home of Ann Bookout. Chairs: Cora Sue Mach and Sidney Faust.

· BB1 Classic owners Calli and Julian Saitowitz sponsor an evening of fashion and food from Tony's at the Uptown Park location for the benefit of Child Advocates and OrchestraX. Chairs: Elizabeth and Jeff Vallone, Page Parkes, Cindi and Dr. Franklin Rose and Carolyn Farb.

· The Houston Symphony League Magical Musical Morning benefit, themed Jingle Bell Birthday, takes place at the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa with games and music for youngsters. Chair: Kathryn Smith.

· "Tutti Fruitti" is the theme of the Orange Show gala starring Little Richard at Houston Polo Club. Chairs: Stephanie Smither and Mary Jo Caya.

· The Center Serving Persons With Mental Retardation holds its annual NovemberFest at Willow River Farms on the banks of the Brazos River near San Felipe. Food, entertainment, artisan shopping and family entertainments. Chair: Jane Shin. Honoree: ExxonMobil.

· "Under the Lone Star" is the theme of the Greater Houston Restaurant Association gala at the Omni Houston Hotel Westside with entertainment by Brian Black and his band. Honorees: Damian Mandola and Johnny Carrabba.

· A Day of Polo at Ascot is the theme of the Window of Opportunity Cup polo match at Houston Polo Club that includes food from Maggiano's and Ashiana restaurants and entertainment by Jack Wilson Houston High Rollers. Benefits the Window of Opportunity Foundation. Honoree: Vivian Harrison Whitten. Chairs: Marie and Alex Barazandeh. Honorary chairs: Angela Hall and Iain Murray.

· Houston Junior Woman's Club holds a benefit luncheon and St. John Boutique style show at the Doubletree Hotel Post Oak with several charities benefiting. Deborah Duncan is mistress of ceremonies. Chair: Trisha Gunter.

· The Women's Home holds a "Cinderella" fashion show luncheon with clothes from Joann's at the Junior League of Houston. Honoree: Judy Winograd. Chairs: Bonnie Winograd, Carol Winograd and Liz Winograd.

· The Houston Ballet Guild holds the Wells Fargo Preview Party of the Nutcracker Market, benefiting the Houston Ballet Foundation, at Reliant Center. "Winter Wonderland" Nutcracker Market chair: Julie Pincus. Preview party chairs: Karen Hartnett and Nancy Shomette.

· The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, holds One Great Night in November, the men's smoker and art selection evening, at the museum.

· The Contemporary Arts Museum holds "Another Great Night in November" at the Memorial area home of John and Becca Cason Thrash featuring an artful "treasure hunt." New York-based French artist and fashion icon Anh Duong is special guest. Chair: Becca Cason Thrash.

· The Houston Ballet Guild presents the Nutcracker Market Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show and Luncheon, benefiting the Houston Ballet Foundation, at Reliant Center. Chairs: Julie Brown, Ellie Francisco and Cathy Hevrdejs.

· Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Texas holds the Magic of Mentoring dinner dance at the Warwick Hotel. Honorees: Allison and Russell Molina, Anita and Gerald Smith, Sheila Jackson Lee and Elwyn Lee. Chairs: Julie and Sashe Dimitroff.

· Texas Executive Women benefits from the Women on the Move Luncheon at the InterContinental Houston. Honorees: 10 exceptional women executives. Chair: Margo Donaldson-Snider.

· The Huffington Center on Aging at Baylor College of Medicine holds a gala dinner celebrating the 55th anniversary of Dr. Michael DeBakey's career at Baylor College of Medicine. Chair: Lynn Wyatt. Co-chairs: Melinda Berkman and Ann Bookout.

· The Houston Ballet Guild presents the Nutcracker Market Foley's Fashion Show and Holiday Brunch, benefiting the Houston Ballet Foundation, at Reliant Center. Chairs: Gaylon Gullquist and Karen Wildenstein.

· The Wellsprings annual gala and auction takes place at the Renaissance Houston Hotel. Honoree: Norma Benzon. Chairs: Carole Updyke, Pat Hall and Gwen Juarez.

· Arte Público Press holds its annual Piñata Party at the Doubletree Hotel Allen Center with keynote speaker Luis Valdez, writer and director of La Bamba and author of Zoot Suit, the first play written by a Mexican-American and produced on Broadway.

· The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and WB39 Cares for Kids hold the annual Holiday Spree gala at Houston Country Club. Honorees: Joann and Bill Crassas. Chairs: Cindi Harwood Rose and Dr. Franklin Rose. Honorary chairs: Betty and Jess Tutor and Darla Lexington and John O'Quinn.

· The Assistance Fund Living the Legacy dinner presenting the Jerry D. Bartee Humanitarian Award takes place at Neiman Marcus in the Galleria. Honorees: Mary Lynn and Steve Marks. Chairs: Lilly Andress, Rose Cullen, Richard Flowers and Bob Devlin.

· The Ladies Polo Invitational and Tailgate Festival features a polo match and tailgate partying at its finest to the benefit of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Association, Ronald McDonald House and Texas Children's Hospital.

· The Waggoners Foundation Speaker Series, benefiting the Council on Alcohol and Drugs, features Cris Carter, Miami Dolphins receiver and former Minnesota Viking. Chair: Lea DeMontrond. Co-chairs: Bill Bedman and Dan Cartwright.

· Rich Little, comedian and impersonator, will entertain at the "Laugh Like a Kid" Heritage Dinner benefiting Boys and Girls Country at the Westin Galleria. Co-chairs: Russell Bowers and Susan L. Lawhon.

· The Lauren's Garden dinner at River Oaks Country Club benefits the Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas Foundation, which awards scholarships to young women and supports other charities. Chair: Eileen Hricik.

· Trees of Hope presents the annual Star of Hope benefit gala at the Westin Galleria with Steve Tyrell performing. Honoree: Lucile Melcher. Chairs: Cindy and Randy Garbs and Debra and Mark Grierson. Honorary chair: Lynn Wyatt.

· The National Council of Jewish Women holds its Starlight Ball at the InterContinental Houston. Honorees: Shelly Ann and I.W. Marks. Honorary chairs: Shirley and Allan Becker.

· Philamena and Arthur Baird host "An Intimate Moment and Twilight Repast" at their home benefiting the Education Foundation of Harris County.

· Aspiring Youth of Houston holds its Reaching for the Stars gala at Houston Country Club. Chairs: Sharon Murphy and Janice and Allen Lackey.

December

· AIDS Foundation Houston holds its annual World AIDS Day luncheon at the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa. Honorees: Karen and Eric Pulaski and Dr. Joe Ratliff. Chairs: Nancy Beck, Ed Smith and Effie Worrell.

· The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Grand Gala Ball Fashion Show takes place at the museum (date may change). Chairs: Elena Davis, Lindsay Holstead and Andrea Minnis.

· The Shepherd School of Music holds its annual Madrigal Dinner series (through Dec. 5) kicking off the holiday season at Cohen House on the Rice University campus. Chair: Vicki West.

· Child Advocates holds its Angels of Hope Luncheon and Neiman Marcus Fashion Presentation featuring St. John CEO Kelly Gray and the St. John Couture Collection at the Westin Galleria. Honoree: Lucile Melcher. Chair: Philamena Baird.

· The Holocaust Museum Houston holds its Guardian of the Human Spirit Luncheon at the Westin Galleria. Honorees: Ed Wulfe and H.E.B Grocery Co. Chairs: Janis Fishman Goldstein and Barbara Hurwitz.

· The Rienzi Holiday Open House black-tie evening benefits the house museum of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

· The Cancer League holds its 25th annual Christmas Extravaganza Luncheon and Bazaar at the Hyatt Regency Houston featuring a musical fashion show from Dillard's, the Snowflake Dancers, the 2003 Pacesetters and the Heart of Texas Hall of Fame honoree. Proceeds benefit six cancer-related charities. Chair: Dorace Allais. Co-chairs: Nick Bowman, Connie Cook and Virginia Reisman. Honorary chairs: Paige and Tilman Fertitta.

SOCIAL CALENDAR

It's time to fall into action

September

October

November

December