OC’s philanthropic spirit really shines during the fall and winter months of the year with several of our local nonprofits hosting exciting and meaningful events ahead of their end-of-year giving campaigns. For those looking to get into the spirit of giving this season, here are 9 amazing upcoming charity events in Orange County you won’t want to miss. From glamourous galas to festive celebrations, these events will offer you the opportunity to give back to important causes while enjoying truly unforgettable experiences.

1. Goodwill of Orange County’s Centennial Gala

• Date: October 5, 2024
• Location: Goodwill OC Corporate Campus, Santa Ana

Goodwill of Orange County has reached the amazing milestone of 100 Years of Working Wonders and service to our OC community, and they’re pulling out all the stops to celebrate at their Centennial Gala! This black-tie optional event, presented by Disneyland Resort, will be a night to remember with a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, and an after-party with live performances by Vinyl Jam—all of which you can enjoy while supporting Goodwill’s mission to help people achieve their goals through a journey of personal support, work experience and career development.

It’s sure to be a glamourous evening and a perfect way to honor the organization’s future of impact and incredible century-long commitment to our OC community through workforce development programs, veteran services, and support for people with disabilities.

NOTE: This event is currently sold out, but it may still be possible to join the waitlist! If you are unable to attend, you can still support their efforts by making a donation here.

2. Make-A-Wish Orange County & Inland Empire’s Parisian Masquerade Gala

• Date: October 19, 2024
• Location: Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach

Step into an evening of intrigue and enchantment at Make-A-Wish OC‘s Parisian Masquerade Gala! At this event, you’ll get the opportunity to don your elegant mask and gown and get transported to an evening in Paris to dance the night away, enjoy a cocktail reception and lavish dinner, and participate in exciting live and silent auctions. You can also win a coveted prize in their Mask Contest!

Beyond the glitz and glamour, every dollar raised at the gala will go toward granting wishes for children battling critical illnesses. These wishes provide moments of joy and hope for children and their families during some of the toughest times of their lives. By attending, you’ll be part of a magical evening that brings dreams to life. Get your tickets here.

3. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Beach, Brews & BBQ

• Date: October 19, 2024
• Location: Huntington Beach (directly across the street from The Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort)

If you’re looking for something a little more laid back than a gala (or even just want to experience two meaningful events in one day), the CF Foundation‘s 9th annual Beach, Brews & BBQ event in Huntington Beach is also happening on October 19! This 21+ afternoon event offers a day on the beach with unlimited tastings of craft beer and mouthwatering BBQ from some of SoCal’s best pit masters. As a guest you can mingle, enjoy live music, bid on awecome auction items, and participate in beach games.

Best of all, proceeds from the event support critical research and care for individuals living with cystic fibrosis. With its laid-back atmosphere and delicious offerings, this event lets you kick it with your friends while making a real difference. Get your tickets here.

4. Orange County United Way’s Centennial Gala

• Date: November 2, 2024
• Location: OCVIBE’s ARTIC, Anaheim

Like Goodwill OC, Orange County United Way is ALSO celebrating a century of amazing service to our community, and they are throwing A Once-in-a-Century Celebration to commerate the occasion! This black-tie event will feature live entertainment by a 14-piece party band Wayne Foster Entertainment, multi-course dinner, and exclusive auction items all under the beautiful lights in the OCVIBE’s ARTIC.

Guests will have the chance to reflect on the incredible impact United Way has made over the last 100 years in areas like homelessness prevention, financial empowerment, and educational success. But the evening is also about looking forward—proceeds from the gala will support ongoing initiatives that aim to create a future where everyone in Orange County has the opportunity to thrive. Get your tickets here.

5. Ronald McDonald House Orange County’s Party Like It’s 1989 Homecoming Gala

• Date: November 7
• Location: City National Grove of Anaheim

Get ready to travel back in time and celebrate Ronald McDonald House Orange County‘s 35th anniversary at their Party Like It’s 1989 Homecoming Gala! This totally awesome gala will take you back to the year when it all began and feature a cocktail reception, dinner, and exciting live and silent auctions. With a fun homecoming theme, you can expect an evening of nostalgia and entertainment, with live performances by the popular 80s cover band, FlashPants.

While you enjoy the retro fun, all proceeds raised will go toward supporting families with critically ill children, offering them a place to stay close to the hospital during their child’s treatment. Get your tickets here.

6. Alzheimer’s Orange County’s Magical Soirée

• Date: November 9, 2024
• Location: VEA, Newport Beach

Prepare to be amazed at Alzheimer’s OC‘s Magical Soirée, a night promising to filled with wonder, excitement, and philanthropy. Similar to other several of the other fantastic events on this list, the evening will feature a gourmet dinner and live and silect auctions. To make the event a truly ‘magical’ experience, however, headlining the event is Justin Willman, star of Magic for Humans, who is a hilarious and incredibly talented magician certain to dazzle and entertain guests with his jaw-dropping illusions.

Proceeds from the event support Alzheimer’s OC’s mission to provide care, support, and resources to families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. It’s a magical way to give back that will certainly be both uplifting and unforgettable. Get your tickets here.

7. Habitat for Humanity of Orange County’s Keys to 100

• Date: November 15, 2024
• Location: Aliso Viejo Ranch, Aliso Viejo

Join Habitat for Humanity of Orange County for their Keys to 100 event, an evening dedicated to raising funds to help build 100 affordable homes for families in need over the next 3 years! Set at the beautiful Aliso Viejo Ranch, this inspiring evening will be hosted by Celebrity Chef Jamie Gwen and feature live music, fine wine, and a delicious dinner while hearing the powerful stories from Habitat families whose lives have been transformed by the stability of homeownership.

There will also be the opportunity to win amazing prizes in a live and silent auction, including a trip to a South African safari, a Nashville Star experience, a glamping trip in the Great Smoky Mountains, and more! Every dollar raised at the event will go directly toward achieving the ambitious goal of building 100 new homes across Orange County, helping Habitat OC provide more families with the opportunity to create safety, security, and generational wealth through affordable homeownership. Get your tickets here.

8. Child Guidance Center’s Holiday Tree Fantasy

• Date: December 8, 2024
• Location: Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach

Celebrate the season of giving at the Child Guidance Center‘s 42nd Annual Holiday Tree Fantasy! This festive event includes a champagne reception, gourmet lunch, a premium wine pull, and live and silent auctions to win amazing prizes from holiday gifts to international trips to exciting destinations abroad. Unique to this event, you also have the opportunity to win 6 different designer-decorated Christmas tree packages that include on-theme gifts valued over $2,000 delivered straight to your home!

Attending this event not only kicks off the holiday season in style, but it also helps raise critical funding for essential mental health services for Orange County youth, veterans, and their families. Get your tickets here.

EXCITING CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS! Child Guidance Center has also announced the opportunity to WIN 2 tickets to this wonderful event by becoming a recurring monthly donor of $25 or more! Enter for your chance to win by donating here.

9. Friends of CASA’s Holiday Luncheon

• Date: December 13, 2024
• Location: Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point

The Friends of CASA Holiday Luncheon is a cherished tradition that brings together community members to support children in Orange County. This elegant luncheon features a high-fashion runway show, exclusive auction items, and the opportunity to fulfill the holiday wishes of children in foster care through their Starfish Wish Tree.

Funds raised at the event provide vital advocacy and mentorship services for foster children, ensuring that they have a voice and the support they need to thrive. Whether you attend for the fashion, the auctions, or the cause, the luncheon is a heartwarming way to make the holidays brighter for children who need it most. Get your tickets here.

Know of any other can’t miss charity events coming up in Orange County? Tell us about them in the comments or submit them to our event listing!