In June of 1966 after the immense success of In Cold Blood, Truman Capote, the famed American author, decided that he was going to throw a party to celebrate all his hard work and good fortune. However, this was not to be just any celebration. Capote invited 500 of his closest friends who happened to be the most prominent and popular celebrities at the time (Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow to name a few), and also requested a swarm of journalists and photographers for this so-called “private” party. No expense was spared for lavish decorations or the toothsome cuisine, and on November 28, 1966, guests arrived at the exalted Plaza Hotel in New York City to attend the party of the year or what some would later call “The Party of the Century”.

The most eye-catching and memorable aspect of this party, however, was not the location, food, or even the A-list attendees; it was the title. Capote dubbed the celebration, “The Black and White Ball” and ever since then, party planners and event organizers alike have been running with the theme. A black-tie gala in which guests dress in black and white attire, Black and White Balls are a sure way to keep guests intrigued, excited, and amused.

In recent years, the aims of a Black and White Ball have changed; that is to say that many organizations, companies, groups, and celebrities are hosting annual Black and White Balls not only for extravagant celebration, but also as a benefit to raise money for charities and nonprofits. Guests are guaranteed all the perks and fun of a black-tie affair, while they build awareness and acquire funds for a selected charity at the same time.

One of the most famous Black and White benefits in the country is San Francisco Symphony’s Black and White Ball. This elegant biennial event is held at San Francisco’s Civic Center and repeatedly attracts San Francisco’s finest as well as many from around the country. Guests can expect a stirring concert (Tony Bennett and k.d. lang performed this year), dancing, music from an array of bands, a catered feast, scrumptious cocktails, beautiful decorations, and the Symphony’s own midnight surprise, a highly anticipated tradition.

Proceeds from the Ball benefit Adventures in Music, an organization that brings music programs to the San Francisco Unified School District. Tickets to this event might cost you a pretty penny (prices range from $200 for a party pass to

$25,000 for a patron table), but the children in San Francisco’s schools certainly appreciate all that this event accomplishes in just one night. Because the San Francisco Symphony’s Black and White Ball is one of the nation’s oldest annual galas of its kind (its first in 1956 even before Capote’s), this Ball’s guest list and profits only seem to be growing with time.

While the San Francisco Symphony’s Black and White Ball boasts a “midnight surprise”, other black and white balls across the nation offer special traditions and unique touches to keep patrons coming back. Give Kids The World hosts an annual Black and White Ball in Orlando, Florida and presents an extensive silent auction. Such items include a 2010American Music Awards Experience, VIP Space Shuttle Launch Experience, Weeklong Hawaiian Getaway, “Grease” poster signed by John Travolta, 2011 Arnold Palmer Invitational Badges for 4, and much, much more. The Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Black and White Ball, which supports the Theatre’s educational and outreach programs, awards the Nevada Ballet Theatre Woman of the Year at their event. Past recipients such as Marie Osmond, Paula Abdul, Celine Dion, Bette Midler and Twyla Tharp, have not only supported the theater, but also all their philanthropic and charitable endeavors.

Many other organizations have used big names to garner media attention and up their charitable revenue. Nelly, a hip-hop artist and celebrity in his own right, hosts an annual Black and White Ball in St. Louis, Missouri. This social event of the season boasts an impressive A-list attendance and therefore, brings in more and more money year after year. This southern celebration benefits Nelly’s Scholarship Program for Lindenwood University, which pays the full tuition for select University hopefuls. Even Chaka Chan returned to her hometown Chicago, Illinois to attend this year’s United Negro College Fund Black and White Gala. This event has raised over $5 million since its inception in 2001.

The Auburn Chamber of Commerce takes unique to the extreme. Their annual Black and White Ball is an outdoor event located in Auburn, California’s historic downtown at the Gold Country Fairgrounds. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume or to simply wear anything that is black and white, fun and comfortable. After a thrilling evening of festivities benefitting the Boys and Girls Club of Auburn, guests can even set up camp and sleep under the stars.

Many Black and White Balls still see great success by keeping their events simple. Texas Health Harris Methodist Foundation of Fort Worth, Texas, Bayhealth of Dover, Delaware, and Winthrop University Hospital of Huntington, New York all host annual Black and White Balls supporting health initiatives, hospital programs, and children’s centers. Guests can expect to dine and dance the night away for a good cause.

No matter how diverse these Black and White Balls may be, they do have certain things in common. They all offer dinner and entertainment (at the very least live music and dancing) and most hold auctions or raffles to generate additional revenue. Many have a long list of sponsors and donors, a devoted group of volunteers, and all are put together, organized, and backed by dedicated committees and chairs. Photographers are also great to have on hand. Not only do the guests get to feel like celebrities for a night, but the photos can also be used later for advertisement and media attention.

Regardless of personal touches or special traditions, Black and White Balls are a classy and fun way to raise money for charity.

[Photos by Drew Altizer Photography - www.drewaltizer.com]