Neary 1,700 people gathered at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium for the 2nd edition of Le Dîner en Blanc Sacramento, on Oct. 7th. Created in Paris nearly 30 years ago, this global phenomenon takes place in more than 70 cities and 25 countries around the world. The 2017 event was supported by local partners Nugget Markets, Land Rover Rocklin and Sacramento, and the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel.

Three hundred people gathered at Eskaton’s Beyond Imagination event at the home of Drs. Janak and Nalini Mehtani to celebrate seniors on Oct. 6th. Guests experienced a perfect Sacramento evening with Bollywood dancing, Jazz by Brias and friends, and a tour of the mansion — which was originally built for Ronald and Nancy Reagan.  

The Center for Land-Based Learning hosted their second fundraiser dinner on Oct. 8, at the Barn in West Sacramento. The evening featured a cocktail reception, dinner and live auction. The Center for Land-Based Learning works to create the next generation of farmers and teaching California’s youth about the importance of agriculture and natural resource conservation.

The National Association of Women Business Owners, Sacramento Valley Chapter held the Annual Outstanding Women Leadership Awards on Oct. 19. Established in 1997, the OWL Awards celebrate exemplary women leaders in the business community, and recognize achievements of female entrepreneurs and corporate leaders in entrepreneurial excellence and community leadership.

On Oct. 26 United Way held its 16th Annual Luncheon at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, where 450 Women United members and guests raised more than $75,000 to support United Way’s foster youth program. Guests heard from Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and viewed a fashion show featuring young adults from United Way’s foster program. 

On Sept. 14, The Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 15th anniversary at the Dante Club in Sacramento. Honorees included Steven Walker of Fast Break Tech, Jason Russell of Russell CPAs, Lori Okamoto of SMUD, and nine additional students who received Rainbow Chamber Foundation scholarships. Proceeds of the live and silent auctions benefit the Rainbow Chamber Foundation Scholarship Fund.

On Sept. 9, The American Cancer Society held the 9th Annual Hope Gala at the home of Nancy and Alan Brodovsky honoring cancer survivor Brandi Rhodes and Ralph de Vere White M.D. Emeritus Director, UC Davis Cancer Center. The fundraiser featured a silent auction, a strolling dinner from Elaine Bell Catering and live music.

Breathe California Sacramento Region celebrated its centennial gala on Oct. 21 at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. The event featured a silent auction and special guest speakers Congresswoman Doris Matsui and Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg. Since 1917, Breathe has built a legacy of fighting for clean air, healthy lungs and smoke-free living.

On Aug. 1, the American Leadership Forum – Mountain Valley Chapter, held their“All Access” reception at The Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sacramento, welcoming Gary May, the new chancellor of University of California, Davis. ALF-MVC “All Access” events are designed to connect individuals with the region’s newest leaders. May was previously the engineering dean at Georgia Tech and was appointed as the 7th chancellor of UC Davis, earlier this year.

On Oct. 5, the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program held a Roast and Toast to honor Doni Blumenstock, co-founder of NELP, at the Sacramento State Alumni Center. The event raised funds to pay tuition costs for the incoming NELP class. NELP is a 10-month professional development program designed to prepare its fellows for effective and ethical leadership.