Philanthropy has always been part of the fabric of Orange County — where generosity meets glamour and giving back often takes center stage. From elegant galas to seaside walks and fashion-forward fundraisers, November brings a calendar of events that celebrate purpose in style.
Here’s where to be seen (and make a difference) this season.
November 1 – Orange County United Way Gala
Presented by the Alexis de Tocqueville Society, this elegant evening celebrates the power of philanthropy and community impact. Guests gather at Pendry Newport Beach to raise funds for local initiatives that address critical issues throughout the region.
5 p.m., Pendry Newport Beach, unitedwayoc.org
November 1 – Ronald McDonald House Orange County Gala
Slip into your boots for an unforgettable night supporting families in need. Hosted at The Swanner House in San Juan Capistrano, this Western-themed celebration benefits Ronald McDonald House Orange County.
4 p.m., The Swanner House, rmhcsc.org/orangecounty
November 1–9 – Coast Film & Music Festival
Laguna Beach transforms into a hub of creativity for this nonprofit festival showcasing more than 75 films, live music, and outdoor culture. Each screening supports filmmakers and causes dedicated to inspiring positive change.
Laguna Beach, coastfilmfestival.com
November 2 – Sip & Shuck
The Deck and Driftwood Kitchen in Laguna Beach host one of the coast’s most anticipated culinary fundraisers — a lively afternoon of wine, oysters, music, and ocean views benefiting CASA of Orange County.
2 p.m., Laguna Beach, sipnshuck.com
November 2 – Walk for Hope
Join City of Hope Orange County for a 2K walk that fuels groundbreaking cancer research and life-saving treatments. A morning of movement, purpose, and hope.
7 a.m., City of Hope Orange County, Irvine, walk.cityofhope.org
November 7 – Girls Inc. of Orange County’s College Bound Luncheon
Support the next generation of women leaders at this spirited luncheon where guests don their alma mater colors to raise funds for girls pursuing higher education.
11:30 a.m., Marriott Irvine Spectrum, girlsinc-oc.org
November 8 – A Walk Among the Stars Fashion Show and Gala
Now in its 36th year, this uplifting runway event shines a light on cancer survivors, benefitting Providence St. Jude Medical Center’s Crosson Cancer Institute.
5 p.m., Anaheim Marriott, stjudememorialfoundation.org
November 8 – Let’s Save Lives Gala: Decades of Hope
From the glam of the 1920s to the bold spirit of the 1980s, this themed evening at Balboa Bay Resort supports Kure It Cancer Research — blending fun, nostalgia, and impact.
5 p.m., Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach, kureitgala.org
November 9 – Wells of Life Gala
Celebrate the legacy of founder Nick Jordan at this heartfelt Mission Viejo event, raising funds to bring clean water to Ugandan villages.
4 p.m., Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, wellsoflife.org
November 13 – 40th Anniversary National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon
A tradition of recognition continues as Orange County honors community leaders whose vision and generosity elevate lives across the region.
10:30 a.m., Grove of Anaheim, npdoc.org
November 13 – Cars and Cocktails
Classic cars meet craft cocktails at this stylish fundraiser for KidWorks, which supports first-generation college students across Orange County.
5 p.m., Irvine, kidworksoc.org/cars
November 15 – 11th Annual I Am Giving Gala
A sophisticated night of cigars, martinis, and giving back — this annual event at AV Irvine benefits Tilly’s Life Center, empowering youth to reach their potential.
5 p.m., AV Irvine, tillyslifecenter.org
November 15 – Alzheimer’s Orange County Gala: The Memory Game
Don your best ’70s look for an evening of disco and purpose, supporting Alzheimer’s Orange County and its mission of care and research.
5 p.m., VEA Newport Beach, alzocgala.org
November 16 – Breakthrough T1D Walk
Take steps toward a cure during this inspiring walk around Angel Stadium, uniting supporters of those living with Type 1 diabetes.
8 a.m., Angel Stadium, Anaheim, breakthrought1d.org
November 17 – Waymakers Day of Golf
A day on the green with purpose — this 18-hole scramble at The Huntington Club supports Waymakers and its programs for individuals in crisis.
12 p.m., The Huntington Club, Huntington Beach, waymakersoc.org
November 22 – IPSF Spirit of Excellence Gala
Support Irvine Public Schools Foundation during an evening of fine dining, live performances, and spirited auctions at VEA Newport Beach.
5:30 p.m., VEA Newport Beach, ipsf.net
