01:00 AM EDT on Sunday, May 7, 2006

International Institute of Rhode Island

Event raises $148,000 for immigrant communities Some 1,100 guests crowded into Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet on April 22 to help raise a record-breaking $148,000 for the International Institute. The institute assists Rhode Island's immigrant and refugee communities.

Butler Hospital

Jane Pauley speech raises $150,000 The ballroom at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on April 27 was filled to capacity to hear talk-show host and newscaster Jane Pauley talk about her struggles with a bipolar disorder.

The audience of 530 sat at tables decorated by retired party planner Lil Zarum, who livened up the ballroom with baskets of tulips and roses. Goody bags were filled with a Jay Strongwater picture frame and mirror. They were hanging off the back of the chairs to add flair.

The co-chairs were Elizabeth "Betty" Capozzi and Melinda Knight. More than $150,000 was raised for Butler Hospital.

Star Kids

Auction raises $72,000 for education Some $72,000 was raised to help high-risk, low-income children attend private schools at the fourth Star-Gazing Soiree April 29 at the Carnegie Abbey Club, Portsmouth. About 165 guests bid frequently during a silent and a live auction, put together by Susie Hill of Newport and Lori Hogan of Portsmouth. The top-seller went for $5,000: a gourmet dinner for eight prepared by chef Arthur Sampson. Sampson is also the president of Newport Hospital.

The guests rubbed shoulders with Kerra Grednuk, the first Star Kid to graduate and the first from the Rocky Hill School. She will attend Simmons College in the fall.

Lisa Finn of Tiverton chaired the event. Carnegie Abbey members Beth Repass of Bristol and Susan Killebrew of Newport acted as co-chairs.

Social calendar The American Cancer Society benefits from a tasting of Italian and California wines at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Providence Marriott. $75. (401) 421-4740; (401) 243-2626.

School One, an independent alternative high school in Providence, throws Tiki Madness, at 6 p.m. on Thursday at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet. $50. (401) 331-2497 or rebeccas@school-one.org.

The Friends of the National Wildlife Refuges of Rhode Island hold a Wine and Beer Tasting a 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Westerly Yacht Club. $25. (401) 364-8785 or (401) 348-9109.

Hall of Fame Luncheon and presentation of the John Hazen White Sr. Award by the Philharmonic of Rhode Island is at the Westin Hotel at noon on Friday. $75. (401) 831-3123, ext. 19.

The Environment Council of Rhode Island hosts the 7th Annual Conservation Awards dinner on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Providence Marriott, Orms St. $60; $100 for two. (401) 621-8048; environmentcouncil@earthlink.net

The Portuguese American Women's Association holds a wine and cheese gala to raise money for the American Cancer Society and The Samaritans at 6 p.m. on Saturday at Tsetse Gallery, 101 Orange St., Providence. $25. (401) 331-9965.

Author-Illustrator David Macaulay and MIT associate professor of Islamic architectural history Nasser Rabbat talk about Macaulay's book Mosque at the Rhode Island School of Design Auditorium, 17 Canal St., Providence, on Saturday at 7:30 p.m., during a benefit for Spaces for Peace. It's an international nonprofit organization devoted to inspiring peace by building open-structured art spaces. $40; $50 at the door; $10 college students with identification. (401) 831-3388.

University of Rhode Island Foundation's Presidents' Ball, which raises funds for scholarships, is at the Newport Hyatt Regency, Goat Island, at 7 p.m. on Saturday. $150. (401) 874-4977.

The Providence Preservation Society's 50th Anniversary Spring Ball is at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Hope Club, Benefit Street, Providence. $175; $75 dessert and dancing. (401) 831-7440.

The Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, which assists victims of domestic violence, raises money during Our Fair Lady at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet. $125. (401) 738-9700.

Sail Newport, which offers affordable sailing lessons to underserved youths, holds the Bermuda Bash at 8 p.m. on Saturday at the Newport Yachting Center, Commercial Wharf, Newport. $55. (401) 846-1983.

Are you planning a nonprofit's fundraiser? Let us know about it before May 19, and we will add it to the social calendar to be published in early June, and placed on our Web site, projo.com. Send e-mails to society@projo.com; faxes to (401) 277-8175; or regular mail to Faye Zuckerman, 75 Fountain St., Providence, RI 02902. Check out GALA-vanting's long-term calendar at www.projo.com/galacal.

fzuckerm@projo.com / (401) 277-7333