Feb. 2 The Layover (in Osaka). The Wellness Community celebrates its big Bali-themed fund-raising gala next month, but this kickoff event gets things started with a “layover” on the way there, starting at 8 p.m. at the Commuter Terminal at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. Tickets $45 in advance, $55 at the door; call 921-5539.

Feb. 3 Asolo Repertory Theatre Annual Gala. Have fun with a little bit of Asian influence as the Asolo celebrates a new dynasty and the Chinese New Year, at 6:30 p.m. at the Ritz. Dinner, dancing, auctions and more. 351-9010 ext. 4706.
Catholic Charities Ball. New Bishop Frank Dewane will be among the guests at this fund-raising gala, taking place at Michael’s On East. Tickets $175; call 379-5119.
Fur Ball. Let the good times roll at this Mardi Gras-themed benefit for the Suncoast Humane Society. The evening includes dinner, dancing, auctions and more and takes place starting at 6 p.m. at the Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice. Tickets $100; 474-7884,

Feb. 7 From Salsa to Sorbet. “Savor the Silver” is the theme for this year’s cooking demo/luncheon for Historic Spanish Point, soon to note its 25th anniversary. At Michael’s On East. Tickets $75; 966-5214.
Crown Jewel Gala. Myrna and David Band are the honorees at this Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Federation gala at Michael’s On East, which includes dinner and live entertainment. For tickets call 371-4546 ext. 106.

Feb. 9 Big Band Valentine Bash. Michael’s on East become the Starlight Ballroom for this romantic evening featuring music by bandleader Charly Raymond and vocalists Michele James and the Andrews Sisters, benefiting the New College Foundation. Cocktails and dinner, too. Tickets $200; 487-4686.
Hottest Husbands Kickoff Party. SARASOTA Magazine and Saks Fifth Avenue team up for a Valentine’s party tied to our Hottest Husbands contest (the winner will be featured in our June issue). There’ll be a kissing booth, hot-o-meter, “Red Hotinis” and more at Saks; call 487-1116 for more details.

Feb. 10 Animal Rescue Coalition Best in Show Gala. This year’s party, titled the “Cat Can Can,” takes place at the Hyatt Sarasota and features auctions, dancing and more. Tickets $250; call 957-1955 ext. 7.
Cattle Baron’s Ball. There’s a “Circus Under the Stars” theme to this evening of gaming, dining, dancing and entertainment for the Sarasota unit of the American Cancer Society, at the PAL Sailor Circus Arena. For tickets, call 365-2858 ext. 32.
Lakewood Ranch Community Fund Gala. Enjoy Carnivale, Lakewood Ranch style, from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. For tickets, call 518-1020.

Feb. 13 Sweetheart of the Opera Luncheon. Metropolitan Opera star Judith Blegin is this year’s Sarasota Opera Guild sweetheart, honored at Michael’s On East, where Sarasota Opera principal artists will also perform. Tickets $60-$75; 758-8600.

Feb. 21 Fat Tuesday Party. The Goodwill Foundation’s Mardi Gras blast features colorful costumes and Cajun music, plus fabulous food and drink, of course. At Michael’s On East; tickets $175. 955-4483.

Feb. 22 Give Dance a Chance Luncheon. Saks provides the fashions for this event, which benefits the Sarasota Ballet of Florida and its Dance—The Next Generation program. At Dolphin Aviation; tickets are $100. 371-6798.

Feb. 23 Evening of Excellence. Dinner and an auction of student artwork, to benefit the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. At Michael’s On East; tickets $200. 927-0965.

Feb. 24 Children First Celebration. A week of several events to benefit children and families in the community climaxes with a Celebration Dinner, at 6:30 p.m. at the Girl Scout Conference Center. Tickets $125; call 953-3877.
Starry Nite. Enjoy dining, music and gazing at the skies through high-powered telescopes, starting at 5 p.m. at the Crowley Museum and Nature Center. Tickets $125; call 322-1000.

Feb. 26 Junior League of Sarasota Legacy Luncheon. Lynda Johnson Robb, daughter of LBJ, is guest speaker for this luncheon at Michael’s On East. Tickets $75; call 483-4460.