May 4
Make-A-Wish Foundation Wishfest Celebration Gala. This year’s gala to help make dreams come true for children with illnesses takes place at 7 p.m. at the Chelsea Center; tickets are $100. 926-9474.
In Stride’s Derby Day. A party before the big race day, starting at 7 p.m. at Michael’s On East, to benefit the center’s hippotherapy programs. Tickets $150; call 412-9333.
Eugenie Clark Birthday Celebration “Shark Lady” Clark, the founder of Cape Haze Marine Lab (now Mote Marine) is guest of honor at this event at 7 p.m. in the Mote Aquarium courtyard, including dessert buffet, live entertainment and a showing of the video A Living History—Eugenie Clark. Tickets $25; 388-4441.

May 5
Community Music School of Southwest Florida Kentucky Derby Party. Another celebration of Derby Day, this one taking place at a Gator Creek home beginning at 4:30 p.m. with mint juleps and continuing through the race, a barbecue dinner and dancing. For tickets ($45 per person or $1,000 for a sponsor), call 929-1859 or 587-4026.
Going for the Gold. “All That Jazz” is the theme for the YMCA Foundation’s big bash dinner-auction, set at the Y’s Berlin branch. Tickets $200; 951-1336.

May 11
Big Brothers and Sisters of the Suncoast Sports Legends Gala. Preceding an NFL sports mini-camp at Sarasota High the next day, this party takes place at 6 p.m. at Michael’s On East. Tickets $150; call 488-4009 or 331-4376.

May 12
American Business Women’s Association Fashion Show. The Sunrise Chapter gets together for a show, brunch and silent auction starting at 9 a.m. at Sarasota Yacht Club. Theme is “This One’s for the Girls”; fashions are from Talbots. Tickets $40; call 232-1066.
Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Federation Poker Madness. Casino games, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, poker and much more at Michael’s On East; call 371-4546 for ticket info.
Tidewell Clowning Around Town Auction. Those clowns we’ve seen all over town will go to the highest bidders at this event, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Selby Gardens. Tickets $200; call 483-4460.

May 18
Dick Vitale Gala. Sports broadcaster Vitale once again lends a hand to benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research with this gala at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Special guest is Duke University head basketball coach Mike Krzyewski; ESPN’s Dan Shulman will host. Tickets are $1,000; call (800) 4JimmyV or e-mail jaschenbrenner@jimmyvorg.

May 19
Red Cross Hurricane Bash. The Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore is once again the special guest at this casual tropical-themed event, which starts at 6 p.m. at Mote Aquarium and includes dinner, dancing and silent and live auctions. Tickets $125; call 379-9300 ext. 223.