Feb. 5
Goodwill Foundation Fat Tuesday Street Party. Mardi Gras fun with New Orleans cuisine, Dixieland music and more, at Michael’s On East. Tickets $200; 955-4483.

Feb. 6
Manatee Community Foundation Spirit of Manatee Awards. This luncheon honoring outstanding philanthropists in Manatee County takes place at the Bradenton Auditorium; doors open at 11:15 a.m., program at noon. 747-7765.

Feb. 7
Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) Second Hand Rose Fashion Show and Luncheon. This year’s event is set for the Ritz; doors open at 10:30 a.m. with lunch and the show at noon. Tickets $95; call 496-9366.

Feb. 8
Casablanca at the Crosley. This evening to benefit All Children’s Hospital Guild of Sarasota and Manatee offers fire spinners, belly dancers and jugglers for a Moroccan atmosphere, followed by a Middle Eastern buffet, casino games, dancing and more. At the Powel Crosley Estate. Tickets $150; 730-7082.

New College Foundation Big Band Valentine Bash. The Starlight Ballroom comes alive for one night only at Michael’s On East during this romantic evening, with dinner, dancing and music by Charly Raymond, his band and vocalists; tickets $200. 487-4686.

Feb. 9
South County Family YMCA Black-Tie Auction. It’s “An Asian Night in Black and White” for the 21st annual auction at the South County Y; tickets $175. 492-9622.

Feb. 12
Sarasota Opera Guild Sweetheart of the Opera Luncheon. Beginning at 11 a.m. at Michael’s On East. 758-8600.

Feb. 13
First Step of Sarasota Caring Hearts Luncheon. The fifth annual luncheon to help the addiction recovery center’s programs, at 11:30 a.m. at Michael’s On East. Tickets $60; 366-5333.
The Wellness Community/Sarasota Magazine Hottest Husbands Party. Feel the heat at this party revealing the results of all those secret ballots, with drinks, a big-screen TV and a fashion show (including lingerie) at Saks Fifth Avenue. For ticket info call 921-5539 or 487-1116.

Feb. 15
Van Wezel Foundation: A Gala Evening with Patti LaBelle. The annual gala includes cocktails and dinner in the Grand Foyer, the performance and a “Meet the Artist” reception. $75 for after-party only; otherwise tickets range from $275 to $750. 366-5578.

Feb. 16
Animal Rescue Coalition Best in Show Gala. Dinner, dancing and auctions to help support the ARC, at 6:30 p.m. Michael’s on East. Tickets $250. 957-1955.

Feb. 22
Evening of Excellence. An evening of dinner and an auction showcasing the talents of area high school artists, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Michael’s On East. Theme is “Red Hot & Blues.” To benefit the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. Tickets $200 or $250 (patron). 927-0965.

Feb. 23
Children First Celebration Dinner. Taking place at the Chelsea Center; $125. 953-3877.
Plein Air Affair. Dinner, dancing, art lottery and live auction at the Longboat Key Club, to benefit the Longboat Key Center for the Arts. 383-2345.

Feb. 25
Junior League Legacy Luncheon. Jeanne Phillips (Dear Abby) is guest speaker at this year’s event, set for Michael’s On East. 953-5600.

Feb. 29
Gallery Gala. The Ringling Museum adds a new black-tie event to Sarasota’s social schedule with this evening, featuring cocktails at 6 p.m. in the Rubens Galleries, followed by dinner and conversation in other galleries of the museum. 359-5700 ext. 5705.