SOCIETY CALENDAR

Out and About in October

Visit WASHINGTONLIFE.COM's online social calendar to view numerous galas and events or to post your event, which will then be considered for our print edition and annual Balls and Galas Directory

OCTOBER

CARE FOR KIDS HOLIDAYSHOPPING

Join WL for a kickoff celebration at M Cafe & Bar - a week of shopping at one's favorite stores and restaurants will follow, all at a 20 percent discount. Proceeds from the shopping support the Children's National Medical Center. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; M Cafe; RSVP by emailing careforkidscards@verizon.net or calling 301-762-5328.

CHILDREN'SINN AT NIH DINNER

This year's theme, "What's in the Bag" promises oodles of surprise gifts selected from the donated purses of prominent Washingtonians. Fun for a great cause? It's in the bag. 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. buffet reception; 7:30 p.m. speaking program; $10,000 for table of ten, $25,000 for two VIP tables of ten; U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Hall of Flags; business attire; Contact Susan O'Neill at 301-229-0064.

CONGRESSIONAL COALITION ON ADOPTION INSTITUTE: ANGELS IN ADOPTION

A good home is often taken for granted, and the need for one should never be underestimated. This gala honors those who have enriched the lives of foster children and orphans worldwide. 6 p.m. reception; 7 p.m. dinner; $350; Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center; business attire; Contact Deanna Carlson Stacy at 202-544-8500.

MARK TWAIN PRIZE FOR AMERICAN HUMOR

This year, funnyman Billy Crystal gets to wear the coveted ha-ha hat; this awards gala will air on PBS stations nationwide in the fall, so wear something camera-ready. 8 p.m.; $1,000 to $50,000; Kennedy Center Opera House; black-tie; Contact 202-416-8333 or email MTP@Kennedy-Center.org.

NATIONAL ITALIAN AMERICAN FOUNDATION 32ND ANNIVERSARY GALA

Italians are famous for more than mama's marinara and inhabiting northern New Jersey. NIAF salutes prominent Italian Americans; rock 'n' roll legend Neil Sedaka will perform, and there will be a special posthumous salute to founding member Jack Valenti. 6 p.m. reception; 7 p.m. dinner; $400, $600 preferred, $1,000 premium; Hilton Washington and Towers; black-tie; Contact Carolyn Laurenzano at 202939-3114 or email Carolyn@niaf.org.

UNMASKING MENTAL ILLNESS

Al Hunt of Bloomberg News emcees this cocktail reception. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the largest grassroots organization advocating for the rights of those who suffer from mental illnesses. 7:30 p.m.; $300; Andrew W Mellon Auditorium; cocktail attire; Contact Brenda Zimmerman at 202-636-8745.

ARTS FOR THE AGING GALA

AFTA presents its annual buffet dinner, international wine tasting and silent auction. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; $125 for those aged 39 and under; $225 for AFTA members; $250 for non-members over age 39; Swiss Embassy Residence; cocktail attire; Contact Janine Tursini at 301-718-4990.

19TH ANNUAL BEST BUDDIES BALL

"Celebrating New Friendships in the Alps: Austria, Germany and Switzerland" will help support activities for mentally challenged individuals. Dinner at the home of Sargent and Eunice Shriver will be followed with a performance by supergroup En Vogue. 6:30 p.m.; $500; the Shriver residence in Potomac, Md.; black-tie; contact Hilary Stephens at 202-824-0349 or email hilarystephens@bestbuddies.org.