What to Expect: Buffet dinner, international wine tasting, and silent auction. Proceeds sustain AFTA’s 900 visual, performing and literary arts outreach programs for seniors throughout the Washington metropolitan area.

Date: October 18, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Location: Swiss Embassy Residence

Attire: Cocktail

Event Chairmen:Swiss Ambassador Urs Ziswiler and Ronit Ziswiler (Honorary); Robert and MaryBeth Powers (Event Chairmen); and Dr. Steven B. and Mrs. Julia S. Hopping (Co-Chairmen)

Tickets: Advance purchase only and limited space. $125 for those age 39 and under; $225 for AFTA members; $250 for non-members over age 39.

Contact: Janine Tursini, 301-718-4990, info@aftaarts.org, www.aftaarts.org

THE 19^th ANNUAL BEST BUDDIES BALL

What to Expect: This year’s event, “Celebrating New Friendships in the Alps: Austria, Germany and Switzerland,” will help support activities for mentally challenged individuals. Each year, close to 1,000 prominent local and international guests gather at the home of Sargent and Eunice Shriver. Dinner followed by entertainment by En Vogue.

Date: October 20, 6:30 p.m.

Location: The Shriver residence in Potomac, Md.

Attire: Black-tie

Event Chairmen:California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (Honorary); Her Highness Dr. Gabriele Inaara Begum Aga Khan (Honorary Vice Chairwoman); Austrian Amb. Eva Nowotny German Amb. Klaus Scharioth, Swiss Amb. Urs Ziswiler (Ambassadors of Friendship); May Liang and Jim Lintott, Lynn and Ted Leonsis (Co-Chairmen); and Alina and Anthony K. Shriver (Co-Vice Chairmen)

Tickets: $500

Contact: Hilary Stephens, 202-824-0349, HilaryStephens@bestbuddies.org

39^th ANNUAL MERIDIAN BALL

What to Expect: Meridian International Center’s largest annual fundraising event supports ongoing efforts to address the critical public diplomacy challenges facing the United States through educational and cultural programs and by strengthening America’s ties to the world through exchange programs, seminars and art exhibitions. The evening begins with dinners hosted by ambassadors at their residences followed by dessert and dancing at Meridian House.

Date: October 26

Location: Meridian House

Attire: Black-tie

Event Chairmen:Isabel Ernst; Lisa Barry; Kitty Martinez, Betty Ann Tanner; Mae Haney Grennan (White-Meyer Dinner)

Tickets: $500

Contact: Leonor Chiarella, 202-939-5574, lchiarel@meridian.org

THE HELEN HAYES AWARDS BENEFIT AUCTION

What to Expect: Spectacular bargains on exotic trips, exclusive treasures and elite services to benefi t Helen Hayes Awards education and audience development programs.

Date: October 26

Location: Four Seasons Hotel

Attire: Black-tie

Event Chairmen:Debby and Josh Rales

Tickets: $250; Tables and sponsorships $2,250 to $10,000

Contact: Joy Johnson, 202-337-4572,jjohnson@helenhayes.org

REPORTERS COMMITTEE FOR FREEDOM OF THE PRESS GALA

What to Expect: The event features a cocktail reception, followed by a seated dinner and an awards presentation. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press is an organization dedicated to protecting the First Amendment interests of the news media.

Date: October 30

Location: Anderw Mellon Auditorium

Attire: Business

Event Chairmen: Boisfeuillet Jones, Jr. and Bruce Sanford

Tickets: $500; $10,000 or $25,000 for tables of 10

Contact: Brenda Zimmerman, 202-636-8743, Brenda@campbellpeachey.com

TINA ALASTER

CHAIRWOMAN OF THE LOMBARDI GALA

HOW MANY BENEFITS HAVE YOU WORKED ON?

Over 30 in general, but four as a chair.

WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF PLANNING A BENEFIT?

The satisfaction of knowing that I have contributed to the community at large. It is important, as a physician, to promote health awareness.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST BENEFIT SUCCESS?

Getting the message out about what I am trying to achieve with the money.

ANY EMBARRASSING BENEFIT MOMENTS?

It would have to do with getting there on time.

FAVORITE CATERERS?

Occasions and Ridgewells.

BEST FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS?

Amaryllis and Ultra Violet.

FAVORITE VENUE?

Corcoran.

ADVICE FOR PLANNING A BENEFIT?

It always takes longer than you think. It’s always a lot harder than you can imagine, even when you have a lot of deputies.

Silk dress by CAROLINA HERRERA($2990). Available at Saks Jandel, 5510 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301-652-2250. White gold South Sea and diamond earrings ($7650), white gold vintage inspired diamond bracelet ($25,000) and white gold 20ct diamond necklace ($68,250). All available at Boone & Sons Jewelers, 5550 The Hills Plaza Chevy Chase, Md., 301-657-2144.