SPEEDWAY CHILDREN'S CHARITIES GALA

Speedway Children’s Charities Founder Bruton Smith greets Carolina Panthers player Luke Kuechly.

Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine prepared a truly incredible menu for attendees.

The evening was a tribute to NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton, who was introduced by Marcus Smith.

Moore performed his No. 1 hit songs including Small Town USA and If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away.

Photos by Daniel Coston Photography

One of the many highlights of the 39th annual Speedway Children's Charities Gala presented by Sonic Automotive at The Ritz-Carlton uptown was a tribute to NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton, a longtime NASCAR executive who in 2000 succeeded Bill France Jr. and became the third president of NASCAR.

In addition to Helton, a star-studded group of headliners including country music star Justin Moore and world-class Chef Robert Irvine, added to the festivities. Moore performed his No. 1 hit songs including Small Town USA and If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away, while Irvine prepared a truly incredible menu for attendees. Irvine is known for hosting some of the Food Network's most popular shows including Restaurant: Impossible and for founding the military veteran-supporting Robert Irvine Foundation in 2015.

"The Speedway Children's Charities Gala gives us a chance to help children in the greater Charlotte community and to celebrate our motorsports industry," said Marcus Smith, the vice chairman of Speedway Children's Charities. "The gala also provides us with the perfect platform to salute the tireless efforts of Mike Helton, one of the most influential people in NASCAR. Mike's leadership has been invaluable, and having him join us for the gala is a real privilege.”

The gala serves as a marquee fundraiser for Speedway Children's Charities' Charlotte chapter, a far-reaching nonprofit which assists children in need throughout the Charlotte area. The black-tie event features many prominent dignitaries from the motorsports industry as well as the nonprofit sector throughout Charlotte, the home base of Speedway Children's Charities since its founding by Bruton Smith in 1982.

HOPEWAY'S INAUGURAL HANDBAG AUCTION

Amanda Hollingsworth, Sandra Levine and Amy Dawson.

Emily Maynard Johnson, right, was one of the committee members.

Gina Lawrence and Lori Sklut.

Photos by Daniel Coston Photography

The inaugural What Are You Carrying? designer handbag auction at Quail Hollow Club was an evening of education, awareness and fun. The 300 guests bid on a selection of designer purses with proceeds going to support the therapeutic programs and financial assistance at HopeWay, Charlotte’s mental health treatment center offering residential and day treatment for adults in a first-class setting.

Funds raised go to HopeWay’s financial assistance program that increases access to a wider population of men and women who need help. Since opening in November of 2016, HopeWay has provided over $1 million in financial assistance and served nearly 700 people.

The event committee included Amy Levine Dawson, Preeti Deshmukh, Emily Maynard Johnson, Kara Olsen, Taylor Russ, Laura Philipson, Lori Levine Sklut, and Nazy Weeks. A Challenge Grant from Lori and Eric Sklut matched direct contributions to HopeWay up to $20,000.

The event was a huge success and raised more than $111,000 for HopeWay.

ALLEGRO FOUNDATION AMBASSADOR'S BALL

Molly Schugel and Jason Schugel, Allegro Board Chairman and Chief Risk Officer for Ally Financial; Greta Mulhall; Pat Farmer, Allegro Founder & President; His Excellency, Daniel Mulhall, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States; and Dr. John Young, Ireland's First Honorary Consul for North Carolina and Founder of McLaughlin Young Group.

Elizabeth Tanos-Priest, Allegro Foundation Founder and President Pat Farmer and Christina Melissaris.

Violinist Dennis Spring

Christina Melissaris

Felipe Gonzalez Edmiston and Bryan Edmiston.

Donna and Al de Molina.

Peg and George Povinelli.

Katrina and Bruce Moffett.

Kathy Reichs, internationally renowned author and creator of the TV show, Bones, with her husband, Paul.

Larry Sprinkle, Morning Forecaster at WCNC - NBC Charlotte.

Felix Sabates, host of the Ambassador's Ball and owner of Felix Sabates Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte.

His Excellency Daniel Mulhall, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States.

Pat Farmer presents an award to Ernest Perry, Owner and President of Perry's Diamonds and Estate Jewelry.

Allegro Student Presenters with their Teaching Assistants from Bailey Middle School in Cornelius.

Allegro Student Presenters with their Teaching Assistants from Bailey Middle School in Cornelius.

Photos by Daniel Coston Photography

Daniel Mulhall, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, was the honoree at the Ambassador’s Ball at Quail Hollow Club. The Irish-themed fundraiser was a benefit for the Allegro Foundation, a Champion of Children with Disabilities. Highlights of the evening were a special performance by the children of Allegro and their teacher assistants, and Ambassador Mulhall’s presentation of a gift of Waterford crystal to the event’s host, Felix Sabates.

Photos by Daniel Coston Photography

Puttin’ On The Ritz was the theme of this year’s Pink Boots Ball, a fundraiser for Carolina Breast Friends. Proceeds support the nonprofit’s mission of helping women during every stage of their breast cancer journey - from diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, living with metastasis, remission; or the fear of recurrence. Held at the Ritz-Carlton, the pink infused party included cocktails, dinner and dancing. carolinabreastfriends.org.

GREAT GATSBY GALA

Costume contest winners.

Dressed owner Bernadette Maulion judged the costume contest.

Daniel Coston Photography

Guests at the 30th annual Great Gatsby Gala were transported back to the Roaring 20s during the benefit for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Greater Carolina's Chapter's mission of creating a world free of MS. Held at the Hilton Charlotte Center City, it featured a live orchestra, swing dancing, a costume contest judged by Dressed owner Bernadette Maulion, a silent auction, and heavy hors d'oeuvres and desserts from some of Charlotte's most celebrated restaurants. Details: www.nationalmssociety.org.