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.

Gala chairs Jesse and Angela Cureton.

A model shows off a fantastical design made from recycled opera programs during the cocktail hour.

Models in designs made from recycled opera programs during the cocktail hour.

Maestro James Meena

Lisa and Perrin Dargan III

Stephen and Laura Philipson

Michael and Leslie Marciano

Pam Stowe, Laura Vinroot Poole and Lisa Dargan.

Gorgeous decor from John Lupton Events amid the scenery for Opera Carolina’s season opening production of Donizetti’s Daughter of the Regiment

Star tenor David Walton performs during dinner.

Rob Engel and Mary Tabor

Gala Chairs Jesse and Angela Cureton

Photos by Daniel Coston Photography

Opera Carolina’s Bella Notte Gala is always one of Charlotte’s most enchanting evenings. This year’s fundraiser for our region’s premiere opera company was held amid the scenery for the season opening production of Donizetti’s Daughter of the Regiment. Gala Chairs Angela and Jesse Cureton joined the guests for an elegant evening that included a cocktail hour with models wearing fantastic designs made from recycled opera programs. The seated dinner featured exquisite decor by John Lupton Events. Opera stars performed for guests before everyone ending the evening on the dance floor.

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.