Rodeo, Mardi Gras and a score of charity fundraisers are practically choking the social calendar at the moment. Nevertheless, in the spirit of congratulating the thousands of volunteers who spin the social fabric of the city we spotlight a handful of recent charity fundraisers. All with worthy missions.

On the terrace

The weather was perfect for cocktails overlooking the golf course of River Oaks Country Club when supporters of Camp for All gathered more than 500 strong to raise a whopping $588,000 at the annual CampFest dinner. Chairs Candace and Richard Faulk and co-chairs Jill and John Pavlas could not have been more pleased with the evening.

Part of the fun was watching the glam Miss Houston Rachael Turner cuddle a Lab puppy that was part of the live auction and admiring the dazzling 3.57 carat black diamond drop surrounded by 16 round brilliant diamonds that she modeled. That sweet piece was the raffle prize, donated by I.W. Marks Jewelers. Add the singing talents of The Three Waiters for inspirational entertainment.

Taking bows as honorees were Peter Boudreaux of Curry Boudreaux Architects, Insurance Alliance and the alum chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.

Proceeds from the evening provide camp scholarships for children and adults who have special needs or challenging illnesses.

Partying cirque style

More than 650 guests poured into the ballroom of the Westin Galleria Hotel for the Jewish Community Center's 21st Annual Children's Scholarship Ball. It was a playful night with chairs Erica Levit and Marci Rosenberg donning feathered masks for the "Cirque du J" themed evening, inspired by their sons' performances at JCC's Circus Camp last summer. Thus, the circus performers who entertained in the ballroom foyer before dinner.

The black-tie evening honored Khambrel Marshall, Nancy Lerner and Leslie Alexander and the Houston Rockets, all recognized for their passion for helping children. The honorees were introduced by honorary chairs Leisa Holland-Nelson, Roslyn and Ricky Haikin and Karen Jones.

Notables filling the ballroom included Judy and Rodney Margolis, Karen and Harry Susman, Ann and Stephen Kaufman, Barbara and Charles Hurwitz, Ken Simon, Minnette Robinson and silent auction chairs Meredith Schlanger and Jennifer Haikin Zach.

Crunching the numbers

Members of the Houston CPA Society put on their dancing shoes for the annual Scholarship Extravaganza, held this year at the Junior League of Houston where Mango Punch kept partygoers on their toes. The Escape to Paradise theme set the stage for a near-record evening with proceeds approaching $300,000.

Chairs Susan Sample and Mark Lee oversaw the sellout event that packed every room of the League building with more than 400 revelers. Taking bows were honorees Linda Gonzalez and Roland Rodriguez, who actually made table decorations for their special friends.

Highlight of the event, which blessedly had a very short program, thank you!, was the live auction for which Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale served as emcee. The popular retailer insisted to the crowd that his high energy level came from getting a good night's sleep on a Tempur-Pedic mattress — a big laugh all around.

Those with a facility for numbers included Danielle and Mark Schaaf, Billy Atkinson, Steve Diamond, Nancy and Dick Rutledge, Tammy Wells, Anne and Mark Johnson, Karen and Roland Garcia and Julie and John Cutrer.

A loving exhibition

The Museum of Cultural Arts Houston (MOCAH) kicked off its 2011 Art of Culture series with an art exhibit and social event titled "What's Love Got To Do With It" in an evening that drew more than 100 movers and shakers, artists and friends of MOCAH. Proceeds are targeted for programs that support MOCAH artists.

Sam Turner, Antoine Bryant, Lori Betz of Betz Gallery and Branden Morris, director of the Art of Culture, were among those sampling the culinary talents of Magnolia Rose Kitchen and swaying to the tunes of folk-soul singer Tamika Handy.

Held at MOCAH headquarters on Wood Street, the get-together spotlighted African-American culture and featured the work of MOCAH artists. Funds raised support the non-profit's mission of using public art and creativity as a tool for social awareness and community development.

Disco divas and dudes

It was costumes for the brave and the bold when the American Heart Association Northwest Harris County Division launched its "Stayin' Alive" gala with a kickoff party at the expansive, three-story home of Farouk Shami. Gala chairs Beth and Jerry Eaton and Cindy and Robert Smith donned their best '70s attire in anticipation of the May 14 gala at the Hilton Americas-Hilton.

Shami will be honored along with Jeannie and Nolan Lehmann and Thomas Markle.

Among the 100 guests schmoozing in Shami's vast party room were Darcy and Robert Mingoia, Andrea Garrity, Saima and Dr. Moshin Bajwa, Debbie and Ryan Rice, Jill and Phil Barber, Pam and Bobbie Fowler and Carole and Harold Kergosien.