Nonprofits need donations to perform their invaluable work. Among the most effective and enjoyable ways to raise funds are benefits. Dinners, galas, fashion shows, auctions, walks and runs allow the public to have fun while raising funds.
April
Monday 28
7th Annual Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading and Berks County Leaders & Legends Dinner
The Leaders & Legends dinner, honoring volunteers who have impacted Olivet youth and their families, kicks off at 6pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading hotel. Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl legend Brandon Graham will be the keynote speaker. Funds raised at this event will support after-school and summer camp programming.
LEARN MORE: olivetbgc.org
May
Thursday 01
7th Annual Stake In The Future benefiting Dayspring Homes
This dinner, which runs from 6 to 9pm at Willoughby’s on Park in Wyomissing, benefits Dayspring Homes, a faith-based nonprofit providing services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The evening includes a sit-down dinner, open bar, auctions and more.
LEARN MORE: dayspringhomes.org/signatureevent2025.html
Thursday 08
3rd Annual Hope Rescue Mission Welcome Home Party benefiting the LightHouse Women & Children's Center
Hope Rescue Mission has been a refuge for homeless people in Berks since 1894. The organization’s LightHouse Women & Children's Center, only a little over a year old, creates a safe place for single women and women with children. The Welcome Home Party, to be held at the Redner’s Event Center at FirstEnergy Stadium, features food, fun and auction items and experiences.
LEARN MORE: hopeforreading.org/events
Saturday 17
Pagoda Realty’s Legacy of Love 4th Annual Golf Tournament benefiting Berks Encore
This year, Pagoda Realty’s annual golf tournament at Chapel Hill Golf Course in Spring Township will benefit Berks Encore, a nonprofit that helps the county’s aging community make the most of the encore of their lives. Registration begins at 11:30am with the shotgun start at 1pm. The last day to register is May 9.
LEARN MORE: pagoda-realtys-legacy-of-love-4th-annualgolf-tournament.perfectgolfevent.com
Saturday 17
Yocum Institute’s Jazz on the Avenue
An offshoot of the globally renowned Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, Jazz on the Avenue is a concert series featuring live jazz performances throughout the year in Yocum’s Schumo Theater. Beginning at 2pm, this month’s concert features acclaimed pianists Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi playing a swinging-yet-demanding orchestral style of piano called Harlem Stride.
LEARN MORE: yocuminstitute.org/jota
Sunday 18
Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks’ 10th Annual Pink Passion for Fashion Show and Luncheon
Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks provides hope, support and resources to anyone affected by breast cancer. The nonprofit’s annual fashion show, which spotlights breast cancer survivors, runs from 11am to 2pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading. It features lunch and a silent auction. RSVP by April 25; reservations are limited to 400 people.
LEARN MORE: bcssberks.org/newpage207fc207
June
Thursday 12
10th Annual Wine, Women & Shoes fundraiser benefiting Opportunity House
Nonprofit consulting firm STUDIO 4Forty hosts fundraising events across the country, including Wine, Women & Shoes, “where community-minded, philanthropic women (and a few good men) gather to sip, shop, savor and support a worthy cause,” the organization says. This edition runs from 5:30 to 9pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading, with proceeds benefiting Opportunity House, which aids the homeless in Berks.
LEARN MORE: winewomenandshoes.com/event/opphouse
July
Saturday 19
Humane Pennsylvania’s Mega Pints for Pups
A fundraising staple since 2006, Pints for Pups allows dog and beer lovers throughout the region to support both. In 2018, the mini Pints for Pups Tour was launched, featuring events at various locations from April to October. All dates are outdoors; leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome. See the link below for times and locations for all events.
LEARN MORE: humanepa.org/events/pints-for-pups
Sunday 20
Reading Pride Celebration’s Berks Pride
Reading Pride Celebration has supported the LGBTQ+ community of Berks County since 2006. Its signature event, Berks Pride Fest, will be held from 11am to 6pm at Jim Dietrich Park in Muhlenburg Township. The oldest and largest festival of its kind in the area, Berks Pride Fest features more than 100 vendors, over a dozen food trucks and a full slate of performers.
LEARN MORE: readingpridecelebration.org
August
Saturday 09
Friend, Inc. Community Services’ 16th Annual Brake the Cycle of Poverty fundraiser
Enjoy a beautiful ride through the county while supporting Friend, Inc.’s efforts to reduce food insecurity and other household economic issues in rural Berks. Launching from Rickenbach Learning Center at Kutztown University, the ride starts at 7am. There are routes for all types of riders, ranging from 10 miles to 62 miles.
LEARN MORE: friendinc.org/brakethe-cycle-of-poverty
Saturday 16
Bethany Children’s Home Summer Concert Series
This local institution supporting youth who have endured trauma resides on a 385-acre Heidelberg Township campus, perfect for outdoor concerts. The first in this year’s series features the Fabulous Greaseband – a "best of the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s rock 'n' roll party band”– from 6 to 8pm. Entry is $15 a car.
LEARN MORE: bethanyhome.org/2025events
Saturday 30
Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles’ 59th Annual Duryea Day
The Duryea Day Antique & Classic Car & Truck Show and Flea Market will run from 9am to 3pm at Boyertown Community Park, featuring hundreds of vehicles displayed throughout the park. Spectator admission includes the park and museum. The nonprofit will also hold Cars & Cones at 4pm on August 7, a cruise-in in the museum parking lot featuring treats from Mister Softee.
LEARN MORE: boyertownmuseum.org/duryea-day
September
Friday 05
Fete En Blanc Event benefiting Habitat for Humanity
Turnberry Construction Group’s third annual “Party in White” returns to the Reading Public Museum’s Stone Terrace Tent from 6 to 9pm. This year’s iteration will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Berks County, which builds homes for moderateincome families to purchase. Wearing white attire, guests will enjoy drinks and live music. Admission does not include food.
LEARN MORE: febreading.com
Friday 26
Reading Public Library’s 15th Annual Cocktails & Classics
This fundraiser is lit. Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading, Cocktails & Classics is the library’s biggest private fundraiser. Last year’s event drew about 300 guests, raising more than $135,000 for the library’s operating expenses and youth technology programs.
LEARN MORE: readingpubliclibrary. org/cocktails-classics
Saturday 27
Laney’s Legacy of Hope’s 9th Annual Golden Gala
Formed in memory of Delaney “Laney” Brown, an 8-year-old West Reading girl who passed away in 2013 from pediatric cancer, Laney’s Legacy of Hope provides grants for research and aid to children and families. This year’s gala at the Doubletree by Hilton hotel in Reading will feature food, entertainment and inspiring stories.
LEARN MORE: laneyslegacyofhope.org/golden-gala
October
Saturday 04
Casa of Berks County’s Gala of Light
Casa of Berks County, whose volunteers advocate for abused and neglected children in the courts, celebrates its 10th anniversary with its second-annual Gala of Light at Building 24 Kitchen and Bar in Wyomissing. Food will be served, art will be on display and court personnel and child advocates will shine a light on the importance of advocating for children.
LEARN MORE: casaberks.org/news-events
Friday 10
Mary’s Shelter’s 3rd Annual Casino Night
Last year's Casino Night raised more than $90,000. This year the organization – a housing and social service agency focusing on pregnancy, parenting and youth homelessness – hopes to hit $100,000 with the event, which runs from 6 to 9:30pm at the Redner’s Event Center at FirstEnergy Stadium. Along with casino games, the event will offer hors d'oeuvres, drinks and raffle prizes.
LEARN MORE: marysshelter.org/photos/casinonight-bgz48
Saturday 11
Humane Pennsylvania’s Art for Arf’s Sake Auction
Since 2005, Art for Arf’s Sake has raised nearly $2 million for programs and services, according to the nonprofit. The event’s auctions feature original art, travel, memorabilia and more. Along with the hundreds who attend in person, hundreds more participate online. Doors open at 5:30pm for this year’s event. The location is TBD.
LEARN MORE: humanepa.org/events/art-for-arfs-sake
Sunday 19
Reading Hospital Road Run
Hosted by The Friends of Reading Hospital, the Reading Hospital Road Run, which supports Reading Hospital Rehabilitation, is one of the most popular races in the county. More than 500 runners turned out in 2024. Along with a 5K and a free fun run, this year sees the return of a half-marathon. All three races start at 9am. Dozens of resource tents are also available to visit.
LEARN MORE: runsignup.com/Race/PA/WestReading/ ReadingHospitalRoadRun
Date TBD
6th Annual Mad Science Experiment benefiting Reading Science Center
Subtitled “A Whiskey & Wine Experience,” the Mad Science Experiment is this nonprofit’s annual fundraiser. Guests can sample whiskey, spirits and wine from local distilleries and vineyards. The event will also feature light food, a silent auction and the Silly Science Olympics, in which teams compete in fun STEM challenges. In addition, May the Force Be with You, the group’s second annual Celebrate Science Day, will take place outdoors on May the Fourth from 1 to 5pm at Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health. Entry and parking are free.
LEARN MORE: readingsciencecenter.org/events-main
December
Friday 05
Animal Rescue League of Berks County’s 05 Festival of Trees
This annual gala, at Redner’s Event Center in FirstEnergy Stadium, features an assortment of decorated trees and raffle prizes, a bottle pull, dinner stations, a cash bar and live music performed by Brass Pocket. Imbibe the spirit (and spirits) of the season while providing much-needed support to four-legged companions.
LEARN MORE: berksarl.org/festivaloftrees
February
Date TBD
Opportunity House’s Souper Bowl
Held days before the NFL’s similarly named championship game, the Souper Bowl fundraiser features donated soup and bowls, drawing hundreds annually. Proceeds help Opportunity House to continue helping the homeless in Berks.
LEARN MORE: opphouse.org/souper-bowl
March
Date TBD
Take the Lead benefiting Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania
The Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania’s signature fundraising event, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025, Take the Lead is “an event for the girls, by the girls.” Enjoy food, drinks and socializing while honoring women leaders from the community.
LEARN MORE: gsep.org/en/support-us/events/take-thelead/ttl-berks-county.html
