More than 100 guests wore their hearts on their sleeves at the Jan. 31 kickoff of Macy’s Find Your Red Shopping Party, held to benefit the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign. The Chicago flagship (111 N. State) hosted the bash, which featured hors d’oeuvres, drinks, music from DJ Jon Jeung of Fig Media and an inspiring story from heart disease survivor and Chicago native Jill Russell. The evening concluded with Estée Lauder makeovers and a fashion show demonstrating the latest trends in red apparel and accessories. More than $1.5 million was raised to support the AHA.

The Goodman Theatre created a fun-filled oasis for 150 partygoers at the Cocktails & Cacti event, letting guests peek behind the curtain of current show “Other Desert Cities.” The night began with hors d’oeuvres, cactus-infused cocktails and remarks from director Henry Wishcamper, who shared his personal take on the play. Guests at the Jan. 31 bash then got a first look at the performance before chatting with the all-star cast — including Tracy Michelle Arnold, Deanna Dunagan and John Hoogenakker — at a post-show reception.

On Jan. 24, Chicago’s top athletes from past and present met with fans at the 25th Annual Comcast SportsNet Awards.

Urban Initiatives shot and scored with its 7th annual Soccer Ball, which was held at the River East Art Center (435 E. Illinois) on Jan. 25 and sold out faster than any previous year. Nearly 800 guests showed up to support the nonprofit’s health- and education-based soccer programs, which have expanded over the past six years to serve thousands of children attending 22 Chicago Public Schools. Masters of Ceremonies and ESPN 1000 hosts Marc Silverman and Carmen DeFalco entertained attendees who sipped cocktails, snacked on appetizers, danced and bid on silent auction items to help net nearly $300,000.

Science gained mass appeal Jan. 26, when more than 700 guests donned their best black-tie attire for the Museum of Science and Industry’s 30th annual Black Creativity Gala. The event honors the institution’s 40-year-old Black Creativity Program, which pays tribute to African-Americans in the fields of science, technology, engineering and medicine. Co-chaired by Kevin Brookins, Larry Hollins, Myra Price and Greg Hinton and held at the MSI, the event featured artwork from more than 100 amateur and professional African-American artists from across the country, plus bites from eight buffet stations and live music from Grammy-nominated R&B group After 7 and DJ Lil’ John. WMAQ-Channel 5’s Michelle Relerford emceed and guests included Gov. Pat Quinn and Merri Dee. About $400,000 was raised to benefit the Black Creativity Program.

On Jan. 24, from 99 stories above the city, more than 350 guests raised their glasses to Chicago House at the organization’s annual Winter Art Auction and Cocktail Party, held at the Willis Tower SkyDeck. Guests sipped the Absolut Tune, a bubbly fusion of vodka and white wine, while bidding on artwork by 40 local artists and designers in an auction. Co-chaired by Tom Segal, David Kaufman, Sean Ward, Dennis Remer, Sean Kotwa and Christopher Hubbard, the event raised $45,000 for Chicago House. The nonprofit has been a local leader in providing life-saving housing and support to families and individuals affected by HIV and AIDS.

New sports bar Park Tavern (1645 W. Jackson) is amping up the West Loop, and 200 guests helped open the new digs in style at a Splash-sponsored VIP grand opening party Jan 23. Attendees enjoyed appetizers and craft beers — including local brews — from more than 40 taps as they geared up for the Bulls matchup against the Detroit Pistons. When it was time for tip-off, some used the complimentary shuttle service to the United Center to cheer in person, while others stuck around to watch on the two-story bar’s 20-plus TVs. Park Tavern also offers three private dining rooms, a late-night dining menu and a DJ every Thursday through Saturday night.

Like a fine wine, the d’Vine Affair just keeps getting better. At the 12th annual event, held Jan. 27, more than 400 guests sampled 250 premium wines presented by 90 vintners from around the world at the Union League (65 W. Jackson). Mingling on the fifth and sixth floors of the club, attendees sipped while upping their wine expertise with exclusive seminars led by Chicago sommelier Bob Bansberg and founder of the Chicago Wine School Patrick Fegan. Armed with new knowledge, guests then had the chance to bid on bottles in a “Stock Your Cellar” raffle and silent auction. Chaired and founded by Joe and Helen Glunz and John and Teddi Scholz, the event netted more than $100,000 with proceeds benefitting the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Self-Sufficiency Programs, which gives struggling families long-term assistance in reaching financial independence.

Jan 31: Take a fashionable stand against heart disease at Macy’s Find Your Red Shopping Party, held in honor of the 10th anniversary of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign. Sport the hue to the shop’s Wear Red Sale to get an extra 20 percent off red apparel and accessories. While browsing the racks, snack on light refreshments, get an Estée Lauder makeover and watch a fashion presentation on the best ways to incorporate red into your wardrobe. Throughout, AHA volunteers and local heart disease survivors will share their stories and offer more information on the Go Red for Women movement. 5:30 p.m. 111 N. State. Admission: free. Call (866) 607-4422 to reserve your spot or visit Macys.com/events for more info. —Talia Beechick

On Jan. 17, Cubs players past and present swapped the field for the runway as outfielder David DeJesus and wife Kim welcomed almost 300 guests to the Strike a Pose Celebrity Fashion Show. With the goal of raising funds for the David DeJesus Family Foundation — established by the couple to help families in need — players such as Shawn Camp, Brett Jackson and Anthony Rizzo strutted down the catwalk and Kerry Wood, Darwin Barney, Michael Bowden and Ian Stewart were joined by their wives on the runway at the River East Art Center (435 E. Illinois), all sporting glam looks courtesy of the 900 North Michigan Shops.