This past January, Childhelp and Barrett-Jackson partnered for the sixth annual Drive the Dream gala. Kicking off the annual Barrett-Jackson car auction show at WestWorld, chairwomen Missy Anderson, Jinger Richardson and Susie Wesley entertained guests with an evening of dinner, dancing and a live auction that benefited Childhelp.

Chairwomen: Missy Anderson, Jinger Richardson and Susie Wesley
In Attendance: 730 guests
Amount Raised: $1 million-plus

How do you narrow down the guest list?
Missy Anderson: You don’t. The more the merrier if you are not limited by space.

Is it ever O.K. to send an e-vite instead of a formal invitation?
Missy Anserson: Personally, I am not a fan of e-vites due to the fact that many people, like myself, do not check their e-mails on a regular basis. I would only send out an e-vite for small get-togethers with close friends and only if it is last-minute planning for the event.

How do you go about choosing a theme?
Jinger Richardson: Depends on speakers or entertainment. Some organizations deal with children, health or the arts. Combine the charity with the talent to make a theme.
Susie Wesley: This will sound odd, but most of my event themes have come to me in a dream - which is why I keep a pad of paper next to my bed.

What do you never serve?
Susie Wesley: Fish and lamb. Fish because you can never be 100 percent sure there won’t be a strong smell, and lamb because most people don’t eat it.
Missy Anderson: Escargot, lots of garlic and delicate fish.

What’s your rule of thumb for calculating how much food and beverage to serve?
Jinger Richardson: I make a lot of food. Years ago, I threw my husband a 40th birthday party and ran out of food when eight extra people showed.
Missy Anderson: For dinners in my home, we always prepare double for great leftovers.

Do you have any favorite favors that you like to give guests?
Susie Wesley: We have so many wonderful choices, but budget is the biggest factor. For some events, I have forgone a favor other than a personal thank you note - which has become more common in the last couple of years.
Missy Anderson: I like to give pretty, small silver picture frames that can double as their place card holder.

This month’s annual black-tie Hope Ball, benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Desert Mountain Chapter, is honoring local heroes for their medical, corporate and civic commitments at the InterContinental Montelucia Resort and Spa. The evening’s chairwomen Sheryl Bettencourt and Linda Gatzulis will entertain invitees with a superb five-course meal, a live and silent auction and a night full of dancing.

What do you never serve?
Sheryl Bettencourt: Anything awkward like shellfish or anything not tried and tested. This is not the time to debut something you’re not comfortable with. Comfort food and little bites paired with some great wine and good conversation is what makes for a memorable evening.

What is your favorite gift to receive as a hostess?
Sheryl Bettencourt: Anything scented. Candles, flowers, bath products or fresh herbs—something that can be enjoyed in the future and that I’m not pressured to use that same evening.

Do you have any favorite favors that you like to give guests?
Sheryl Bettencourt: It is important that what you give people when they leave your party is something that they can use afterwards. That way, they will remember you every time they use it. I love wine stoppers, bar tools and gourmet treats. Favor Affair (www.favoraffair.com) has some great ideas.
Linda Gatzulis: And make sure that every other person gets something different.