OEBS Gala Concert

The Fox Theater was the setting Oct. 1 for the Oakland East Bay Symphony gala, dinner and reception honoring music director Michael Morgan for two decades of services. Mezzo soprano Denyce Graves performed with the symphony. The event raised funds for the OEBS education and outreach programs, which serves more than 24,000 youths annually. oebs.org

Growl Meow & Wine

The East Bay SPCA hosted its third annual Growl, Meow & Wine benefit on Oct. 4 in its Dublin facility. Though there was virtually no growling, there was plenty of wine, thanks to wines donated by Canine Wines and Flora Springs. More than 350 people attended the event, which included a silent auction and food catered by Del Navio. Music was provided by Steel Jam and The Adrian Gormley Ensemble. eastbayspca.org

A Taste of California 2009

A hot, sunny day sent members, friends and supporters of the 100-year-old Rotary Club of Oakland seeking shady spots in the Oakland Museum of California courtyard on Sept. 20 when the museum hosted the club’s 27th annual wine, food and beer festival. Billed as A Taste of California — An Afternoon in the Garden, the fund-raising event for the club’s endowment drew 25 winery and vineyard vendors plus 32 beverage, brewery and restaurant vendors who kept the California food and drink flowing for the afternoon while jazz guitarist Terrence Brewer entertained. oakland-rotary.org

Women of Taste 2009

A cloudless, warm night, big band music and a myriad of edible treats greeted guests at the Girls Inc. 18th annual Women of Taste fund-raiser Sept. 26 at the Oakland Museum of California. The event drew more than 1,200 people and included food provided by numerous local Bay Area restaurants. Wine and beer were provided by local wineries and breweries, and guests could dance to the Montclair Women’s Big Band. Other activities included a raffle and an art-specific silent auction. Girls Inc. of Alameda County served over 7,000 girls and their families in the East Bay last year. girlsinc-alameda.org