As we welcome 2013, here’s a preview of this year’s not-to-miss galas.

LOVER’S BALL: Society darling Liz Gordon will once again chair the annual Lover’s Ball. One of the city’s most elegant celebrations, the black-tie ball features and benefits our Grammy Award-winning Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Taking place Feb. 21, it’s the only gala in North America where one can dance to a full orchestra. Producer Shelley Johnson does a magnificent job of transforming the cavernous convention centre into an exquisite ballroom.

A BETTER LIFE: Founded by restaurateur Mark Brand and powerhouse Joanne Griffiths, A Better Life Foundation will formally launch in February with the goal of raising the necessary funds to provide food security to women, children and those in assisted living. A Better Life will kick off its mission with a major gala at the Vancouver Art Gallery Feb. 23. The pair hopes to raise enough funds to produce 365,000 meals annually to those in need.

BACCHANALIA GALA: The jewel of the Vancouver International Wine Festival, the Bacchanalia Gala dinner and auction is one of the city’s most spectacular wine events. A must for oenophiles, the Feb. 26 event provides an unparalleled opportunity to enhance your wine cellar through sales of rare and coveted wines. Proceeds will benefit Bard on the Beach, the festival’s new charitable beneficiary following the demise of the Playhouse Theatre Company.

Hear Fred Mondays 8:20am on CBC Radio’s The Early Edition AM690 and 88.1FM;Email: yvrflee@hotmail.com; Twitter: @FredAboutTown or www.fredabouttown.blogspot.com