By Mona L. Bronson-Fuqua

Today

Masquerade, benefiting Villa Madonna Academy. 6-11 p.m., Receptions Banquet Center, Erlanger. $50 in advance, $60 at the door, $75 patron tickets. (859) 331-8062.

Waggin' Tails Auction and Dinner, benefiting the Animal Adoption Foundation. 6-10 p.m., Pebble Creek Golf Course, 9799 Prechtel Road, Colerain Township. $25. 738-0020 or www.aafpets.org.

Tuesday

Mardi Gras for Homeless Children, by Northern Kentucky Restaurant Association, benefiting area homeless children's shelters. 6:30-10 p.m., Northern Kentucky Convention Center, 1 W. RiverCenter Blvd., Covington. $40. (859) 291-6572 or www.nkramardigras.com.

Saturday

Blue Ash Airport Winter Gala, benefiting the Heart Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. 6:30 p.m., Embassy Suites, 10 E. RiverCenter Blvd., Covington. $40.

489-2022.

Celebrate Education, benefiting participating local schools. 20 per cent off on most items at Parisian, Kenwood Towne Centre, to ticket holders. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. $5 at the store or from participating students. 792-6510.

Hearts for Hope Gala, benefiting Boys Hope Girls Hope of Greater Cincinnati. 6:30 p.m., Millenium/Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, 141 W. Sixth St., downtown. $300 per couple. Corporate tables available. Reservations required. 721-3380.

La Salle Camelot Auction, benefiting co-curricular programs at La Salle High School. 5:30 p.m. at the school, 3091 North Bend Road, Monfort Heights. $135 per couple $67.50 individual. 741-2385.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo Performance and Reception, benefiting AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati. 8 p.m.,

Aronoff Center, downtown. $65. Reservations required.

421-2437.

RED Purim Ball, benefiting Hillel Jewish Student Center of Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m., Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, downtown. Red attire or black tie. Reservations required. $100. 221-6728.

Next Sunday

Oscar Night@America, benefiting People Working Cooperatively. 6 p.m., Coconut Grove, 18 E. Fifth St., Newport. $150; corporate tables of 10 are $2,000. 351-7921.

March 2

Here's To Henry, benefit for Springer School and Center with actor Henry Winkler. 6-10 p.m., Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, downtown. $125. . Reservations required. 871-6080.

March 6

Friars Club 32nd Annual Dinner, honoring Harry H. Santen and Rob Braun and benefiting Friars Club Inc., 6:30 p.m., Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, downtown. $100 Reservation deadline Saturday. 381-5432, Ext. 366.