Every year the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust gala ranks at the top in Seen's list of the city's best benefits. It's the premier event of the fall social season in every way, from the "A list" of guests to the elegant dinner prepared by the Duquesne Club and served either at the Benedum or in a variety of spaces within the Cultural District.

In 13 years, the annual event has raised $6 million for the trust. Past entertainment has included Michael Feinstein, Harry Belafonte, Betty Buckley, Audra McDonald, Max Raabe and the Palast Orchester from Berlin, Circus Oz from Australia (to coincide with the trust's Australia festival) and Pittsburgh's own Squonk Opera. The opening of the O'Reilly Theater was made grand with a gala, and one year, when the musical "Chicago" had to be canceled because of a threatened stagehands strike, the gala went on without either a show or a tent.

But "Creating a Scene for 25 Years: An Anniversary Gala" on Oct. 10 promises to be extra special. This year's gala celebrates the trust's numerous accomplishments in transforming a red-light neighborhood into a world-renowned cultural district.

J. Brett Harvey, president and CEO of Consol Energy, the lead sponsor, will chair the multifaceted evening. It begins with cocktails onstage at the Benedum followed by an original mini-musical highlighting the trust's 25 year of success.

Kelli O'Hara, star of the Tony Award-winning revival of "South Pacific," will host the one-of-a-kind, one-night-only performance featuring song, dance, video and more. Dinner will be served throughout the theater and then guests will return to the stage for dessert. Nancy Byrnes of Nancy Byrnes Events will create and produce the event, as she has so successfully every year.

The gala usually sells out at about 550 guests, but tickets are still available at $500, as are sponsorships beginning at $7,500. If you would like to attend, call the trust at 412-471-1497.