Spring is such fun in Connecticut if you are interested in great design and good causes. At CTC&G, our sponsorship season kicks off with the Near & Far Aid Designer Power Breakfast. On May 3, head to the Patterson Club in Fairfield to meet Bravo TV’s Million Dollar Decorator Mary McDonald, who is the honored guest speaker. Then, spend a couple of hours on the fabulous tour of notable homes in Southport, Westport and Greenfield Hill. ■ On May 11, the NetJets Hangar at the Westchester County Airport will be magically transformed for the Red Cross Red & White Ball, which features 40-plus designer tables and boasts Thom Filicia as Design Chair. ■ Bunny Williams’ Trade Secrets—dubbed the “Garden Party of the Year”—in Litchfield County is a rare-plant and garden antiques sale on May 18 followed by a day of garden tours on May 19. The weekend event benefits Women’s Support Services. ■ On May 20, the sixth annual Mount Sinai Greening Our Children luncheon will be held at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich and will honor TV and film actress Jessica Alba. ■ Finally, the highlight of the season will be the CTC&G Innovation in Design Awards held at the Garden Pavilion at the Stamford Hilton on May 21. Always a star-studded event, this year’s judges include Anthony Baratta, Chad Holman, Gary Brewer, Matthew Patrick Smyth, Philip Gorrivan and Sara Story. Baccarat trophies will be presented to the winners in Architecture, Landscape, Kitchen, Bath, Interior Design and Builder Recognition. This year, we will introduce a new award for Innovative Product Design. Jonathan Adler, who has dedicated his company to bringing style, craft and joy to our lives, will receive the 2013 Innovator Award. ■ For more information or to buy tickets to these events, go to cottages-gardens.com.