1. Night of Thousand Stars Gala
New to the list
Vancouver
About 700 philanthropists and healthcare leaders raised more than $4 million at the Vancouver General Hospital and University of British Columbia Hospital Foundation’s 2018 black-tie event, with title sponsorship by Telus. This year’s gala is at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Next: October 26, 2019
Vancouver
About 700 philanthropists and healthcare leaders raised more than $4 million at the Vancouver General Hospital and University of British Columbia Hospital Foundation’s 2018 black-tie event, with title sponsorship by Telus. This year’s gala is at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Next: October 26, 2019
Photo: Butter Studios Agency
2. BC Cancer Foundation Inspiration Gala
Vancouver
This sold-out gala attracted 530 generous partiers last year who helped the event exceed its fund-raising goal to bring in $4.3 million. Similar attendance is expected this year, when the event returns to the Fairmont Hotel, but in a bigger ballroom, for a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, entertainment, raffle, and silent and live auctions. Next: November 2, 2019
This sold-out gala attracted 530 generous partiers last year who helped the event exceed its fund-raising goal to bring in $4.3 million. Similar attendance is expected this year, when the event returns to the Fairmont Hotel, but in a bigger ballroom, for a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, entertainment, raffle, and silent and live auctions. Next: November 2, 2019
Photo: Butter Weddings
3. Daffodil Ball
Montreal
This Canadian Cancer Society gala returned to Windsor Station this year where 600 attendees raised more than $1.37 million. The theme was a Tribute to Picasso, and decor included custom-made triangular tables to complement the Cubism theme. Three organizations, CIBC, Scotiabank, and Soprema, signed on to support the event for the next three consecutive years. Next: April 23, 2020
This Canadian Cancer Society gala returned to Windsor Station this year where 600 attendees raised more than $1.37 million. The theme was a Tribute to Picasso, and decor included custom-made triangular tables to complement the Cubism theme. Three organizations, CIBC, Scotiabank, and Soprema, signed on to support the event for the next three consecutive years. Next: April 23, 2020
Photo: Stephane Poirier
4. Heroes Gala
Toronto
This black-tie optional event is introducing a new brand identity this year to cement its place among must-attend Toronto galas. After surpassing its 2018 fund-raising goal of $2 million, the event in support of Right to Play is aiming closer to $3 million this year, with 1,200 sports-minded attendees. Sun Life Financial is the new title sponsor. Next: October 17, 2019
This black-tie optional event is introducing a new brand identity this year to cement its place among must-attend Toronto galas. After surpassing its 2018 fund-raising goal of $2 million, the event in support of Right to Play is aiming closer to $3 million this year, with 1,200 sports-minded attendees. Sun Life Financial is the new title sponsor. Next: October 17, 2019
Photo: Scott Ramsay for Right To Play
5. Grand Cru Culinary Wine Festival
Toronto
With a fund-raising goal of $5 million, this year’s philanthropic foodie event includes an extra day and a live auction, as it does every other year. The auction should draw about 500 bidders at the Beanfield Centre, while the exclusive dinners at 25 private homes and venues should attract another 900. Auction lots include a luxury vehicle and rare wines. Next: November 1-2, 2019
With a fund-raising goal of $5 million, this year’s philanthropic foodie event includes an extra day and a live auction, as it does every other year. The auction should draw about 500 bidders at the Beanfield Centre, while the exclusive dinners at 25 private homes and venues should attract another 900. Auction lots include a luxury vehicle and rare wines. Next: November 1-2, 2019
Photo: Courtesy of University Health Network
6. True Patriot Love Gala
Toronto
This fund-raiser for Canadian veterans and military families will celebrate 11 years at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in November. The 1,000 attendees enjoyed cocktails, dinner, and dancing last year, raising $1.4 million. This year’s goal, when Bell returns as the presenting sponsor, is $1.5 million. Next: November 7, 2019
This fund-raiser for Canadian veterans and military families will celebrate 11 years at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in November. The 1,000 attendees enjoyed cocktails, dinner, and dancing last year, raising $1.4 million. This year’s goal, when Bell returns as the presenting sponsor, is $1.5 million. Next: November 7, 2019
Photo: Courtesy of True Patriot Love Gala
7. Teddy Bear Affair
Toronto
Attendance grew to more than 900 last year, when the gala sold out and attendees raised $1.8 million in support of the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada. The dinner and dance takes place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, and RBC is the new patron sponsor. Next: November 2, 2019
Attendance grew to more than 900 last year, when the gala sold out and attendees raised $1.8 million in support of the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada. The dinner and dance takes place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, and RBC is the new patron sponsor. Next: November 2, 2019
Photo: Courtesy of Childrens Aid Foundation
8. Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery’s Power Ball
Up from #11
Toronto
This hedonistic and edgy art gala raised more than $330,000 for the Power Plant in 2019, with 1,300 guests and a “speakeasy” theme inspired by the 21 Club for the event’s 21st year. High-end department store Holt Renfrew was the new presenting sponsor. Next: June 4, 2020
See more: This Toronto Art Benefit Took Guests to a Surreal Speakeasy
Toronto
This hedonistic and edgy art gala raised more than $330,000 for the Power Plant in 2019, with 1,300 guests and a “speakeasy” theme inspired by the 21 Club for the event’s 21st year. High-end department store Holt Renfrew was the new presenting sponsor. Next: June 4, 2020
See more: This Toronto Art Benefit Took Guests to a Surreal Speakeasy
Photo: George Pimentel
9. Toronto Taste
New to the list
Toronto
This benefit for Second Harvest’s food rescue program sold more tickets in 2019 (1,500) than in any of the past three years and raised a record-breaking $1 million. The theme was “vintage circus,” and Daniels Corp. was the presenting sponsor. Next: June 14, 2020
Toronto
This benefit for Second Harvest’s food rescue program sold more tickets in 2019 (1,500) than in any of the past three years and raised a record-breaking $1 million. The theme was “vintage circus,” and Daniels Corp. was the presenting sponsor. Next: June 14, 2020
Photo: Ryan Emberley
10. Blue Jays Care Foundation Curve Ball
Toronto
This charity supporting children and youth in the Jays Care program pared back the number of tables at its gala dinner this year, resulting in 1,280 attendees and a fund-raising total of $1.5 million. Highlights included rubbing shoulders with the entire Blue Jays roster and experiencing the newly laid out on-field event space at the Rogers Centre. Next: June 2020
This charity supporting children and youth in the Jays Care program pared back the number of tables at its gala dinner this year, resulting in 1,280 attendees and a fund-raising total of $1.5 million. Highlights included rubbing shoulders with the entire Blue Jays roster and experiencing the newly laid out on-field event space at the Rogers Centre. Next: June 2020
Photo: George Pimentel
11. National Arts Centre Gala
Ottawa
To celebrate this year’s 50th anniversary Golden Gala, Sarah McLachlan will perform a one-hour set for an audience of 2,000 at the National Arts Centre’s Southam Hall. The event, benefiting the organization’s National Youth and Education Trust, raised more than $780,000 in 2018. Next: October 5, 2019
To celebrate this year’s 50th anniversary Golden Gala, Sarah McLachlan will perform a one-hour set for an audience of 2,000 at the National Arts Centre’s Southam Hall. The event, benefiting the organization’s National Youth and Education Trust, raised more than $780,000 in 2018. Next: October 5, 2019
Photo: Ernesto DiStefano
