Toronto's Top 100 Events 2012 - Benefits

#1 Benefit (up from #2)
Formerly known as the Bell Ball, the Bell Event scrapped the celebrity angle last year and went with a brand-driven, conceptual theme to represent the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s cause, raising $1.2 million in the process. Next: October 11, 2012

#2 Benefit (up from #3)
This year, the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery’s Power Ball celebrated the institution’s 25th anniversary with a Quarter-Life Crisis theme. Next: June 2013

#3 Benefit
At the 2012 Massive Party, 1,800 guests let loose in the Art Gallery of Ontario, raising $145,000. Next: spring 2013

#4 Benefit (up from #7)
Last year, Canfar’s Bloor Street Entertains celebrated its 15th anniversary with a special variety show, raising $660,000 for AIDS research. Next: fall 2012

#5 Benefit
In 2011, the Design Exchange Black and White Gala had decor inspired by honourees Karim Rashid, Hani Rashid, and Lise Ann Couture and drew more than 1,000 guests. Next: fall 2012

#6 Benefit
Last year, the Villa Charities Foundation’s Venetian Ball celebrated the 40th year of the charity and the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, raising $1.25 million. Next: October 13, 2012

#7 Benefit
In 2012, the Toronto Public Library Foundation’s Book Lover’s Ball raised $500,000 and included a theatrical, book-inspired fashion show. Next: winter 2013

#8 Benefit
This year the Ontario Science Centre’s Innovators’ Ball was pushed back to October to match its "Fly Me to the Moon" theme with the new exhibit "Beyond Planet Earth." Next: October 25, 2012

#9 Benefit (up from #11)
Last year, the Rally for Kids With Cancer Scavenger Cup raised $3.1 million and added three new sponsors. Next: September 21-22, 2012

#10 Benefit
In 2011, Rethink Breast Cancer's Boobyball grew its sponsorship partners from 12 to 17 and sold out in a record five days, raising $178,000. Next: October 12, 2012

#11 Benefit
This year, the Brazilian Carnival Ball pushed its date back to September after raising $1.9 million for the Royal Ontario Museum in 2011. Next: September 15, 2012

#12 Benefit
A diamond-inspired dinner and reception marked the 60th anniversary of the National Ballet of Canada Mad Hot Gala this year. Next: summer 2013

#13 Benefit (up from #15)
Decking the Metro Toronto Convention Centre with decor inspired by the four seasons, the Children’s Aid Foundation Teddy Bear Affair raised $1.5 million for its 25th anniversary in 2011. Next: November 10, 2012

#14 Benefit (up from #17)
This year, Reach for the Rainbow’s Crystal Ball returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre after raising $1.1 million and doubling its sponsor support in 2011. Next: November 3, 2012

#15 Benefit (new to the list)
In 2011, Operanation took a multidisciplined approach—celebrating artistic inspiration with fashion installations, art, and live entertainment—and raised $100,000 for the Canadian Opera Company. Next: October 18, 2012

#17 Benefit
In 2011, the Mirror Ball saw 700 guests come out to support the Look Good Feel Better cancer charity, raising $560,000. Next: November 10, 2012

#18 Benefit
This year's Pencer Brain Trust Gala added a new sponsor dinner and went for an edgy, rock theme. Next: spring 2013

#19 Benefit
Ringing in the year of the dragon, this year's Yee Hong Foundation’s Dragon Ball raised close to $700,000 for programs and services for the elderly. Next: February 9, 2013