#1 Benefit (up from #2)
Worlds collide every year at the Power Ball, where more than 1,500 artists, celebrities, financiers, and socialites unite at the city’s waterfront contemporary art gallery. At this year's event, dubbed "Power Ball: 15 Minutes" and celebrating Andy Warhol's infamous quote, guests vied for their quarter-hour of fame next to art-filled dance floors. Next: June 5, 2014
#2 Benefit (up from #14)
About 1,200 guests were expected at the 2013 Reach for the Rainbow Crystal Ball, benefiting children and youth with disabilities. The event raised $1 million in 2012 and was on track to match that this year. Next: November 16, 2013
#3 Benefit
In 2013, the second year for the retooled DX Intersection gala, the Design Exchange’s Gamechanger award went to twins Byron and Dexter Peart, fashion and lifestyle marketing gurus. Next: October 18, 2013
#4 Benefit (up from #13)
This fall, the the Teddy Bear Affair is turning toward the Golden State for a celebration of everything California at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Last year’s event, with a Parisian theme, raised $1.3 million for the Children’s Aid Foundation. Next: November 2, 2013
#5 Benefit (new to the list)
SnowBall 2013 celebrated 25 years of compassionate care for H.I.V.-positive individuals at Casey House, with $400,000 raised by 300 guests, including designer Tommy Smythe and fashion journalist Jeanne Beker. Next: Spring 2014
#6 Benefit (new to the list)
The Royal Ontario Museum’s Young Patron’s Circle “rocked the cradle of civilization” with a Greco-Roman theme at the ROM Prom in 2013, raising $100,000 for the museum. Next: March 21, 2014
#7 Benefit
The Bell Event will change formats again, with a spring kickoff party for Olympian Clara Hughes's fund-raising bike tour replacing the fall gala. The event will be held at a waterfront club and feature Hughes as well as entertainment by Juno-award winner Hedley. Next: March 6, 2014
#8 Benefit
The Venetian Ball celebrated 20 years as one of Toronto’s biggest philanthropic galas in 2013 with more than 1,200 guests dancing the night away to the stylings of crooner Paul Anka. Next: October 26, 2013
#9 Benefit
What’s on the Table’s sold-out event moved to a new venue in 2013: Daniels Spectrum, a cultural arts hub in downtown’s Regent Park, developed by builder and event sponsor Daniels. Next: November 6, 2013
#10 Benefit
More than 1,800 of Toronto’s art-loving young professionals let loose at the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Massive Party Gold in 2013, raising more than $140,000 for the gallery’s exhibitions and educational programs. Next: April 2014
#11 Benefit (up from #18)
The 2013 Pencer Brain Trust Gala issued half as many tickets in 2013, holding a private party in a private Toronto home, and doubled its revenue to $1 million, which was matched by the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Next: Spring 2014
#12 Benefit (up from #15)
The Canadian Opera Company will celebrate its 10th Operanation fund-raiser this year, the largest opera party in North America with more than 1,000 guests. The event will feature a collaboration between Juno-winning Sam Roberts Band and the Opera Company’s Ensemble Studio artists. Next: October 24, 2013
#13 Benefit
Guests at Toronto Taste in 2014 can look forward to sampling fare from the city’s top chefs in a new, to-be-announced location while raising money for food rescue and redistribution program Second Harvest. More than $600,000 was raised in 2013. Next: June 8, 2014
#14 Benefit
The young philanthropists behind Rethink Breast Cancer’s Boobyball aimed to raise a record $200,000 at its 2013 collegiate-theme Booby U. Next: October 18, 2013
#15 Benefit
Car enthusiasts and philanthropists raised more than $1 million in 2013 at the Rally for Kids With Cancer Scavenger Cup, in support of pediatric cancer research, treatment, and care. Next: September 2014
#16 Benefit
In 2013, more than 600 people attended the Book Lover’s Ball, raising more than $500,000 at the black-tie gala to support one of the busiest public library systems in the world. Next: February 6, 2014
#17 Benefit
The National Ballet of Canada’s Carmen-inspired event raised more than $1 million in 2013, with 2,000 guests enjoying fine dining and dancing at the Four Seasons Centre for Performing Arts. Next: June 11, 2014
#18 Benefit
The 2012 Innovators' Ball hosted more than 500 guests, raised $100,000 for the Science Centre’s Adopt-a-Class program, and honoured former Ontario Premier Bill Davis and Telus C.E.O. Darren Entwhistle. Next: November 14, 2013
#19 Benefit
The Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research is offering young professionals the chance to attend Bloor Street Entertains for less this year. For $150, ticket holders get access to the pre- and after-parties, as well as a catered reception dinner at a Yorkville boutique or gallery. Patrons who pay $1,000 can sit. Next: November 27, 2013
