Montreal
#1 Benefit
The Canadian Cancer Society fund-raiser, one of the most successful in the country, netted $1.6 million in 2014. With a theme of “On the Wild Side,” guests were treated to exotic fare such as kangaroo, crocodile, crickets, and frogs and entertained with South African music and by Cirque du Soleil performers. Healthcare firm McKesson Canada was the new major financial sponsor. Next: April 16, 2015
Vancouver
#2 Benefit
For its 10th annual gala, the BC Cancer Foundation has set an ambitious goal of raising $5 million in one night at the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel. Already the highest-grossing fund-raising gala in British Columbia, the event has supported breakthroughs in lung, brain, and breast cancer research over the years. Next: November 1, 2014
Toronto
#3 Benefit (up from #4)
More than 1,500 art and party lovers attended the 15th annual ball, staged as always at the cutting-edge Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery on the waterfront. This year’s theme was “Old/New World,” and the presenting sponsor was Hugo Boss. Next: June 5, 2014
Toronto
#4 Benefit (up from #5)
Last year’s gala raised $1.1 million for Reach for the Rainbow’s kids with disabilities initiatives—a 10 percent increase over 2012. The 2014 event has a British theme and is expected to draw a crowd of about 1,400 to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre; sponsors include Jaguar and Land Rover. Next: November 8, 2014
Toronto
#6 Benefit
More than 750 design-minded philanthropists attended the event in 2013, held at the Design Exchange museum, where key sponsors included Flare magazine, the Four Seasons Hotel, and Porter Airlines. The theme for 2014 takes its cue from the fall exhibit: “The Politics of Fashion/The Fashion of Politics.” Next: November 7, 2014
Toronto
#7 Benefit (new to the list)
Goldie Hawn and Kiefer Sutherland were on hand for last year's ninth annual private-dining event, which is hosted by top philanthropists in their own homes. The evening raised more than $5 million. Presenting sponsor for 2014 is Rogers, and proceeds will go to the Toronto General Research Institute and the Toronto Western Research Institute. Next: November 1, 2014
Toronto
#8 Benefit
Florentine chef Fabio Viviani, known for his appearances on Top Chef, will be in charge of feeding the well-heeled guests at the 28th annual gala that raises funds for the Children’s Aid Foundation’s prevention, enrichment, and education programs. The theme of “Viva Italia” will carry over to the decor and entertainment for the more than 1,000 influential Torontonians and corporate leaders expected to attend the affair at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The event raised $2 million in 2013. Next: November 1, 2014
Toronto
#9 Benefit (new to the list)
For its 10th anniversary, the feasting fund-raiser will remain at its new downtown location, Daniels Spectrum, and builder Daniels will return as sponsor. The 2013 event’s 500 guests raised $280,000, but organizers hope to top that this year. Next: November 5, 2014
