#1 Benefit
The theme of this year’s event, staged as always at the waterfront Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, was Appetite for Excess. Presenting sponsor was Max Mara, and the evening included drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and food performance. Next: June 2, 2016
#2 Benefit (up from #4)
Every other year—2015 being one of them—the fund-raiser hosts a silent auction in addition to its usual chef-cooked dinners in top philanthropists’ homes. Organizers expect to raise more the $5 million for research at the University Health Network. Next: October 29-31, 2015
#3 Benefit
The fund-raiser for kids with disabilities is looking to raise more than $1 million again this year with its dinner and dance for 1,200 people at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Sponsors include Samsung, Jaguar, and Telus. Next: November 21, 2015
#4 Benefit
Attendance at the design museum's annual party celebrating the intersection of all things creative grew to 950 design enthusiasts and philanthropists in 2014. Key sponsors included M.A.C. Cosmetics, TD Canada Trust, and Dyson. Next: November 6, 2015
#5 Benefit (up from #9)
For its 25th year, the Second Harvest event broke fund-raising and attendance records, with 1,400 people raising $850,000 at an indoor-outdoor evening at Corus Quay. Assante Wealth Management was a new sponsor, and home builder Daniels Corporation returned. Next: June 2016
#6 Benefit
A sold-out crowd of 1,200 helped raise $.17 million for the foundation at an Italian-theme dinner and dance at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in 2014. Patron sponsors were CIBC and IT services provider CGI. Next: November 28, 2015
#7 Benefit
Money raised for the Stop Community Food Centre grew by more than 22 percent in 2014 to $343,000 at the event’s 10th anniversary party. Daniels Spectrum will be the venue again in 2015 when organizers hope to bring in $350,000. Next: November 4, 2015
#8 Benefit
The Art Gallery of Ontario’s signature party raised more than $300,000 in 2015, with almost 1,900 art-loving guests enjoying an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment. TD Canada Trust returned as the lead sponsor. Next: Spring 2016
#9 Benefit
The Canadian Opera Company benefit skipped 2015 and moves from fall to spring in 2016, with 1,000 aficionados expected at the Four Seasons Centre. In 2014, the art, music, and fashion event raised $118,000. Next: May 19, 2016
#10 Benefit (up from #11)
For 2015, the benefit for breast cancer expects to grow to 2,000 from 1,500 young guests and raise as much as $280,000 while celebrating late into the night. Last year’s circus-inspired party—dubbed Big Top Booby—raised $245,000. Next: October 2, 2015
#11 Benefit
This year’s Raise a Little Health gala, held at a private home, was smaller in size—300 people—but larger in money raised—$550,000—than the 2014 event. Rock band Trooper performed in a backyard, and the band Rookie rocked a pool cabana roof. Next: Spring 2016
#12 Benefit (up from #14)
Bibliophiles attending the 10th anniversary edition of the event in 2015 got to dine and mingle with authors in the stacks of Toronto’s main reference library. The benefit raised $565,000 and organizers hope to grow that to $750,000 in 2016. Next: February 4, 2016
#13 Benefit
For the annual affair, entertainers, athletes, and celebrities drive high-end vehicles through the city, making pit stops for activities such as boarding an F-18 fighter jet or shooting a commercial. Last year the event raised more than $1 million for pediatric cancer research, treatment, and care. Next: September 18-19, 2015
#14 Benefit (up from #15)
More than 2,000 patrons routinely raise more than $1 million at the ballet’s annual gala, which includes an exclusive performance. The theme for 2015 was Lost in Venice. CIBC was the lead sponsor for the ninth consecutive year. Next: June 2016
#16 Benefit (up from #17)
Nearly two dozen boutiques and galleries invite chefs and florists to create unique dining venues to fund H.I.V. and AIDS research. Afterward is a party and silent auction at the Royal Ontario Museum. More than $750,000 was raised in 2014. Sun Life Financial and BMO are sponsors. Next: November 25, 2015
#17 Benefit (up from #18)
The gold-theme gala in the Distillery District, for the nonprofit behind the magazine The Walrus, continued to increase fund-raising in 2015, netting $500,000 from the sold-out crowd of 450. Miners Alamos Gold and Agnico Eagle sponsored. Next: January 20, 2016
#18 Benefit (new to the list)
Some 400 eco-minded guests helped raise $500,000 at the fourth annual gala at the CBC. Inuit throat singer Tanya Tagaq, Tragically Hip lead singer Gord Downie, and an auction of Edward Burtynsky art were highlights. RBC was the presenting sponsor. Next: April 2016
