Montreal
#1 Benefit
The most successful cancer-related fund-raising gala in Canada netted $1.5 million in 2015, when the theme was Shanghai Silk. Held at Montreal’s historic Windsor Station, decor included 30,000 daffodils, and the 600-person guest list was limited to sponsors and benefactors. Next: April 14, 2016
Vancouver
#2 Benefit
The sold-out gala at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel, with 450 patrons, is seeking to raise $3 million in 2015 for a clinical trials program for people facing cancer recurrence. New this year: the Inspiration After Party. Next: October 22, 2015
Toronto
#3 Benefit
The theme of this year’s event, staged as always at the waterfront Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, was “Appetite for Excess.” Max Mara was the presenting sponsor, and the evening included drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and food performance. Next: June 2, 2016
Toronto
#4 Benefit (up from #7)
Every other year—2015 being one of them—the fund-raiser hosts a live auction in addition to its annual chef-cooked dinners in top philanthropists’ homes. This year organizers expect to raise more than $5 million for research at the University Health Network. Next: October 29-31, 2015
Toronto
#5 Benefit
Reach for the Rainbow’s fund-raiser for children 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
Ottawa
#6 Benefit
More than $940,000 was raised by 2,200 gala patrons for the National Arts Centre’s National Youth and Education Trust in 2014. The guest artist for 2015 is pianist Lang Lang, and Laureen Harper, wife of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, is the gala’s honorary chairwoman. Next: November 6, 2015
Toronto
#7 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
Toronto
#8 Benefit (new to the list)
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
Toronto
#9 Benefit
A sold-out crowd of 1,200 helped raise $1.7 million for the Children’s Aid Foundation at an Italian-theme dinner and dance at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in 2014. CIBC and IT services provider CGI were patron sponsors. Next: November 28, 2015
Toronto
#10 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
