#1 Benefit
For the second year in a row, Italian luxury fashion brand Max Mara created onsite installations of its latest collection, and V.I.P. guests enjoyed a performance by New York-based artist Ryan McNamara. Attendance grew to 1,360 this year, and Jack Daniel's was a sponsor. Next: June 2017
#2 Benefit
The party and exclusive in-home dining experience netted $3 million for the McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine in 2015 when a Jaguar car was auctioned off for $200,000. BMO Wealth Management returns as the presenting sponsor this year. Next: October 29, 2016
#3 Benefit
For its 30th anniversary, the benefit is looking to raise $1 million to help integrate children with disabilities into the mainstream. This year marks the introduction of Club Crystal, an after-hours party following the dinner at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Next: November 12, 2016
#4 Benefit (new to the list)
Entering its eighth year, the cocktail reception and formal dinner at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre is expecting 1,500 guests and has a goal of raising $1.8 million for Canadian Armed Forces, veterans, and military families. Bell is the presenting sponsor. Next: November 9, 2016
#5 Benefit (new to the list)
Right to Play, which uses the power of play to empower kids facing adversity, holds it third gala at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this year. The organization will host 1,300 sports-minded philanthropists and hopes to match its 2015 fundraising total of $2 million. Hockey superstar Wayne Gretzky will be the honored at the sit-down dinner. Next: November 15, 2016
#6 Benefit
Attendance grew to 1,525 foodie philanthropists in 2016, raising over $850,000 to feed vulnerable Torontonians. New this year: Patrons won the chance to get on stage and work with one of the city’s hottest chefs. Delta Air Lines and Beretta Farms were new sponsors. Next: June 2017
#7 Benefit
Titled DX Intersection: Kismet, the 2015 edition of the Design Exchange’s fund-raiser, held at the museum itself, celebrated the design partnership of George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg. About 900 guests danced to music by international DJs and enjoyed the Middle Eastern decor. Next: November 4, 2016
#8 Benefit
The benefit for children in the welfare system returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this fall for its 30th anniversary. The black-tie dinner raised $1.4 million in 2015 when Amazing Race Canada host and Olympic gold medalist Jon Montgomery was emcee. CGI returns as the patron sponsor. Next: November 26, 2016
#9 Benefit
The culinary fund-raiser for the Stop Community Food Centre returns to Daniels Spectrum in 2016 when it hopes to draw more than 400 gourmet givers and raise about $340,000. Stonegate Private Counsel returns as the presenting sponsor. Next: November 2, 2016
#10 Benefit
In 2016, for the seventh year in a row, the Art Gallery of Ontario’s signature party was a sold-out event with 1,900 art-loving partiers raising more than $310,000. The dress code was masquerade and guests arrived artfully masked. MAC Cosmetics joined as a sponsor. Next: April 27, 2017
#11 Benefit (up from #13)
Celebrity navigators join car enthusiasts to raise funds for pediatric cancer care, treatment, and research in the urban scavenger hunt. Each of the 18 drivers commits to raising at least $25,000, with the event bringing in more than $1 million last year. Platinum Cars is a new sponsor for 2016. Next: November 4-5, 2016
#12 Benefit (up from #18)
Now in its fifth year, the fund-raiser for clean water sold out again in 2016 at the CBC building and set a new giving record: $550,000. Tragically Hip singer Gord Downie was named one of the organization’s ambassadors, and the new presenting sponsor was McKeil Marine. Next: Spring 2017
#13 Benefit
The benefit for breast cancer returns to the renovated Sound Academy on the waterfront this fall where 1,600 young guests will party with top DJs and raise about $475,000 for the cause. TopShop and Tito’s Vodka are sponsors this year. Next: October 14, 2016
#14 Benefit
The 10th anniversary of the Mad Hot Ballet gala celebrated Karen Kain’s 10th anniversary as the company’s artistic director in 2016 with a cocktail reception, performances, and dinner on the waterfront. About $2 million was raised, and CIBC returned as the presenting sponsor. Next: June 6, 2017
#15 Benefit
About 500 science-minded donors helped bring in $454,000 for the museum’s community programs in 2015. The gala featured lectures from three innovators—think TED Talks—and a sit-down dinner. RBC returns as the title sponsor in 2016. Next: October 26, 2016
#16 Benefit
On the eve of World AIDS Day, about 900 patrons will enjoy unique dinners at Bloor Street’s best boutiques and galleries to raise upwards of $1 million for H.I.V. and AIDS research. This year marks the event’s 20th anniversary, and sponsors include L’Occitane en Provence and LUMAS. Next: November 30, 2016
#17 Benefit
The gala in support of Canadian literacy sold out again in 2016 when it returned to the Fermenting Cellar in the historic Distillery District and raised $500,000. The theme was Canadian cities, and about 450 people from the city’s business, art, literary, and philanthropy circles attended. Next: January 18, 2017
#18 Benefit
Canadian electronic pop group Dragonette paired up with the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble to rock the sold-out crowd of 1,000 this year. Donors raised $100,000 at the annual dinner for the organization’s training program. TD Bank Group was the presenting sponsor. Next: May 25, 2017
#19 Benefit (new to the list)
The gala, which is broadcast nationally, honors the achievements of notable Canadians such as singer Michael Bublé, who was among the seven inductees in 2015. This year the event moves to the Allstream Centre and packs four star-studded events into one: red carpet, pre-show reception, gala, and a post-show reception. About 1,100 stars and their entourages are expected to attend and raise about $150,000. Cineplex Entertainment and Air Canada are sponsors. Next: October 6, 2016
