Montreal
#1 Benefit
The theme for 2016 was Mardi Gras, featuring a parade, Dixieland jazz, and Cajun cuisine. More than 600 fun-loving philanthropists attended this year, again at the elaborately decorated Windsor Station, where $1.6 million was raised for the Canadian Cancer Society. Sponsors included Cascades and Cogeco. Next: April 20, 2017
Vancouver
#2 Benefit
The gala moves to a new venue this year, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, aiming to boost attendance by 25 percent to 500. Last year $1.9 million was raised for immunotherapy clinical trials, and the goal this year is $3 million. Encana is the presenting sponsor. Next: October 29, 2016
Toronto
#3 Benefit
Italian fashion house Max Mara created onsite installations of its latest collections again at this year's gala for the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery. V.I.P. guests took in 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
Toronto
#4 Benefit
BMO Wealth Management returns as the presenting sponsor for the party and exclusive in-home dining experience this year. In 2015, the event raised $3 million, which included an auction of a Jaguar car for $200,000, all benefiting University Health Network. Next: October 29, 2016
Toronto
#5 Benefit
Reach for the Rainbow’s benefit is looking to raise $1 million for its 30th anniversary to help integrate children with disabilities into mainstream society. This year marks the introduction of Club Crystal, an after-hours party following dinner at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Next: November 12, 2016
Ottawa
#6 Benefit
Diana Krall is the guest artist this year at the newly renovated Southam Hall, with a capacity of 2,000, and Sophie Trudeau is the honorary chair. Last year a record-breaking $1 million was raised NAC’s National Youth and Education Trust. Next: October 22, 2016
Toronto
#7 Benefit (new to the list)
The cocktail reception and formal dinner at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre is expecting 1,500 guests this year 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
Toronto
#8 Benefit (new to the list)
Some 1,500 philanthropic foodies feasted at Corus Quay in 2016, raising more than $850,000 to feed vulnerable Torontonians. New this year: the chance to win a spot on stage and work with one of the city’s hottest chefs. Delta Air Lines and Beretta Farms were new sponsors. Next: June 2017
Toronto
#9 Benefit
In 2016 the design celebration is called Dispatch, and will honor Canadian designer Tyler Brulé, this year’s award winner. Live music, performances, and food and drink for 900 are on tap, with a V.I.P. dinner for a select crowd. It is sponsored by Le Germain Hotels. Next: November 4, 2016
Toronto
#10 Benefit
The Children’s Aid Foundation benefit for children in the welfare system raised $1.4 million in 2015 when Amazing Race Canada host and Olympic gold medalist Jon Montgomery emceed. It returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this fall for its 30th anniversary. CGI returns as the patron sponsor. Next: November 26, 2016
