#1 Benefit (up from #2)
Every other year—2017 being one of them—the fund-raiser hosts a silent auction in addition to its usual chef-cooked dinners in 30 top philanthropists’ homes. Organizers expect to raise more than $3 million for research at the University Health Network. Next: October 26 & 28, 2017
#2 Benefit (up from #5)
Last year’s gala hosted 1,300 philanthropists, honored hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, and exceeded its fund-raising goal, bringing in $1.9 million to empower children through play. The goal for this year’s event, which returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, is increasing to $2 million. Next: November 14, 2017
#3 Benefit (up from #4)
The event honors women in uniform this year and is expecting attendance to grow for its ninth edition to 1,200 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Last year, $1.6 million was raised for the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans, and military families. Bell returns as presenting sponsor. Next: November 9, 2017
#4 Benefit (up from #8)
For the 30th anniversary celebrations in 2016, about 775 attendees at the benefit for children in the welfare system raised $1.9 million and were treated to a surprise performance by the Three Tenors. The black-tie dinner will return to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Next: November 25, 2017
#5 Benefit (new to the list)
The Blue Jays Foundation hosted 1,300 ball fans at its ninth annual cocktail reception and sit-down dinner on the field at the Rogers Centre in 2017. The entire Blue Jays roster attended, and $1.5 million was raised for children and youth. Presenting sponsors included Cisco and Samsung. Next: May 2018
#6 Benefit (up from #7)
The 2017 edition of the design-oriented fund-raiser will be held in the raw, industrial space at East Harbour, the former Unilever soap factory, where attendance is expected to more than double to 2,000. Next: September 28, 2017
#7 Benefit
Max Mara was the presenting sponsor for the third year in a row at the 19th annual modern art fund-raiser, where international design duo Pedro y Juana created an alternative-universe environment. The event raised $308,000, and the pop duo the Darcys performed. Next: June 2018
#8 Benefit
This fund-raiser for children with disabilities is downsizing in 2017, moving to the ROM for a more intimate experience and hoping to raise $500,000. A virtual live auction with an interactive bidding system is new this year, as is an after-party—the Crystal Club—aiming to attract a millennial audience. Next: November 11, 2017
#9 Benefit
While attendance fell slightly at the food-centric event, more money was raised this year—$925,000—due to on-site revenue from a raffle, auction, donations, and an expanded sponsorship portfolio that included Daniels and RBC Capital Markets. Next: June 2018
#10 Benefit (up from #11)
The highlight for last year’s car rally to raise money for pediatric care, which brought in $850,000, was when the 21 teams were challenged to sing “Hold On” with Chynna Phillips. This year marks the event’s 10th anniversary, so more participants—and more funds—are expected. Next: November 3-4, 2017
#11 Benefit
The culinary fund-raiser for the Stop Community Food Centre, which turns 35 this year, moves to the ROM in 2017. Some 300 guests hoping to raise about $350,000, up from $326,000 last year when Stonegate Private Counsel was the presenting sponsor. Next: November 8, 2017
#12 Benefit (up from #16)
For the 30th anniversary of the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research, the benefit is planning its biggest event yet, welcoming more than 1,000 people to enjoy unique dinners at Bloor Street’s boutiques and galleries. Organizers are hoping to meet or beat last year’s $850,000 fund-raising total. Next: November 29, 2017
#13 Benefit
The fund-raiser for Swim Drink Fish Canada returned to the CBC building and welcomed 400 water lovers in 2017. Musicians Bahamas and Sarah Harmer performed, art by Edward Burtynsky and Michael Adamson was auctioned, and more than $550,000 was raised. Sponsors included McKeil Marine and RBC. Next: Spring 2018
#14 Benefit
More than 1,900 dance enthusiasts swilled cocktails and 650 dined at the Four Seasons Centre this year, when Mikhail Baryshnikov was the special guest. The ballet fund-raiser turned 10 and raised more than $1.3 million. CIBC returned as presenting sponsor, and Prada sponsored the V.I.P. reception. Next: June 13, 2018
#15 Benefit
TopShop and Tito’s Handmade Vodka return as sponsors this year when the youthful event takes place at Rebel, the former Sound Academy, where it was hosted in 2016. The theme for this year is “Let’s Get Physical,” and attendance is expected to grow to 2,000, from 1,800. The fund-raising goal is $500,000. Next: October 13, 2017
#16 Benefit
The Science Centre opens its doors to about 550 benefactors for a sit-down dinner again this year, hoping to raise $600,000—$100,000 more than last year—for the organization’s community programs. RBC remains the title sponsor. Next: November 7, 2017
#17 Benefit (up from #18)
The fund-raiser for the Canadian Opera Company’s training program sold out again in 2017, when 1,000 attendees at the Four Seasons Centre raised $107,000. Highlights included mash-up opera classics performed by Kiesza and the Toronto Life lounge. TD Bank Group returned as presenting sponsor. Next: May 17, 2018
#18 Benefit
Attendance dropped to 1,600 from 1,900 at this year’s event, which raised $275,000 for the Art Gallery of Ontario’s public programming and learning activities. The guest-powered party lights were a hit on the dance floor, and Grolsch and Robert Mondavi joined as sponsors. Next: April 19, 2018
#19 Benefit
The gala in support of Canadian literacy hosted 450 people at the Fermenting Cellar in 2017 and raised $450,000. The fund-raising goal is being lowered to $400,000 for 2018, and attendance capped at 400, because of changes to the venue’s layout. Next: January 17, 2018
