Vancouver
#1 Benefit (up from #2)
The gala raised more than $3 million in 2016, when 450 people attended the sold-out event. The fund-raising goal increases to $3.1 million in 2017, as the black-tie gala returns to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and Encana returns as the presenting sponsor. Proceeds from the event fund BC Cancer’s Hereditary Cancer Program. Next: November 4, 2017
Montreal
#2 Benefit
With a Beatles theme and beautiful Windsor Station as the venue, the ball sold out again in 2017, with a waiting list for attendee hopefuls. Attendance grew by 50, to 650 guests who raised more than $1.7 million. A recreation of John and Yoko’s bed-in for peace was a highlight, and CIBC returned as a sponsor. Next: April 19, 2018
Toronto
#3 Benefit (up from #4)
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 and 28, 2017
Toronto
#4 Benefit (new to the list)
Last year’s gala raised $1.9 million to empower children through play, and saw 1,300 playful philanthropists honor hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. The goal for this year’s event—returning to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre—is to raise $2 million. Next: November 14, 2017
Toronto
#5 Benefit (up from #7)
Attendance is expected to grow to 1,200 patriotic people at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this year when women in uniform are being feted. Last year $1.6 million was raised for the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans, and military families. Bell returns as the presenting sponsor. Next: November 9, 2017
Toronto
#6 Benefit (up from #10)
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 returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this fall. Next: November 25, 2017
Toronto
#7 Benefit (new to the list)
The entire Blue Jays roster attended the ninth annual cocktail reception and sit-down dinner on the field at Rogers Centre this year, along with 1,300 guests. Attendees raised $1.5 million for children and youth, and presenting sponsors included Cisco and Samsung. Next: May 2018
Toronto
#8 Benefit (up from #9)
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. With the larger venue, organizers expect attendance to more than double, to 2,000. Next: September 28, 2017
Toronto
#9 Benefit
The 19th annual modern art fund-raiser was sponsored again in 2017 by Max Mara, and international design duo Pedro y Juana created an alternative-universe environment. The event raised $308,000, and pop duo the Darcys performed. Next: June 2018
Ottawa
#10 Benefit
Sophie Trudeau is the honorary chair again this year, presiding over the dinner for 500-plus guests and the sold-out show for 2,065, with a goal of raising money for the NAC’s National Youth and Education Trust. The show’s highlight for 2017 will be K.D. Lang performing songs from her 25-year-old groundbreaking album Ingénue. Next: September 2018
Toronto
#11 Benefit
The 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 being introduced this year, as is an after-party, the Crystal Club, aiming to attract a who’s-who of millennials. Next: November 11, 2017
