Montreal
#1 Benefit (up from #2)
The Canadian Cancer Society fund-raiser returned to Windsor Station for its 25th anniversary, reporting record revenue and a net profit of $2 million. Tickets to the silver-theme event sold out earlier than ever, and the decor, entertainment, and menu were silver-tinged. Top-tier sponsors included CIBC, Lowe’s Canada, and Cascades. Next: April 25, 2019
Vancouver
#2 Benefit
Despite not selling out, the black-tie gala raised $2.6 million and this year is aiming for $3 million when about 450 guests gather at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. New this year: online and mobile silent auction bidding and $5,000 bottles of Veuve Clicquot. Encana is the title sponsor this year, and proceeds will benefit blood cancer research. Next: November 3, 2018
Toronto
#3 Benefit
The must-attend event for foodies—including the biennial silent auction—netted $3 million for research at the University Health Network in 2017. About 775 generous diners supped on chef-cooked meals at the homes of 30 Toronto philanthropists. This year, a non-auction year, about 400 supporters are expected. Miele and Raymond James are sponsors. Next: October 27, 2018
Toronto
#4 Benefit
With a new name, a more celebratory tone, and a move to Thursday night from Tuesday, the gala in support of Right to Play—which aims to empower children worldwide through sport—expects 1,200 patrons to raise more than $2 million this year. National Bank of Canada and Power Corporation are title sponsors, and four-time Canadian Olympic hockey champion Caroline Ouellette will be honored. Next: October 11, 2018
Toronto
#5 Benefit
The fund-raiser for veterans and military families honored uniformed women last year and raised $1.5 million. The 2018 cocktails-and-dinner soiree, at the Metro Toronto Conference Centre, marks the event’s 10th anniversary, and 1,100 supporters are expected. Bell returns as the presenting sponsor, along with CTV and National Post. Next: November 8, 2018
Toronto
#6 Benefit
Some 850 people dined and danced in support of the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada at the 2017 gala. Newscaster Amanda Lang co-hosted at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre where consulting services firm CGI was the patron partner, with Scotiabank and TD also lending support. The 2018 edition sold out by early September. Next: October 27, 2018
Toronto
#7 Benefit
The sit-down dinner on the field at the Rogers Centre grew to 1,500 guests in 2018, including the full Blue Jays roster. More than $1.5 million was raised for the benefit of children and youth in the Jays Care programs across Canada. Sponsors included Rogers, Cisco, and Samsung. Next: June 2019
Toronto
#8 Benefit (up from #11)
Rebranded with a one-word name and a new venue for 2018 at the Evergreen Brickworks, the benefit for Reach, which advocates for youth with disabilities, is aiming to match its 2017 fund-raising take of $500,000. The gala dinner will again be followed by the Crystal Club after-party for charitable Toronto millennials. Next: November 3, 2018
Toronto
#9 Benefit
The 2017 edition of DXI changed venues, to the former Unilever soap factory, and doubled in size because it also celebrated the inaugural opening of EDIT: The Expo for Design, Innovation and Technology. Attendance this year, back at the Design Exchange, is expected to return to normal size of about 1,000 guests. Next: November 8, 2018
Ottawa
#10 Benefit
The legendary Diana Ross will take the stage with the National Arts Centre Orchestra this year at the gala for the NAC’s National Youth and Education Trust, where more than $780,000 was raised in 2017. Sophie Trudeau remains the event’s honorary chair. Next: October 3, 2018
Toronto
#11 Benefit
The theme for the 20th anniversary celebration was Carousel, with the Power Plant gallery reimagined as a carnival-esque adult fun land, filled with naughty and provocative artistic installations. More than 1,300 people attended, although the event did not sell out, and about $360,000 was raised. Max Mara returned as the presenting sponsor. Next: June 2019
