1. Robin Hood Foundation Gala
New York
Held annually in Manhattan, this gala is the largest fundraising event in the country, with proceeds supporting more than 200 community groups fighting poverty in New York City. After teaming up with iHeartMedia in 2020 for a virtual telethon titled "Rise Up New York!,” which raised more than $115 million to benefit organizations on the frontlines of the pandemic, organizers returned to Javits Center for the 2021 event, raising $77.5 million. Hosted by Cecily Strong, the October benefit featured a concert by Jonas Brothers and inspirational tributes and performances by Alicia Keys, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney and more. As part of Robin Hood's partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), guests entered through a tunnel of 10,000 MetroCards, each with a $33 value that was distributed to Robin Hood community partners, providing 120,000 rides to New Yorkers. Next: TBD 2022
See more: Robin Hood Benefit 2021: See What It Takes to Produce New York's Largest Annual Benefit
Held annually in Manhattan, this gala is the largest fundraising event in the country, with proceeds supporting more than 200 community groups fighting poverty in New York City. After teaming up with iHeartMedia in 2020 for a virtual telethon titled "Rise Up New York!,” which raised more than $115 million to benefit organizations on the frontlines of the pandemic, organizers returned to Javits Center for the 2021 event, raising $77.5 million. Hosted by Cecily Strong, the October benefit featured a concert by Jonas Brothers and inspirational tributes and performances by Alicia Keys, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney and more. As part of Robin Hood's partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), guests entered through a tunnel of 10,000 MetroCards, each with a $33 value that was distributed to Robin Hood community partners, providing 120,000 rides to New Yorkers. Next: TBD 2022
See more: Robin Hood Benefit 2021: See What It Takes to Produce New York's Largest Annual Benefit
Photo: Courtesy of Robin Hood
2. Grand Cru Culinary Wine Festival
Toronto
In December 2019, the two-day philanthropic foodie event, which supports medical research at Toronto General and Toronto Western hospitals, raised more than $33 million—a record-breaking amount. The festival featured wines from more than 80 international vintners, as well as private gourmet dinners throughout the city. On the first day of the event, 5,000 people attended the bi-annual Halpern Portfolio Wine Tasting and Grand Cru Live Auction at Beanfield Centre. The next day, more than 800 guests participated in the Grand Cru Exclusive Wine and Dine Experience at 26 private homes and venues in Toronto. Next: TBD 2022
In December 2019, the two-day philanthropic foodie event, which supports medical research at Toronto General and Toronto Western hospitals, raised more than $33 million—a record-breaking amount. The festival featured wines from more than 80 international vintners, as well as private gourmet dinners throughout the city. On the first day of the event, 5,000 people attended the bi-annual Halpern Portfolio Wine Tasting and Grand Cru Live Auction at Beanfield Centre. The next day, more than 800 guests participated in the Grand Cru Exclusive Wine and Dine Experience at 26 private homes and venues in Toronto. Next: TBD 2022
Photo: Courtesy of Grand Cru Culinary Wine Festival
3. Two x Two for AIDS and Art Gala and Auction
Dallas
This annual gala and contemporary art auction benefits Amfar and the Dallas Museum of Art. In 2019, the 21st annual benefit raised $8 million. Five hundred people attended the sold-out black-tie event co-hosted by Texan philanthropists and collectors Cindy and Howard Rachofsky at their Richard Meier-designed home. For the 2021 event, which took place Oct. 23, the organizers chose Yoshitomo Nara as their honored artist, recognizing the Japanese painter’s work. A total of $11 million was raised this year. Next: TBD 2022
This annual gala and contemporary art auction benefits Amfar and the Dallas Museum of Art. In 2019, the 21st annual benefit raised $8 million. Five hundred people attended the sold-out black-tie event co-hosted by Texan philanthropists and collectors Cindy and Howard Rachofsky at their Richard Meier-designed home. For the 2021 event, which took place Oct. 23, the organizers chose Yoshitomo Nara as their honored artist, recognizing the Japanese painter’s work. A total of $11 million was raised this year. Next: TBD 2022
Photo: twoxtwo_dallas/Instagram
4. Naples Winter Wine Festival
Naples, Fla.
Earlier this year, in its first-ever digital iteration, the Florida-based festival raised nearly $7.2 million, benefiting the Naples Children and Education Foundation, which works to improve the lives of at-risk and underprivileged kids. The festival consisted of an online auction, held from Jan. 22 to Feb. 2; an hourlong broadcast detailing NCEF’s mission and impact; and an invitation-only virtual auction. Last year’s 20th anniversary in-person festival brought in more than $20 million; since it began in 2001, the festival has raised almost $220 million total. Next year’s roster of auction lots include a trip to New Zealand with access to top golf courses and a rare Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG Wagon. Next: Jan. 28-30, 2022
Earlier this year, in its first-ever digital iteration, the Florida-based festival raised nearly $7.2 million, benefiting the Naples Children and Education Foundation, which works to improve the lives of at-risk and underprivileged kids. The festival consisted of an online auction, held from Jan. 22 to Feb. 2; an hourlong broadcast detailing NCEF’s mission and impact; and an invitation-only virtual auction. Last year’s 20th anniversary in-person festival brought in more than $20 million; since it began in 2001, the festival has raised almost $220 million total. Next year’s roster of auction lots include a trip to New Zealand with access to top golf courses and a rare Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG Wagon. Next: Jan. 28-30, 2022
Photo: Courtesy of Naples Winter Wine Festival
5. Crystal Charity Ball
Dallas
Each year, the Dallas social season ends with this black-tie gala, which raised $6.8 million in December 2019. With the theme South American Mosaic, performers resembling leopards, butterflies and birds of the Amazon pranced on podiums inside the Hilton Anatole. The menu featured items including coriander-crusted scallops and beef tenderloin. The James Davis Orchestra provided the entertainment for the evening. After being forced to cancel in 2020 due to the pandemic, the gala is set to return at the end of this year. Next: Dec. 4, 2021
Each year, the Dallas social season ends with this black-tie gala, which raised $6.8 million in December 2019. With the theme South American Mosaic, performers resembling leopards, butterflies and birds of the Amazon pranced on podiums inside the Hilton Anatole. The menu featured items including coriander-crusted scallops and beef tenderloin. The James Davis Orchestra provided the entertainment for the evening. After being forced to cancel in 2020 due to the pandemic, the gala is set to return at the end of this year. Next: Dec. 4, 2021
Photo: juliejodie/Instagram
6. BC Cancer Foundation Inspiration Gala
Vancouver
More than 500 guests, donors and cancer experts from around the province gathered for the 15th annual Inspiration Gala, which raised $3 million and was held on Nov. 2, 2019, at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. In 2020, organizers shifted the nonprofit's largest signature event to a virtual platform, hosting a livestreaming event featuring a silent auction, which raised $8.2 million to benefit women's cancer research and treatments. Later this month, the foundation will host another virtual event, titled "An Evening of Inspiration, presented by BMO Bank of Montreal." Next: Nov. 18, 2021
More than 500 guests, donors and cancer experts from around the province gathered for the 15th annual Inspiration Gala, which raised $3 million and was held on Nov. 2, 2019, at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. In 2020, organizers shifted the nonprofit's largest signature event to a virtual platform, hosting a livestreaming event featuring a silent auction, which raised $8.2 million to benefit women's cancer research and treatments. Later this month, the foundation will host another virtual event, titled "An Evening of Inspiration, presented by BMO Bank of Montreal." Next: Nov. 18, 2021
Photo: Courtesy of BC Cancer Foundation
7. Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscars Viewing and After-Party
Los Angeles
A-list celebs turn up every year for the Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscars Viewing and After-Party, held in a 40,000-square-foot tent in West Hollywood Park. In 2020, the event raised $6.4 million to benefit the foundation’s work in the fight against HIV and AIDS. In a surprise addition to the auction, John played a white Yamaha Grand Piano that was featured in the film Rocketman, which guests could then bid on. And Sharon Stone auctioned off two VIP tickets to the Versace Cruise Collection fashion show. In 2021, the event pivoted to virtual, raising $3 million. The digital party, powered by Cisco Webex, was co-hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and featured a performance by Dua Lipa. Most of the production was filmed at Rosewood London and for the first time in the event’s history, the general public was able to check out the action by purchasing tickets via Ticketmaster. Next: March 27, 2022
A-list celebs turn up every year for the Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscars Viewing and After-Party, held in a 40,000-square-foot tent in West Hollywood Park. In 2020, the event raised $6.4 million to benefit the foundation’s work in the fight against HIV and AIDS. In a surprise addition to the auction, John played a white Yamaha Grand Piano that was featured in the film Rocketman, which guests could then bid on. And Sharon Stone auctioned off two VIP tickets to the Versace Cruise Collection fashion show. In 2021, the event pivoted to virtual, raising $3 million. The digital party, powered by Cisco Webex, was co-hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and featured a performance by Dua Lipa. Most of the production was filmed at Rosewood London and for the first time in the event’s history, the general public was able to check out the action by purchasing tickets via Ticketmaster. Next: March 27, 2022
Photo: Courtesy of Elton John AIDS Foundation
8. Daffodil Ball
Montreal/Vancouver
Since their creation in 1994, both the Vancouver and Montreal iterations of the Canadian Cancer Society's Daffodil Ball serve as signature annual fundraising events for the organization. And even though the 2020 Daffodil Ball in Montreal was canceled due to the pandemic, it still managed to raise $2.1 million. That’s because the majority of the 660 expected attendees and corporations who had bought tables for the sold-out gala, which was slated to take place in April 2020 at Windsor Station, agreed to donate the funds, even though the event didn’t happen. This year, organizers of the Vancouver event hosted a virtual gala that raised $1.2 million. The attendees enjoyed a multicourse meal with wine that was delivered to their homes. Next: TBD 2022
Since their creation in 1994, both the Vancouver and Montreal iterations of the Canadian Cancer Society's Daffodil Ball serve as signature annual fundraising events for the organization. And even though the 2020 Daffodil Ball in Montreal was canceled due to the pandemic, it still managed to raise $2.1 million. That’s because the majority of the 660 expected attendees and corporations who had bought tables for the sold-out gala, which was slated to take place in April 2020 at Windsor Station, agreed to donate the funds, even though the event didn’t happen. This year, organizers of the Vancouver event hosted a virtual gala that raised $1.2 million. The attendees enjoyed a multicourse meal with wine that was delivered to their homes. Next: TBD 2022
Photo: Courtesy of Butter Studios
9. Night of a Thousand Stars Gala
Vancouver
In October 2019 at the Vancouver Convention Centre, the Vancouver General Hospital and University of British Columbia Hospital Foundation’s black-tie event raised $3.8 million. At this year’s 25th Night of a Thousand Stars Gala, held on Oct. 22 and presented by B2Gold Corp., supporters raised $1 million via an in-person gala and auction. Next: TBD 2022
In October 2019 at the Vancouver Convention Centre, the Vancouver General Hospital and University of British Columbia Hospital Foundation’s black-tie event raised $3.8 million. At this year’s 25th Night of a Thousand Stars Gala, held on Oct. 22 and presented by B2Gold Corp., supporters raised $1 million via an in-person gala and auction. Next: TBD 2022
Photo: Courtesy of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
10. Heroes Gala
Toronto
In October 2019 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Right To Play hosted this annual fundraising event, which raised $2.64 million to help children rise above adversity through the use of play. More than ​​1,100 community leaders in business, sports, entertainment, government and philanthropy attended the signature event, which included a performance by Cirque du Soleil and an after-party featuring singer Jim Cuddy. Sun Life also announced a renewal of its partnership with Right To Play. Next: TBD
In October 2019 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Right To Play hosted this annual fundraising event, which raised $2.64 million to help children rise above adversity through the use of play. More than ​​1,100 community leaders in business, sports, entertainment, government and philanthropy attended the signature event, which included a performance by Cirque du Soleil and an after-party featuring singer Jim Cuddy. Sun Life also announced a renewal of its partnership with Right To Play. Next: TBD
Photo: Courtesy of Right To Play
11. True Patriot Love Gala
Toronto
In November 2019 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto’s corporate and community leaders came together to honor Canadian military members, veterans and their families at the annual True Patriot Love Gala. The event included a silent auction, as well as a live performance from Canadian band Barenaked Ladies. It raised $1.6 million towards the True Patriot Love Foundation, which is dedicated to providing support and resources to those in need within the military and veteran community. Building upon the 2020 True Patriot Love Virtual Tribute Gala, which raised over $850,000, the theme of the 2021 virtual gala will focus on the creative arts and the role it plays in veteran recovery. Next: Nov. 10, 2021
In November 2019 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto’s corporate and community leaders came together to honor Canadian military members, veterans and their families at the annual True Patriot Love Gala. The event included a silent auction, as well as a live performance from Canadian band Barenaked Ladies. It raised $1.6 million towards the True Patriot Love Foundation, which is dedicated to providing support and resources to those in need within the military and veteran community. Building upon the 2020 True Patriot Love Virtual Tribute Gala, which raised over $850,000, the theme of the 2021 virtual gala will focus on the creative arts and the role it plays in veteran recovery. Next: Nov. 10, 2021
Photo: Courtesy of True Patriot Love Foundation
