14th annual Grand Cru Culinary Wine Festival raises more than $4M for UHN
The 14th annual Grand Cru Culinary Wine Festival, Canada’s premier wine and culinary fundraiser, raised $4 million in support of scientific research and key program areas at Toronto General and Toronto Western hospitals, University Health Network (UHN). The two-day event, presented by Grand Touring Automobiles and Miele on October 26 and 27, 2018, has raised more than $29.7 million since 2005.
“We are so very grateful to all our participants in this year’s Grand Cru Culinary Wine Festival. The funds raised will support the world-leading researchers at UHN to continue to push the envelope across a wide range of programs,” says Grand Cru Founder and Chair, Vice Chair Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation Board of Directors and UHN Board Trustee, Todd Halpern. “We are so proud of what this event has become. To all of our donors, sponsors, hosts, chefs, vintners and volunteers, thank you – the Festival would not be possible without your support.”
L to R: Jason Bangerter, Frederic Engerer, Ellen and Todd Halpern, Dr. Barry Rubin, Daniel Boulud
On Friday, October 26, guests gathered for the annual Grand Cru Appreciation Party at the Windsor Arms Hotel. The Appreciation Party is an invitation-only celebration to thank Grand Cru chefs, wine estates, hosts, UHN scientists, VIP guests and event sponsors, with an evening of extraordinary wine, food stations, live entertainment and dancing.
On Saturday, October 27, more than 500 guests attended Grand Cru Exclusive Wine & Dine Experience Dinners in 13 spectacular private homes and venues across the GTA. Each home featured menus prepared by top chefs, accompanied by extraordinary wines and a senior UHN clinician or researcher. Guests learned about the latest discoveries and life-saving breakthroughs at UHN while enjoying the best in food and drink.
Celebrity chefs included, Mark McEwan, Lorenzo Loseto and Daniel Boulud. Participating wine estates included Remoissenet Père et Fils, Château Latour, Silver Oak Cellars and Antinori.
Additional event sponsors included Dolce Media Group, Halpern Enterprises and Raymond James.
Grand Cru has been recognized by BizBash as one of the top three benefits in Canada three years running and this year’s number-one benefit in Toronto.
For more information about the Grand Cru Culinary Wine Festival, please visit grandcru.ca.