UHN Foundation hosts 22nd annual UHN Grand Cru Culinary Wine Festival presented by HBNG Charitable Foundation, raising $47 million for Canada's #1 hospital

TORONTO, Nov. 3, 2026 /CNW/ -- The annual UHN Grand Cru Culinary Wine Festival presented by HBNG Charitable Foundation, hosted by UHN Foundation, took place from October 28-30^th in support of University Health Network (UHN). The event unfolded over three nights of exceptional culinary experiences and philanthropy, bringing together world-renowned chefs, acclaimed wine producers and distinguished guests in support of Canada's #1 hospital.

Photo Credit George Pimentel

The celebrations began with an unforgettable evening at The Enercare Centre, where Premier Doug Ford joined more than 5,000 guests to mark an important moment for UHN with the announcement of a transformative $35 million gift from Toronto's Ajmera family.  Following the announcement, guests participated in the highly anticipated Grand Cru Live Auction, kicking off with exceptional experiences and collectibles, including the first fully electric 2027 Range Rover; exclusive original works of art by acclaimed artists including Mr. Brainwash, Edward Burtynsky, David Ruben Piqtoukun and Jonah Waterous; and luxury offerings from brands including CHANEL, Michel's Bespoke, Privé Cellars, and V Hazelton.

"Grand Cru has always been about bringing people together around a shared belief that we can make a meaningful difference," said Todd Halpern, Founder of Grand Cru and UHN Trustee. "The generosity of our donors, sponsors, chefs, wine producers and supporters continues to fuel extraordinary progress at UHN, and I'm tremendously proud of the role Grand Cru plays in helping shape the future of health care."

Next, 18 private homes across the GTA opened their doors for Grand Cru's signature Wine & Dine experiences. Each bespoke dining experience featured an expertly curated menu from the world's leading Chefs including Daniel Boulud, Jamie Kennedy, Stefano Secchi, Frédéric Morin, Patrick Kriss and many more. The menus were paired with an exceptional selection of fine wines from the Halpern Portfolio, creating unforgettable evenings that showcased culinary excellence while advancing life-changing health care.

This year's presenting sponsor was HBNG Charitable Foundation. John D'Angelo, Giuseppe Maio and Claudio Memme – partners at HBNG Holborn Group – together with their wives Rosella, Lidia and Gina, said in a joint statement:

"We are honoured to support this incredible event," they said. "Grand Cru is unlike anything else we've seen in Toronto, and working with Todd to help bring his vision to life under a shared belief in philanthropy and passion for advancing health care has been a true privilege. We are proud to continue supporting UHN in shaping health care for generations to come."

For over two decades, Grand Cru has brought together an extraordinary community of philanthropists, celebrated chefs and renowned wine producers in support of UHN, raising over $221 million to transform health care since the event's inception. This remarkable generosity has helped drive innovation and discovery across UHN's programs, while supporting ambitious projects that will shape the future of care. Through the collective generosity of its sponsors, donors, hosts and guests year after year, Grand Cru continues to demonstrate what is possible when community, philanthropy and culinary excellence come together to build a healthier future for Canadians.

"Grand Cru reflects the very best of what philanthropy can achieve," said Julie Quenneville, CEO of UHN Foundation. "To Todd Halpern, whose vision created this extraordinary event, along with UHN Foundation Board Member, Adam Halpern and Colin Halpern, to the Ajmera family, HBNG Charitable Foundation, and every donor and supporter who has championed our mission, we are deeply grateful. Your generosity empowers UHN to pursue bold discoveries, deliver exceptional patient care and redefine the future of health care for generations to come."

A special thanks to event sponsors including HBNG Charitable Foundation, BMO, Grand Touring Automobiles and many others. For more information about Grand Cru please click here.

More about UHN Foundation

Part of University Health Network (UHN), Canada's #1 hospital and ranked #2 in the world, UHN Foundation raises funds for Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto Rehab and The Michener Institute of Education. No one ever changed the world on their own: Donor support is critical to upholding the excellence in patient care that UHN is known for and changing the status quo of health care – helping to recruit top medical experts from around the world, complete transformational capital projects, train the next generation of health care leaders, and advance bold medical research. UHNfoundation.ca

SOURCE UHN Foundation

Media Contact: Olivia Monardo, Manager, Public Relations, e. [email protected], t. [phone]