Toronto Bartenders Unite for Pouring Forward Fundraiser Supporting Tiffany Desbiens
Earlier this year, Tiffany Desbiens reached a major career milestone when she was named one of Canada’s Top 30 Under 30 hospitality leaders.
Just months later, the 31-year-old bartender is facing a very different chapter after being diagnosed with Stage II cervical cancer in July.
On September 7 (Monday), Toronto’s hospitality community will gather at Dirty Laundry for Pouring Forward, a one-night fundraiser created to support Desbiens during her cancer treatment.
The event will bring together 15 leading bartenders from across Canada for an evening of cocktails, music, and the same spirit of care that has defined Desbiens’ career.
Event Details
- Event: Pouring Forward
- Date: September 7, 2026 (Monday)
- Time: 8:00 PM until late
- Location: Dirty Laundry, 1186 Queen Street West, Toronto
- Admission: No cover charge
- Fundraising Goal: $15,000+
- Drink Tickets: $16 for one ticket
- Music: Toronto-based DJ Alex Roc
Desbiens currently serves as Bar Manager at Harbour Sixty and Arianna, where she oversees beverage operations with a focus on creativity, culture, team development and guest experience. She previously held the role of Bar Manager at BlueBlood Steakhouse at Casa Loma.
Her approach to hospitality has always focused on people, making the fundraiser feel especially personal.
“Hospitality has always been about taking care of people,” says Desbiens. “I’ve spent years pouring myself into this industry. And now, as I navigate my own cancer diagnosis, I’m experiencing something incredibly powerful: my community pouring back into me.”
Five Hours of Canadian Cocktail Talent
Starting at 8:00 PM, Dirty Laundry will host a rotating group of bartenders through themed Power Hours.
The evening opens with Big DAIQ Energy, featuring Dylan Maloney of Civil Works, Dash Tume, and cocktail creator Brenton Mowforth of CheersToHappyHour. The Daiquiri-focused hour is supported by Lamb’s Rum.
At 9:00 PM, Canadian Classics will feature Jess Colacci of Dirty Laundry, Angelina Campigotto of Mother Cocktail Bar, Julia Choi of Bar Mordecai, and Kat Garcia of Little Sister.
The 10:00 PM Pour With Pride session will feature Aaron Hatchell, Nick Benyamen, and Bex Gomes Figueiredo, bringing three queer bartenders together for a showcase of their individual styles.
At 11:00 PM, the Martini Mix Off will put Jacob Martin and James Grant head-to-head. Both have earned Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year honours, making the late-night competition one of the evening’s highlights.
The final Power Hour, Strong Drinks. Stronger Girls., will feature Priscilla Zimnicki, Amber Mei, and Elise Hanson.
Along with the bartender takeovers, guests can enjoy prizes, direct donations, and music from DJ Alex Roc.
Turning Cocktails Into Support
Pouring Forward aims to raise more than $15,000 to help cover costs connected to Desbiens’ treatment and time away from work.
Her chemotherapy and radiation treatment will prevent her from working at full capacity during periods of treatment and recovery. Funds will help with fertility preservation, transportation to medical appointments, essential living costs, and lost income.
Desbiens has also faced the difficult reality that her treatment means she will not be able to carry a pregnancy in the future. Before beginning treatment, she had a limited window to pursue fertility preservation, adding another financial and emotional challenge to her diagnosis.
Guests can support the fundraiser through drink purchases, onsite activities, and direct donations to Desbiens’ GoFundMe.
A Community Showing Up
The event highlights the wider hospitality network behind Desbiens.
Prizes have been donated by businesses and industry members including Mother Cocktail Bar, Cocktail Emporium, Liberty Entertainment, John Sleeman & Sons, The Macallan, Diageo, Spirit of York, Giffard, GrapeWitches, The Balvenie, and Hendrick’s.
For Desbiens, Pouring Forward is about more than a single night of drinks. It reflects the relationships built inside an industry where showing up for others is part of the job.
This time, the community is turning that care toward her.
Will you be raising a glass for Tiffany Desbiens on September 7? Let us know in the comments.
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