City of Hope Gala Raises Funds for Cancer Research
The annual Spirit of Life gala in Los Angeles honored Primary Wave CEO Larry Mestel while raising money for cancer treatment.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Philanthropy
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City of Hope hosted its annual Spirit of Life gala at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles to support critical research. The event recognized Primary Wave founder and CEO Larry Mestel for his contributions.
Why it matters
The gala aims to raise $10 million to advance medical breakthroughs, specifically focusing on CAR T cell therapy and breast cancer research. Proceeds from the evening support the ongoing work of the facility, which was founded in 1913.
The event targeted a $10 million fundraising goal, with individual donation pledges ranging from $1,000 to $100,000. Primary Wave staff participated in a matching program to help reach the total.
The players
City of Hope
City of Hope is a cancer research and treatment facility that has been operating since its founding in 1913.
Larry Mestel
Larry Mestel is the founder and CEO of Primary Wave who was honored with the Spirit of Life award at the gala.
Melissa Etheridge
Melissa Etheridge is a musician who performed live at the gala to support the organization's fundraising efforts.
Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks is a prominent musician who provided a live performance during the fundraising event.
Jackson Browne
Jackson Browne is a musician who participated in the gala with a live performance.
The details
Attendees enjoyed performances by musical artists including Stevie Nicks, Jackson Browne, and Melissa Etheridge, while Pete Townshend joined the program virtually. Guests also participated in an auction featuring rare musical memorabilia.
Timeline
1913: City of Hope was founded.
October 27, 2026: The Spirit of Life gala occurred at the Pacific Design Center.
Market Landscape
This event reflects the ongoing trend of music industry leaders leveraging their professional networks to drive significant private philanthropy. Such collaborations between entertainment executives and major research facilities help accelerate the funding of specialized medical therapies.
The fundraising success of the event directly impacts the availability and development of CAR T cell therapy for cancer patients. Local donors and attendees contribute to these advancements through direct participation in pledge matching and auction events.
The takeaway
Events like the Spirit of Life gala demonstrate how personal connection to medical causes can effectively mobilize industry support for high-stakes research. Participants often find that large-scale charity galas are key venues for funding the specialized treatments that remain under development.
Further reading
For more information on regional charitable efforts, visit Philanthropy.
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