News Summary
Two significant fundraising events in Orange County recently raised over $1.8 million for cancer care and research. The Circle 1000 Founders Celebration Brunch garnered over $1.3 million for Hoag Family Cancer Institute, while the Pink Tie Party raised more than $475,000 for breast cancer advocacy. Additionally, the community showed strong support for food security initiatives through the Second Harvest Food Bank and other health initiatives. These events exemplify the community’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services and battling food insecurity.
Newport Beach, California — Two significant fundraising events held recently in Orange County raised crucial funds for cancer care and research. The 38th Annual Circle 1000 Founders Celebration Brunch, held on May 29 at Balboa Bay Resort, raised over $1.3 million to support the Hoag Family Cancer Institute. More than 300 guests attended the brunch, which celebrated the contributions of donors, Hoag physicians, staff, and volunteer leaders dedicated to cancer care in the region.
The fundraising event was co-chaired by philanthropists Mary Buckingham and her daughter Lacy Robertson. Underwriters that supported the brunch included the JW and Sandra L Mitchell Foundation, Ginny and Peter Ueberroth, along with several family foundations. The keynote speaker was Mark Herzlich, a former player for the New York Giants, who shared his personal journey battling Ewing’s sarcoma and the importance of fundraising efforts like this one.
During the event, Robert Braithwaite, the president and CEO of Hoag Hospital, announced the appointment of Steven Grossman, MD, Ph.D., to the prestigious Grace E. Hoag Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair.
Just weeks prior to the brunch, on May 10, the Susan G. Komen Orange County chapter hosted the Pink Tie Party at VEA Newport Beach, managing to raise over $475,000. This event aimed to unify survivors, advocates, and medical professionals in advocating for equitable access to breast cancer care. The Pink Tie Party also introduced new honorees for the Class of 2025 OC Pink Tie Partners, which recognizes key community leaders engaged in the fight against breast cancer.
During the Pink Tie Party, eight breast cancer survivors took the stage to share their personal stories, reinforcing the urgent need for ongoing support, awareness, and research in the battle against breast cancer.
In addition to these fundraising events, the Second Harvest Food Bank recently celebrated the grand re-opening of its Founders Farm program on June 13 at Southwinds Farm & Gardens in Irvine. This program plays a vital role in addressing food insecurity, providing fresh produce to over 442,000 children, families, and older adults each month. Significant contributions for the Founders Farm initiative have come from Bank of America and Harvesters, a charitable group of women working towards community nourishment.
Furthermore, the MemorialCare Ragnar Relay team participated in the Ragnar SoCal Relay to bring attention to the issue of physician burnout, highlighting the need for well-being in the healthcare profession. Additionally, the GSF Foundation made a generous donation of $10,000 to the Second Harvest Food Bank as part of its ongoing mission to combat food insecurity in Orange County.
Hoag Hospital itself has also seen milestones worth mentioning. The Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute was recently recognized as the top cardiothoracic program in Orange County for 2024. In a move to enhance the heart program’s standing further, Dr. Jack Sun has joined Hoag as the director of cardiovascular surgery, emphasizing advancements in surgical techniques and personalized patient care.
Hoag Hospital is undergoing a major expansion, investing $1 billion to enhance consumer services and expand its Irvine campus, particularly in the field of cardiovascular health.
These fundraising events and initiatives showcase the commitment of the Orange County community to support vital health services and research, improving cancer care, food security, and overall healthcare practices.
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Business Journal: Robert Braithwaite
- The Malaysian Reserve: Hoag Health Center San Clemente
- Newport Beach Independent: Dr. Jack Sun Appointment
- Orange County Register: Hoag Hospital Research Leader
- Los Angeles Times: Jack Sun Director Appointment
- Wikipedia: Cancer
- Google Search: Health Fundraising Events
- Google Scholar: Cancer Research Fundraising
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Breast Cancer
- Google News: Healthcare Initiatives California
