Music Icons Unite for City of Hope Cancer Gala

The City of Hope Spirit of Life gala recently convened at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles, honoring Primary Wave founder and CEO Larry Mestel. The event featured poignant tributes and performances from artists including Jackson Browne, Melissa Etheridge, and Stevie Nicks, all of whom have professional ties to Mestel. Pete Townshend also delivered a virtual performance. Mestel, deeply moved, spoke about his evolving legacy, shifting from business success to a desire for philanthropic impact, especially after personal losses to cancer.

Mestel's personal connection to City of Hope was amplified by the recent loss of his sister to breast cancer and uncle to lymphoma, making the fight against cancer deeply personal. He viewed his honor not just as recognition but as a powerful call to action for collective improvement. The gala successfully raised funds, with a target of $10 million, to support City of Hope's pioneering work in CAR T cell therapy and advanced breast cancer research.

Further fundraising efforts included an auction featuring rare memorabilia and handwritten lyrics from various artists, with contributions from staff and partners like Fandiem Relic and Primary Wave. Stevie Nicks concluded the evening with an acoustic performance of "Landslide," sharing how City of Hope has profoundly impacted the lives of four cancer survivors she knows personally. The organization, founded in 1913, remains a leading U.S. cancer research and treatment facility.