Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Tower of Hope Gala
The Tower of Hope Gala is Tower’s signature annual fundraiser that brings together supporters, scientists, and advocates united by a single conviction: that the most important cancer research deserves funding, and the patients living through the disease deserve support every day. Each year, Tower honors an individual whose journey with embodies the resilience and hope that drives the work.
Thank You for Joining Us At The Annual Tower of Hope Gala — The Power of What's Next
On June 9, 2026, friends and supporters of TCRF gathered at the Skirball Cultural Center for the 30th Anniversary Tower of Hope Gala: The Power of What's Next. The evening celebrated three decades of progress in cancer research, honored the life and legacy of Jason Collins, and highlighted the collective impact of a community committed to advancing hope, discovery, and support for those affected by cancer.
This Year's Honoree
Jason Collins
1978 - 2026
Jason Collins was a professional basketball player who enjoyed a 13-year career in the National Basketball Association and made history as the first openly gay active player in a major U.S. professional team sport. He faced his battle with brain cancer with the same resilience, courage, and determination that defined his life and career.
Born in Northridge, California, Collins played basketball at Stanford University alongside his twin brother, Jarron, helping lead the Cardinal to the 1998 Final Four.
Selected 18th overall in the 2001 NBA Draft, Collins went on to play for seven NBA teams: the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets. A 7-foot center known for his defensive strength and steady leadership, he contributed to two NBA Finals appearances with the Nets in 2002 and 2003.
In April 2013, Collins publicly came out in a groundbreaking Sports Illustrated cover story, earning widespread respect for his courage and leadership. Today, we remember Jason Collins not only for his groundbreaking impact on the world of sports, but also for the courage, authenticity, and compassion he demonstrated throughout his life. Jason’s legacy continues to inspire generations to live boldly, lead with integrity, and create a more inclusive world.
Schedule
250+ Guests Attended
29 Silent Auction Packages Sold
3 Science Research Grants Awarded
One memorable evening looking back on 30 Years of Tower
With Gratitude to Our Sponsors
As of 6.9.2026
Visionary
Debbie & Mark Attanasio
Sheryl & Jonathan Layne
Donna Rosen
Karen Rosenfelt
Julie & Brad Shames
Gold
Karsh Family Foundation
Jeanne Schnitzer Marks
Beth & Barry Rosenbloom, MD
Lisa & Larry Rosenstein (2)
Kathy & Greg Scott
Frankie & Barry Sholem
Silver
BeOne Medicines
Cedars Sinai
Gilead
Beth & Jan Goren
Betty & Al Haagen
Incyte Corporation
Kathy & Randy Katz
Randy & Daniel Lee
Rhonda and Ron Papell
Beth & Barry Rosenbloom
Nancy & Fred Rosenfelt, MD
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Shelley & Michael Warsavsky
Jeffrey Westheimer
Shana & Matt Zarcufsky
Supporter
Harvard-Westlake
MidFirst Bank
Friends
Bonnie Berman and Jay Farbstein
City of Hope
Cheryl & Brad Cohen
Andrea & Robert Decker, MD
Linda Levenson Delsack
Randi & Warren Grant
The Meyer Family
Modern HR
Kathy & Michael Moray
Patti & Dan Stein
Winston & Strawn
Sheri & Allen Tuchman
Special Thanks
The Breslow Family Foundation
Marolyn & David Freedman
Cecilia & Jeffrey Glassman
Debra & Mark Goodman
Laurie & Steven Gordon
Corie & Michael Koss
Dr Kimberly Lynch & Scott Layne
The Present Family Foundation
Kathi & Andy Ratner
Gina & Lane Satnick
Hon. Christina Ann Snyder & Marc Seltzer
Dori Schnitzer
Susan Schnitzer
Stacey & Gary Uberstine
Andrea & Alan Wishnow
