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.
Location
Ahmanson Ballroom
Skirball Cultural Center
Los Angeles
Join Us At The Annual Tower of Hope Gala — The Power of What's Next
As we celebrate 30 years of advancing innovative cancer research, funding critical clinical trials, and supporting patients and families through compassionate survivorship programs, this milestone evening will reflect on the impact made possible by our community — and look ahead to the future of lifesaving discovery.
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
6:00 pm | Reception
7:00 pm | Program and Dinner
Cocktail Attire
With Gratitude to Our Sponsors
As of 5.19.2026
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
Incyte Corporation
Kathy & Randy Katz
Randy & Daniel Lee
Beth & Barry Rosenbloom
Nancy & Fred Rosenfelt, MD
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Shelley & Michael Warsavsky
Jeffrey Westheimer
Shana & Matt Zarcufsky
Supporter
Harvard-Westlake
Friends
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
David Vossler
Special Thanks
The Breslow Family Foundation
Cecilia & Jeffrey Glassman
Laurie & Steven Gordon
Corie & Michael Koss
Rhonda & Ron Papell
The Present Family Foundation
Marc Seltzer
Dori Schnitzer
Susan Schnitzer
Christina Ann Snyder
