More than 2.5 million kids rely on CHOC, now a part of Rady Children’s Health, each year—and the work of caring for them never stops and never slows down. In partnership with our generous community, we create a beacon of hope so kids can return to the magic and joy of childhood.
Learn more about the impact of the CHOC Gala or how to become a CHOC Champion by sponsoring the Gala below.
At the 17th annual CHOC Gala on Saturday, May 9, 2026, you’ll hear stories of perseverance, triumph and hope made possible by the generosity of our donors and sponsors.
Dylan’s story: A taste of triumph
After struggling to find high quality care for her oral aversion, six-month-old Dylan and her family finally got the support they needed at Rady Children’s Health Orange County, formerly CHOC.
From heartbreak to healing: Wesley’s journey
When Lauren and Kevin’s three-and-a-half-year-old son, Wesley, broke his femur, they expected a straightforward recovery. But what began as a broken bone quickly turned into something far more serious: a leukemia diagnosis.
Continue Reading From heartbreak to healing: Wesley’s journey
From food allergies to helping patients like her: Esabella’s incredible journey
When Esabella Rosselli faced severe allergic reactions, her care team at CHOC—part of Rady Children’s Health—gave her reassuring care that motivated her to give back through creativity and philanthropy.
Continue Reading From food allergies to helping patients like her: Esabella’s incredible journey
Learn about where your gift goes.
Join our compassionate experts in preserving the magic of childhood.
See the impact of your generosity.
Real stories of hope and healing made possible by our community.
2026 Children’s Champion Honoree
For over 30 years, Pacific Life and Pacific Life Foundation have partnered with Rady Children’s Health Orange County (formerly CHOC) to enrich and advance pediatric healthcare. Recognized as this year’s CHOC Gala Children’s Champion and serving as the event’s presenting sponsor, Pacific Life exemplifies the ideals of philanthropy and volunteerism.
A defining focus of this partnership has been mental health care. In 2018, Pacific Life’s investment helped establish Orange County’s first inpatient mental health center for children under 12. Building on this commitment, the organization made a generous $2 million gift in 2022 to support both inpatient and outpatient mental health and eating disorder initiatives.
Pacific Life has also supported a broad range of other initiatives, including an annual oncology camp, clinical nutrition, palliative care, rehabilitative care, and a capital gift toward the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center in Orange.
Pacific Life’s generous sponsorship of the 2026 CHOC Gala comes under the leadership of president and chief executive officer Darryl Button. “Rady Children’s Health Orange County plays a significant role in the health and well-being of our local youth. We are pleased to continue our support of their mission, and on behalf of all our employees, we are proud to accept this year’s CHOC Gala Children’s Champion award.”
With community deeply embedded in their values, Pacific Life has fostered a strong culture of giving and service, reflected in their ongoing global and local volunteer efforts. Rady Children’s and the CHOC Foundation have benefited from the leadership of Pacific Life’s retired chairman, president, and chief executive officer, Jim Morris, who has served on their boards, as well as current Pacific Life board member Christopher Furman, who serves on the hospital’s board.
Through sustained generosity, employee engagement, and a clear vision for strengthening the community, Pacific Life and the Pacific Life Foundation bring hope to children and families, building healthier futures for all.
Renowned for her powerful voice and hit songs, Christina Aguilera has sold close to 100 million records worldwide and has won seven Grammy Awards, including two Latin Grammy Awards. Having achieved five #1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, Aguilera became the third female artist, and fourth overall, to top the chart over three consecutive decades (1990s, 2000s, and 2010s).
Thank you to our incredible CHOC Gala Committee
Your unwavering dedication and passion help us shine a light on CHOC’s mission of nurturing, advancing, and protecting the health and well-being of children in our community. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and commitment!
Gala Co-Chairs
Bahman Fakhimi
Chris Furman
Cary Hyden
Rick Matros
Salomon Maya, M.D.
Gala Committee
Stephanie Angelos
Stephanie Argyros
Casey Beau Brown
Zeina Collins
Lili Daftarian
Niloofar Fakhimi
Monica Furman
Jessica Harrison
Jennie Johanson-Maya
Leyla Milani Khoshbin
Gigi Kroll, M.D.
Heather Madden
Lauren Manfred, D.D.S., M.S.
Caroline Marchant
Adrienne Matros, Psy.D.
Tina Sadri, M.A., M.F.T.
Sirpa Selanne
Yeshin Tsao
Terri Watkins
“Dr. Andrew Shulman [rheumatology] is probably the best doctor my child has seen. He does not rush. He sits and talks to us. He listens. We are blessed to have him take care of our child.”
Anonymous
Grateful Family“From the staff in the emergency department, from admitting, all the way to the operating room—everybody was wonderful. All the nurses on the floor were very attentive and very, very helpful, making my child feel very at ease… I know the hospital is not always a very happy place to be, but everybody that we encountered in our stay made it such a great experience.”
Anonymous
Grateful Family“Our job is for the kids not to know they’re in therapy—to make it fun and enjoyable. We help them figure out how to cope, adjust, and thrive. We can’t change what happened to them, but we really influence how they work through their condition.”
Lauren Newhouse
CHOC Occupational TherapistInterested in partnering?
The CHOC Gala provides heartfelt help and hope for sick and injured children and families, even when they can’t pay for treatment or care. We care. Because of the community’s groundswell of kindness, our patients know they never walk alone on their medical journeys. That’s powerful.
Interested in partnering?
Reach out and a member of the CHOC Gala team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Gift of Kindness Sponsor
$500,000
Donor Benefits:
- Three premier tables of 10 seats in prime locations.
- VIP front stage “pit” access (during the concert).
- Four (4) individuals meet and greet our headlining guest artist (subject to availability).
- Exclusive gift for you and your guests.
- CHOC Gala VIP After Party with reserved seating.
- Premier vintners’ package to include premium wines, vodka, and tequila.
- Premium hosted bar and cocktail table service.
- Priority valet for you and your guests.
Marketing Benefits:
- Verbal on-stage name recognition.
- Onscreen name recognition (event night).
- Name recognition on all event collateral.
- Prominent name listing on the CHOC Gala website.
- Prominent name recognition in the CHOC Gala program.
- One-page color ad in the event program (ad deadline: March 20, 2026).
- One color digital ad, shown onscreen during the event (ad deadline: March 20, 2026).
- Name recognition in the press release.
- Recognized along with other sponsors in one Foundation Meta post.
Recognition Benefits:
- Name recognition on the donor wall in the CHOC Bill Holmes Tower lobby.
- Name recognition in CHOC annual online donor listing.
- Circle of Heroes Giving Society.
- CHOC Benefactor membership.
FMV: $20,000
For availability and support, please call:
Winnie Tran
Senior Director of Community Engagement, CHOC Foundation
714-509-4229 | [email protected]
Gift of Hope Sponsor
$250,000
Donor Benefits:
- Two premier tables of 10 seats in prime locations.
- VIP “pit” access for your guests (during the concert).
- Four (4) individuals meet and greet with our headlining guest artist (subject to availability).
- Exclusive gift for you and your guests.
- CHOC Gala VIP After Party with reserved seating.
- Premier vintners’ package for your table to include wine, vodka, and tequila.
- Premium hosted bar and cocktail table service.
- Priority valet for you and your guests.
Marketing Benefits:
- Verbal on-stage name recognition.
- Onscreen name recognition (event night).
- Name recognition on all event collateral.
- Prominent name listing on the CHOC Gala website.
- Prominent name recognition in the CHOC Gala program.
- One-page color ad in the event program (ad deadline: March 20, 2026).
- One color digital ad, shown onscreen during the event (ad deadline: March 20, 2026).
- Name recognition in the press release.
- Recognized along with other sponsors in one Foundation Meta post.
Recognition Benefits:
- Name recognition on the donor wall in the CHOC Bill Holmes Tower lobby.
- Name recognition in CHOC annual online donor listing.
- Circle of Heroes Giving Society.
- CHOC Benefactor membership.
FMV: $15,000
For availability and support, please call:
Winnie Tran
Senior Director of Community Engagement, CHOC Foundation
714-509-4229 | [email protected]
Gift of Life Sponsor
$100,000
Donor Benefits:
- One premier table of 10 seats in a premium location.
- Two (2) individuals meet and greet with our headlining guest artist (subject to availability).
- Exclusive gift for you and your guests.
- CHOC Gala VIP After Party (you and your guests).
- Premier vintners’ package for your table to include wine, vodka, and tequila.
- Premium hosted bar and cocktail table service.
- Priority valet for you and your guests.
Marketing Benefits:
- Onscreen name recognition (event night).
- Prominent name listing on the CHOC Gala website.
- Prominent name recognition in the CHOC Gala program.
- Verbal on-stage name recognition.
- One color digital ad, shown onscreen during the event (digital ad deadline: March 20, 2026).
Recognition Benefits:
- Name recognition in CHOC annual online donor listing.
- Name recognition in the press release for post-event wrap-up.
- Recognized along with other sponsors in one Foundation Meta post.
- Circle of Heroes Giving Society.
FMV: $7,500
For availability and support, please call:
Winnie Tran
Senior Director of Community Engagement, CHOC Foundation
714-509-4229 | [email protected]
Gift of Caring Sponsor
$50,000
Donor Benefits:
- One premier table of 10 seats each in a prime location.
- CHOC Gala VIP After Party (you and your guests).
- Hosted bar (Top Shelf).
- Vintner’s table package, wine duo.
Marketing Benefits:
- Onscreen name recognition (event night).
- Prominent name listing on the CHOC Gala website.
- Name recognition in the CHOC Gala program.
- One color digital ad, shown onscreen during the event (digital ad deadline: March 20, 2026).
- Recognized along with other sponsors in one Foundation Meta post.
Recognition Benefits:
- Name recognition in CHOC annual online donor listing.
- Circle of Friends Giving Society.
FMV: $5,000
For availability and support, please call:
Winnie Tran
Senior Director of Community Engagement, CHOC Foundation
714-509-4229 | [email protected]
Gift of Love Sponsor
$35,000
Donor Benefits:
- One premier table of 10 at the CHOC Gala.
- CHOC Gala VIP After Party (you and your guests).
- Hosted Bar (Top Shelf).
- Vintner’s table package, wine duo.
Marketing Benefits:
- Name listing on the CHOC Gala website.
- Name recognition in the CHOC Gala program.
- One color digital ad, shown onscreen during the event (digital ad deadline: March 20, 2026).
Recognition Benefits:
- Name recognition in CHOC annual online donor listing.
- Circle of Friends Giving Society.
FMV: $4,500
For availability and support, please call:
Winnie Tran
Senior Director of Community Engagement, CHOC Foundation
714-509-4229 | [email protected]
Gift of Friendship Sponsor – Limited Availability
$20,000
Donor Benefits:
- One table of 10 seats at the CHOC Gala.
- Hosted bar (Top Shelf).
- Vintner’s table package, wine duo.
Recognition Benefits:
- Name listing on the CHOC Gala website.
- Name recognition in the CHOC Gala program.
- Name recognition in CHOC annual online donor listing.
- Circle of Friends Giving Society.
FMV: $4,100
For availability and support, please call:
Winnie Tran
Senior Director of Community Engagement, CHOC Foundation
714-509-4229 | [email protected]
Gift of Dance Sponsor
$10,000
Donor Benefits:
- Two tickets to the CHOC Gala with seating in a prime location.
- CHOC Gala VIP After Party.
- Hosted Bar (Top Shelf).
- Vintner’s table package, wine duo.
- Name recognition in the CHOC Gala program.
- Name listing on the CHOC Gala website.
- Name recognition in CHOC annual online donor listing.
FMV: $1,000
For availability and support, please call:
Winnie Tran
Senior Director of Community Engagement, CHOC Foundation
714-509-4229 | [email protected]
CHOC Gala Ticket
$5,000
Donor Benefits:
- Two tickets to the CHOC Gala.
- Hosted Bar (Top Shelf).
- Name recognition in the CHOC Gala program.
- Name listing on the CHOC Gala website.
- Name recognition in CHOC annual online donor listing.
FMV: $820
For availability and support, please call:
Winnie Tran
Senior Director of Community Engagement, CHOC Foundation
714-509-4229 | [email protected]
Why CHOC?
At CHOC, Long Live Childhood is our mantra. It is our rallying cry. We live it. We breathe it. We practice it. Every day. In every way. That’s why we’ve assembled a mighty brigade of nationally-recognized pediatric experts, premier facilities and generous donors dedicated to giving kids the best chance of growing into healthy and happy adults.
Event Details
Date and Location
Saturday, May 9, 2026
The Grove of Anaheim
2200 East Katella Avenue
Parking
Complementary Valet
Event Questions
Barbie Lopez
Senior Associate Director, Community Engagement
(626) 393-0868 | [email protected]
Sponsorship Questions
Winnie Tran
Senior Director of Community Engagement, CHOC Foundation
714-509-4229 | [email protected]
Are donations tax-deductible?
All monetary donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. For more information, please email [email protected].
Where should I mail donation checks?
Please mail all check donations to:
CHOC Foundation
1201 W. La Veta Avenue
Orange, CA 92868
Who should I make my check out to?
Please make all checks payable to the CHOC Foundation.
Can I mail in a cash donation?
We do not recommend using mail to send cash donations. Instead, you may drop off the cash at the CHOC Foundation along with your information. You can also deposit the cash into your checking account and send a personal check from your account.
What is CHOC Foundation’s tax ID number?
The CHOC Foundation tax ID number is 95-6097416.
How can I get a receipt for my donation?
If you donated online, you should receive an e-receipt to your email at the time of your donation. If you donated by mail or in person, a receipt will be mailed to your address. If you have not received a receipt, please call the Foundation office at (714) 509-8690.
Where is CHOC’s donor privacy policy?
CHOC’s full privacy policy and Donor Bill of Rights can be found here.
Can I donate to CHOC through my donor-advised fund?
Yes, however, there may be some restrictions. Donor-advised funds are acceptable for straight donations, but there are restrictions on ticket sales, auction items, and sponsorships as they may provide goods or services. Please contact your donor-advised fund manager if you have any questions.
Presenting Sponsor
Pacific Life | Pacific Life Foundation
Gift of Hope
The Brunson Foundation
Gift of Caring
Disneyland® Resort
McCarthy
The Schenquerman Family
Gift of Love
Dale Schwab
Gift of Friendship
Anaheim Ducks & OCVIBE
Dancers Against Cancer
Dr. & Mrs. Supra Verma
Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian
Jennifer and Naveen Yalamanchi | RTW Foundation
Lee Graff Foundation
Orange County Pediatric Radiology Associates (OCPRA)
Pediatric Subspecialty Faculty
Richard and Annette Symons
Schoonover Family
Swenson Family Foundation
The Dunteman Family
The Frome Family Foundation
WIP Audiovisual Integrators
Gala Tickets
Bosch Building Technologies
Contributor
The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation
