2024 Charley Awards
Every year the CHOC Foundation honors up to eight donors who have made a lasting impact on CHOC. These supporters are celebrated at our annual Charley Awards, where they are bestowed with our highest honor, the Charley Award, named after our prominent donor Charles Hester. Charley began his service at CHOC as a Hospital Board Member in 1976 and chaired the Board from 1985-1986 and again from 1990-1994. He also served as the Chairman of the Board of CHOC Mission.
The Charley Awards honor individuals and organizations who exemplify Mr. Hester’s ideals of philanthropy and volunteerism in service to CHOC and CHOC Mission. Each recipient has set high standards for the generous contribution of time, talent and philanthropy that have nurtured CHOC since its founding in 1964.
2024 Charley Award Honorees
Outstanding Philanthropist
Swenson Family Foundation
The Swenson Family Foundation, formed in 1994, has been a pillar of philanthropy in Orange County. Over the course of three decades, they have been steadfast partners with CHOC and, with nearly $13 million in lifetime giving, have helped transform care for children and their families. As one of our most devoted champions, they have helped hundreds of thousands of CHOC’s most in-need patients and families through the Swenson Family Foundation Family Assistance Endowment, supporting CHOC’s social services department. They have also responded to the growing pediatric mental health crisis with a lifesaving investment in CHOC programs that provide robust and comprehensive mental health resources and care, including school-based WellCorners and WellSpaces that will deliver wellness information and resources to elementary, middle and high school students. The generous spirit of the Swenson Family Foundation spans generations of their family members. And it’s that spirit that will pave the way for vibrant futures for countless children.
Kelly Lee Tarantello Outstanding Volunteer
CHOC Follies Cast & Crew
For over 25 years, the volunteer cast and crew of CHOC Follies dazzled more than 50,000 audience members with over 80 performances and raised more than $12 million to support CHOC patients and their families. This beloved community fundraiser, founded and executive directed by the late Orange County public relations legend Gloria Zigner, took its final bow in March. Their last show, CHOCTOPIA: The Finish Line, showcased more than 75 actors, singers and dancers who performed in front of sold-out houses totaling more than 2,000 audience members. Over the years, the Follies raised awareness for CHOC’s oncology, music therapy program, radiology, mental health initiatives, Seacrest Studios and greatest needs—helping us care for every child that comes through CHOC’s doors.
Nick G. Anas, MD Outstanding Medical Staff Member
Jose Abdenur, M.D.
As a physician scientist board certified in clinical biochemical genetics, Dr. Jose Abdenur has made invaluable contributions to CHOC for over 20 years. He is chief of the division of metabolic disorders and director of CHOC’s metabolic laboratory. In 2024, he was recognized by the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce as Practitioner of the Year and received the Rare Impact Award from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). Dr. Abdenur’s influence and work extend beyond clinical care and research and into education and medical leadership on national and international levels—including roles with UC Irvine, UCLA, NORD and more. Dr. Abdenur reflects the ideals we value at CHOC from a clinical, research, education and team perspective. A beloved friend and philanthropic partner of the CHOC Foundation over the years, Dr. Abdenur has supported signature events and formed deep relationships with donors and community partners that have resulted in millions of dollars in donations for CHOC.
Outstanding Board Member
Monica Furman
Monica Furman’s dedication during her time as the CHOC Foundation Board Chair elevated the Board to new levels. She played a pivotal role in leading the Board through the pandemic and partnered with CHOC leadership to execute a successful management recruitment process. She has tirelessly advocated for CHOC, our patients and their families for over 20 years through her volunteering and service, including as a founding gala committee member and chair. In addition to supporting numerous areas of CHOC, including mental health, oncology, neuroscience and greatest needs, Monica and her family have directed their philanthropy to expand our oncology psychology program and name the Monica and Christopher Furman Family Resource Center. Known for her compassion, guidance and humble grace, Monica has poured her heart into helping children, always keeping everyone focused on what matters: the health and well-being of our patients and families. Those who know Monica best call her a hero and inspiration for her deep love for CHOC families and the generous use of her time, resources and wisdom.
Outstanding Corporation
McCarthy Building Companies
McCarthy Building Companies sets the standard for outstanding corporate partnerships. With a long history of supporting CHOC in all key areas, they have sponsored our signature events, generously given to CHOC’s mental health initiatives—including a $2.5 million pledge—hosted holiday toy drives and volunteered on CHOC committees, including our campaign cabinet. As the lead partner for CHOC’s construction trades-focused annual campaign, CHOCstruction, they have raised over $350,000 toward critical programs and services provided by CHOC. McCarthy has made the Orange campus what it is today—playing an integral role in building the Bill Holmes Tower and the upcoming Southwest Tower. Knowing that we’re stronger together, McCarthy consistently puts compassion into action and has helped create opportunities that enable CHOC to discover and deliver new treatments, transform healthcare delivery and more.
Outstanding Newcomer
Ron Salisbury
To celebrate the 100-year anniversary of El Cholo Restaurants, owner Ron Salisbury has committed to raising $1 million in support of childhood cancer research. With his group of restaurants—El Cholo, The Cannery and Louie’s by the Bay—Ron developed a cause marketing campaign in support of CHOC. And he didn’t stop there: in April, Ron and his wonderful restaurant team closed The Cannery for a day to host The Western Roundup: Saddle Up for Charity, an event that raised $110,000 for CHOC. This past September, Ron hosted a Dwight Yoakam concert at the Lido Theater, with proceeds going to CHOC. He has also introduced many of his friends to CHOC, leading to exciting new partnerships and expanding our networks. A generous and compassionate member of the community, Ron is dedicated to giving back and making a difference to sick children in need.
Outstanding Legacy
Lezlie Brown-Zoller
As a retired nurse who spent the entirety of her 41-year career here at CHOC, Lezlie Brown-Zoller’s impact is felt far and wide. During her time at the hospital, she provided compassionate care to patients and a warm presence to their families—going above and beyond to ensure their CHOC experiences were memorable and full of love. She has also inspired her family: today, Lezlie’s daughter and granddaughter follow in her footsteps as CHOC nurses, truly deepening her legacy. Even years after her nursing days, Lezlie remains a supporter of CHOC’s spiritual care program, volunteers and wants to continue to make a philanthropic impact far into the future with a gift through her estate plan—believing strongly in CHOC’s vital role in the community.
