Mrs. Cari Peets and her family exemplify the very best of philanthropy through their unwavering commitment to children facing trauma, abuse, neglect, and mental health challenges. Their transformative generosity—including over $11 million in gifts, establishing the Mrs. Cari Peets and Family Resilience Clinic, advancing child protection and mental health programs, and supporting groundbreaking research—is changing the trajectory of countless young lives. In both 2025 and 2026, the Peets family served as the presenting sponsor for the CHOC Let’s Talk: Mental Health Luncheon. They have advocated for children’s mental health, using their voice and platform to elevate a cause too often left in the shadows. Beyond their financial investment, their compassion and heartfelt advocacy raise awareness and inspire action across the community. Through their leadership and commitment, vulnerable children are not only cared for but truly seen, heard, and protected—making the Peets family exceptionally deserving of recognition as Outstanding Philanthropists.

Ken Potrock has served on the Boards of Directors of Rady Children’s Hospital Orange County and Rady Children’s Hospital at Mission since 2018. Drawing on over three decades of leadership experience at The Walt Disney Company, Ken has been instrumental in strengthening our partnership with Disney—supporting the CHOC Walk in the Park, presented by Disneyland® Resort, participating in Disney’s VoluntEARS program, and championing other initiatives benefiting children and families. Most recently, he played a key advisory role in developing Rady Children’s Health’s new brand campaign, “For Every Dream They Dare to Dream,” including negotiating licensing rights for its signature musical centerpiece, “A Million Dreams.” Throughout his service, Ken has generously shared his time, expertise, and resources to advance our mission. His steadfast volunteerism, generous philanthropy, and personal investment in mentoring others reflect a deep commitment to the organization and the communities we serve. Ken leads with heart by example, consistently using his experience and influence to create meaningful opportunities for children, families, and those around him.

Throughout her nine years of service to the CHOC Foundation Board of Directors, Annika Chase has been a highly engaged and committed member, consistently leveraging her expertise in marketing, branding, community engagement, and strategic partnerships to advance the Foundation’s mission. In addition to her exemplary board service, she has been an active member of the CHOC Foundation’s Donor Experience Committee since December 2023 and has championed numerous organizational initiatives, including the CHOC Gala, the CHOC Walk in the Park, presented by Disneyland® Resort, the CHOC Let’s Talk: Mental Health Luncheon, the Resident Dog Program, and the Littlest Angel Guild. Throughout her tenure as the Foundation Board’s Disney Designated Director, she has brought strategic insight and a collaborative spirit that has played a major role in the Foundation’s valued relationship with Disneyland® Resort. With her genuine leadership, strong advocacy, and hands-on engagement, Annika exemplifies the very best of board service and has demonstrated her heartfelt dedication to our mission and to the children in our community.

What began as 5-year-old Lauren’s lemonade stand, created in honor of a family friend facing a childhood cancer diagnosis, has grown into a deeply meaningful 13-year partnership with the CHOC Foundation. Each September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, all locations unite for a month-long campaign, donating proceeds to support Rady Children’s child life programs. Beyond fundraising, Sgt. Pepperoni’s impact is felt year-round. Whether personally inviting patients and staff to enjoy a meal on the house, hosting countless inpatient pizza parties at both our Orange and Mission hospitals, delivering more than 1,000 LEGOs annually, or helping to grant child life wishes, Sgt. Pepperoni’s consistently goes above and beyond for our children and families. Everything they do is rooted in love, driven by a desire to bring joy, and inspired by a genuine commitment to making life’s hardest moments a little brighter. They don’t just bring pizza; they bring unwavering generosity, heartfelt commitment, and a deep sense of community that exemplifies the very spirit of this award.

CureDuchenne is transforming the future for people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy through its commitment to advancing research, improving care, and empowering children and families affected by this genetic disease. Fueled by philanthropic support, CureDuchenne brings more than two decades of Duchenne knowledge and resources to help improve and extend the lives of patients at Rady Children’s. In addition to their expertise, CureDuchenne has provided nearly $1.5 million in funding to establish and strengthen the CureDuchenne Clinic within the Rady Children’s Neuromuscular Program. Their visionary leadership bridges the gap between scientific breakthroughs and real-world impact, expanding community access to multidisciplinary care, emerging treatments, and clinical trials. Their collaborative partnership, deep expertise, and dedication to improving long-term health outcomes for the Duchenne community make them truly deserving of this recognition.

With expertise in pediatric cardiac intensive care, Dr. Michele Domico has been a vital member of the critical care faculty for nearly 20 years. After serving as one of Dr. Nick Anas’ PICU Fellows, Dr. Domico was recruited early on to join the division. Recognized nationally for her work in critical care, she was named a Fellow of the American College of Critical Care Medicine (FCCM) in 2024—a prestigious honor for outstanding critical care practitioners, researchers, and educators. Dr. Domico has also served on the CHOC Foundation’s Donor Experience Committee for seven years, hosting Foundation events at her home and personally donating to both the Foundation and the Nick G. Anas, M.D. Fund. Dr. Domico was recently named Rady Children’s first Medical Director of Environmental Sustainability for her commitment to advancing children’s health by decreasing waste, pollution, and carbon emissions. Her lifelong dedication to her patients and to training future intensivists continues to change the lives of children, families, and critical care professionals.

In memory of their beloved daughter, Brynn, who passed away from cancer at just 12 years old, the Brynn Wheeler Foundation has become a beacon of hope for children and families beginning their own cancer journeys. Through their Hope-in-Hand hospital bags, they provide comforting essentials that help ease the burden of an unexpected diagnosis, ensuring no family faces those first overwhelming days alone. They have also created Brynn’s Bag of Pranks, a tribute to Brynn’s contagious spirit and sense of humor, bringing moments of laughter and joy to children on some of their most difficult days. The foundation’s newest initiative, Project Exhale, offers families a dedicated respite space in the hospital to rest, recharge, and simply breathe—honoring the belief that a caregiver’s well-being is essential to a child’s healing journey. In every facet of its work, the Brynn Wheeler Foundation reflects Brynn’s remarkable heart and enduring legacy, helping families navigate childhood cancer with hope, support, and the reassurance that they are never alone.

The Sacchi Foundation has demonstrated an extraordinary, long-standing commitment to advancing pediatric research and transforming care for children and families at Rady Children’s Health. Through a remarkable $4.75 million gift establishing The Sacchi Foundation Pediatric Research Endowment, the Foundation is creating a lasting impact by supporting research conducted by the next generation of investigators at the Research Institute at Rady Children’s Health. With a focus on young investigators, the endowment will help advance groundbreaking discoveries and innovation in pediatric research well into the future. Bettie Sacchi’s legacy gift reflects her deeply personal commitment to the future of pediatric healthcare. Together, these extraordinary contributions create an enduring legacy of generosity, vision, and hope for generations of children and families to come.

Niloofar Fakhimi has been a steadfast and deeply engaged champion of Rady Children’s and the CHOC Foundation for many years. Since joining the Foundation Board of Directors in 2018, Niloofar has distinguished herself as an exceptional volunteer leader whose presence, service, and advocacy have made a meaningful impact across the organization. As a philanthropist, Niloofar has supported the CHOC Gala, the CHOC Walk in the Park, presented by Disneyland® Resort, the CHOC Let’s Talk: Mental Health Luncheon, All In For Kids, and the Glass Slipper Guild Gala, as well as countless other Rady Children’s programs and initiatives. Beyond her financial support, Niloofar gives generously of her time and heart. She is an active member of the Gala Committee and the Mental Health Luncheon Committee, a former member of Circle of Care, and a dedicated volunteer in the Kelly Lee Tarantello Gift Shop. Niloofar’s enduring generosity, hands-on service, and community presence reflect a remarkable commitment and make her an exceptional choice for this award.