City of Hope® Orange County’s fourth annual Promises of Hope gala raised more than $5 million to advance cancer research and treatment. Held Oct. 10, the event brought together philanthropic and community leaders to celebrate the progress made possible through generosity and a shared commitment to a future free from cancer.
This year’s celebration came as City of Hope Orange County approached the first anniversary of the region’s only cancer specialty hospital. Since opening in December 2025, the hospital has expanded local access to highly specialized cancer care, innovative treatments and clinical trials. Across its Orange County network, more than 50,000 patients have entrusted City of Hope with their care — a testament to the generosity and commitment of the community that helped make this vision a reality.
Among the evening’s highlights was a moving account from Gabby Zappia, an Orange County mother of three and stage 4 colon cancer survivor who shared her journey and the hope she found through treatment at City of Hope Orange County. Guests also participated in a live auction and Fund-A-Need appeal before enjoying a special performance by award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson.
The gala was chaired by longtime City of Hope supporter Kelly J. Roberts, whose generosity, leadership and dedication have helped advance the organization’s mission in Orange County.
Together, the event’s supporters demonstrated the extraordinary impact of philanthropy in accelerating discoveries, expanding access to lifesaving care and bringing new hope to patients and families.