IHFI Gala Past Honorees
The Spirit of Life® Award is City of Hope®’s most prestigious philanthropic honor, presented annually to visionary leaders who are shaping the future through their contributions to society, medicine, and human welfare. This award celebrates individuals who not only embody the ideals of service, compassion, and dedication but also drive innovation and progress that pave the way for a healthier, more hopeful future free from cancer.
Honorees of the Spirit of Life Award are recognized for their transformative impact—whether through groundbreaking work in their industries, philanthropic leadership, or their commitment to advancing cancer research and care. These individuals inspire others to think beyond the present, envisioning a world where the biggest challenges in health and disease are met with ingenuity, collaboration, and resilience.
Our Past Honorees
2025
Jay Schottenstein
Dr. Man Li Wong
2024
Jerry Dittmer
Matt Harrison
Tim Newlin
2023
Steve Darvin and Marty Darvin
The Brian Family
Martin Ploy
2022
Nathan Cressman
Andrew Koenig
Roger Friesen
2020-2021
Rick Anderson
Patrick Cory
Rob Spillman
2019
Larry Klaben
Surya Tiwari and Satya Tiwarin
Irv Blumkin & The Blumkin Family
2018
Samuel Kuo
Grace Liu
Art Van Elslander
Kim Yost
2017
Steve Conine
Niraj Shah
Bill Wittenberg
2016
Farooq Kathwari
Richard Feng
2015
Kurt Darrow
Clarence Smith
2014
The Baer Family
Alan Cole
2013
Michael Amini
Neil Goldberg, Steven Goldberg and Michael Goldberg
2012
Jeff Seaman
Bob Sherman
2011
Michael Huber
Stefanie J. Lucas
2010
The Cartledge and Bennett Families
Joseph Cory, Sr.
2009
David Blum
Irvin Blumkin
Jeffrey Child
William Colegrove
Jena Hall
David Heard
William Kimbrell
Eliot Tatelman
Andy Nielsen
Bill Reece
Kim Whitlock
2007
John Disa
Kevin O’Connor
2006
Joe Carroll
Todd Wanek
2005
Lynn Davis
Don Marks
2004
Charlie Eitel
Keith Koenig
2003
The Capó Family
Art DeFehr
2002
John Klein
Norman Waxman
2001
William Kimbrell
Stephan M. Kincaid
2000
Mickey Holliman
Joseph Reddington
1999
Ron Wanek
Art Van Elslander
William H. “Bill” Child
Patrick H. Norton
1997
Joe Baron
Chuck Cebuhar
1996
Troy A. Peery Jr.
1995
Irvin L. Lowenstein
1994
Howard Applebaum
Stuart Applebaum
Douglas Cohen
Howard Cohen
Daniel Feldman
1993
George Bradley
1992
Rick Powell
1991
Fred Starr
1990
Keith D. Raine
1989
Martin Ploy
1988
Robert A. Magnusson
1987
Angel M. Echevarria
1986
Kalman Karuse
Bernelle Karuse
1985
Larry Brooks
1984
William D. Kaiser
Larry B. Rogers
1983
A. Belgrad
J. Lawrence Schnadig
Lawrence K. Schnadig
1982
Melvin P. Spitz
1981
Robert H. Spilman
1980
David C. Dahlberg
1979
Morris M. Loeb
1978
Eleanor Sax Ellis
1977
Robert M. Elliot
1976
Jack Eiseman
1975
Marvin M. Chalek
Joseph Sinay
Samuel Sinay
1974
Matthew J. Guglielmo
1973
Jerry Bertram
1972
Leonard Barban
1971
King Karpen
1970
Bernard Roberts
1969
Tony Furiani
1968
Ralph E. Droughton
1967
Herman Kranz
1966
Percy Solotoy
1965
Seniel Ostrow