In a campaign defined by bold goals and strategic vision, Hardware and Homebuilding Industry's 2025 Spirit of Life Honoree, Billy Bastek, defined a new model for innovative philanthropy. Bastek focused on two main priorities: raising $20 million — a goal to honor the late Bernie Marcus’s decades-long relationship with City of Hope® — and doing everything he could to raise awareness of early screening and detection. As his campaign draws to a close, the fundraising goal is within reach, and the impact of his efforts are being felt by employees and the community. Here are three innovations that helped him achieve his goals.
1. Harnessing Synergies: Bringing the Cause of Veterans Together with Fighting Cancer
Committed to the well-being of The Home Depot team members, Bastek focused on driving increased awareness of cancer risks and the importance of early detection and screening in the Atlanta region and nationally. The campaign aligned with TGen and City of Hope's visionary Precision Medicine for Combat Veterans research study. The study harnesses renowned genomic research center TGen to explore why U.S. Special Operations Forces service members have higher rates of certain cancers, and at younger ages, than the general population. The study has the potential to enhance cancer prevention and treatment strategies for military members and veterans across the nation. City of Hope’s research and focus on early screening and prevention and veteran support found natural synergy with The Home Depot’s priorities.
Positioning this initiative as a central narrative to the campaign allowed for targeted messaging and measurable impact that resonated with donors, corporate partners, and communities alike. Events like HHI's 23rd Annual Shootout at Bighorn, hosted by The Home Depot, and HHI's Lowe’s Charity Golf Classic served as opportunities to platform and elevate the research initiative, with leaders sharing study insights, and weaving in experiences that inspire, educate, and mobilize industry vendors and competitors under one goal — to end cancer. This clear messaging provided a concrete throughline for Bastek’s campaign.
2. Corporate Engagement at Scale: Nationwide Associate Participation in Walk Teams
Bastek also activated the collective power of all the companies that make up the Hardware and Homebuilding Industry at all the key events during his campaign, as well as activating and inspiring The Home Depot's team members to support Walk for Hope, especially in their backyard of Atlanta. In Atlanta, The Home Depot family showed up strong with over 20 teams rallying walkers and fundraising. Teams also activated on the West Coast for Los Angeles and Orange County. More than 120 associates joined 24 teams across the country, raising more than $46,000, highlighting a moving turnout of unified community support.
Empowering teams to participate is one tactic an organization can use to bolster local support and highlight that City of Hope is for everyone. City of Hope's national expansion has made innovative cancer care closer to more people in the U.S. Participating locally drives awareness and fosters community sentiment that City of Hope is in your community, for you.
3. Cross Collaboration: Breaking Down Walls Between Industries
In the spirit of bold pursuits, Bastek also called for a cross-industry collaboration highlighted by an exciting, star-studded event hosted by Randy Travis — One Night in Nashville. Embracing the unified impact of two industry groups, Bastek brought together the Hardware and Homebuilding industry with the Music, Film and Entertainment industry to expand awareness of City of Hope's national footprint, showcase the far-reaching impact of its research, and emphasize how teamwork can help in the fight to end cancer.
Blueprint for Future Campaigns
- Bastek's campaign offers valuable lessons for future philanthropic efforts:
- Align efforts with the organization’s ethos to garner collective investment in a shared goal — to end cancer.
- Harness the collective impact of team members to scale participation and build community.
- Engage industry groups and networks to educate, inspire, and amplify reach.
Support Spirit of Life
Businesses and brands can sponsor annual Spirit of Life celebrations and make gifts to honorees’ individual campaigns. Contact us to learn more about the ways you can partner with us and industry groups in the fight against cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
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