City of Hope staged its annual Spirit of Life Gala last night at Los Angeles’ Pacific Design Center, raising nearly $6 million to fund cancer research and treatment and featuring an appearance from Cher to introduce honoree Tom Corson, co-chairman and COO of Warner Records.
The event drew hundreds to West Hollywood including Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda, Diane Warren, Lucian Grainge, Haim Saban, Sylvia Rhone, Jimmy Jam, Neil Portnow and more, treating guests to an evening of speeches from those involved with City of Hope as well as a closing performance from Michael Bublé.
Cher made an unexpected appearance to introduce Corson, recalling the first time she met him the night before the “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” premiere. “I found to my experience that the people who are the head of music companies are either suits or music men, and Tom is a music man,” she said. “‘Cause there’s lots of suits.” She discussed recording her first Christmas album, 2023’s “Christmas,” and how she felt playing him the first single, “DJ Play a Christmas Song.” “I sat down and was really nervous and I just sat there and went, oh please, please like it. Then he told me it was his birthday and this is the best Christmas gift he could have ever had.”
Corson gave a gracious speech, thanking many in attendance including his Warner Music staff, who will participate as a team at City of Hope’s Walk for Hope on Nov. 2. “Music has the power to connect, inspire and heal, and tonight proved how deeply this industry cares for the lives behind the mission,” he said. “I’m honored to accept the Spirit of Life Award, but even more honored to stand with my Warner Records family and this extraordinary community as we help City of Hope accelerate discoveries and restore quality of life for patients everywhere.”
Following his speech, Corson introduced Bublé who performed big band tunes to close the night. “I know that it’s an age-old story, artists and music executives loving each other,” joked Bublé. “Just being best friends. Feeling supported and loved. That’s my story with Tom. Truly. If I had it in my power, I would want this relationship for every artist.”
During the fundraising portion of the evening, auctioneer Zachary Ian Krone encouraged attendees to donate to City of Hope’s cause. Lucian Grainge pledged $50,000, while Corson’s wife Susan offered $100,000 and Saban committed a staggering $250,000.
Additional speakers throughout the night included Aaron Bay-Schuck, co-chairman and CEO of Warner Records; Dr. Saro Armenian, Barron Hilton Chair of Pediatrics and the Director of the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer (AYA) and Survivorship Programs at City of Hope; Kristin Bertell, chief philanthropy officer at City of Hope; Robert Stone, chief executive officer and the Helen and Morgan Chu Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair of City of Hope; Evan Lamberg, president of Universal Music Publishing North America and MFEI board chairman; Alissa Pollack, EVP of Global Music Marketing at iHeartMedia and MFEI board president; and Amber Mike, vice president of branded content and integration at BET Networks.
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