City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, announced that Elton John will headline its Spirit of Life Gala.
The 51st annual event will take place on October 22, 2024, at the historic Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in downtown Los Angeles. Jay Marciano, Chairman and CEO of AEG Presents, will be honored with City of Hope’s prestigious Spirit of Life Award. Marciano – who leads the company that produced John’s “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour as well as Taylor Swift’s “Eras” tour – will be honored for his philanthropic and humanitarian efforts.
More from Variety
“I am honored to receive City of Hope’s Spirit of Life Award and to be able to help raise awareness and funds to accelerate the organization’s important work to eradicate cancer and improve the lives of so many people,” said Marciano. “I am also humbled and grateful that Elton John, a true superstar in every sense, has agreed to lend his immense talent to this event, with a performance that is sure to inspire support for a cause that unfortunately touches so many lives. And as if that weren’t enough, I couldn’t have imagined in my wildest dreams that David Blaine, Evan Funke and Fred Armisen would contribute to such an extraordinary evening,” added Marciano.
Elton John said: “Jay is more than a colleague; he is a dear friend. It is a pleasure to support him in presenting the Spirit of Life award, especially given City of Hope’s dignified supportive care for people battling cancer and unrivalled research into other life-threatening diseases. Their important work has led to advances in the field that have fortunately enabled so many people to live beautiful, long lives. Everyone should have that opportunity and I am honoured to be part of City of Hope’s work to achieve that goal.”
“Our long-time supporters in the entertainment industry help us achieve our most important goal: saving lives,” said Robert Stone, CEO of City of Hope and Chief Executive Officer of the Helen and Morgan Chu Distinguished Chair. “Thank you, Jay, and our partners for helping us ensure that cancer patients have equitable access to the most advanced cancer treatments available, regardless of race, socioeconomic status or where they live.”
In its more than 50-year history, MFEI has raised over $150 million for City of Hope’s research and care programs.
“The music industry has the power to unite millions of people around a cause, and when that cause is cancer research, the impact can be transformative,” said Kristin J. Bertell, Chief Philanthropy Officer at City of Hope. “Jay’s support will raise awareness, raise critical funds and give hope to millions of cancer patients and their families. It’s not just about entertainment; it’s about saving lives through the power of philanthropy,” Bertell continued.
The MFEI Spirit of Life Gala concludes a year-long fundraising initiative that also includes auctions and a dinner series to benefit City of Hope.
The best of diversity
Subscribe to Variety’s newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
