Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) has raised a record $1.35 billion through its 125th Anniversary Campaign, with the support of thousands of donors, including honorary campaign chairs Jimmy Kimmel, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sugar Ray Leonard and Chuck Lorre. This is the largest fundraising effort in CHLA’s history. The funds will help advance paediatric care, medical research and education for children and families.
From one horseback visit to a global name
In 1901, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles opened in a small house dedicated to children, and its first year brought 14 patients. One physician led the work and travelled on horseback to reach young patients across the region. Today, the hospital oversees more than 750,000 patient visits a year, drawing families from across the United States and more than 90 countries. The change came in steps. In 1930, its physicians performed the first paediatric heart surgery on the West Coast. In 1978, it built a comprehensive paediatric cancer programme, and it now runs one of the first and largest CAR T-cell therapy programmes in the country. By 1993, it had joined early gene therapy research for a rare inherited immune disorder. Its training programmes for paediatricians, nurses and researchers are among the largest in the country. Paul S. Viviano, the hospital’s president and CEO, puts it simply: the team has “continually pushed the boundaries of care”.
A night that started with a patient’s family
The fundraising campaign was held at The Event Deck at L.A. LIVE, bringing together philanthropists, community leaders, celebrities, patients and supporters to celebrate the historic achievement. Gina Rodriguez, the Golden Globe-winning actress who hosted the evening, opened the event by talking about her own experience. Her daughter, Lucy, was treated at the hospital’s Neurological Institute. “Today Lucy is totally fine and everyone we encountered during our time at CHLA was absolutely amazing,” Rodriguez said. “I’m thrilled to show my appreciation by welcoming you here tonight to honour the amazing supporters of the hospital and enjoy some outstanding entertainment.”The evening also featured Grammy winner Michael Bublé, who sang hits including “Fly Me to the Moon” and “Feeling Good”.Nikki DeLoach and Jeffrey Worthe co-chaired the campaign. Both have long served the hospital. The honorary campaign chairs include Jimmy Kimmel, Sugar Ray Leonard, Chuck Lorre and Jamie Lee Curtis.Paul S. Viviano, the hospital’s president and chief executive, credited thousands of donors, corporate partners, foundations, families and staff members. He said the money would help the hospital stay at the forefront of paediatric medicine and accelerate scientific discoveries. “Thanks to the remarkable generosity of our supporters, CHLA will continue to be at the forefront of paediatric medicine, accelerate scientific discoveries and ensure children have access to world-class care for generations to come.”
Two longtime supporters honoured
Getty Images
The event also recognised the campaign’s longtime supporters: radio personality and host Ellen K, and Kourtney and Justin Turner. They were honoured with The Courage to Care Award. Ellen K’s ties to the hospital began when her son, Calvin, received emergency care after a serious injury. Since then, she has helped raise more than $4 million through KOST 103.5’s annual Giving Tuesday broadcast. “As a forever-grateful mom and as a member of the Board of Trustees, I will continue showing up for CHLA in every way I can,” she said.Kourtney and Justin Turner were recognised for more than a decade of volunteering, fundraising and advocacy. Through the Justin Turner Foundation, they have supported children facing serious illnesses. Justin Turner recalled that when he played for the Dodgers, the hospital was almost on his way home from the stadium. “It has been a gift to get involved with this hospital. When I was with the Dodgers, CHLA was literally on my way home from the stadium. I visited as much as I could, and so did Kourtney. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is one of the most amazing institutions in our city.”Drew Barrymore, Jamie Lee Curtis, Pau Gasol, Heidi Klum, Natalie Portman, the LA Kings, Panda Express, The Walt Disney Company, Chuck Lorre, Bernadette and Sugar Ray Leonard, and AEG were among the past recipients of the Courage to Care Award.Meanwhile, Olympian Jordan Chiles presented a Mission Moment highlighting the Jackie and Gene Autry Orthopedic Center, which treats thousands of children with bone and joint conditions every year. The centre runs one of the largest paediatric spine and neuromuscular programmes in the country and offers services in hip preservation, sports medicine, and hand and upper extremity care.The night ended with Bublé performing some of his most beloved hits, including ‘You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You’, ‘Fly Me to the Moon’, ‘Such A Night’, ‘Haven’t Met You Yet’, ‘Feeling Good’ and ‘Song For You’.“It’s really special to be here tonight and perform for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, which means so much to my family. Our family knows firsthand how much the people here care. We’ll always be grateful for the way they were there for us and for everything they do for kids and families,” Bublé said.
