The City of Hope’s annual Spirit of Life gala, a cornerstone event for the renowned cancer research and treatment center, celebrated Primary Wave founder and CEO Larry Mestel on Tuesday, October 27th, at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles. The evening, which brought together influential figures from the music and entertainment industries, underscored Mestel’s dedication to the organization and its vital mission. The event culminated in a poignant performance by music icon Stevie Nicks, who spoke movingly about the profound impact City of Hope has had on her life and the lives of those she holds dear.
This year’s gala highlighted Larry Mestel’s significant contributions and burgeoning philanthropic legacy. Mestel, a prominent figure in the music business known for his innovative approach to music catalog acquisitions through Primary Wave, shared his evolving perspective on what truly constitutes a lasting impact. He expressed that while building a successful independent music company remains a goal, his involvement with City of Hope has reshaped his understanding of legacy.
"For a long time, when my team asked me what I wanted my legacy to be, I had an answer," Mestel stated during his acceptance speech. "I wanted to build a respected and large independent music company, but when I got involved in City of Hope, I realized I was wrong. I still want to build that music company – but I want our company to have a philanthropic impact. I don’t want my kids to look back someday and simply say, ‘Our dad worked hard. He left a great business behind.’ I want them to say: ‘Our dad built something meaningful, but more importantly, he was a good person and made a positive impact while doing it.’ And that brings me to why tonight means so much to me."
Mestel’s personal connection to the fight against cancer was palpable as he shared the recent losses of his sister to breast cancer and his uncle to lymphoma. These profound personal experiences have made the battle against cancer deeply personal, fueling his commitment to supporting City of Hope’s groundbreaking work. He articulated that the honor of the award transcends personal recognition, viewing it instead as a "call to action" for greater collective effort.
The Spirit of Life gala has long been a significant fundraising initiative for City of Hope, consistently drawing support from the music industry. This year’s event set an ambitious goal of raising $10 million, with proceeds earmarked for critical advancements in CAR T-cell therapy and other cellular immunotherapies. These cutting-edge treatments aim to harness the body’s own immune system to combat cancer with enhanced precision and efficacy.
A Night of Musical Tributes and Philanthropic Pledges
The evening was further elevated by a series of captivating musical performances from artists deeply connected to Larry Mestel and his work at Primary Wave. Melissa Etheridge, a breast cancer survivor herself, delivered a powerful set. Jackson Browne also took the stage, lending his distinctive voice to the night’s tributes. Adding to the star-studded lineup, Pete Townshend of The Who offered a virtual performance from his home, unable to attend in person due to a medical reason, demonstrating the broad reach of support for the cause.
Evan Lamberg, President of North America for Universal Music Publishing Group and Chairman of the Board for City of Hope’s music, film, and entertainment industries division, acknowledged Mestel’s heartfelt speech. He offered words of comfort and pride, stating, "Your sister Marcy and Uncle Herve are looking down on you and smiling tonight," underscoring the familial and deeply personal nature of Mestel’s advocacy.
City of Hope, established in 1913, stands as one of the nation’s leading institutions in cancer research, treatment, and prevention. Its reputation as a pioneer in cellular therapy is well-established, boasting one of the largest outpatient CAR T-cell therapy programs in the United States. A portion of the funds raised at the Spirit of Life gala will also be directed towards the organization’s advanced research and care initiatives for breast cancer, a disease that touches countless lives.
Beyond the performances and speeches, the gala incorporated a robust fundraising component. Attendees were invited to make pledges ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, with Primary Wave staff members matching some donations to amplify the impact. For those unable to attend, the spirit of giving extended to a wider audience through the "More Than Words" auction. Partnering with Fandiem Relic and Primary Wave, the auction offered exclusive items such as handwritten lyrics from artists like Sting and Natasha Bedingfield, as well as memorabilia from Little Big Town. Further opportunities to bid on unique musical artifacts, including pieces associated with legends like Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Itzhak Perlman, and Guns N’ Roses, were facilitated through Julien’s Auctions, extending the fundraising reach far beyond the event itself.
Stevie Nicks: A Personal Connection to Hope
The evening concluded with a deeply resonant performance by Stevie Nicks, who chose to perform an acoustic rendition of her iconic hit, "Landslide." Her choice of song, coupled with her introspective remarks, underscored the profound personal significance of City of Hope for her. Nicks elaborated on how the institution has positively impacted the lives of four individuals she knows personally who have battled cancer: her "best friend Robin," a vocalist she collaborates with, "an amazing producer," and her own brother.
"The City of Hope has meant so much to me because those four people I know who went through there loved it so much," Nicks shared, her voice filled with emotion. Her statement highlighted the human element of City of Hope’s work, emphasizing not just the scientific advancements but the compassionate care and life-saving impact experienced by its patients. Her performance served as a powerful and moving testament to the organization’s mission and its ability to instill hope in the face of devastating illness.
The Spirit of Life gala continues to be a vital platform for City of Hope, not only for generating crucial funding but also for raising awareness about its pioneering research and treatment methodologies. The event’s success, driven by the collective generosity and commitment of individuals like Larry Mestel and the broader entertainment community, reinforces the organization’s position at the forefront of the fight against cancer. The enduring spirit of collaboration and dedication showcased at the gala promises continued progress in developing innovative therapies and providing unparalleled care to those affected by the disease.
