Hoag Hospital Foundation held its 29th annual Circle 1000 Founders’ Celebration Brunch at Island Hotel on May 9 and raised $840,000 to benefit the Hoag Family Cancer Institute.
More than 350 Circle 1000 donors and friends, along with Hoag physicians and staff, attended the luncheon to celebrate a legacy of service to those affected by cancer.
“I am honored to be part of such as an extraordinary community that is so committed to making a difference in the fight against cancer,” said Sheryl Anderson, chair of the 29th Annual Founders’ Celebration Brunch. “Thank you all for being here today and for supporting one of our community’s greatest resources, Hoag Family Cancer Institute, which has now become a leading center of excellence not only in Orange County but across the country.”
Shannon Miller, author and the most decorated gymnast in American history, inspired the audience with her story of resilience through her battle with a rare form of ovarian cancer. She urged all women and men to make their health a top priority.
“I can’t thank all of you enough for the efforts you have made and continue to make to fight against cancer,” she said. “What you’re doing saves lives in more ways than one. It’s not just about helping those dealing with a cancer diagnosis, but also making sure that we have those diagnostic tools that we need to detect cancer earlier. When we have more options for treatment we can have more survivors and of course, one day we’ll have the cure.”
Circle 1000 was founded by Newport Beach resident and breast cancer survivor, Sandy Sewell in 1987. She gathered a group of friends and asked them each to contribute a minimum of $1,000 annually. She also tasked them with asking their own circle of friends to participate. From the powerful bonds of friendship, Circle 1000 grew to more than 1,000 friends who have collectively raised more than $15 million for Hoag in the last 29 years.
To learn more about Circle 1000 underwriting opportunities, contact Shannon Spurgin at (949) 764-7205 or Shannon.Spurgin@hoag.org.
