ORANGE, Calif., May 21, 2026 — More than 1,100 community and philanthropic leaders gathered at the Grove of Anaheim on Saturday, May 9, for the 17th annual CHOC Gala, presented by Pacific Life and Pacific Life Foundation, raising $7 million in support of Rady Children’s Health in Orange County (Rady Children’s), formerly CHOC.
This year’s event celebrated the community who make it possible for Rady Children’s to deliver exceptional care to children—regardless of their family’s ability to pay—and honored Pacific Life and Pacific Life Foundation as the 2026 Children’s Champion and presenting gala sponsor.
For over 30 years, Pacific Life has partnered with Rady Children’s to advance pediatric care and expand access to critical services for children and families, with a defining focus on mental health. In 2018, Pacific Life’s support helped establish Orange County’s first inpatient mental health center for children under age 12—the Cherese Mari Laulhere Mental Health Inpatient Center on Rady Children’s Orange campus—an essential milestone at a time when youth mental health needs were rapidly rising. A $2 million gift in 2022 further expanded inpatient and outpatient mental health and eating disorder initiatives, as well as support for an annual oncology camp, clinical nutrition, palliative care, rehabilitative services, and the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center.
Pacific Life’s sponsorship and recognition as the Children’s Champion at the 2026 CHOC Gala reflect its deep commitment to community.
“Rady Children’s Health in Orange County plays a significant role in the health and well-being of our local youth,” said Pacific Life President and Chief Executive Officer Darryl Button. “We are pleased to continue our support of their mission, and on behalf of all our employees, we are proud to accept this year’s CHOC Gala Children’s Champion award.” Button was joined on stage with several grateful children and families from Pacific Life to accept the award.
In addition to the moving Children’s Champion presentation, the evening featured powerful stories from Rady Children’s patients and families, along with a mission moment that brought attendees to their feet. Proceeds from the CHOC Gala directly support efforts to advance research and innovation, enhance mental health programs, and strengthen wrap-around services that care for the whole child and family.
The event concluded with a headline performance by five-time Grammy Award-winner Christina Aguilera.
“The CHOC Gala brings together Orange County’s greatest champions for children’s health who are helping rewrite stories and reclaim futures for children in our community,” said Jessica Miley, senior vice president and chief development officer of the CHOC Foundation. “The incredible support allows Rady Children’s to advance hope, health, and healing for kids now and into the future. We are deeply grateful to our Gala guests for turning compassion into meaningful impact.”
The gala was supported by co-chairs Bahman Fakhimi, Chris Furman, Cary Hyden, Rick Matros, and Salomon Maya, M.D. The event committee included: Stephanie Angelos, Stephanie Argyros, Casey Beau Brown, Zeina Collins, Lili Daftarian, Niloofar Fakhimi, Monica Furman, Jessica Harrison, Jennie Johanson-Maya, Leyla Milani Khoshbin, Gigi Kroll, M.D., Heather Madden, Lauren Manfred, D.D.S., M.S., Caroline Marchant, Adrienne Matros, Psy.D., Tina Sadri, M.A., M.F.T., Sirpa Selanne, Yeshin Tsao, and Terri Watkins.
Premier sponsors included: The Brunson Foundation, Ann and Jim Morris, Hyundai Motor America, Harry Winston, Inc., Hyundai Hope On Wheels Foundation, Ventura Foods, HUB International Insurance Services Inc., McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., Mickey and Lee Segal Family Foundation, The Schenquerman Family, The Disneyland® Resort, Dale Schwab, Murray Company Mechanical Contractors, and Origence.
Live auction highlights included a travel package to Venice and Rome, an exclusive night inside Disneyland®, fashion week in Europe, an elite Los Angeles sports fan experience, a private Balmain shopping experience, tailored luxury in Milan, an exquisite timepiece from Harry Winston, a Fender Stratocaster guitar autographed by Aguilera, and two guest passes to meet her at the event.
