ANAHEIM, Calif. (June 2, 2025) — More than 850 community and philanthropic leaders gathered at the Grove of Anaheim on Saturday, May 17, for the 16th annual CHOC Gala, raising a record $7.4 million in support of Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), part of Rady Children’s Health.
This year’s event, themed “Champions for Children,” recognized the donors and advocates who help CHOC provide high-quality care to children, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. CHOC is a nonprofit pediatric healthcare system serving more than 2 million children annually. In fiscal year 2024, CHOC provided more than $155 million in community benefit programs, including mental health services, injury prevention and family support. More than $135 million of that total was unreimbursed care.
The evening featured stories from CHOC patients and families, and a mission moment with honorary co-chairs Freddie and Chelsea Freeman. After their son, Max, experienced a life-threatening medical emergency, the Freeman family turned to CHOC and received critical care and support.
The event concluded with a headline performance by country music artist Blake Shelton, joined by surprise guest Gwen Stefani.
“The CHOC Gala brings together Orange County’s greatest champions for children’s health who desire to improve the health and well-being of our children,” says Jessica Miley, senior vice president and chief development officer of the CHOC Foundation. “Through this community, CHOC will continue to innovate and provide exceptional care for children and their families. We are deeply grateful to our Gala guests for turning their compassion into meaningful impact, helping children and families build brighter, healthier futures.”
The gala was supported by honorary co-chairs Chelsea and Freddie Freeman and event co-chairs Stephanie Argyros, Dr. Gigi Kroll and Caroline Marchant. The event committee included: Casey Beau Brown, Zeina Collins, Lili Daftarian, Niloofar Fakhimi, Monica Furman, Jessica Harrison, Cary Hyden, Jennie Johanson-Maya, Heather Madden, Dr. Lauren Manfred, Dr. Adrienne Matros, Leyla Milani Khoshbin, Tina Sadri, Sirpa Selanne, Andrea Shurtz, Yeshin Tsao and Terri Watkins.
Premier sponsors included Harry Winston, Hyundai Motor America, Stephanie Argyros, the Argyros Family Foundation, the Daftarian Group, Hyundai Hope on Wheels, the Living Legacy Foundation, Sandy Segerstrom Daniels, the Brunson Foundation, the Tsao Family Foundation and Razavi Law Group.
Live auction highlights included travel packages to New York, Maui and New Zealand, a private viewing of Roger Vivier’s 25/26 collection in Paris, luxury items from South Coast Plaza brands, a Harry Winston timepiece, a $20,000 Balmain shopping experience, and a Dodgers fan package from the Freemans.
About CHOC:
Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), part of Rady Children’s Health, is a nationally ranked pediatric healthcare system that includes two hospitals and a regional network of primary and specialty care clinics. CHOC offers several programs of excellence providing the highest levels of care for the most serious pediatric illnesses and injuries, physical and mental. CHOC’s research and innovation institutes are focused on translating real patient needs into real-world treatments so every child can live the healthiest and happiest life possible. Learn more at choc.org.
Media Contact: pr@choc.org
