Music Industry Icons Unite to Celebrate Tom Corson at City of Hope’s Spirit of Life Gala, Raising Funds to Advance Cancer Research, Survivorship Programs, and Integrative Therapies
one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. and among the nation’s top-ranked cancer centers, honored Tom Corson, Co-Chairman and COO of Warner Records, with its prestigious Spirit of Life® Award at a gala held Oct. 15 at the Pacific Design Center.
Music icons Cher and Michael Bublé joined Warner Records leaders Tom Corson and Aaron Bay-Schuck to celebrate City of Hope’s 2025 Spirit of Life® Honoree at the Music, Film and Entertainment Industry gala.
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The Spirit of Life Gala is the centerpiece of the Music, Film and Entertainment Industry’s annual philanthropic campaign, which is expected to raise nearly $6 million before year’s end in support of City of Hope’s mission. Funds from this year’s campaign are fueling leading-edge research and expanding survivorship programs for adolescents and young adults, alongside integrative oncology therapies — including music therapy — that help patients reclaim their quality of life.
The star-studded evening featured a heartfelt program with tributes from industry leaders, inspiring reflections on the power of philanthropy, and a dazzling performance by GRAMMY Award-winning superstar entertainer Michael Bublé, introduced by Corson himself. The night also included a special appearance by Cher, who took the stage to present Corson with the Spirit of Life Award, marking an unforgettable highlight of the evening. The gala drew an array of industry luminaries, with special appearances from artists including members of Linkin Park and Diane Warren, underscoring the music community’s deep commitment to City of Hope.
“Music has the power to connect, inspire and heal, and tonight proved how deeply this industry cares for the lives behind the mission,” said Corson. “I’m honored to accept the Spirit of Life Award, but even more honored to stand with my Warner Records family and this extraordinary community as we help City of Hope accelerate discoveries and restore quality of life for patients everywhere.”
In addition to the gala, Corson’s campaign included a series of exclusive auctions that raised critical funds, and for the first time, Warner Records employees will unite as a team to participate in City of Hope’s Walk for Hope on Nov. 2, joining thousands of supporters across the country in the fight to outpace cancer.
Throughout the evening, attendees were moved by reflections from Amber Mike, a respected member of the entertainment industry, who shared her perspective on the deep connection between the arts and healing. Guests also heard from Dr. Saro Armenian, Barron Hilton Chair of Pediatrics and the Director of the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer (AYA) and Survivorship Programs at City of Hope, highlighting how research and philanthropy are transforming survivorship care for young adults facing cancer.
“City of Hope’s mission has always been to bring the best of science and humanity together to save lives,” said Robert Stone, chief executive officer and the Helen and Morgan Chu Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair of City of Hope. “Through research, clinical innovation and compassionate care, we’re working to ensure that every patient has access to the most advanced treatments—and the hope that comes with them. The music industry’s partnership, and leaders like Tom Corson, help make that possible by turning their creativity and generosity into real impact for people facing cancer.”
“Philanthropy powers discovery,” said Kristin Bertell, chief philanthropy officer, City of Hope. “With the support of Tom Corson and this industry, we are accelerating research that leads to new therapies and cures, while also expanding integrative care programs that ensure patients don’t just survive cancer — they thrive beyond it.”
“For over 50 years, the Music, Film and Entertainment Industry board has raised its voice for patients and families,” said Evan Lamberg, president, Universal Music Publishing Group North America and MFEI board chairman. “Tom Corson’s leadership continues that legacy, and together we’ve raised more than $160 million across decades to support City of Hope’s life-saving work.”
Alissa Pollack, EVP of Global Music Marketing at iHeartMedia and MFEI board president, added: “When this industry unites — whether it’s on a stage, in a studio, or in a room like this — the impact is extraordinary. Tonight was a powerful reminder that the same energy that moves audiences through music can change lives through philanthropy.”
Closing the evening, Bublé performed an intimate set that brought the crowd to its feet. “It was an honor to lend my voice tonight to celebrate Tom and the mission of City of Hope,” Bublé shared. “Hope is the most powerful song we can sing together.”
City of Hope extends its gratitude to the sponsors, donors and industry partners who made the evening possible. Fundraising for the Music, Film and Entertainment Industry campaign will continue through the end of 2025, offering even more opportunities to join this life-saving movement.”
