A Night of Purpose, Flavor, & Community: PHASE ONE’s 2025 Gala Raises $900K to Fund Life-Saving Cancer Clinical Trials
PHASE ONE’s Current Board Chair, Marc Lebowitz (right) with Former Board Chair, Brad Meadow (left)
PHASE ONE extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who made the 2025 Annual Gala such an unforgettable evening. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, donors, volunteers, and sponsors, the event raised more than $915K in support of life-saving cancer clinical trials.
Held on October 9 at The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage in Santa Monica, the Gala brought together nearly 500 guests for an inspiring celebration of progress, resilience, and hope. Hosted by award-winning comedian and activist Dana Goldberg, the evening reminded everyone why PHASE ONE’s mission matters so deeply: to help move promising cancer treatments from the lab to the patients who need them most.
Progress in Action
PHASE ONE’s new Board Chair, Marc Lebowitz, opened the program with a message of gratitude and optimism.
"Every year the number of proposals we receive continues to grow,” Marc shared. “Cancer research is moving at an accelerated pace, which is exciting. However, with recent federal funding cuts, PHASE ONE is needed now more than ever before. And we are up for that challenge! We are committed to helping get ideas out of the lab and into the hands of the patients who need them most."
Marc also recognized the dedication of the Board of Directors, Junior Board, and Gala Committee, whose passion and perseverance helped bring the event to life.
The evening’s program also featured a powerful short film that told the story of Lyric, a young woman whose father’s legacy of hope continues to inspire PHASE ONE’s mission. Her journey illustrates how one act of giving can ripple outward, touching lives in ways we may never see.
Courage in Community
One of the most moving moments of the night came from PHASE ONE Board Member Nicole Blank, who shared her experience of losing her home in the devastating Palisades Fire earlier this year. Our desire to help in the wake of this tragedy inspired this year’s Community Grant— awarded to the Volunteer Fire Foundation and the Integrative Healers Action Network. Our grant provided funding for the creation of the first Los Angeles based Firefighter Detox Program comprised of firefighters who served in the Palisades and Eaton fires.
The program addresses the increased cancer risk firefighters face through specialized detoxification therapies. Early results have shown remarkable improvements, including an 81% reduction in high-range toxins and an 80% reduction in PFAs among participants.
Captain Jeff Brown, Palisades Station 69, spoke from the heart about what the program means to those on the front lines.
“The opportunity of detoxification for firefighters is a major breakthrough. You see, the Palisades incident was just ONE incident that has brought to light the toxins that professional firefighters take in,” he shared. “In reality however, firefighters across the nation are taking in toxins every working shift on a regular basis. As firefighters, we have been told for years ‘Its just part of the job’ and now, thanks to you, it doesn’t have to be acceptable.”
Seven firefighters from the first Los Angeles cohort attended the Gala, along with the doctors and program leaders who are bringing this life-changing work to life.
A Night to Remember
After the program, guests enjoyed food from some of Los Angeles’ most beloved restaurants, including Angelini Osteria, Augie's on Main, BADMAASH, Bar di Bello, Bridgetown Roti, Heavy Handed, Jitlada, Lorenzo California, Maple Block Meat Co, Organic Oren, Ospi, Prince Street Pizza, Sua, Tacos 1986, Yeastie Boys, and Yooshi Sushi. Desserts were provided by Hall Pass Ice Cream and Four Seasons Westlake Village. Special thanks to Mike Kassar for curating an unforgettable culinary experience!
As the evening unfolded, the courtyard filled with conversation and music as guests mingled, took photos, and raised a glass to 26 years of progress. The Mystery Gift display drew a constant crowd with the largest selection in Gala history, and DJ Kid Fish kept spirits high well into the evening, closing out the celebration on a joyful note.
For those who were unable to attend, or simply want to relive this special evening, we invite you to explore the following links for a recap of the Gala:
The funds raised this year will continue to drive innovative early-phase cancer clinical trials– bringing hope and healing to patients and families everywhere.
Continuing the Mission
Over the past 26 years, PHASE ONE has funded more than 56 clinical trials across 28 different cancer types, contributing to five FDA-approved treatments now helping patients around the world.
“The reason we’re all here tonight is to plant more seeds— to fund more trials that give patients a second chance,” said host Dana Goldberg. “Each of us has the power to move research forward.”
PHASE ONE extends its warmest thanks to the Board of Directors, Junior Board, Gala Committee, and the entire PHASE ONE community for their dedication, generosity, and commitment to moving innovative research forward.
For more information about PHASE ONE’s vital work, click here to view our Past Grant Recipients.