As you are aware, the Joan Hisaoka Gala has been a top priority for me since 2008. Notwithstanding my decision to transition into a new role, I will continue to support organizations that do the work my sister Joan cared so much about. Last year's in-person Gala raised $1,652,000, netting 85% to our two very deserving beneficiaries. We are hoping to far exceed that total to provide an adequate runway into the future for these beneficiaries.

To support Joan’s vision to help others living with cancer, we will host the 16h Anniversary and Final Joan Hisaoka "Make A Difference" Gala on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 6:00 pm at the Salamander Hotel in Washington, DC (formerly the Mandarin Oriental Hotel).

Our main beneficiary will be Life with Cancer, the educational and emotional support program of the Inova Schar Cancer Institute. The mission of Life with Cancer is to enhance the quality of life of those affected by cancer by providing education, information, and support. Life with Cancer programs are provided at no cost to the cancer patients of all ages and their loved ones regardless of where treatment is received, thanks to the generous support of the community.

In addition, the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts will receive a portion of the proceeds from the gala. Located in Washington, D.C., the Smith Center provides creative and wellness resources for people living with cancer as well as the local community at large.

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Those of you whose lives have been touched in some way by cancer know that people living with cancer cannot wait to receive support. The need for your help is greater than ever, and your contribution has the power to "make a difference" to those living with cancer today.

I would like to thank everyone for their generous support of the Joan Hisaoka Gala over the last 15 years and am asking you to consider supporting the Gala in one last special way designed to leave the Gala’s beneficiaries with the funds they will require in order to transition from the  Gala’s support to alternative sources of community support. In this spirit, please consider becoming a Legacy Sponsor by either (i) doubling your 2022 donation to the Gala in 2023 or (ii) doubling your 2022 donation to the Gala and paying 50% of your donation by August 31, 2023, and the other 50% by August 31, 2024. We will be creating a Legacy Recognition which will be prominently displayed at Life with Cancer and Smith Center with the names of those individuals or companies that become Legacy Sponsors (the minimum level qualifying for Legacy Sponsorship being the Legacy Donor Sponsor level with a minimum commitment of $10,000).

The sponsorship opportunities for this year's gala are located on the Tickets & Sponsorship page. We hope you will help to provide hope and healing to those living with cancer by becoming a sponsor and by doubling your financial support for this one last Gala. Please know that your support is extremely meaningful to me, to our Executive Committee, to our beneficiaries and to the community of people that are in some manner impacted by cancer. 

For further information, please feel free to contact me or Susan Hubert at hubert@slslaw.com.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those living with cancer. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to see you on September 16, 2023.