St. Jude Raises Record $1.7M at South Florida Gala

Event summary

  • St. Jude's FedEx/St. Jude Angels and Stars Gala raised a record $1.7M on April 25, 2026, surpassing the previous high for the first time.
  • Dr. Victor Santana, St. Jude faculty member and Charles B. Pratt Endowed Chair in Solid Tumor Research, highlighted the institution's role in increasing childhood cancer survival rates from 20% to over 80% since 1962.
  • Event chairs included Marilé and Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq., and Dr. Eric and Regina Moskow, with celebrity attendees such as Captain Lee Rosbach and Chef Adrianne Calvo.
  • Sponsors included FedEx, MFO Ventures, Genesis Prime Group, Bomnin, and M.E. Gil, among others.

The big picture

St. Jude's record-breaking gala underscores the growing philanthropic momentum in South Florida, reflecting broader trends in community-driven healthcare funding. The event's success highlights the strategic importance of high-profile sponsorships and celebrity involvement in amplifying fundraising efforts. As St. Jude continues to push the boundaries of pediatric cancer research, sustained financial support will be critical in maintaining its leadership position in the field.

What we're watching

Donor Engagement
Whether St. Jude can sustain this level of community support and fundraising momentum in future events.
Research Impact
How the increased funding will accelerate St. Jude's research initiatives and improve childhood cancer treatment outcomes.
Community Involvement
The pace at which St. Jude can expand its outreach and engagement with other communities beyond South Florida.

Related topics

Philanthropy