IHFI Group Spirit of Life Gala Raises $1.3M for City of Hope

April 28, 2026  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   

Nearly 500 industry professionals gathered at the annual Spirit of Life gala held at the Four Seasons Sheraton, to celebrate O’Connor and recognize leadership and longstanding commitment to advancing City of Hope’s mission. City of Hope is one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. and a leading research center for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. The International Home Furnishings Industry group has been City of Hope’s philanthropic partner since 1965 and has raised over $105 million.

City of Hope CEO Robert Stone spoke about how City of Hope is shaping the future of cancer care, putting into perspective the impact of the Human Genome Project, and the transformative discoveries on the horizon because of artificial intelligence. 

“The promise is extraordinary. The hope is real,” said Stone. “But ladies and gentlemen, we should not be satisfied. Help us continue to move faster. Help us continue to bring advanced care to more people in more places. Your support saves lives.”

Though O’Connor’s commitment to City of Hope was inspired by his daughter, Christine, who lost her battle with breast cancer 14 years ago, his personal experience as a patient and survivor of prostate cancer further fuels his continued support and advocacy.

“What you learn when you’re at City of Hope is that it’s a place that has a little magic,” said O’Connor. “From the time you step on that campus, the compassionate care of the doctors and the scientists uniquely work with you on what they call translational medical… There’s a certain kind of care that takes place there that you don’t see other places, and it permeates through the whole place.”

His parting words for the evening emphasized purpose and passionate advocacy, “My work in advocacy for the City of Hope is clearly the most important work of my lifetime… Find something in your life you’re passionate about to help someone and then get involved.”

The Spirit of Life committee and City of Hope recognizes and thanks the 2026 Spirit of Life top sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: ($100,000): Rooms To Go

Honoree Circle Sponsors: ($50,000): Ashley Furniture, LS Direct, Samson Marketing, Surya

Diamond Sponsors: ($25,000): Baer's Furniture, Berkshire Hathaway: Jordan's, Nebraska Furniture Mart, RC Willey and Star Furniture, CITY Furniture, Classic Home, Darvin Furniture, Flexsteel, Haverty's Furniture, Hooker Furnishings, J.B. Hunt, KUKA Home, La-Z-Boy, Liberty Furniture, ManWah, Raymour & Flanigan, Tempur Sealy

To learn more about the industry’s next flagship fundraising event, the West Coast Golf, Tennis & Pickleball Tournament, and to register online, click here or send an email to IHFIevents@coh.org.