Lombardi Gala Brings Together Friends, Supporters
Posted in Lombardi Stories | Tagged Lombardi Gala, philanthropy
(March 19, 2026) — A lineup of acclaimed performers took the stage at the 38th Annual Lombardi Gala for an evening of music, reflection and celebration in support of cancer research at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. The March 14 event was held at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium.
The gala featured special performances by Grammy®-nominated, multiplatinum singer, songwriter and actress Jordin Sparks, along with actor and singer-songwriter Rayshun LaMarr, acclaimed vocalist Nova Payton, and the Children’s Chorus of Washington. Each performance was selected to reflect the spirit of the evening — uplifting, reflective and hopeful — honoring the supporters and researchers dedicated to advancing the fight against cancer.
Now in its 38th year, the Lombardi Gala is one of Washington’s premier fundraising events, bringing together leaders from the region’s corporate, political, sports and philanthropic communities to support innovative cancer research. The event has raised nearly $33 million to date for Georgetown Lombardi.
The evening delivered inspiring testimonials from patients, families, scholars and researchers — stories of resilience, scientific courage, and advocacy.
The Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocates were recognized with the Margaret L. Hodges Leadership Award, named for the gala’s founder. The distinction celebrates those who have made sustained contributions of time, energy, financial resources and leadership at Georgetown Lombardi.
In honor of Georgetown Lombardi’s founding director, The John F. Potter, MD, Award recognizes the achievements of rising-star researchers who are moving the needle of progress forward through innovation and persistence. This year’s award was presented to Benjamin Weinberg, MD, a medical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal cancers.
A surprise initiative to support future cancer researchers was unveiled honoring Louis M. Weiner, MD, outgoing director of Georgetown Lombardi. The Louis M. Weiner, MD, Aspiring Oncologist Fund was introduced by longtime cancer center supporter Paul Schweitzer as a tribute to Weiner’s 18 years of leadership.
More than 400 guests attended the black-tie event, which is organized with the support of the Champions Circle, a volunteer leadership group dedicated to raising unrestricted funds to accelerate cancer research at Georgetown Lombardi.
Scenes From the Evening
Guests arrived at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium for the 38th Annual Lombardi Gala supporting cancer research at Georgetown Lombardi.
Guests gathered during the VIP reception ahead of the Lombardi Gala, one of Washington, DC’s premier fundraising events supporting cancer research. From left: Christine Grady, PhD; Carrie Stoltzfus, CEO of Food & Friends; Julia Langley, director, Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program; Christopher King, Christopher J. King, PhD, dean, School of Health, Georgetown; Distinguished University Professor Anthony Fauci, MD; and Marie Mattson, Secretary of the University, Georgetown.
The 2026 Lombardi Gala was produced by Robert Pullen (at far left), pictured here with (from left) Anthony Fauci, MD, Alexandra Kovach du Pont, and Laurie Hodges Lapeyre — all members of the Health Sciences Board of Advisors.
From left: Georgetown Interim President Robert Groves; Jeanne Ruesch, chair of the Ruesch Family Foundation and founder of the Ruesch Center; Chan Tagliabue, wife of the late NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who was a longtime Georgetown supporter; and Georgetown Lombardi Director Louis Weiner, MD
Dancers from Georgetown Lombardi’s Arts & Humanities program entertained guests during the arrival reception.
Benjamin Weinberg, MD, and Louis Weiner, MD, at the welcoming reception. Weinberg was recognized at the gala with the John F. Potter, M.D., Award for rising star researchers.
Guests explored “Lou’s Mad Labs,” an interactive reception experience celebrating scientific discovery and innovation at Georgetown Lombardi.
Guest host and former NFL player Brandon Short welcomed guests to the Lombardi Gala.
Grammy®-nominated singer and actress Jordin Sparks performed “The Climb” during the gala.
Norman J. Beauchamp Jr., MD, MHS, executive vice president for health sciences at Georgetown University Medical Center, noted that the room was filled with “champions of hope.” “Over the past four decades, cancer death rates in this country have steadily declined. That progress did not happen by accident. It is the direct result of sustained investment in basic cancer research. … Continued investment is essential to ensure this progress not only continues, but accelerates, until we can prevent all cancer deaths.”
Following a standing ovation, Georgetown Lombardi Director Louis Weiner, MD, shared remarks about the impact of cancer research and patient care. “Progress depends on us. Be the breakthrough. Let’s change what’s possible — together. The future is bright! If there’s one thing that moves us closer to a cancer-free future, it’s research.”
Laurie Hodges Lapeyre and Walter Hodges, MD, (pictured at far right) presented the Margaret L. Hodges Leadership Award to the Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocates, accepted by Ayesha Shajahan-Haq, PhD (third from right). The group was recognized for their leadership in breast cancer advocacy and research.
Nick Van Dyke and his wife, Kim Strassel, shared their story of hope and perseverance during the Lombardi Gala program. The couple live in Alaska and journeyed to Georgetown Lombardi so that Van Dyke could receive life-saving treatment for kidney cancer.
Actor and singer Rayshun LaMarr performed “Don’t Stop Believin’” during the gala.
Georgetown Lombardi scientist Alejandra Hurtado de Mendoza, PhD, shared remarks about advancing cancer awareness and education.
Marcelo Sleiman Jr., program manager of the Interventions for Managing Parenting and Cancer Team (IMPACT) at Georgetown Lombardi, spoke about the Lombardi Young Scholars Program and its impact on the next generation of scientists.
Guests participated in the Lombardi Gala fundraising appeal to support innovative cancer research.
During the fundraising appeal, John McMahon pledged $100,000 over four years for the Young Scholars Program at Georgetown Lombardi.
Vocalist Nova Payton performed “Rise Up” with Rayshun LaMarr during the Lombardi Gala finale.
Nova Payton and the Children’s Chorus of Washington closed the evening with a powerful finale honoring patients, families, and the researchers working to end cancer.
