CommonSpirit Health Foundation Spotlight

Nearly $2.5 Million Raised to Advance Oncology Care at Record-Breaking Humankindness Gala

DENVER, CO (May 7, 2026) — CommonSpirit Health Foundation hosted nearly 500 guests at the 11th annual Humankindness Gala in a sold-out event that marked a significant new chapter: the first time the national gathering was held outside of San Francisco.

Held at the architecturally stunning Denver Art Museum, the evening was a resounding success, raising a record-breaking nearly $2.5 million to advance oncology innovation and cancer care across the country.

The gala, themed "Where Hope Meets Humankindness", welcomed philanthropic, business, and healthcare leaders to the Mountain Region. The event focused on the future of cancer care, a cause deeply personal to Gala Chairs Barclay and Frank Ross.

Guests were welcomed by members of the CommonSpirit Health Foundation Board of Directors and received remarks from CommonSpirit Health President and CEO, Wright L. Lassiter III. Lassiter later hosted a conversation with legendary Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, discussing the importance of leadership, service, and purpose.

The evening program also featured the presentation of the Humankindness in Action Award to the Gayeski Family for their historic gift supporting cancer services in North Denver.

"Together with 500 friends old and new, we raised a record-breaking amount to support CommonSpirit Health Foundation and advance our mission of humankindness," Lassiter said. "This year’s focus on cancer care was especially meaningful, supporting services and resources that can make a profound difference for people facing a cancer diagnosis."

Nancy Bussani, Executive Vice President, Chief Philanthropy Officer, and President of CommonSpirit Health Foundation, commented on the new direction.

"Thank you for joining us in Denver as we launch a new chapter for our national gathering, bringing the gala to communities across CommonSpirit’s five regions throughout the country. We came together to invest in the future of cancer care: expanding access, advancing innovation, and strengthening oncology services for patients and the families with humankindness at every touch point."

The event’s philanthropic investment is essential to advancing a bold vision for cancer care. The funds raised will support programs that expand access, improve outcomes, and strengthen support for patients and families across the ministry. The support reinforces CommonSpirit Health's ability to deliver essential cancer care locally, where upward of 80% of treatment occurs, leveraging its clinical excellence and national network to bring hope closer to home.

Photos from the gala can be found in the CommonSpirit Health Philanthropy Flickr gallery.

About CommonSpirit Health

CommonSpirit Health is a nonprofit, Catholic health system dedicated to advancing health for all people. With a team of approximately 160,000 team members and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice clinicians, CommonSpirit Health operates 158 hospitals and more than 2,200 care sites across 24 states. Learn more at CommonSpirit.org.

About CommonSpirit Health Foundation

CommonSpirit Health Foundation is making the promise of health justice a reality across the country by funding pioneering programs that ensure greater access and clinical excellence at every touch point, especially for those who are most vulnerable. The foundation inspires investments and donations from individuals, private foundations, corporate foundations and other entities — to support programs and initiatives that address the root causes of poor health and enable all people to be healthy and safe. Learn more at CommonSpiritHealthPhilanthropy.org/Foundation.

###