Welcome to the inaugural issue of The Bear Necessities - a quarterly communication created especially for our volunteer leadership community. We are grateful for the time, insight, and heart you bring to your roles. Your leadership strengthens our mission and makes a lasting difference for the children and families we serve. Thank you for all the ways you champion this work.
As you explore this issue, if you have any questions or would like to get involved in one of the opportunities highlighted, please reach out to your committee lead. We’re here to help you stay connected in ways that are meaningful to you.
Celebrating the 2025 Charley Awards CHOC Recognized Among Nation's Best
The 2025 Charley Awards, held November 6 at Bowers Museum, gathered more than 300 of CHOC’s most dedicated volunteers, donors, and partners for a day of inspiration and gratitude. The program honored exceptional volunteer leaders and committees whose compassion, collaboration, and generosity embody CHOC’s values. The event featured heartfelt stories from patient families, a glimpse into CHOC’s strategic priorities, and the presentation of the following Charley Awards:
TSAO FAMILY FOUNDATION
Outstanding Philanthropist
DOUG MCCOMBS
Outstanding Board Member
RON AINSWORTH
Kelly Lee Tarantello Outstanding Volunteer
TERRIE INDER, MD
Nick G. Anas, MD Outstanding Medical Staff Member
BILL THOMPSON
Outstanding Legacy
SPIRIT HALLOWEEN
Outstanding Corporation
MOTORHOME MADNESS
Outstanding Newcomer
Learn more about our 2025 Outstanding Honorees
It’s a privilege to share that we have once again been named one of the nation’s Best Children’s Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for 2025–2026, earning recognition in nine specialties: cancer, cardiology and heart surgery, diabetes and endocrinology, neonatology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, pediatric and adolescent behavioral health, pulmonology, and urology.
This achievement reflects the extraordinary dedication of our physicians, nurses, researchers, and staff, each working together to deliver the safest care, the most advanced treatments, and the best possible outcomes for children and families. It is also a reflection of our dedicated community of supporters... who generously support our mission, and have made our hospital one of the nation's best
As U S News noted, being a top-ranked pediatric hospital represents more than excellence in a single specialty; it demonstrates our role as a regional leader in comprehensive, high-quality care for children Thanks to donors like you, this world-class care is accessible to all kids and families in our community.
This recognition also comes at a defining moment for us. With the creation of Rady Children’s Health earlier this year, we are extending that excellence through a unified system that strengthens pediatric care for children and families across Southern California. Thank you for everything you do to make CHOC and Rady Children’s Health a place of hope, healing and innovation. This achievement reflects CHOC’s commitment to excellence in care and the vital role that volunteer leaders and donors play in sustaining that excellence.
Learn more about this recognition by clicking here.
Spotlight on Innovation
Fetal Care Center and Special Delivery Unit
Construction continues on CHOC’s pioneering Fetal Care Center & Special Delivery Unit, set to open in 2026 in our Bill Holmes Inpatient Tower The facility will provide an integrated environment for mothers with high-risk pregnancies to deliver and recover alongside their newborns This will be the first of its kind west of Colorado and set to be the 11th acclaimed facility in the nation.
Volunteer leaders and donors are invited to schedule hard-hat tours this winter for an exclusive preview Contact your committee lead to reserve a tour
The CHOC Golf Classic Committee delivered another record-breaking year, raising more than $950,000 for patient care programs This year’s sold-out tournament at Pelican Hill drew over 280 participants for a day of camaraderie and impact We are hoping to continue the momentum during the upcoming March 2026 CHOC Classic
We’d like to recognize and thank three dedicated volunteer leaders who have served on the CHOC Classic committee since 2011, growing the event from $238,000 to nearly $1M annually over the last 14 years.
Congratulations and thank you to members Dr. Jason Knight, David Alonzo, and Bill Rohde.
The tournament was founded in partnership with our contracting partners who built the Bill Holmes Tower. We’re grateful for the continued commitment and support of McCarthy Building Companies, Bergelectric, Climatec, and Jacobs.
Our upcoming event, scheduled for March 30, 2026, will be hosted at Coto De Caza Golf & Racquet Club, bringing together business and community leaders for a day of play, networking, and fundraising More information, including sponsorship opportunities, can be accessed below
Upcoming Signature and Guild Events
Guilds of CHOC Holiday Luncheon
Sunday, December 7, 2025
A beloved holiday tradition that brings together Guild members and friends of CHOC for seasonal celebration and giving, hosted at The Westin South Coast Plaza.
CHOC Gala
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Themed “Voices of Hope,” the 2026 Gala will feature an unforgettable headline performance by Christina Aguilera Scan code to learn more about the event, including sponsorship opportunities.
Year-End Engagement Opportunities
Adopt a Family
Provide wrapped gifts and holiday cheer for a CHOC family in need. Deadline to secure a family is November 25, and wrapped gift drop-off dates are December 18 and 19 Contact your committee lead for more information
Holiday Toy Drive
Donate new toys or create a fundraising page to support Child Life programs More information can be found at:
1.
Link to CHOC Foundation toy drive: Joy Drive - CHOC Children's Foundation
Link to the Amazon “Choco’s Wish List”: Choco's Amazon Wish List
Link to the Amazon “Books for CHOC”: Books for CHOC
KidsArt Holiday Cards
Looking for holiday cards? Consider ordering cards with a personalized message designed by pediatric patients by clicking here.
As we reflect on this season of gratitude, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your leadership, generosity, and commitment to CHOC. Your partnership fuels innovation, inspires hope, and ensures every child has the opportunity for a healthier tomorrow.
