Social Scene: Lombardi Gala Gathers Friends, Supporters to ‘Be the Breakthrough’
By • March 19, 2026 0 347
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 beautiful Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium and raised nearly $33 million to date for Georgetown Lombardi.
Georgetown’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Dr. Louis Weiner was saluted upon news that he was stepping down as leader later this year.
The gala featured special performances by Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum 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. “Don’t Stop Believin’,” sung by LaMarr, was especially poignant and encouraging.
The evening delivered inspiring testimonials from patients, families, scholars and researchers — stories of resilience, scientific courage, and advocacy. 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.
At the end of the evening, an energetic group took to the dance floor with a live DJ-mixed tunes by the likes of the Average White Band, Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift.
See photos from the evening below. Photos courtesy Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.
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- Vocalist Nova Payton performs “Rise Up” with Rayshun LaMarr and the Children’s Chorus of Washington during the Lombardi Gala finale.
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- More than 400 guests gather for the 38th Annual Lombardi Gala in support of cancer research.
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- Laurie Hodges Lapeyre and Dr. Walter Hodges present the Margaret L. Hodges Leadership Award to the Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocates, accepted by Dr. Ayesha Shajahan-Haq.
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- Grammy®-nominated singer and actress Jordin Sparks performs “The Climb” during the Lombardi Gala in support of cancer research at Georgetown Lombardi.
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- Guests participate in the Lombardi Gala fundraising appeal to support innovative cancer research.
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- Marcelo Sleiman, Jr. speaks about the Lombardi Young Scholars Program and its impact on the next generation of scientists.
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- Alejandra Hurtado de Mendoza shares remarks about advancing cancer awareness and education.
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- Actor and singer Rayshun LaMarr performs “Don’t Stop Believing”during the Lombardi Gala.
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- Nick Van Dyke and his wife, Kim Strassel, share 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 his kidney cancer.
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- Following a standing ovation, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Dr. Louis Weiner shared remarks about the impact of cancer research and patient care.
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- 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.”
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- Guest host and former NFL player Brandon Short welcomes guests to the Lombardi Gala.
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- Guests explore “Lou’s Mad Labs,” an interactive reception experience celebrating scientific discovery and innovation at Georgetown Lombardi.
