City of Hope to Auction Items From Bob Dylan & More as Part of Spirit of Life Gala Honoring Larry Mestel
Billboard ·

Items and experiences will be offered through Fandiem and Julien's Auctions to support breast cancer research.
City of Hope’s annual Spirit of Life gala honoring Primary Wave founder and CEO Larry Mestel is sold out, but supporters can still help raise money to support breast cancer research via a new online auction through Fandiem and Julien’s Auctions. The auction will feature items and experiences from such acts as Bob Dylan , John Mellencamp , Sammy Hagar and Billy Joel .
Starting Thursday (Oct. 1) , fans can bid on handwritten lyrics to songs including “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan , “Small Town” by Mellencamp and “Keep on Loving You” by REO Speedwagon ’s Kevin Cronin through Fandiem Relics, Fandiem’s memorabilia site. Additionally, Fandiem is offering a sweepstakes to meet Sabaton backstage at the Swedish metal band’s Nov. 12 show at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
Through Julien’s Auctions, starting Oct. 23, fans can bid on items including a street sign signed by Joel, as well as artwork by Dylan and a violin played by Itzhak Perlman .
“City of Hope’s mission is deeply personal to me, and I’ve seen firsthand the impact cancer has on patients and their families,” said Mestel in a statement. “It means so much to see the music community come together around this cause and give fans a meaningful way to support the lifesaving research and care City of Hope provides every day.”
“For a music fan, a keepsake from a favorite artist or the chance to see them up close can mean so much,” said Alissa Pollack , president of Mediabase and global music marketing, RCS Worldwide/iHeart Media and president of City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry (MFEI) board. “We’re grateful to Larry and our industry partners for sharing something special with fans in support of City of Hope. These offerings give more people a way to join us in advancing breast cancer research and care for patients and families.”
For more than five decades, the MFEI group has brought together artists, executives and industry partners to advance research and patient care, raising more than $180 million since its founding in 1973.
“The generosity of this industry is something I’ve seen firsthand through our work with City of Hope,” added Evan Lamberg , president of Universal Music Publishing Group North America and chair of the MFEI board. “Artists are sharing pieces of their own history, and Larry and our partners are opening the door for fans to take part. We’re grateful to everyone helping turn a love of music into support for breast cancer research and care.”
This year’s event, held at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles on Oct. 27, will feature performances from Melissa Etheridge , Stevie Nicks and Jackson Browne .