Since its founding in 1973, The Cancer League has quietly, but powerfully, contributed to the fight against cancer in the Bay Area. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, its mission centers on supporting cutting-edge research, early detection, patient care, and education.
Unlike many large cancer-funding organizations that focus on well-established research programs, The Cancer League specializes in providing seed funding — helping early-stage, high‐risk, potentially high-reward cancer research projects get started.
This “seed investor” role fills a critical gap: many promising researchers struggle to secure the initial data and proof-of-concept they need before they can qualify for bigger grants. The Cancer League accelerates that journey.
The Cancer League’s largest annual fundraiser, Holly Ball, is coming up on December 5th, 2025. Another unique component of The Cancer League’s operations is they recruit sponsorship to offset all costs of their fundraising events, like Holly Ball, so that 100% of contributions made at the event can go directly to funding cancer programs. Last Wednesday, a sponsor patron party was hosted at the home of Tina Skidmore and Scott Sanford, pictured, as a way to say thank you to the supporters who generously support this important part of the Cancer League’s mission.
Over its 50 years history, The Cancer League has raised and donated more than $7 million to support its mission. Last year, $450,000 was allocated to cancer programs in the Bay Area, with grants ranging between $10,000-$75,000. The organization’s goal is to continue to grow this number and give more each year.
The Holly Ball is the major driver of fundraising for the organization, and the Cancer League invites the entire community to attend and/or contribute. This year the 52nd annual Holly Ball, A Night in Black and White Gala, will be hosted at Claremont Country Club on Dec 5th.
This year at Holly Ball, The Cancer League is honoring Gary Kovacs for his generous support of their mission to fund cutting-edge cancer research.
Gary is a highly respected leader in the global software industry, who has made remarkable contributions to the fields of Internet technology, privacy, and cybersecurity. His passion for backing high-potential ideas in their earliest stages mirrors The Cancer League’s 50-year commitment to doing the same – seeding the cure in the hope of discovering tomorrow’s standard of care in effective cancer treatment.
More information about The Cancer League and Holly Ball 2025 can be found at https://thecancerleagueinc.org/.
