37th Annual Top Hat Gala – A Spanish Night’s Celebration

Fremont’s premiere event, the Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation’s Annual Top Hat Gala, will take place again on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 6 p.m. to midnight. This year marks the 37th annual evening in the elegantly decorated Grand Tent at Washington West. Top Hat brings a wonderfully diverse and powerful mix of supporters together, drawing from some of Silicon Valley’s top leaders, Tri-City community members, local business owners, and philanthropists to raise awareness and funding in support of Washington Hospital Healthcare System (WHHS).

This year’s gala will benefit the new UCSF - Washington Cancer Center on the Healthcare System’s Fremont campus. Washington and UCSF Health share a vision to advance the world-class cancer program to meet the needs of a growing community and deliver academic level medicine. Opening in 2025, the new cancer center will provide patients access to the latest cancer research, technology, and treatment in a convenient and comforting environment, close to home and family. The Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation gratefully acknowledges the evening’s Benefactor Sponsors including Fremont Bank and the Sisters of the Holy Family.

Top Hat guests will enter an elegant outdoor garden and enjoy delectable Spanish tapas, champagne and cocktails before proceeding to the Grand Tent to enjoy a delicious three-course dinner at their reserved seating. Flamenco dancers will entertain the crowd and then a live auction of carefully curated items will offer bidders additional options to support the cause. Live music will follow and guests may dance or relax fireside in the outdoor garden with craft cocktails and coffee. The evening will also feature several surprises before closing at midnight.

This year’s gala is chaired by Paul Bonderson, Dr. Bogdan Eftimie, Dr. Carlton Scharman and Dr. Matthew Tenold who, along with the Foundation board of trustees, hope to raise a record amount of funding to benefit this year’s cause.

“We are planning a memorable celebration with an incredible menu and entertainment with a Spanish flair,” says Sophia Ahmad, president of the Foundation. “Top Hat has contributed over $4 million to expand and advance health care services over the past 36 years. Please join us for this year’s gala and I promise you will have a memorable evening that leaves you feeling fulfilled for supporting the health of our community.”

Established in 1986, the Top Hat Gala has grown to become an elegant annual celebration in Fremont following the first event held at the Top of the Mark Hotel in San Francisco. The Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation philanthropic mission ensures Tri-City residents have access to the most advanced medical care close to home. The Foundation was established in 1983 as a not-for-profit organization chartered to enhance the Washington Hospital Healthcare System by raising public awareness and securing financial support.

Sponsorships and individual tickets are now available. Please join us by visiting www.whhs.com/tophat or calling 510.818.7350. To make a direct donation in support of the UCSF - Washington Cancer Center, purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win $2,000, or learn more about Washington Hospital’s philanthropic options, please visit www.whhs.com/foundation