UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals Raises Over $1 Million at 15th Annual Notes & Words Benefit 

On May 11, patrons and guests gathered at Oakland’s Fox Theater for the 15^th annual Notes & Words benefit, a memorable evening of music, prose, food, and fun, all in support of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals.  

The night kicked off with a VIP “Bubbles & Banter” reception at the Atrium on Telegraph, featuring an exclusive conversation between Emmy Award-winning journalist Emily Chang and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Nicholas Kristof, author of bestselling Half the Sky and the new memoir Chasing Hope. Partygoers then headed to the Fox for a show emceed by KTVU reporter Cristina Rendon. Guests enjoyed live musical sets from Grammy Award-winner Dan Wilson, The Curtis Family C-Notes and the Oakland School for the Arts, alongside readings from Kristof and C Pam Zhang, and video testimonials from families whose lives have been touched by UCSF’s world-class care. 

UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals are ranked among the nation’s leading pediatric medical centers, providing comprehensive services that encompass the whole child, including patients’ emotional and developmental needs, music and art therapy, complementary therapies like massage and acupuncture, and animal-assisted therapy. Because insurance only covers a fraction of the cost for medical expenses, the hospital depends on community support and funds raised by events like Notes & Words to help transform children’s lives.