An L.A. charity gala at Fox Studios will feature Ryan Seacrest, Carrie Underwood and an honor for George Cheeks while raising funds for the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
The UCLA Jonsson Cancer Foundation is putting the final touches on its program for the 29th annual Taste for a Cure, a marquee fundraising gala that combines entertainment and cuisine to benefit the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. The event will take place at Fox Studios in Los Angeles on May 1, and organizers say the evening will blend high-profile talent with top-tier culinary partners to support continued research and patient care. The line-up now reads like a reunion for a beloved television franchise, with household names from American Idol among the headliners and hosts.
At the heart of the program is a tribute to Paramount’s chair of TV media, George Cheeks, who will receive the Gil Nickel Humanitarian Award—an accolade given to individuals with notable philanthropic impact. Actress Kathy Bates is slated to present the honor. Production and onstage duties will be handled by longtime TV host Ryan Seacrest, who is confirmed to emcee the night, while a major musical moment will come from country-pop superstar Carrie Underwood, herself an American Idol alumnus turned global performer. Together, these elements aim to create a memorable mix of recognition and performance that highlights the cause.
The evening’s food program will showcase a selection of notable Los Angeles restaurants and chefs delivering tasting stations and curated plates. Participating culinary contributors include Petit Trois with chef Ludo Lefebvre, Top Chef winner Mei Lin, and Kevin Meehan of Michelin-starred Kali. Also on the roster are chef Govind Armstrong (known for The Lobster and Hinoki and the Bird), June Intrachat of Otus Thai Kitchen, legacy brands such as Lawry’s, plus Enrique Ceja of the Beverly Wilshire and Kyle Nelson representing Fox Studios. Wine pairings will be supplied by producers including Far Niente, Bella Union and En Route, among others, to complement the tasting experience while helping to raise critical funds for cancer research.
George Cheeks brings decades of television leadership to the evening’s recognition: he currently oversees Paramount’s broadcast, studio and cable television operations and has served as co-CEO of Paramount Global and as president and CEO of CBS. A veteran of the industry for more than 30 years, Cheeks has held senior roles at NBCUniversal and Viacom, and he is an alumnus of both Yale and Harvard. Presenting him with the Gil Nickel Humanitarian Award underscores the gala’s emphasis on celebrating leaders whose professional achievements are matched by public service and philanthropy.
The Gil Nickel Humanitarian Award has honored a wide array of executives and public figures over the years, and this iteration places Cheeks among an accomplished roster including Ravi Ahuja, Stephen A. Smith, Dana Walden, Eric Shanks, Gary Newman, Kevin Reilly, Jennifer Salke, Jay Sures, Joe Cohen, Paul Telegdy, Sandra Stern and Daymond John. That continuum reflects the award’s role in connecting industry leadership with charitable impact.
A broad slate of industry figures serve as event co-chairs, guiding both the guest experience and fundraising strategy. The leadership team includes representatives from talent agencies, production companies, beverage suppliers and corporate brands: Joe Cohen (CAA), E. Brian Dobbins (Artist First), James Myerson (Breakthru Beverage), Jon Holman (Holman Group), filmmaker Jake Kasdan, former Netflix executive Tendo Nagenda, Gary Newman (Attention Capital), Erik Nickel (Far Niente), Keri Shahidi (7th Sun Productions), Sandra Stern (Lionsgate), Dana Walden (Disney) and Arthur Wayne (Brooks Brothers). Their combined expertise aims to ensure the gala is both a compelling night of entertainment and an effective vehicle for philanthropy.
Beyond the dinner and performances, the event’s principal objective is to generate resources for patient care and scientific discovery at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. By pairing high-profile honorees and performers with celebrated chefs and vintners, organizers create an experience that encourages donor participation and sustained support for research initiatives. For those seeking further details or ways to participate, the event organizers provide additional information through their official channels.