Los Angeles, Oct. 19, 2000 - The City of Hope tonight honored BMI's Frances W. Preston with the medical center's highest honor, the Spirit of Life Award. The crystal figurine representing a family was presented to Preston by Warner Brothers Records President Phil Quartararo, last year's Spirit of Life honoree, at a gala dinner at the Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Airport.
It was announced at the dinner that more than $3 million dollars had been raised during the 2000 campaign which included various sport and music activities, including the dinner.
In accepting the award Preston, BMI's President & CEO, said: "Hope...It is the center of our lives and the City of Hope stands as the proud reminder for all of us to share that which we have been fortunate to receive."
Artists Michael Bolton, James Ingram (with Patti Austin) and Jon Secada performed in tribute to Preston. David Foster served as Musical Producer. The City of Hope was founded in 1913 as a haven for those stricken with tuberculosis. Today, the center stands on a 108 acre campus at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains and has become an internationally recognized medical and research facility.