39th Annual Top Hat Gala Brings Emerald City Magic

A trip to the Emerald City via Fremont may soon be in your future when the Washington Health Foundation (WHF) hosts its 39^th annual Top Hat Gala on Saturday, Oct. 11. Step behind the curtain and into a world where magic meets medicine at our Wicked-themed gala, raising funds for Washington Health’s da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot and Robotics Program. Your journey begins in a whimsical garden reception, where Glinda-approved bubbles meet Wicked-inspired cocktails. Then follow the yellow brick road to a delectable multicourse dinner in our very own Emerald City, where wonder awaits at every turn. The evening sparkles with a spellbinding dinner show, live auction excitement, after-dinner dancing, and a cozy outdoor lounge to relax under the stars of Oz. Master of Ceremonies, Alex Savidge of KTVU FOX 2, will guide the evening with charm worthy of the Wizard himself.

The first Top Hat Gala in 1986 brought together community members and leaders, business owners, philanthropists and other Silicon Valley partners to financially support Washington Health (WH) initiatives. In the 38 years since, the Foundation has raised millions to benefit WH programs and services. This year will be no different, as supporters from across the region will turn out to help the health system continue its commitment to bringing high-quality, cutting-edge, academic-level care to patients in the health care district.

Funds raised at Top Hat will shape the future of health care with the da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot and Robotics Program at Washington Health. Washington Health’s Surgical Robotics Program, anchored by the da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot, is revolutionizing the way Washington Health performs surgeries across multiple specialties- from urology and gynecology to general surgery, cardiology, thoracic and orthopedic procedures. Robotic-assisted surgery offers unmatched precision, smaller incisions, reduced risk of infection, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. These benefits directly translate into better patient outcomes and quality of life—but achieving this level of care requires more than just the technology itself. Gifts made to Top Hat will fund advanced robotic technology, expand robotic surgery across multiple specialties, provide essential staff training, support research and innovation, and improve patient education and access—ensuring better care for all.

Washington Health Foundation President Cathy Avon said, “Your support at Top Hat empowers the hospital to continue investing in state-of-the-art technology and equipment, advancing surgical capabilities, and ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of care.”

Gala co-chairs Kranthi Achanta, MD, and Sharon Gallacher, are personally and professionally committed to enhancing the robotics surgical systems at Washington Health. As dedicated leaders of this inspiring evening, the co-chairs are curating an unforgettable experience that celebrates innovation, supports transformative care, and invites you to play a vital role in shaping the future of surgical excellence.

Sponsorships and individual tickets are now available. For more information, visit www.washingtonhealth.com/TopHat or call 510.818.7350. To purchase raffle tickets for your chance to win $2,000, or to learn more about Washington Health Foundation’s philanthropic endeavors, please visit www.washingtonhealth.com/foundation