Newport Beach, CA (April 20, 2020) – Significant gifts from Kingston Technology, Activision Blizzard and Hoag donor Richard Scudamore kicked off the Hoag COVID-19 fundraising efforts, which include a Hoag COVID-19 Support Fund. Together with more than 200 gifts from generous community members, such as Julia and George Argyros, Joan and Andy Fimiano and Ron and Sandi Simon, Hoag COVID-19 fundraising proceeds exceed $5M to date. Hoag will use philanthropy to help fund COVID-19 clinical trials, additional protective equipment and areas of greatest need as they emerge.

“We know that needs will grow and evolve as the pandemic continues to unfold,” said Hoag President and CEO Robert T. Braithwaite. “We offer our heartfelt thanks to Kingston Technology, Activision Blizzard and Richard Scudamore and to all of our generous donors for standing by us as we work on behalf of our community. What they may not know is that donor support is a great morale boost to our staff as well as providing tangible resources.”

Kingston Technology has a long history of supporting education and health care. “Kingston Technology believes strongly in giving back to the community where our employees live and work,” said Larry Gonzales, vice president, Administration, Kingston Technology. “Hoag, its nurses and its clinical staff are at the forefront of this crisis, and we knew it was important to support them as they fight for us.”

Headquartered in Santa Monica, Activision Blizzard has more than 3,000 employees in Orange County. “During this unprecedented global health crisis, Hoag’s mission is more important than ever,” said Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick. “Hoag’s doctors, nurses and medical professionals are making a genuine difference in the lives of so many people in Orange County. I understand the sacrifices that many members of Hoag’s team have made to serve their communities during this COVID-19 outbreak. It inspires all of us at Activision Blizzard.”

Mr. Scudamore made the gift based on his desire to support Hoag’s efforts in the evolving COVID-19 situation. “I hope that my giving inspires others to do what they can to support the great work Hoag is doing for our community in the face of this crisis,” he said. “I know that Hoag will have immediate and long-term needs for the community’s help.”

Because of its research infrastructure, Hoag is one of the few sites in the country selected to conduct COVID-19 clinical trials. Philanthropy will support Hoag’s three clinical research trials that offer hope against the COVID-19 pandemic. Two of the trials are testing Remdesivir (RDV), a potentially promising antiviral drug, while the third trial is testing the effectiveness of immune blood plasma.

The Hoag COVID-19 Support Fund will go to areas of greatest need, including assisting Hoag in providing additional equipment to protect Hoag staff and patients. Local businesses and individuals are also finding other ways to give. Many have donated items, such as personal protective equipment.

“Hundreds of people have expressed interest in supporting Hoag’s COVID-19 efforts,” said Flynn A. Andrizzi, Ph.D., president, Hoag Hospital Foundation. “Our community is stepping up, and we are deeply grateful for their support.”

Members of the community are welcome to make a gift of any amount to the Hoag COVID-19 Support Fund by visiting giving.hoag.org/COVID19. Hoag launched a dedicated site addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, how it is treating patients, protecting visitors and staff and providing up-to-date information at hoag.org/covid.

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About the Hoag Hospital Foundation

Thanks in large part to philanthropy, Hoag has become one of the nation’s finest health care systems and serves a diverse and growing population. Hoag Hospital Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Hoag (a separate 501(c)(3) corporation), is an integral partner in Hoag’s vision to become a trusted and nationally recognized health care leader. The Hoag Hospital Foundation launched Hoag Promise, Our Campaign to Lead, Innovate & Transform with a goal of $627 million by December 31, 2020, making it one of the largest campaigns to date in community-based health care. The Hoag Promise Campaign is comprehensive in the truest sense of the word. Every leader from every area is engaged. Every institute and center is touched. Every program is enhanced. The goal is to drive Hoag’s continued clinical leadership, innovative spirit and transformative potential. Please visit www.HoagPromise.org.