The 23rd Annual Harvest for Hope Fundraiser Returns During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
The Emilio Nares Foundation (ENF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families navigate their child’s journey with cancer and other life-threatening diseases, invites the community to its 23rd Annual Harvest for Hope on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 5:30 p.m at Fairmont Grand Del Mar. The fundraiser brings together supporters for an unforgettable evening celebrating hope, resilience and the power of community while raising funds for ENF’s life-changing programs.
Held during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Harvest for Hope will feature an elevated tasting experience showcasing more than 20 of Southern California and Baja California’s premier restaurants, wineries, breweries and spirits partners. Guests will enjoy exceptional cuisine and handcrafted beverages while connecting with local families whose lives have been transformed through the Emilio Nares Foundation’s programs and services.
The Emilio Nares Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to the generous presenting sponsors of the 2026 Harvest for Hope – Jennie, Mark, Rhone, & Cassady Johnson – whose leadership and commitment help make this impactful evening possible. ENF also proudly recognizes the Manchester Family Foundation for its generous support of this year’s event and its continued investment in ensuring children battling life-threatening diseases and their families receive the compassionate care, transportation and critical resources required throughout their treatment journey.
This year’s event will welcome hundreds of supporters, community leaders, healthcare partners and advocates committed to ensuring that no child misses lifesaving medical treatment due to transportation or financial barriers. Throughout the evening, guests can bid on exclusive silent auction packages, hear inspiring stories from ENF families and celebrate the remarkable impact made possible through community generosity.
“Harvest for Hope is more than a fundraiser. It’s a celebration of every child, family, volunteer and supporter who reminds us that hope grows stronger when we come together,” said Elsa Morales-Roth, executive director of the Emilio Nares Foundation. “Every ticket purchased and every dollar raised helps provide free transportation, family resources and compassionate support allowing children to focus on what matters most: being a kid! We are incredibly grateful to our community for continuing to stand beside these courageous families.”
Founded in 2002 after the loss of their five-year-old son Emilio to Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Richard and Diane Nares created the Emilio Nares Foundation to ensure that no family faces childhood cancer alone. Today, ENF provides comprehensive support through its Family Resource Centers, bilingual family navigation services, snack bag program, emotional support initiatives and its signature Ride with Emilio program, which provides safe, reliable transportation for immunocompromised children traveling to and from lifesaving medical appointments.
To date, the Emilio Nares Foundation has served thousands of children and caregivers throughout Southern California, delivering critical family support services while logging more than 1.7 million miles through Ride with Emilio to help ensure children never miss treatment because of transportation challenges. Funds raised through Harvest for Hope directly support these essential services and allow the organization to expand its reach to more families in need.
Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets early and join an evening dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of local families facing childhood cancer. For ticket information, sponsorship opportunities and additional event details, please visit https://enfhope.org/harvest-for-hope-2026/.
Category: children, Community, Donations, Events, family, Health & Fitness, Local News, Nonprofit
