2026 Heart of Hope Gala

2026 Heart of Hope Gala

More than a gala, Heart of Hope is a heartfelt fundraiser that fuels our mission to save and heal lives—one donor, one recipient, and one act of hope at a time.
Nominations close Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11:59 pm.

Finalists will be announced January 5-9, 2026. A photo and bio will be required from all finalists.

1. Choose the Award
The Heart of Hope Award

Recognizing an individual whose compassion and advocacy embodies the heart of Donor Network West's mission - uniting the patient's voice and the professional's guidance to champion hope and healing. (ex: Advocator, volunteer, social worker, ambassador, recipient, or donor family member)
The Caring Heart Award

Honoring a nurse, transplant coordinator, or ICU professional whose compassion and dedication elevate the care of donors, recipients, and families - embodying the spirit of hope and healing at the heart of donation.
The Teresa J. Shafer Advancement In Donation Award

In honor of the late Teresa J. Shafer a pioneer, national leader, mentor and advocate in the organ, eye and tissue donation field, this award recognizes a research or industry partner whose innovations—whether in preservation technology, tissue processing or transplantation systems—have significantly advanced the safety, effectiveness and reach of donation. Teresa devoted more than three decades to shaping donation policy, mentoring future leaders, and transforming the donation-to-transplant journey through her scholarship, leadership and compassion. The recipient of this award carries forward that same spirit: strengthening the entire donation-to-transplant journey, improving outcomes for donors, recipients and families, and honoring her legacy of service, innovation and life-giving impact.
The Hands of Healing Award

Honoring a donor hospital, individual, team, or department whose dedication, coordination, and professionalism have advanced organ, eye, and tissue donation. Through exemplary collaboration with Donor Network West, they ensure that every donor's gift is honored, optimized, and translated in to life-saving transplants.
The Dedication of Giving Award

Honoring a transplant center, individual, team, or department whose expertise, coordination, and dedication have advanced organ and tissue transplantation. Through exceptional collaboration with Donor Network West, they ensure optimal outcomes for recipients while supporting the donor and family experience.
The Industry Partner Award

Presented by the Executive Leadership of Donor Network West, this award recognizes an individual that has demonstrated the most significant improvement in key donation and transplant metrics over the past year. This award celebrates measurable growth, dedication to process improvement, and a commitment to advancing the gift of life.
The Beacon of Hope Award

Honoring an individual, team, or program that has significantly advanced public awareness, education, or community engagement in organ, eye, and tissue donation. Through advocacy, outreach, and creative initiatives, they inspire hope, increase donor registration, and strengthen the culture of donation in the community.
Explain why your nominee deserves the selected award and how they embody the spirit of the award. *

If submitting a video submission, please write "video submission" in this field.0/500
Video submissions are acceptable - please upload your video using the field below. MP3 and MOV file types acceptable.

(If you are having trouble uploading a file, please send via email to Foundation@dnwest.org)
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2. Nominee Information
Nominee's Name*

First NameLast Name
Nominee's Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Nominee's E-mail Address*
Nominee's Organization Name*
Work Address to Contact Nominee

Street Address

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Optional: Upload the Nominee's CV

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3. Your Information
Your Name*

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Your E-mail Address*
Your Organizations name *
Your Phone Number*

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