Republic Records Artists and Music Executives Honor Brothers Monte and Avery Lipman at City of Hope's Spirit of Life Gala

Several of Republic Records' greatest and brightest, including The Weeknd, Billy Porter and John Legend , were honored Monte and Avery Lipman at the City of Hope Spirit of Life Gala on Thursday night in West Hollywood.

The artists went to the Pacific Design Center, which was painted in shades of blue and purple for the night, to honor the founders of Republic Records for their global contributions to funding cancer, diabetes and HIV/AIDS research through their work with City of Hope.

But the magic of the evening, according to City of Hope Director of Philanthropy Kristin Bertell, was the union of music industry executives, who united for an honorable cause: to find a cure for cancer.

"City of Hope is the music industry's charity and for 49 years, this group is raising funds for our mission," Bertell said. "All of these music industry icons, they've really taken their business competitiveness to the bottom, and it's about beating cancer."

The evening featured performances by Jack Johnson; Porter, who hosted the event and sang her upcoming single "Audacity"; and new Republic Records signee Sekou, who delivered a deeply moving rendition of Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black."

But despite the events of the night announced by certain clues (including a sketch filmed on the theme "Succession "of the brothers with cameos from Taylor Swift and the Jonas Brothers), the room was again surprised to see the Jonas Brothers take the stage and perform their songs "Leave Before You Love Me" and "Sucker".

Porter, who wore a sequined black suit with a pair of black-rimmed glasses, opened the evening honoring Universal Music Publishing Group President and CEO Jody Gerson and Republic Records Co-Presidents Wendy Goldstein and Jim Roppo. Each spoke to the public about their relationship with the Lipman brothers. UMG Executive Vice President Michele Anthony shared her story for her speech, when she presented Monte and Avery Lipman with the Spirit of Life Award.

"Monte and Avery are kind, caring, intelligent, supportive, passionate, and philanthropic leaders. If you work for Republic, you're part of their family forever,” Anthony said. “But whether you work at Republic or not, if someone is going through a tough time or dealing with an illness, Monte and Avery are there. D "countless times have I witnessed their compassion, love and generosity. ... For all of these reasons, Monte and Avery, you embody the Spirit of Life."

After pledging a $100,000 donation with his brother to City of Hope at the sale to auction, Avery Lipman took the microphone. "It's not lost on either of us what it means to have the privilege and honor to help City of Hope. And how truly grateful [we are] for the partnership and the support we've had along the way to get us here tonight,” he said.

Monte Lipman then addressed the crowd, telling the audience about his own battle with cancer.

"What started as a routine visit to the doctor eight years ago, has is transformed into a full-fledged emergency medical visit that changed my life forever. For those of you in this category, you understand the crippling fear and anxiety you felt during those dark times,” Monte said. Lipman: "I've always been sympathetic and sensitive to cancer initiatives, but until you walk through the fire yourself, you don't really understand the seriousness of the emotional distress, which becomes all-consuming. You can't eat, you can't sleep, and you can barely breathe. »

The personal experience ultimately changed how the music director viewed cancer care and support , he said.< /p>

"I learned that human connection remains the m...