Eric Marienthal benefit concert raises funds for High Hopes rehab

More than 700 guests attended the 27th annual Eric Marienthal and Friends Benefit Concert on July 12 at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, helping raise funds for the High Hopes Head Injury Program. The event featured performances by David Benoit and Niki Haris, student recovery stories and a live auction tied to the brain injury rehabilitation nonprofit.

Why it matters: - The concert raises critical money for High Hopes Head Injury Program, which provides rehabilitation for people recovering from traumatic brain injuries, strokes and other neurological conditions. - High Hopes says the support helps students access therapies and services that can improve independence and quality of life. - The annual fundraiser also keeps attention on the organization’s 50-year mission of recovery and rehabilitation.

What happened: - More than 700 guests attended the 27th annual Eric Marienthal and Friends Benefit Concert on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. - Two-time Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Eric Marienthal hosted the event. - Grammy-nominated pianist and composer David Benoit and vocalist Niki Haris headlined the afternoon. - The program included a VIP reception, live performances, student success stories, silent and live auctions, and recognition of supporters who have helped the organization over more than five decades.

The details: - VIP guests had dinner at Love at First Bite, a hosted bar and a special performance by Luke Desmond, joined by Logan Munck and Elija Munck with the Ron Kobayashi Band. - Marienthal performed “Lolo Shuffle,” “Two in One,” “New York State of Mind,” “St. Thomas,” “Seafood to Go” and “You Ga (Ta Give It).” - Benoit performed “Boarding Pass,” “Café Rio,” “Kei's Song” and “Freedom at Midnight.” - Haris performed “Takin' It to the Streets,” “Mornin',” “Sing” and “I Believe in You.” - Guests also had a dessert bar with cakes, pastries and other sweets during intermission. - Several High Hopes students shared testimonials about their recovery. - Ron said the program restored his health and gave him back his health. - Stroke survivor Dr. Jamal Hasan said he arrived unable to stand or walk and confined to a wheelchair, then regained the ability to walk through the program’s rehabilitation. - Tyler thanked supporters and said their generosity helps him keep going. - Board President Robert Vermes said his daughter suffered a stroke four years ago and is now walking again and teaching cheerleading and dance to children. - Vermes presented the High Hopes Lifetime Achievement Award to publicist Kelly Bennett, founder of Bennett Unlimited PR, for 27 years of promoting the annual concert and the organization’s mission. - The live auction, led by Kevin O’Callaghan, included a private dinner and meet-and-greet with Eric Marienthal and Rick Braun at a Newport Beach residence, a Spaghettini wine dinner for six, an Anaheim Ducks VIP hockey package, a Chris Botti at Sea Signature Cruise for two, fine jewelry, entertainment packages, signed memorabilia and Marienthal’s annual performance shirt. - The event was livestreamed by Alert the Globe and will be rebroadcast at the livestream site in two parts on Sunday, July 26, and Sunday, Aug. 2, both starting at 5 p.m. PDT. - Donations to benefit High Hopes Head Injury Program will be accepted during both rebroadcasts. - Sponsors included Ryan's Reach, Stirling Property Management, KJAZZ 88.1 FM, Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, Millie and Severson General Contractors, Xerox, Smooth Jazz News, the Reed Family and 94.7 The Wave.

Between the lines: - The event paired entertainment with personal recovery stories to show how donor support translates into visible patient progress. - The award to Kelly Bennett underscored how much the fundraiser depends on long-term media and public relations support, not just stage talent. - The auction items and rebroadcast donations extend the fundraising window beyond the live audience.

What's next: - Alert the Globe will rebroadcast the concert in two parts on July 26 and Aug. 2. - High Hopes will continue accepting donations during both rebroadcasts. - The organization will keep promoting its rehabilitation services through its website and social channels, including High Hopes.

The bottom line: - The 27th annual concert blended star power, patient testimony and auctions to generate support for a nonprofit that helps people rebuild their lives after brain injury or stroke.