Dave Koz & Starlight

Uniting the Dave Koz Fan Network through the power of music and culture to raise funds for hospitalized kids

For over 30 years, Grammy-nominated saxophonist and global ambassador Dave Koz has been a driving force behind Starlight Children’s Foundation’s mission to bring joy to hospitalized kids and their families. Together with his executive team and Janice De La Cruz, whose unwavering dedication has amplified his efforts, Dave has helped raise over $2 million through the incredible support of his fans and friends.

Introducing the Dave Koz Starlight Adaptive Gown

In 2026, we are introducing the Starlight Adaptive Gown—a brand-new version of our beloved Starlight Gowns designed specifically for older children, teens, and kids with higher adaptive needs. These modified gowns are comfortable, dignified, and empowering, ensuring every child can feel more like themselves while receiving treatment.

We are created a music-themed adaptive gown and pants set in Dave's honor to launch this new line. Your generosity will directly fund the development and distribution of the first 2,000 adaptive gown sets to hospitalized kids.

This is more than a fundraiser it’s a lasting tribute to Dave’s extraordinary partnership and an investment in Starlight’s ability to serve every child, at every age, with care and compassion.

“I'm beyond proud of this amazingly generous community of caring people for what they've done to bring some much-needed brightness to these kids' lives. ”
- Dave Koz

3,000
Gowns Distributed
30+
Gaming Stations Delivered
800+
Hospitals Impacted

30+ years of Partnership

2020s

Dave and his assistant Janice De La Cruz received Starlight's Lifetime Achievement Award to celebrate more than $2 million raised to help hospitalized kids. The Dave Koz Cruise, Christmas Tour, and other fundraising efforts continue to fund the distribution of holiday toys to thousands of kids each year.

In 2025, the first cruise week broke the record for the largest amount of funds raised in a single cruise auction with $100,000 raised. Then, just one week later, the second sailing broke that record again, raising $106,000. The Koz voyages have been supported by a plethora of artists and celebrities. Donations from these cruises support the delivery of Starlight Programs during the holiday season at hospitals along Dave's Christmas Tour route.