#United States #San Francisco #ALS Network #Kitt Wakeley #Essey Awards

The ALS Network Champions for Cures and Care

On January 17, 2025, the ALS Network will host its annual Champions for Cures and Care gala at the luxurious Hyatt Regency San Francisco. This event aims to celebrate individuals and organizations dedicated to enhancing the ALS community through care, research, and advocacy. Attendees can expect a night filled with excitement, featuring cocktails, a silent and live auction, and a three-course dinner, along with performances from notable guests.

A Night to Remember

The evening promises to be a festive affair where the ALS community can connect and celebrate their mission. Attendees will enjoy wine tasting, followed by a sumptuous dinner and live entertainment. A highlight is the presentation of the prestigious Essey Awards, recognizing significant contributions to ALS awareness and support.

This year, the Essey Spotlight Award will be presented to Grammy winners Kitt Wakeley and David Das, along with producers Jonathan Estabrooks, Patrick Conlon, Sydney Anderson, and Christina Giacona for their work on the Impossible Dream album. This album has been nominated for a 2025 Grammy Award, with its proceeds benefiting the ALS Network, thereby merging the worlds of music and activism.

The Essey Commitment to Care Award will honor Patricia Schimbor and Susan Morris for their exceptional dedication to the ALS community. Patty Schimbor has devoted over ten years to the ALS Network, motivated by personal loss. She played a pivotal role in guiding the organization during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding critical care programs. Meanwhile, Sue Morris has been instrumental in spearheading initiatives that enhance care for those living with ALS and their families, reflecting her and her family’s commitment to support others facing similar struggles through the Morris Family Caregiver Initiative.

Special Guests and Auction Highlights

The live auction will be an exciting part of the evening, hosted by Franco Finn, known for his vibrant role as the Warriors Hype Man for the NBA Champion Golden State Warriors. Guests will also revel in exquisite live music performed by Carlos Calvo, a celebrated guitarist known for his fusion of alternative folk and pop music.

Understanding ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a gradually progressive neurodegenerative disease impacting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS leads to a loss of muscular functions, severely impairing mobility, speech, and even breathing, while cognitive functions remain intact. Unfortunately, there are currently no known causes or cures for the disease, which particularly risks veterans, giving them double the likelihood of developing ALS compared to non-veterans.

The proceeds from the Champions for Cures and Care event will directly support the ALS Network's initiatives focused on care services, public policy efforts, and cutting-edge global research pursuits aimed at finding effective treatments and cures for ALS.

Getting Involved

Sponsorship and ticket purchasing opportunities are available for those wanting to contribute to this meaningful cause. For additional information, interested parties can contact Asher Garfinkel, Vice President of Community Outreach, at [email protected] Furthermore, anyone motivated to donate items for the auction can reach out to Christina Gilbert, Special Events Coordinator, via [email protected]

For more details about the ALS Network, its mission, and resources for those affected by ALS, visit their website at alsnetwork.org or connect on social media @yourALSnetwork. Join the ALS Network in a noble quest to advance fights against ALS while celebrating remarkable contributions within the community.

Event Details

• - Date: January 17, 2025
• - Location: Hyatt Regency San Francisco, 5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94111
• - Agenda: 6:00 PM - Wine Tasting, Cocktails & Silent Auction; 7:30 PM - Dinner, Entertainment & Award Ceremony
• - Dress Code: Cocktail Attire
• - Tickets: Available for purchase at ALSChampions.org