The Parkinson’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to advance research and care that improves the lives of those living with Parkinson’s disease, hosted its annual New York Gala on Tuesday, May 7, at Cipriani on Broadway, raising over $665,000.
More than 230 attendees were entertained by master of ceremonies Willie Geist, Host of NBC News’ “Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist” and Co-host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” while enjoying a cocktail reception, live donation appeal, dinner and dancing.
The highlight of the night came from an emotional address by Christina Korines, who detailed her journey of being diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s disease at the age of 33, with two young daughters. Additionally, this year’s gala honored Alex Gorsky, Chairman & CEO of Johnson & Johnson and Governor Edward G. Rendell, 45th Governor of Pennsylvania and former Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, who announced last year that he is living with Parkinson’s.
“The Parkinson’s Foundation is proud to support men and women like Christina, with not only the resources they need to live better lives, but also a platform to share their stories with others who may be faced with similar challenges,” said John Lehr, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Since last year’s gala, the Parkinson’s Foundation has accomplished many milestones. It hosted Caregiver Summits that provided caregivers with the proper tools and tips to best care for their loved ones. It hosted its first-ever medical cannabis and PD conference and also launched an initiative that plans to highlight women with PD. It also began to study how to connect Parkinson’s genetic data with clinical care.
Gala host committee members included: Karen Elizabeth Burke, M.D., Ph.D., Dick and Sky Field, Stephanie Goldman Rosen, Isobel Robins Konecky, Arlene Levine, and Devon and Mike Pastor.
