The San Diego chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s 15th annual Celebration of Hope Gala, held earlier this month at the home of Craig and Rebecca Irving on the campus of Point Loma Nazarene University, raised $150,000 to serve ongoing research and education toward finding a cure and provide support services for those living with Huntington’s disease. More than 400 guests attended the event, including ESPN NFL commentators Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters, along with Mike Fleiss, creator and executive producer of “The Bachelor,” and wife Laura Fleiss, Miss America of 2012. Mark Grant, sports personality for Fox Sports San Diego, emceed the event.
Huntington’s disease is a fatal genetic brain disorder that causes the deterioration of all mental and physical capabilities and affects tens of thousands of Americans each year. As awareness about this disease remains low, a goal of the Celebration of Hope Gala is to honor those living with the condition as well as those making a difference in the mission to find a cure.
B.H. Gold Insurance Agency president Bill Habeger and Los Angeles Angels pitcher Joe Smith were recognized during the event with Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s highest honor, the Guthrie Award, for their consistent and generous support of the Hunington’s community. The award pays tribute to legendary folk singer Woody Guthrie, who died of Huntington’s, and his wife Marjorie, who led the way in building a national Huntington’s community and driving the search for a cure. Habeger and Smith are longtime contributors to the effort to raise awareness and support.
Huntington’s Disease Society San Diego, one of 54 national chapters and affiliates, serves San Diego and Imperial counties through its network of volunteers. Key sponsors of the gala included Peggy and Eric Johnson, Jan and Mike Neil, Alexis and Ron Fowler, B.H. Gold Insurance Agency, Capital Insurance Group, Union Bank and the San Diego Chargers. Huntington’s Disease Society of America is the nation’s largest nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to providing help for everyone affected by Huntington’s disease. Huntington’s Disease Society San Diego, one of 54 national chapters and affiliates, serves San Diego and Imperial counties through its network of volunteers. It sponsors a monthly support group for affected families, raises money for research and a cure for the disease, helps support a Center of Excellence for Family Services, publishes an annual report and provides a range of other services for the Huntington’s community. For more information about ways you can help the society, visit hdsa.org/sd.
