Every year the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation hosts the Magical Evening Gala. It is the biggest fundraising night for the organization and one of their most star studded affairs. The guest list for this year’s event included major players, such as Meryl Streep and Harvey Weinstein as well as musical performances by love birds Jordin Sparks and Jason Derulo. For Derulo the performance is bittersweet as he was forced to cancel all upcoming promotional performances as well as his world tour. While the sting of canceling his tour may still be sharp the young singer relished the opportunity to share his gift with guests of the event. Jason sustained his injury during rehearsal for his canceled tour. He was attempting an acrobatic dance move when he slipped and fractured one of his vertebrae. The incident could have left him paralyzed, it is sheer luck that he has retained the use of his limbs and back. Though he may have to take it easy he is grateful, and passionate about bringing awareness to the many individuals who may not have been so fortunate. In addition to his performance the singer spoke openly and candidly about his accident and urged attendees to give generously. The lovely Ms Sparks also spoke with regard to his illness and how his story makes her more cautious and thankful for the basic pleasures of life.
In addition to performances guests were also front row center for an awards ceremony celebrating the work of people behind the cause. Reeve Foundation board member Paul Daversa and Daversa Partners Inc. were honored with the Christopher Reeve Spirit of Courage Award. The Dana Reeve Hope Award was given to international box office smash The Intouchables. The film follows the life of a wealthy man who becomes a quadriplegic after a paragliding accident and befriends his unlikely care taker, a young man from the projects. This is the second highest grossing French film to date and the first film ever to be honored by the Reeve Foundation. Its story of friendship and determination is one which resonates profoundly with those affected by spinal cord injuries and paralysis. Though many laughs were shared the evening’s purpose is one of serious fund-raising for the many people living without the movement we all take for granted. The Evening may be over but the fundraising is a year round project worthy and in need of support. For more information on how you can lend a hand please visit www.crpf.org.
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