Angels for ALS Gala 2007 Recap

One month has blazed by since the Angels for ALS Gala 2007.  Time seems surreal to me, knowing I am outliving ALS expectations.  It also confirms that time appears to accelerate the older we get!

The evening was a very elegant and classic event.  It was an enchanting site to see everyone dressed to the nines at a beautiful venue with a common purpose in mind.  The silent auction area was bedazzled with lights, music, conversation and excitement.

Inside the dining room, 250 seats beckoned for company as the tables dazzled in their simplicity.  Black linens topped with red accents and white china glowed in the soft light of votive candles, highlighting the red cyclamen in the center.

Introductions and welcoming ensued before the theme of the evening was revealed.  Addie, one of our overachieving student volunteers, was impacted by the statistic that every 90 minutes an ALS patient is diagnosed and another one dies.  She produced a video simply asking what everyday people might do in 90 minutes.  As a 90 minute hourglass was overturned, Addie challenged the audience, asking what they could do in the next 90 minutes to make a difference in the ALS community.

After a scrumptious dinner topped off by a decadent flourless chocolate tort, Addie returned to the podium.  She addressed the audience by describing her transformation from the year before.  The patient her Extra Hands team was assisting had died this past summer.  The reality of ALS overwhelmed her.  In her grief, she had grown and become even more dedicated and motivated to make a difference.  By sharing her story, everyone in the audience understood what Extra Hands for ALS is all about.

Thereafter, local musician, Jeff King, mesmerized us with the song, “Angels Among Us,” to solidify our purpose in gathering.  Between Addie and Jeff, tears of sadness and joy were commonplace, reflecting the evening’s momentous impact on all who attended.

The live auction changed the reflective mood into one of excitement and anticipation.  Over $15,000 was raised as top notch destinations, LASIK surgery, beautiful fused glass artistry, music composition and a concert were auctioned off.

One of the highlights of the evening for us was to be able to recognize the many volunteers that make Extra Hands for ALS possible.  First, the outstanding student, mentor and family were acknowledged for the profound impact they are having on other people’s lives.  Then, all the students and mentors in attendance stood after their names were called.  As the audience understood just how many volunteers there were, a standing ovation erupted.  We are so incredibly proud of the people that choose to volunteer their time to make a difference in the ALS community.

The evening was topped off by dancing, mingling and picture taking.

Thank you so much to the gala committee that made the evening possible.  We met for weeks on end before the gala to plan, prepare and execute.  It’s difficult to imagine doing this event without the help of such selfless and caring people.

The generous support of many in kind donations that reduced our overall costs is extremely appreciated.  Especially, Signal Graphics, located at 1777 Larimer Street and Gourmet Fine Catering at 2601 Blake Street, Suite 105.  There were many others, but these two went above and beyond anything we could have hoped for.  Please patronize these businesses to help a show our gratitude.

Also, thank you to all the attendees and donors; from the table sponsors to the individuals and last but not least, our incredible volunteers.  Your generosity raised over $81,000 in support of Extra Hands for ALS and ALS TDI, our research partner.

It is never too late to contribute, so please follow this Angels for ALS Gala link to securely donate by credit card if you have not already done so.  Please make any checks payable to:

Extra Hands for ALS

c/o Steven & Jennifer Bishop

8237 Swadley Court

Arvada, CO 80005

We ordered too many Angels for ALS Gala 2007 champagne glasses and are selling them for $10 each.  We have approximately 80 left and they are not raising any money in our basement!  Lindsey, our outstanding student award recipient, designed and makes ALS Bracelets with the Extra Hands for ALS motto, BELIEVE in them. They come in S, M and L selling for $20 each.   Please specify quantities  with your check and provide contact information so we can get either/both or multiple items to you.

One last enormous thank you goes out to everyone who participated in the 2007 Angels for ALS Gala.