MDA Night of Hope Gala: A Benefit for ALS Research

MDA Night of Hope Gala: A Benefit for ALS Research For additional information on the Night of Hope Gala and how you can get involved, please contact Lisa Kirksey at LKirksey@mdausa.org

A Night of Hope

Marking its milestone 15th year, the Night of Hope Gala has raised over
$9.5 million dollars to fund critical research for ALS. Each year, the gala
committee enlists the help of corporate sponsors and individual donors
to assist in the major undertaking to bring awareness to this tragic illness
and to fund various research initiatives, including the local MDA-funded
ALS clinic at

Emory Healthcare. This event was started in 2006 by Holly and Palmer Proctor to honor
Holly’s father, Steve Ennis. Steve was a former manager, president and
chairman of the board of Coca-Cola Bottling Works of Tullahoma, Tenn.,
and was diagnosed with ALS in July 2005. His battle with the disease
ended in January 2012. However, his strength, determination and hope have remained a cornerstone for this event and its supporters. ALS Today
ALS takes away the freedom to walk, to talk, to eat, to breathe. There are approximately 30,000 Americans living with ALS – a disease that causes nerve cells to inexplicably die, leading to weakness and paralysis of all voluntary muscles, including those used for swallowing and
breathing. There is no cure for ALS and the life span after onset of symptoms is typically three to five years. Due to your support, we are living in a time of unprecedented progress in neuromuscular research and our fight against ALS. The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has led the way for innovations in science and care for 70 years. Since its inception in 1950, MDA’s total investment in ALS is now over $372 million, with more than $170 million in funding specifically dedicated to ALS research. Your generous support makes it possible for MDA to continue to provide clinical care for ALS patients, support for ALS families, and funding of research and clinical trials that will soon change the future of ALS.

✨The 19th Annual Muscular Dystrophy Association Night of Hope was a night to remember ✨ Because of this amazing communit...
03/31/2026

✨The 19th Annual Muscular Dystrophy Association Night of Hope was a night to remember ✨

Because of this amazing community, the night was filled with inspiration, connection, and so much HOPE!
From powerful moments to joyful celebrations, our amazing photographers Glenny Brown Photography and Rachel Pourchier Photography captured it all, and we’re excited to share those memories with you!

Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported us, and made the night so meaningful. Together, we are moving closer to a future without ALS.

03/31/2026
Because of YOU, hope is stronger than ever. 💙To everyone who attended, sponsored, volunteered, donated auction items, an...
03/16/2026

Because of YOU, hope is stronger than ever. 💙

To everyone who attended, sponsored, volunteered, donated auction items, and raised their paddle: you made this unforgettable night possible. Your compassion and commitment bring us closer to stronger treatments and, one day, a cure.

A special thank you to our 2026 Co-Chairs, Jordan Ennis and John Sellers, our committee and 2026 honoree, Justin Upchurch for sharing his story and reminding us why this work matters so deeply.

If you missed it or want to hear more, check out this FOX 5 Atlanta interview with Justin: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/video/fmc-i6qfa8t08w93ls8n

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with Muscular Dystrophy Association and the ALS community. The hope you created will last far beyond one night.

The InterContinental Buckhead Hotel was filled with a powerful sense of purpose on Saturday, March 14, 2026, as the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) hosted its 19th Annual Night of Hope Gala. The event, which has raised over $13 million since its inception in 2006, serves as one of the nation’...

The Night of Hope Silent Auction is officially LIVE! 🎉https://app.betterunite.com/musculardystrophyassociation-nightofho...
03/11/2026

The Night of Hope Silent Auction is officially LIVE! 🎉
https://app.betterunite.com/musculardystrophyassociation-nightofhope/Offers?silentauction=1

You don’t have to wait until event night to start bidding. From exclusive experiences and travel packages to dining, shopping, and unique local finds, there’s something for everyone! Can't attend and want to bid from afar? Click the link and choose "Register to Bid"!

Every bid helps support critical research and care for families impacted by ALS.

Default Giving Page

With less just over one week until the 2026 Night of Hope, we’re feeling incredibly grateful for the sponsors who make t...
03/06/2026

With less just over one week until the 2026 Night of Hope, we’re feeling incredibly grateful for the sponsors who make this evening possible.

Because of their generosity and commitment, we’re able to bring our community together to raise critical funds for ALS research and care.

To our amazing sponsors for standing with the ALS community and helping move us closer to a future without ALS.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you all next week.

03/05/2026
02/25/2026

We can't wait to see you all on March 14, 2026 for the 19th Annual Night of Hope! A few tickets are still available- grab yours today: www.mda.org/NightofHope

Eric Dane chose to take action in the face of his ALS diagnosis. He became a powerful advocate for the ALS community, us...
02/20/2026

Eric Dane chose to take action in the face of his ALS diagnosis. He became a powerful advocate for the ALS community, using his voice to amplify the need to invest in research and accelerate progress toward a cure. He faced ALS with courage and strength, and his impact will be felt for years to come. He will be deeply missed.

We are saddened and still reeling by the passing of Eric Dane. His courage in sharing his journey brought greater awareness to ALS and the urgent need for research, care, and community support.

If you are newly diagnosed with ALS or want to learn more about the disease, you are not alone. Trusted information, care resources, and support services are available at https://www.mda.org/als

Together, we continue the fight for treatments and a cure. 💙💛

02/12/2026

We want to hear from you:⭐️What does HOPE mean to you?⭐️

Your responses will be an impactful part of telling the Night of Hope story! Call the Night of Hope line at 706-969-7884 and leave a quick message letting us know the role hope plays in your life!

We are honored to recognize Justin Upchurch at the upcoming 19th Annual Muscular Dystrophy Association Night of Hope Gal...
02/09/2026

We are honored to recognize Justin Upchurch at the upcoming 19th Annual Muscular Dystrophy Association Night of Hope Gala. Justin and his family embody everything the Steve Ennis Hope Award stands for and we can't wait for you to hear more of his story.

A few tables are still available! Purchase yours or donate today at www.mda.org/NightofHope

The MDA Atlanta Night of Hope Gala returns for its 19th year, celebrating ALS advocate Justin Upchurch as the 2026 recipient of the Steve Ennis Hope Award 💙💛

For nearly two decades, this powerful event has raised more than $13 million to advance ALS research, care, and advocacy. Join us in spotlighting the people and progress driving hope forward.

👉 Read more: https://www.mda.org/press-releases/mda-atlanta-night-of-hope-gala-to-honor-als-advocate-justin-upchurch-with-steve-ennis-hope-award

🎟️ Get tickets, sponsor, or donate today: https://app.betterunite.com/musculardystrophyassociation-nightofhope

MDA Night of Hope presented by CITGO Fueling Good

Thank you to our 2026 Muscular Dystrophy Association Night of Hope sponsors for supporting our mission to  . Support opp...
02/06/2026

Thank you to our 2026 Muscular Dystrophy Association Night of Hope sponsors for supporting our mission to .

Support opportunities and a few tables are still available! Reach out at Lkirksey@mdausa.org or visit www.mda.org/NightofHope.

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Atlanta, GA
30345

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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