Annual Celebration of Hope Gala Raises $112,000 for Huntington's disease research and support services; Rolf Benirschke receives highest honor

Three San Diego coaches come together for the first time to support HD

(From left to right: Mark Grant, Mike McCoy, Buddy Black, Steve Fisher)

The San Diego Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s (HDSA) 14th annual Celebration of Hope Gala held on Oct. 17 raised $112,000 to serve ongoing research and education toward finding a cure and provide support services for those living with Huntington’s disease (HD). Nearly 500 supporters attended the gala event, presented by Peggy and Eric Johnson, Qualcomm and the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, and where Rolf Benirschke was recognized with the 2014 Guthrie Award, the organization’s highest honor.

HD is a fatal genetic brain disorder that causes the deterioration of all mental and physical capabilities, and affects thousands of Americans each year. As awareness about this debilitating disease remains low, a goal of the Celebration of Hope Gala is to honor those living with HD, as well as those who are making a difference in the mission to find a cure.

Benirschke was recognized during the event with HDSA’s highest honor, the Guthrie Award, for his consistent and generous support of the HD community. Benirschke was a placekicker for the San Diego Chargers from 1977 to 1986, and has been a San Diego business and community leader since retiring from the NFL. The award pays tribute to legendary folk singer Woody Guthrie, who died from HD, and his wife Marjorie, who led the way in building a national HD community and driving the search for a cure. Benirschke has been a long-time contributor to community causes and philanthropic organizations including United Cerebral Palsy, UCSD Medical Center, the Zoological Society of San Diego, United Way and the San Diego Blood Bank.

The event, held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, featured three noted San Diego coaches together on stage for the first time: Buddy Black, manager of the San Diego Padres; Steve Fisher, head coach of San Diego State University’s men’s basketball team; and Mike McCoy, head coach of the San Diego Chargers. Mark Grant, sports personality for Fox Sports San Diego, emceed and encouraged the coaches to share some of the key influences on their lives as they advanced through their professions. The three captivated the crowd with anecdotes on their sources of inspiration over the years and thoughts on keeping athletes or anyone else motivated.

One of the entertaining elements of the annual gala is its live auction. Some of the most popular auction items included four tickets to Super Bowl XLIX, a quarterback clinic with Philip Rivers, and a day at the Del Mar Races and dinner with Eric Weddle and Danny Woodhead of the Chargers.

Key sponsors of the gala included Peggy and Eric Johnson, Jan and Mike Neil, Alexis and Ron Fowler, Qualcomm, Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, Lundbeck, UnionBank and Wyncote Foundation.