May 30 was a beautiful night for the last Cystic Fibrosis Foundation guild annual gala. Held May 30 at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa, the 32nd annual event drew nearly 400 supporters for a final formal soiree benefitting research and drug development for cystic fibrosis. Following a massive silent auction, committee co-chairs Gayle and Dan Demsher welcomed attendees in the grand ballroom, promising that though the black tie gala was being retired, the organization’s support for the disease would continue on through other events during the year, such as Beach, Brews and BBQ this September.
When Stacy Motenko—a cystic fibrosis patient and advocate who has spoken at more than a dozen previous galas—took the podium to share updates on her personal fight with the life-threatening disease, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. During the speech, the 28-year-old also presented the Breath of Life award to Bob and Judy Burlingham, thanking the couple for their tireless support. “I’m going to fight until Stacy’s taking care of me,” Judy said upon accepting the award. Approximately $400,000 was raised at the event, thanks in large part to the sale of silent and live auction items, and generous Bid for a Cure donations.
—Written by Allison Hata
(Photography by Edward Oliver and Evan Tsutsumida)
