Hope Happens Here: A Magical Evening - Reeve Foundation

Each year in mid-November, the Reeve Foundation’s A Magical Evening honors those who have helped advance our mission and who embody Christopher’s “Go Forward” philosophy and spirit. The highlights of the event are always the stories of our community members, and over the last several months, we’ve sought to share these stories through the Hope Happens Here series. Although we won't be able to gather together and raise a glass this November, we look back on some of our favorite photos and poignant moments from the event over the years.

This will be the final weekly installment of Hope Happens Here. However, we’ve heard from you about how much you’ve enjoyed and been inspired by these stories -- and because there is no shortage of incredible people who move us forward in our critical work, we’ll continue to document and share their contributions as we make Hope Happens Here a regular feature of our blog.

And while this has been an unprecedented year, the Reeve Foundation’s vital work goes on, more important than ever. As we head into the season of giving, your support and donations helps us to provide essential services and invest in research that must and will continue in the months and years ahead. Thank you to our community for your unwavering commitment and dedication.

Hank and Henry Stifel – Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation started as a grassroots movement by pioneers Charlotte & Hank Stifel.

9/25 Club – In 2002, we held a special A Magical Evening on Christopher Reeve’s birthday where he celebrated with other birthday buddies Barbara Walters, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Former Board Chair, Peter Kiernan with Glenn Close

In 2014, Dustin Shilcox demonstrated the benefits of epidural stimulation by standing on stage with Matthew Reeve.

Cipriani Wall Street was the gala’s home for 6 years. In 2019, we celebrated at the historic Cipriani South Street.

Barbara & Dave Baldwin, Charlotte & Hank Stifel and Ginny & Jim Welch

Close friend Michael Manganiello with Dana Reeve

2013 Christopher Reeve Spirit of Courage Award recipient Francesco Clark of Clark's Botanicals

Chris and Jen Bridgman and Jennifer Walsh during A Magical Evening’s 2018 Facebook Live from the Red Carpet. The Bridgmans were the 2017 recipient of the Christopher Reeve Spirit of Courage Award.

Matthew, Alexandra & Will Reeve with long-time friend and Reeve Foundation supporter Meryl Streep

DJ Whoo Kid has kept the party going at A Magical Evening for close to 10 years.

Reeve Foundation Ambassador and Actor, Daryl Mitchell

Zach Williams, Matthew Reeve, Peter Wilderotter - Zach joined us for the 2014 gala to give a touching tribute to his father, Robin Williams.

Denna Laing, 2016 recipient of the Christopher Reeve Spirit of Courage Award

Long-time friend and supporter of the Foundation, Jesse Ruben, came back to perform for us in 2019.

Long-time friend and advocate Brook Ellison with Liam Neeson

Team Reeve Alum, Hannah Gavios

Christopher & Dana Reeve with close friend, Robin Williams

Former President George Bush, 2015 recipient of the Christopher Reeve Spirit of Courage Award with Henry Stifel, Peter Wilderotter and Misti & Kent Stephenson

2013 recipient of the Dana Reeve Hope Award, Karen LeGrand, with son Eric LeGrand and Tim Pernetti

Former Senator Tom Harkin, champion of disability rights and chief architect of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Dana Reeve Hope Award honoree.

Travis Roy, during the 2014 A Magical Evening, Christopher Reeve Spirit of Courage Award honoree

Ali Stroker, Jane Krakowski, Ashley Lauren Fisher, Will Reeve, Scott Chesney, & Taylor Price

Former Board members Jim Welch, Arnie Snider, and former executive vice president of Research, Susan Howley

Thank you for making these evenings truly magical.