Dinner of Champions is one of the most highly visible fundraising events in
Los Angeles. Each year, the event honors a philanthropist who has made a
significant contribution to the fight against multiple sclerosis, and is heavily
supported by the entertainment, legal, financial and healthcare industries. This event has contributed nearly $50 million dollars toward global research initiatives to stop, restore and end MS, along with local programs and services in Southern California and Nevada for people with MS and their families.
The goal of the Dinner of Champions is to raise $2 million for direct services for 104,000 touched by MS in the Southern California & Nevada chapter area; and for research into better treatments and a CURE!
Multiple sclerosis affects 2.3 million people worldwide. MS interrupts the flow of information from the brain to the body and stops people from moving. It is a chronic, often disabling disease that affects people in the prime of their lives, targeting almost twice as many women as men. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, established in 1946, supports more MS research, offers more services for people with MS, provides more professional education programs and furthers more MS advocacy efforts than any other MS organization in the world.
38th Annual Dinner of Champions September 24, 2012
The 38th annual Dinner of Champions was once again a monumental success, raising more than $2.1 million for MS research, programs and services. The gala event honored Jeff Robinov, President, Warner Bros. Pictures Group. Jeff and Warner Bros. Pictures Group have generously supported the Dinner of Champions and continue to wholeheartedly join the movement to end MS.
Melissa Sherak Glasser, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1987 when she was only 15 years old, was presented with the Dorothy Corwin Spirit of Life award for educating, motivating, and inspiring so many to live well and pay it forward.
37th Annual Dinner of Champions September 12, 2011
The 37th annual Dinner of Champions was once again a monumental success, raising more than $1.8 million for MS research, programs and services. The gala event honored Greg Dunn, President and COO, Regal Entertainment Group. Greg and Regal Entertainment Group have generously supported the Dinner of Champions since 1995 and continue to wholeheartedly join the movement to end MS.
In wonderful synergy – the 2011 Dorothy Corwin Spirit of Life Award went to MS Ambassador and Emmy-award winning TV star and Phil Keoghan – host of The Amazing Race. A longtime Bike MS participant and fundraiser, Phil decided to bring together philanthropy, show business and a lifelong quest for adventure when he fulfilled his ambition of cycling across America in the spring of 2009. En route he shattered his fundraising goal and deepened his already strong bonds with the MS community. Phil chronicled his odyssey of personal challenge and self-discovery in the film The Ride which he promoted in Regal Cinemas across the country. Regal in turn donated all the monies received from the ticket sales to the Society. Phil has raised well in excess of $1 million and continues to create global awareness and lend his lifelong philosophy of “No Opportunity Wasted” to end MS.
36th Annual Dinner of Champions September 27, 2010
The 36th annual Dinner of Champions on September 27th at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel was once again a huge success, raising more than $1.8 million for MS research, programs and services. The gala event honored Adam Fogelson, Chairman, Universal Pictures in recognition of Universal’s continued support in helping us move closer toward a world free of MS.
Returning for his 17th appearance as master of ceremonies, Byron Allen welcomed 1,600 attendees, including special guests Giovanni Ribisi, Ian Gomez, Joe McIntyre, David Lander, Nia Vardalos, Ed Marinaro, Marlon Wayans, George Gallo, Billy Burke, Jason Antoon and Adam Sandler. All enjoyed a fantastic performance by Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum UK singer/songwriter James Blunt. During dinner, attendees watched a video produced by trustee Roland Mesa and his partner Barry Samson and their team at Toy Box Entertainment about the Chapter’s nationally recognized wellness programs and services that work to improve the body, mind and spirit for people with MS and their families
