Michael J. Fox Foundation Raises Over $4.7 Million For Parkinson's Research at 10th NYC Benefit, 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson's'

Gala featured special performances by Aziz Ansari and The Roots

NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research held its 10th annual gala benefit — "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson's" — in New York City on  Saturday, November 13, 2010. Co-chaired by Tracy Pollan & Michael J. Fox, Alexandra Wentworth & George Stephanopoulos, Jennifer & Marc Lipschultz and Julie & Doug Ostrover, and with Honorary Chairs Lonnie & Muhammad Ali, the event brought together approximately 900 guests including Mayor of Newark Cory Booker,  "Friday Night Lights" actress (and "Spin City" alum) Connie Britton, "Top Chef" judge Tom Colicchio, former NBA star Brian Grant, and NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn to raise over $4.7 million for Parkinson's research.

"The Michael J. Fox Foundation has one goal — accelerating the development of new treatments, and ultimately a cure for PD," Foundation CEO Katie Hood said in remarks from the podium. "Our approach to research funding is not a traditional one. We are proactive, emphasizing calculated risk, insisting on accountability from our partners and prioritizing the work that other funders can't or won't. We could do none of this without you and are so grateful for your support."

The reggae-themed evening featured a selection of crowd favorites with musical phenomenon The Roots who were joined by former UB40 front man Ali Campbell and reggae star Burning Spear. The crowd was also entertained by comedian Aziz Ansari of NBC's "Parks and Recreation."

A live auction raised over $130,000 and featured the following items furnished by Ryan Reynolds, a member of the Foundation's Board of Directors:

• an all-inclusive trip to L.A. to attend the premiere of the upcoming summer blockbuster "Green Lantern"
• tickets to November 13th's taping of "Saturday Night Live," hosted by Scarlett Johansson

"We work hard to use your dollars wisely for the greatest impact in the shortest time. That means investing strategically, starting the right conversations, and forging a model based on collaboration rather than competition," Michael J. Fox told guests. "In short, it means mobilizing the PD community in pursuit of a research process that is more streamlined, more efficient and ultimately better and faster at speeding cures into patients' hands."

This was the 10th "Funny Thing" benefit. Since its inception, the event has raised over $47 million to support the Foundation's aggressive research agenda.

About The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson's today. The Foundation has funded over $213 million in research to date. To learn more, visit www.michaeljfox.org.

SOURCE Michael J. Fox Foundation