The Jessie Rees Foundation’s 2nd Annual NEGU Gala was a beautiful night–a night to shine for courageous kids fighting cancer. Joining us for our special evening were three of our very courageous NEGU kids, Rhys, Cade and Ayden–all who received special recognition and honor for their courage and strength. Also joining us was an amazing representation of 
our NEGU All Star celebrity and athlete team–Matt Leinhart of the Oakland Raiders, Brendan Porter (Professional Lacrosse), Lenny Krayzelburg (four time Olympic Gold Medalist-Swim), Kaitlin Sandeno (Olympic Gold Medalist-swim and National Spokesperson for the Jessie Rees Foundation) and Jordan Palmer (NFL Quarterback). Over 400 guests and volunteers attended the NEGU Gala to support the over 500,000 children fighting cancer around the world.
The event lineup included an amazing performance by Sharif Iman, and his symbolic song “SHINE” and an unforgettable night of dancing and music compliments of the The Bolts. During the evening, Jessie’s family recognized courageous kids fighting cancer and compassionate kids supporting their peers. Erik Rees made a special note to the Jessie Rees Foundation community of courageous families— “JoyJars are not the end, but the beginning of a relationship of love, support, and encouragement. We will Care until there’s a Cure”.
Unveiled during the evening were the newly released NEGU Power Packs, available upon request 
to kids fighting cancer. NEGU Power Packs are all-in-one hospital room or bedroom facelift kits designed to provide children fighting cancer with daily messages of encouragement to Never Ever Give Up (Jessie’s motto during her 10 month fight with cancer). Our first NEGU Power Packs were delivered on the night of the Gala. First, to our courageous fighter Cade. The second was delivered by our primary sponsor and partner UPS to a destination chosen by one of our incredibly compassionate kids who raised enough money to sponsor a Power Pack for a child fighting cancer. The third was taken back to Connecticut by another of our amazing compassionate kids –to be delivered to a courageous child fighting cancer in her hometown. Gala guests were also given the opportunity to sponsor the delivery of a NEGU Power Pack to a child fighting cancer.
The NEGU Gala was dressed with everything special to Jessie– 85 beautifully displayed, themed baskets of silent auction items including destination packages, hotel stays, dining opportunities, spa treatments, sporting event opportunities and so much more. A special area of the auction room displayed “Jessie’s Favorite Things” baskets–filled with all things that Jessie loved most.
During the evening, guests had the opportunity to bid on some special items including a hand painting and masterpiece by Tom Clark, inspired by the event’s theme–Shine For Courageous Kids. Tom created this amazing live art piece right in front of guests-start the finish!
A puppy named “Hope” was also part of the event– a tradition at the annual NEGU Gala in memory of Jessie’s love for puppies.
The 2nd Annual NEGU Gala was sponsored by UPS, Life Technologies, Kenny the Printer, the Orange County Register, Hard Hatt Construction, Inc, DC3 Music Group and Diagnostic Solutions. A BIG thank you to all of our event sponsors, table sponsors, our generous in-kind donors and countless volunteers who worked behind the scenes to ensure the event was a success!
And of course, last but not least, a big thank you to our exceptional core team for their dedication, hard work and countless hours of planning and implementation!