As you may recall, we announced on March 12th that we needed to postpone our annual NEGU Gala – A Celebration of Courageous Smiles that originally was scheduled for March 14th. At that time, we had hoped to reschedule the NEGU Gala to later this summer.
After weeks of discussions, consultations with our Board of Directors, talks with the Disneyland Hotel and monitoring the state and local health authorities, we have decided to cancel the 2020 NEGU Gala due to COVID-19 and our commitment to your safety, the safety of the families we support and the safety of our foundation’s staff and volunteers. This decision wasn’t easy, but we feel it is the most responsible thing to do. I’m confident you will agree with us.
As we reflect on the special night of celebration we had planned for you, we would like to once again thank all of our dedicated volunteers for their tireless efforts preparing for the event. We would also like to thank our generous sponsors who believe in what we do for kids fighting cancer.
While so much has changed in our world right now, the one thing that hasn’t changed is the fact that every day 46 more kids are diagnosed with cancer. These Courageous Kids and their families need encouragement to NEVER EVER GIVE UP now more than ever. We want to thank YOU, for your continued love, support and encouragement which allows these families to know they are not alone in their fight.
We will get through this! We look forward to the time we can safely gather again and celebrate all the Courageous Smiles together. Until then, please stay safe and healthy – and NEVER EVER GIVE UP!
To those of you who have purchased tickets, table(s), or a sponsorship, a member of our team will be contacting you to see if we can use your generous contributions to keep JOY flowing this summer to kids fighting cancer.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call the JoyFactory at 888-648-6348. – NEGU, Erik
A GLANCE AT SOME SMILES FROM OUR 2019 NEGU GALA
The 9thAnnual NEGU Gala – A Celebration of Courageous Smiles is a memorable experience you won’t want to miss! An elegant evening when NEGU Nation comes together to honor compassionate individuals and dedicated companies who have decided to take Jessie’s NEGU challenge and help in extraordinary ways. Selected recipients receive a “Jessie Award” – a symbol that represents courage, commitment and compassion, the same three things Jessie modeled during her fight. Last year, the Jessie Award recipients were Nations Direct Mortgage – Compassionate Company, Jordan Palmer – Humanitarian, Melinda Heights Elementary School – Community Impact, and Jaime Serna – Caregiver of the Year. 46 Courageous Families in the midst of their cancer fight attended as Guests of Honor and each were presented with a Jessie Award for courage.
The evening includes an energetic, one-of-a-kind, live auction and is capped off with the Celebration of Courageous Smiles and evening of impact lighting up the dance floor. Attendees leave feeling inspired, knowing more kids fighting cancer and their families will know they are not alone in their fight. We hope you will join us as we celebrate and encourage more Courageous Smiles this year!
“Because of this one event each year, we get to send JoyJars to thousands of Courageous Kids fighting cancer around the world. Most importantly, this means we get to start a relationship with a child and a family, so we can provide them the needed long-term support and encouragement so they Never Ever Give Up!” – Erik Rees, Jessie’s Daddy
2020 Gala is JOYFULLY POWERED BY
EVENT IS SOLD OUT
Please contact erik@jessie.org with questions
Saturday, March 14, 2020
5:30 PM – Reception
7:00PM – 11:00PM
Dinner, Awards, Live Auction & Dancing
We appreciate the generosity of businesses and individuals as we acquire exciting auction items, experiences, gift cards and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Please fill out the form and connect with our auction coordinator Nora Grabar for more information or to arrange the delivery of your tax deductible in-kind donation.
