RESERVE NOW

The 11^th Annual NEGU Gala: A Celebration of Courageous Smiles, powered by Nations Direct Mortgage, was held on Saturday, March 19 at the Disneyland Hotel Grand Ballroom. Over 450 generous supporters, sponsors, and Courageous Families, as well as over 100 volunteers joined the Celebration which raised over $350,000. 

The evening honored a number of individuals and companies who decided to take Jessie’s NEGU challenge and help in extraordinary ways. Each of them received a “Jessie Award” – a symbol that represents courage, commitment, and compassion. The same three things Jessie modeled during her fight. This year, the Jessie Awards were presented to Apriem Advisors – Compassionate Company, Scott Van Vliet – Humanitarian of the Year, and Matt Olson – Community Impact. In addition, a Jessie Award was given to each of the Courageous Families that were in attendance. These families, and all the other families they represent, are our daily source of inspiration. We hope their Jessie award is a symbol for them of constant encouragement and love and will be a reminder they are not alone in their fight.  

While the Courageous Families were on the stage, all the guests in the room were asked to turn on the small flashlight they had received as a gift at their table and point their light toward the families on stage. The hundreds of rays of light symbolized the rays of hope, joy and love that will continue to shine for them. Even in their darkest days we hope they will feel the warmth of those lights and remember they have NEGU Nation cheering them on to NEVER EVER GIVE UP!

The success of the Gala event was due in part to the sponsors and in-kind donors, contributors to the Silent and Live Auctions and the many volunteers who gave so generously of their time and talents.

With the money raised that evening, 700 more Courageous Families will receive gifts of encouragement over the next 18 months and will be reminded to NEVER EVER GIVE UP thanks to all the generous hearts who had a part in planning, supporting and attending the 11th Annual NEGU Gala

“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