Some evenings you attend an event. Other evenings change how you see the world.

Saturday's Night of Joy wasn't just another fundraiser on the calendar. We gathered at The Waldorf Astoria for an joyful evening supporting the Jessie Rees Foundation.

Moving as One for Courageous Kids

The NEGU mission is simple but powerful: encourage every kid fighting cancer to Never Ever Give Up. It's a philosophy that started with 12-year-old Jessie Rees, who during her own courageous 10-month fight with two brain tumors, asked her parents to help other kids fighting cancer. She personally stuffed and delivered over 3,000 JoyJars to kids in children's hospitals.

Pure Heart

Our night started with four courses paired with Landmark Vineyards' most celebrated wines, guided by Winemaker Greg Stach. But the real substance wasn't on the plates, it was in the stories.

We learned about JoyJars, 64oz containers filled with hospital-approved toys and fun, serving as powerful boosts that let children battling cancer know "WE CARE". Since 2014, NEGU has encouraged over 23,300 courageous families through NEGU, delivering recurring packages of hope directly to their doors.

Building What's Next

As the evening progressed, we watched other attendees, business leaders, families, community members, all moving as one toward a shared goal. The fundraising wasn't pushy or performative. It was purposeful. People weren't just writing checks; they were investing in a movement that transforms how kids experience the fight of their lives.

It was an evening that reminded us why we do what we do. When we witness the courage of children who Never Ever Give Up, it reinforces our own commitment to fearless thinking and boundless creativity. We're not just grateful to be part of this incredible night. We're inspired to use our talents to amplify causes that matter.

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