On Monday, November 18, 2024, the NF patient community gathered with leading philanthropists, medical experts, civic leaders, and businesses at Gotham Hall in New York City for our annual National Gala. Actor and producer Jonathan Sadowski returned as master of ceremonies for the event, which raised $1,805,000 in support of the mission of the Children’s Tumor Foundation.
CTF Board Chair Gabriel Groisman and CTF CEO Annette Bakker
For nearly fifty years, the Children’s Tumor Foundation has driven remarkable progress in NF research and clinical care. As the drug discovery engine for NF, our patient-first collaborative approach accelerates drug development and brings life-changing therapies to patients faster. We were proud to celebrate this progress at this year’s Gala.
In an evening of inspiration and celebration, the Foundation presented Humanitarian Awards to Kimberly Snipes and Sarah Wengel.
Humanitarian Awardee Kimberly Snipes
Kimberly Snipes was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Her daughter Madison was diagnosed with NF1 at the age of four, and despite the challenges, Kimberly has remained resilient in her commitment to supporting NF research and raising awareness. As a member of the CTF Board, she has played a vital role in advancing therapies for NF patients, combining her passion as a parent with her expertise as a Chief Information Officer. Her dedication has made a lasting impact on the CTF mission.
Sarah Wengel has supported CTF since 2015, when she first started volunteering for Dancing With Our Stars in Little Rock, Arkansas. She served first as a Star, then as a judge, and most recently on the Arkansas Advisory Board of Directors. Her involvement and leadership in Little Rock helped establish the funds needed to open the Adult NF Clinic at UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, providing much-needed multidisciplinary care to adult NF patients since officially opening in 2022.
Leanna Scaglione was named the Foundation’s 2025 National Ambassador. This award is bestowed upon a courageous individual living with NF and recognizes their efforts to further the Foundation’s goals of research, public awareness, and patient support. Leanna lives with NF2-related schwannomatosis and joined the CTF NF Endurance Team in 2022. She has since represented CTF in numerous on-camera media appearances and live events.
We were honored to recognize Allison and Kip Clarke and celebrate the legacy of their son Quinn, who passed away in 2021 following his third battle with cancer, with a Cloud Carrier Award. Allison, founder of Flashes of Hope, produced “Big Shots Little Stars,” a popular Cleveland fundraising event that, over the years, raised millions of dollars to fund critical research into malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.
The evening also acknowledged the CTF Junior Board, a group of young professionals impacted by NF whose youthful energy and unwavering passion advance the CTF mission.
Award-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez gave a delightful live performance. The songwriting duo are best known for co-writing the songs for the animated musical film Frozen, its sequel Frozen II, and the animated musical film Coco. Robert and Kristen’s cousin, Markus, lives with NF2-related schwannomatosis. “We’re thrilled to be included in an evening supporting such a vital organization. We are aware of the urgency for so many families and the need for a cure now.”
We are grateful to the many donors and attendees who made the evening so impactful. Special thanks to our esteemed group of Gala Co-Chairs who made the evening a resounding success: Erica Hartman-Horvitz, Tila Falic Levi, Liz Rodbell, and Clara Wilpon.
Additional photos of the evening can be viewed here.
The evening’s program was available for all to view via live stream and can be watched at the link below.
