The event may be over, but donations are still accepted to help advance SYNGAP1 research at cureSYNGAP1.org/Gala5.
On August 22, 2025, the ballroom at the Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club shimmered with anticipation. More than 156 friends, families, and supporters gathered—not just for dinner and dancing, but for something much deeper: a shared commitment to our children and adults living with SYNGAP1-related disorders.
From the moment the doors opened, the air was filled with laughter, hugs, and the unmistakable sense of community. This was not just a gala—it was about raising funds, a family reunion, a friendship gathering; all bound together by love, courage, and the unshakable belief that together, we will find a cure.
Voices That Moved Us
Our emcee, John Hill, carried the night with his trademark energy, his humor sparking joy in every corner of the room. When he surprised the audience with a rap, the room erupted—it was a reminder that joy has a place even in the midst of life’s hardest battles.
As John perfectly captured, “This year’s 5th Annual Gala brought together friends, family, and supporters, all united by one mission—to raise funds to find a cure for SYNGAP1.”
Our three speakers were the voices that truly defined the evening: Kathryn Helde spoke with grace and conviction, grounding us in where the mission stands today and what it will take to reach tomorrow. Kari Imperatore opened her heart with a personal story and video, weaving her family’s journey into the larger tapestry of why we gather. Finally, Allison Hirsch shared her daughter Emma’s journey. Her words cracked the room wide open—raw, vulnerable, and profoundly moving. As she finished, the room fell silent, broken only by the sound of sniffles. There wasn’t a dry eye left when the paddle raise began.
A Night That Sparked Hope
Guests dined under the glow of chandeliers, the clinking of glasses mingling with laughter, music, and dancing. But woven through every toast, every embrace, was the deeper truth: we were there for our children … children who are brave, luminous, and who need us to keep pushing.
That night, nearly $140,000 was raised—a remarkable achievement made possible by every person in the room. With the steadfast support of Dr. Ingo Helbig, Sam Pierce, Charlene Woo, and Alicia Harrison from CHOP, as well as the unrelenting drive of our families, we proved again what this community can do when it comes together.
Why We Gather
As Nancy reminded us,”Most importantly, tonight is about Caren and all of our loved ones with SYNGAP1. Their joy, their courage, their light—remind us why we fight, why we gather, and why we will never stop until we find therapies, and a cure.”
The 5th Annual Gala wasn’t just an event—it was a night of hope, of courage, and of fierce determination. Together, we carried the message forward: our children’s futures are bright, and we will stop at nothing to make them shine.
