The third annual Evening of Hope Gala, May 14, 2007, starred world renowned pianist Misha Dichter appearing with concertmaster David Halen and members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: Mike Chen (viola), Heidi Harris (violin) and Daniel Lee (cello).

Now in the fourth decade of a distinguished international career, Misha Dichter traces his musical heritage to the two great pianistic traditons of the 20th centruy: the Russian Romantic School as personified by Rosina Lhevinne, and the German Classical approach that was passed on to him by Aube Tzerko, a pupil of Artur Schnabel.

The artists graciously donated their talents in tribute to the two individuals who inspired this annual fundraising event: Chris Hobler and former St. Louis Symphony Music Director Hans Vonk, who were victims of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Jean Hobler and Jessie Vonk are Honorary Co-Chairs of the event, organized by Hope Happens (http://www.hopehappens.org).

“Hope Happens is hosting this magnificent evening to generate support for translational research of new treatments and cures for neurological diseases now being conducted at The Hope Center for Neurological Disorders at Washington University,” said Event Chair Nancy Galvin. “This event helps create awareness of The Hope Center and generates necessary funds to continue promising research into finding treatments and cures for neurological diseases,” she said.

The dedicated scientists at The Hope Center for Neurological Disorders (http://www.hcnd.org) conduct and share research to find cures for brain diseases and disorders including ALS, Alzheimer’s, brain and spinal injuries, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and stroke. The Hope Center’s unique cross-disease research strategy takes advantage of disease-related commonalities and economies of scale to maximize the effect of every donor’s philanthropic investment.

Hope Center research is funded by Hope Happens, an organization originally founded by Chris Hobler and his family before Chris died of ALS in 2005. Jessie Vonk, wife of Dutch maestro Hans Vonk until his death of ALS in 2004, is a sculptor who designed the Christopher Hobler Spirit of Hope Award. A resident of Tasmania, Jessie Vonk returns to St. Louis each spring to participate in An Evening of Hope.

Major sponsors for the third annual Evening of Hope include Edward Jones and Maritz, Inc.