The fourth annual Evening of Hope Gala on May 14, 2008 starred world-famous violinist Anne Akiko Meyers,
“Goddess of Fire,” in an exclusive performance accompanied by pianist Peter Henderson. 

The artists kindly 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, a St. Louis- based organization originally founded by Chris Hobler and
his family before Chris died of ALS in 2005.

Hope Happens and the School of Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis launched the Hope Center for Neurological Disorders in 2005. The dedicated scientists at the Hope Center conduct and share research to find
cures for brain diseases and disorders including ALS, Alzheimer’s, brain and spinal injuries, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke.

More than 250 friends of Hope Happens and the Hope Center, including Dr. David Holtzman, Andrew B.
and Gretchen P. Jones Professor and Chair of Neurology, Mark Goldberg, MD, Hope Center Director, Anneliese Schaefer, JD, PhD, Hope Center Deputy Director, Anne H. Cross, MD, Timothy M. Miller, MD, PhD, Paul Kotzbauer, MD PhD, Robert H. Baloh, MD, PhD, and Hope Center Fellow, John Kauwe, PhD, attended
this event in support of the joint goal of both organizations: bring hope to the 50 million Americans suffering
from neurological disorders. 

   Research at the Hope Center is funded by Hope Happens through events such as
   the annual Evening of Hope. To support the Hope Center's mission, click here.

   Major sponsors for the fourth annual Evening of Hope include Edward Jones, Maritz,
   Inc., Sanford and Priscilla McDonnell, Philpott Family Foundation, Frederick Pitzman
   Fund, Renaissance Financial, and St. Louis CEO Magazine.

   Event photos will soon be posted on the Hope Center website. Photos taken
   by Blacktie-St Louis and the Ladue News are now available.