The 4th Annual Honey Bash Gala for brain aneurysm research and awareness was held at the Cira Centre, a beautiful venue in the University City section of Philadelphia.
The evening started with signature cocktails with spirits by Cisco Brewers and delicious hors d’oeuvres catered by Jose Garces, owner of JGDomestic.
The silent auction opened at 6pm and included one of a kind items like a honey-colored beach cruiser, premium tickets to sporting events, and our custom succulent centerpieces.
Our guest of honor, Kevin O’Neill from Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer, spoke about his close connection with Todd Helton, who is the father of Ellie Helton, the namesake of Ellie’s Law. His dedication to Brain Aneurysm Research has gained the attention of Congressional Representatives Yvette Clarke (NY-9) and Patrick Meehan (PA-7). Founders, Christine Kondra and Erin Kreszl, introduced the first ever Bee Courageous Award Winners. We honored Congressional Representatives Yvette Clarke (NY-9) and Patrick Meehan (PA-7) for their dedication to lobbying for increased federal brain aneurysm research funding through Ellie’s Law.
Next up, we began our live auction, which raised $26,000 for brain aneurysm awareness and research! Live auction items included a New York City trip with tickets to see Hamilton the Musical, tickets to see the Philadelphia Eagles against the Arizona Cardinals, a one week stay in Nantucket, a Sonoma and Napa escape, and a relaxing three night stay at Canyon Ranch Spa.
Following the auction, our keynote speaker, Dr. William Mack of Keck Medicine USC and Scientific Advisory Board member, discussed the importance of private funding for brain aneurysm research. The 2017 Bee Foundation Brain Aneurysm Research Grant Award Winners, Dr. Jennifer Kim of Massachusetts General Hospital and Dr. Justin Mascitelli of Barrow Neurological Institute, thanked the crowd for their ongoing support making their brain aneurysm research studies possible. Just before guests enjoyed the famous Bee Courageous Photo Booth, Dr. Bill Mack and Dr. J Mocco led an unforgettable paddle raise kicking off The Bee Foundation’s Fund a Fellow Campaign and raising an astounding $38,000.
Throughout the evening, guests had a great time taking pictures in the Honey Bash 2017 photobooth and dancing with DJ from Blue Route Entertainment. At 10:30pm, the silent auction closed, bringing the total amount of money raised by our 4th Annual Honey Bash Gala for Brain Aneurysm Research and Awareness to over $175,000!
We would like to extend an enormous thank you to all of our supporters, whether or not you could attend the event, and to all of our sponsors, without whom this event would not have been possible. We can’t wait to start planning for Honey Bash 2018.
