Barrow Neurological Foundation raises over $4.3 million through Neuro Night

Barrow Neurological Foundation raised over $4.3 million through Neuro Night in support of Barrow Neurological Institute. The event, held on Friday, March 4, 2022, at the brand-new Barrow Neuroplex was co-chaired by Barrow Neurological Foundation Board of Trustees members Donna Johnson and Cheryl Najafi, with award-winning actress, New York Times bestselling author, and activist Sharon Stone as the Neuro Night Honoree. Neuro Night was a star-studded, intimate event like never experienced before in Arizona.

Co-chair Cheryl Najafi stated, “The event was a huge success because of the world-class research and care that happens at Barrow every day. The sold-out audience was a testament that our guests, sponsors, and donors know how fortunate we are to have this level of expert and compassionate care in Arizona.” Co-chair Donna Johnson added, “Neuro Night was certainly a memorable experience, and we are profoundly grateful for the generosity of all in supporting research and care that will change and save lives.”

After exiting their vehicles, guests made their way down the Barrow Blue Carpet, where they were greeted by the Barrow Emergency Stroke Treatment Unit and robotics used for neuro-rehabilitation in an impressive display of innovation. Inside, an aerialist dazzled with stunning acrobatics as guests made their way up to the fifth floor of the Barrow Neuroplex, which was transformed into a spectacular, action-packed entertainment venue for the evening. Over 450 guests mingled amidst jazz-club style tables and lounge seating while enjoying live entertainment, immersive installations, a premium hosted bar, plated hors d’oeuvres, and exquisite culinary creations. Headlining entertainment included emcee Jen Kober, actress and singer Joely Fisher, comedian Bobby Miyamoto, Grouplove’s Hannah Hooper and Christian Zucconi, illusionist Max Lukian, comedian and actress Tig Notaro, musician Hudson Thames, the Fisher and Thames band, EPIK Dance Company, and more.

The highlight of the evening came when Sharon Stone took the stage and inspired guests with her story of how Barrow Neurological Institute President and CEO Michael T. Lawton, MD, saved her life after she suffered a ruptured aneurysm that eventually led to a massive stroke.

“The majority of people who go through what happened to me do not survive, let alone recover. I’m able to be here today walking and talking because of Dr. Lawton,” said Stone, expressing her gratitude for the Barrow doctor.

Along with Stone’s moving tribute was a dynamic live auction featuring an array of money-can’t-buy experiences, all in support of patient care, medical education, and groundbreaking research at Barrow.

“When I took the helm at Barrow in 2017, I presented a vision called Barrow 3.0. An integral part of that vision has now been realized with the opening of the Barrow Neuroplex,” said Dr. Lawton. “The tremendous support from our philanthropic community through Neuro Night in celebration of this milestone was truly unprecedented. Their generosity will help pave the way for Barrow to become a global destination center of excellence in neuroscience.”

The Foundation extends a special thank you to Neuro Night committee members Donna Johnson, Cheryl Najafi, Sandy Hecomovich, Ellen Katz, Margot Knight, Shannon Mishkin, Jamie Andersen, Juliette Barkdull, Bonnie Brovitz, Emily Dietz, Jacqui Firestone, Shannon Hinkson, Mary Lawton, Brooke Levy, Stacy Lovell, Melissa Perlman, Jill Riley, and Stacy Tucker.

“Neuro Night represented a truly special way to recognize Barrow Neurological Institute’s advancements in treating the most debilitating of neurological conditions, and to celebrate the new Barrow Neuroplex building; a space where the next cure could be discovered. The event would not have been possible without the dedicated team who came together to create a very magical experience,” said Katie Cobb, President of Barrow Neurological Foundation. “Certainly without the guidance of the Barrow Neurological Foundation Board of Trustees, we wouldn’t have had the inspiration to imagine an evening like this, and because of Sharon Stone’s insightful guidance and the passion, ambition, and leadership of our two incredible co-chairs, Donna Johnson and Cheryl Najafi, Neuro Night became a world-class event. Of course, the real heroes of the evening were our donors, and their generosity was the catalyst to the success of the event.”