Event Recap

WALKING WITH ANTHONY’S STAND UP FOR A CAUSE CHARITY SOIRÉE RAISES OVER $450,000 FOR SPINAL CORD INJURY SURVIVORS

Evening soirée honored the late NBA Icon Jerry West, and Peter Wilderotter, former President & CEO of The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

Newport Beach, CA (November 7, 2024) – On October 25, 2024, Walking With Anthony’s Stand Up for a Cause charity soirée at Newport Beach’s Balboa Bay Resort delivered an unforgettable evening, raising more than $450,000 to support individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). This impactful event, coinciding with National Disability Employment Awareness Month, highlighted the importance of inclusion and empowerment for individuals with disabilities.

In a moving tribute, Blain Skinner, long-time LA Lakers Front Office Executive, accepted an award on behalf of the West family, honoring the late NBA legend Jerry West for his commitment to supporting Walking With Anthony from inception. Peter Wilderotter, former president & CEO of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, was in attendance and honored for his unwavering commitment to improving lives in the SCI community. Mike Barwis, founder & CEO of Barwis Performance Centers served as a special motivational guest speaker. Guests were also treated to a sneak peek of DARUMA, a powerful new feature-length film executive produced by Peter Farrelly, set to release on November 15 in select theaters across the country. This cross-promotional partnership with DARUMA underscores Walking With Anthony’s dedication to raising awareness for SCI through meaningful media.

“This extraordinary evening proved the impact of community, raising essential funds and awareness to support SCI survivors and their families on their journey toward recovery and empowerment,” said Anthony Purcell, Walking With Anthony’s Executive Director. “We remain committed to changing the perception of spinal cord injury recovery and ensuring that no one faces this journey alone.”

The event featured notable red-carpet appearances, including DARUMA’s lead actors Tobias Forrest, a quadriplegic actor, (received the Christopher Reeve Acting Award presented by Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin), and John W. Lawson, a double-hand amputee (honored with the Best Actor award at the Slamdance Film Festival). Other esteemed guests included DARUMA’s director Alexander Yellen and writer-producer Kelli McNeil-Yellen, alongside Walking With Anthony founder Micki Purcell and Executive Director Anthony Purcell.

Adding to the night’s star power, MMA champions Ian McCall and Rampage Jackson attended the soiree to show support, in addition to several influential figures in the SCI community who made an appearance, including social media sensations Anthony Sanchez, Taran Nolan, Kevin Ortiz, and Natalie Buchoz. Each of these influencers, known for raising awareness about SCI and advocating for disability representation, brought significant visibility to the cause, amplifying the soirée’s message of support and solidarity.

“We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, whose generosity and commitment have made this unforgettable evening possible,” said Micki Purcell, Founder of Walking With Anthony. “Their support not only helps us raise critical funds but also brings hope and healing to spinal cord injury survivors and their families. Together, we’re changing lives and showing that recovery is within reach. Thank you for standing with us in our mission to make a difference.”

Sponsors include The West Family, Titos Vodka, JP Morgan Private Bank, Round Table Financial, BioXcellerator Stem Cell Therapy, MZT Technology, Nuggets & Carats, Darian Merage Foundation, Nolan Brands, Hardy Windows, JetBlue, EverBank, ADP, Syltbar, Memorial Care, and Deneka Waddell Real Estate. Venue Partner: Balboa Bay Resort and Media Partner: Riviera Magazine. Event Production: Elite OC Productions

About Walking With Anthony

Born from Anthony Purcell’s personal experience and his mother Micki’s determination to change the course of his future, Walking With Anthony is a non-profit organization with the mission to forever change the recovery outcome of Spinal Cord Injury, currently perceived as unchangeable.  The organization is dedicated to raising awareness of the impact of SCI, raising funds to provide financial assistance directly to SCI survivors, expanding rehabilitation centers, and supporting research relating to SCI rehabilitation. For more information, please visit www.walkingwithanthony.org.

###

Media Contact:

Bright Idea PR

Aimee Adler Cooke | 561-302-6902 | aimeea@brightideapr.com