Our 7th annual I Hope You Dance Gala was held at the Atlantis Hotel Casino and Spa on September 15, 2011. This year we honored our great friends, and tireless supporters, R&R Partners Foundation with the Lifetime Achievement award for their many years of hard work. R&R Partners has been dedicated to helping the institute bring NID out of the shadows by donating their talented staff, financial contributions and priceless advice and expertise. Chris Cairns, was honored as the Outstanding Advocate of 2011 for his endless efforts to bring awareness of, and a voice to, the patients most in need. Chris in turn honored WPI by presenting a donation of $10,000 he personally raised to support the efforts of WPI.

John Farahi, owner of the Atlantis, graciously announced during the event that all of the evening's proceeds would be donated back to WPI. Our guests danced to country music by Rick Hays and American Steel with a special guest appearance by Nashville recording artist Suzi Oravec. Suzi's story is close to our hearts. Her aunt suffers from Lyme disease and her mother passed away from pancreatic cancer. Suzi donated her talent and WPI supporters raised the money to bring her here. Many people have commented this was our best event yet, and we thank the Atlantis, our sponsors, WPI staff and volunteers for helping to make that happen.

On September 12, 2009 WPI celebrated the 5th Annual I Hope You Dance gala fundraiser at the Peppermill Resort Casino in Reno. Some 400 people celebrated the past year of WPI accomplishments, and looked forward to the exciting year ahead. We raised over $400,000 to support WPI, and received additional pledges and major building support gifts from some of our donors.

This year’s honorary chairs were Michael and Moniquia Lee, along with their business, Lee Brothers Leasing. The Lees were wonderful hosts who helped by donating several silent auction items and selling many tickets to the event. Special WPI friend Pete Ernaut was our emcee, and helped “gently” roast this year’s honorees, State Senator William Raggio and his wife Dale.

Senator Raggio helped lead the effort to secure State funding for the Center for Molecular Medicine, our new home at the University of Nevada. In addition, he helped secure operating funds for the Institute, as well as supporting a strong School of Medicine at the University. Since first being elected to the Nevada State Senate in 1972, Bill Raggio has championed education and healthcare his entire career. Dale Raggio has long been a dedicated voice for improved access to health care and has been recognized by the American Heart Association for her volunteer commitment.

Joining WPI in honoring Senator and Dale Raggio was fellow State Senator Bernice Mathews, and Congressman Dean Heller. They told some of their favorite stories about working with Senator Raggio over the years, as well as adding their own thoughts about how deserving the Raggios were of this recognition.

The Jeff Leap Orchestra provided great music to go along with the upscale 1950’s theme of the evening. Guests danced to a variety of their favorite songs while enjoying the great hospitality of the Peppermill, and signature drinks created just for this event by Southern Wine and Spirits.

WPI would like to thank all of the many friends who donated to the evening, and especially recognize our major sponsors: The Whittemore Family Foundation; Rodney and Evelyn Smallwood; The E.L. Cord Foundation; the Frear families; Larry Ruvo and Southern Wine and Spirits; and R&R Partners, who provided financial support, and production and creative services.