SPOTLIGHT: BARROW NEUROLOGICAL INSTITUTE
Behind the Scenes at Barrow’s Neuro Night What is Neuro Night? Cheryl: Neuro Night is in part, a celebration of the grand opening of the new, state-of-the-art Neuroplex building, within the Barrow Neurological Institute. Donna: We are looking forward to hosting an incredibly unique, sensory experience that helps continue support of the cuttingedge research that takes place at Barrow, every day. Cheryl: It’s truly amazing, being involved with this brilliant organization. Dr. Lawton and the Barrow team have saved and improved so many lives. What has been the most challenging element, planning this event? Donna: We didn’t anticipate how much work goes into the planning an inaugural event. Nothing about the process has been a ‘plug-and-play’, however the innovation happening at Barrow makes it truly, a worthy cause. Cheryl: The event is being hosted in a completely raw space. While I love working with a blank canvas, the logistics involved, transforming the space into a multi-dimensional, experiential night, has required a special level of planning. The event is really going to make all of your senses tingle! What have you been most grateful for, getting Neuro Night organized? Donna: Honestly, this event is nothing without our committee members, and the staff at Barrow Neurological Foundation. Our goal is to knock this event out of the park, and that comes with some aggressive, challenging requests of our team and the people in our community.
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Donna Johnson, Sharon Stone, Michael T. Lawton and Cheryl Najafi
Cheryl: She’s so right. We’ve received so much support from everyone – The Barrow Board of Trustees, the committee, sponsors, donors and the Barrow Foundation team, we’re really having our ‘wish list’ turn into reality. What’s on your Neuro Night ‘wish list’? Donna: Well, if you know anyone who wants to contribute a once-in-a-lifetime, stellar experience for the live auction package, tell them to call us! Cheryl: Yes, call us! We are currently planning to auction off a package for unprecedented access to the McLaren F1 Grand Prix de Monaco. We also have a gorgeous LA Rams gameday package, that includes private air travel, transportation to and from Sofi Stadium, and a state-of-the-art stadium suite. Donna: There’s also a luxury getaway to the Renaissance Club Scotland, a Riviera Golf Club experience, and a 5-night stay at Steven Tyler’s Maui beach house. Talk to us about the entertainment. Donna: It’s going to be amazing. Sharon [Stone], the impetus of this whole event, is so charismatic. When she walks into a room, her energy is visceral – you pay attention. Cheryl: Guests are going to arrive to the Barrow Blue Carpet with Celebrity host, Melissa Rivers. It’s going to be a riot!
