Inner-View Barrow Neurological Institute 2022

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.

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.

Donna: We also have Marilu Henner signed up as our Master of Ceremonies. Have you seen her on the 60-Minutes episode, about people who remember every second of their life? She is literally going to blow your mind.

Cheryl: Broadway actress, singer and producer, Joely Fisher is bringing her world-class talent and expertise, creating the run-of-show, which will include some incredible performances alongside her. With Joely at the helm, the night will be a sensory medley of song, dance, and comedy and in a way most of us have never experienced.

What’s in store for sponsors and donors participating at the event?

Cheryl: Any ticket to this event will yield a night worth remembering. With our raw event space set up as theatre in the round with jazz club style seating, our guests will have an intimate connection with the night’s performances. The perks that accompany event sponsors at the $100K level and above are also quite dazzling. You’ll get elite access to a VIP dinner party with Sharon along with many other surprise guests that night and haute cuisine from Chef Beau McMillian of the Sanctuary Resort.

Have you thought about what you’re going to wear?

Donna: Neither of us have gotten that far, but we do know Sharon will be wearing an exquisite necklace, to be featured in the live auction. Diamonds really are a girl’s best friend.

How can people participate with Neuro Night?

Cheryl: Go to NeuroNight.Org to buy tickets, or to explore VIP sponsorship opportunities. You really don’t want to miss this event.