הכוכבים התיישרו בערב 2023 עם הפמליה של אמילי: הצפון האמיתי

We are truly seeing stars! On Saturday, October 14, 2023, Emily’s Entourage (EE) held our annual Evening with Emily’s Entourage gala, “True North,” and raised a staggering $1.3M — more than any gala in EE history!!! 

Held at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, this annual event brought together business and philanthropic leaders, young professionals, community members from the greater Philadelphia region, and members of the biotech and life science industries from across the nation united in their commitment to driving critical cystic fibrosis (CF) research.

This year’s theme, “True North,” was inspired by the concept of the North Star. It represents EE’s singular goal to accelerate breakthroughs for the final 10% of the CF community that does not benefit from mutation-targeted therapies — EE’s reason for being. The North Star is also a navigational tool that serves as a guiding light. This year’s True North theme celebrates the progress EE has achieved over the past 12 years. For the first time ever, we’re seeing significant progress towards that singular goal with multiple therapies that have begun or are soon beginning clinical trials for those in the final 10%. 

The night began with a champagne toast and brief remarks exclusively for VIP sponsors, Champions, and esteemed guests with a panoramic view of the Philadelphia skyline. One of those speakers was Bijal Trivedi, award-winning journalist and author of Breath of Salt. As more attendees joined the event, they were greeted with drinks, snacks, and warm welcomes from the Kramer-Golinkoff family, who were present from the safety of a separate, private tent on the premises to safeguard them from infections due to EE Co-Founder Emily Kramer-Golinkoff’s advanced-stage CF. 

After the VIP reception, guests headed to a second tent for the program, which was also streamed live for our supporters around the world. Coby Kramer-Golinkoff, board member and Emily’s brother, emceed the evening’s events, welcoming both in-person and virtual attendees. He shared more about Emily’s CF journey, and the momentum behind the work happening at EE. Coby described the real, tangible hope in the CF community, and with breakthroughs for the final 10% finally illuminated thanks to the breathtaking research and drug development progress.

“When we started EE in 2011, we had no idea what we were doing, and no idea how to get there. What we did know however, is what we were trying to achieve — fast breakthroughs and a cure for the final 10% of the CF population that does not benefit from existing therapies… In the 12 years since founding Emily’s Entourage, a lot has changed, but that singular purpose, our True North, has never wavered. Every single day, every single decision is guided by our goal. It’s our reason for being and it’s what has allowed us to grow into the impactful organization that we are today.” – Coby Kramer-Golinkoff

Coby continued, sharing EE’s genuine gratitude for all of the generous sponsors, supporters, in-kind donors, and EE staff members who made the night possible, including Presenting Sponsor, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Dream Team Sponsors, cystetic Medicines, Inc. and Boehringer Ingelheim; Individual Presenting Sponsors Jill and Mark Fishman, Marcia and Ned Kaplin, and Eli and Pauline Nierman Family Foundation; and in-kind donors Harvest Seasonal, Color Reflections, Score a Score, and so many more. 

Next up, Phil Wachs — dear friend of the Kramer-Golinkoff family, EE long-time supporter, and th cousin of this year’s honoree, Pearl Graub Goldstein. Phil shared a few words and introduced the evening’s honorees, Dr. Billy and Evelyn Graub (of blessed memory), David and Pearl Graub Goldstein, and Gabe and Ariel Amzallag. Pearl and Ariel spoke movingly about their family’s personal connection to CF, having lost two beloved family members (Kathy and Lee Graub, Pearl’s sister and brother, and Ariel’s aunt and uncle) to CF far too early many decades ago. Their parents and grandparents, Billy and Evelyn, devoted their lives to finding a cure for people with CF. Pearl and Ariel shared their connection to the Kramer-Golinkoffs and their family’s commitment to EE. 

"We will not stop until research finds an effective treatment for the last 10% not benefiting from prior successes.” – Pearl Graub Goldstein, Gala Honoree

As the program continued, it was time for a very special moment — to recognize and thank our 2023 EE Champions! Beth Shapiro Lavin, EE board member and clinical trial matchmaking program manager, took the stage to recognize and congratulate the 2023 Champions, philanthropic leaders who have raised money that will help propel EE toward urgent breakthroughs. This year’s group was made up of 19 individuals who raised $22,500 to advance EE’s mission! She then invited Coby on stage to reveal the Champion of the Year, Team Seeking a Cure, who raised $10,700!!

As the momentum built and the night continued, it was time for an exclusive, early preview of EE’s awe-inspiring 2023 campaign video, which aims to answer the question “doesn’t everyone deserve to dream?” Stay tuned — the video will make its public debut in December!

EE Co-Founder, Emily Kramer-Golinkoff, followed the video with her long-awaited remarks. From a tent on the other side of the venue, Emily shared a gripping, heart-wrenching account of when she found out about a new bacteria in her lungs — and the significant impact this news had not only on her, but the people she loved the most in the world. She shared that the hardest parts of CF are not the physical parts, but instead, the impact that the disease has on the people you love most. 

Emily’s story of desperation and vulnerability turned to a story of triumph and new horizons as she described the promising therapeutics funded and advanced by EE that are now in clinical trials, and the tangible hope these clinical programs are giving to the CF community. Emily credited the generosity and devotion of the Entourage with powering the progress. Her speech was met by a standing ovation from the emotional crowd. 

“And so when we talk about speeding breakthroughs, it’s about regaining lung function and reducing infections. It’s about freeing up time, untethering us from the shackles of illness. It’s about giving us the confidence to dream of and pursue a future. And it’s also about releasing the people we love most from the strangling grip of CF on their lives, and finally, letting them be free. That’s what we’re here tonight to do. To dare to dream of a future where we can finally be free.” – Emily Kramer-Golinkoff

Coby returned to the stage with an ambitious objective: to raise $30,000 in just five minutes! The countdown commenced, and attendees eagerly reached for their phones to contribute. Coby was joined by Julia Kramer-Golinkoff as they announced a $10,000 matching donation from a CF family! The air buzzed with anticipation as the donation thermometer climbed, ultimately surpassing the target and hitting a remarkable total of $30,000 to everyone’s sheer amazement!!!

The 2023 Evening with Emily’s Entourage Gala was truly an unforgettable night celebrating both the power of community and the pursuit of breakthroughs for the final 10% of the CF community. 

View the program in its entirety below and check out our event photos כאן and all photos from the photo station here.

Emily’s Entourage extends heartfelt gratitude to each and every single person and member of the Entourage who contributed to the success of the gala. Whether you’ve been part of our journey from the start or joined us for the first time at this gala, your unwavering support propels us forward in our relentless pursuit to accelerate breakthroughs for the last 10%. With your help, we’re closer to a future where 100% of people with CF can finally breathe easier and reach for the stars.