Last night we were honored to officially dedicate The Edmond J. Safra Conference Room at our office in New York City. To mark the occasion we were thrilled to welcome Mrs. Lily Safra for a formal dedication ceremony. Mrs. Safra and The Edmond J. Safra Foundation have been steadfast supporters and true partners of The Michael J. Fox Foundation from our very earliest days.

At the dedication ceremony, Mrs. Safra, Michael J. Fox and CEO Todd Sherer spoke on the longstanding partnership between The Edmond J. Safra Foundation and The Michael J. Fox Foundation.  Todd Sherer said: “The Edmond J. Safra Foundation goes far beyond providing financial support for our initiatives. They’ve been there for us, and they trust us.” Michael added, “Lily’s personal generosity, and The Edmond J. Safra Foundation’s grant-making, has allowed us to engage more of the world’s best scientists and explore many new and innovative ideas.”

Mrs. Safra then addressed guests, saying, “I am so moved by this wonderful memorial you have dedicated to my husband, Edmond, and I know how touched he would have been by it.” She added, “I am so proud to be part of this extraordinary organization.  I wish you strength and wisdom as you continue your vital work.”

Dedicating a space often evokes the legacy of a name. But to us, this is about the legacy of a spirit. We honor the Safras’ incredible spirit of compassion and determination to make a real difference for people with Parkinson’s disease. Edmond J. Safra’s name is well-suited to a space where people gather in the name of progress toward a cure.