“Every time I come to this event, I feel very hopeful and optimistic,” said actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key, reacting to The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s (MJFF) significant advancements in research throughout recent years while he spoke on the red carpet of the annual gala, A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to Cure Parkinson’s.

“It’s nice to support something when you see the impact is really happening – especially with the discovery of this scientific biomarker. Now they are able to find Parkinson’s in people sooner and hopefully treat it sooner.”

On Saturday, November 16, nearly 700 friends and supporters gathered for a magnificent evening at Cipriani South Street at Casa Cipriani in New York City. Attendees joined MJFF to celebrate a momentous year of advancements in research and Parkinson’s disease (PD) science — building on last year’s groundbreaking discovery of a biomarker.

Since its start in 2000, MJFF has funded $2 billion in high-impact research programs — of which the gala has helped raise more than $118 million, including $4 million at the 2024 event alone. Thanks to the Foundation’s Board of Directors, 100 percent of proceeds from the evening are rapidly deployed to support the Foundation’s momentum toward a cure. 

“He’s like the face of this disease. And, we’re all following behind,” said Stevie Nicks on the red carpet as she stood alongside her dear friend Lisa Volanec who has lived with PD since 2014.  “It’s incredibly important to me to help her and to help Michael’s Foundation. We’ve all been watching him since he was a little kid. Who better to lead the army against this.”

Host Denis Leary opened the show with his lively band, The Enablers. The evening also featured high-energy comedy performances from Alex Edelman, Zarna Garg and Roy Wood Jr. Legendary hockey player and MJFF Gala Co-Chair, Henrik Lundqvist introduced the Foundation’s moving film, written and produced by Foundation Board member and Michael’s longtime producing partner, Nelle Fortenberry. The inspiring film featured the daunting journey of four individuals, dubbed Team Human Powered Potential — who rowed 2,800 miles across the Pacific Ocean in 41 days to raise $41 million to support the Foundation's mission toward a cure. (Learn more about Team Human Powered Potential here.)

13-time GRAMMY-winning artist and headliner Stevie Nicks played hits including, “Gypsy,” “Stand Back,” “Rhiannon,” “Landslide,” “Edge of Seventeen,” and “Stop Draggin' My Heart Around.” Special musical guest Maggie Rogers joined Stevie Nicks and Michael J. Fox for an unforgettable finale on stage that had the crowd on their feet, dancing and singing along to Led Zeplin’s “Rock and Roll.”

Many of Michael’s closest friends gathered to attend the event including Ali Wentworth and George Stephanopoulos; Clark Gregg; Elle and Keegan-Michael Key; Joan Jett; Katie Couric and John Molner; Meg Ryan; Richard Kind; Willie and Christina Geist; and many more.

During their remarks on stage, Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan expressed their gratitude for the power of community in driving the Foundation’s ambitious mission.

Reflecting on the tremendous impact the Foundation has had on research funding over the years, Tracy shared: “The Fox Foundation has surpassed the amount of funding that the U.S. federal government spends each year on Parkinson’s research. We now fund more Parkinson’s science than anyone in the world.”

Speaking exclusively with People Magazine, Michael J. Fox shared his gratitude for the generosity and dedication of friends and supporters in the room:

“I can’t believe — a lot of these people I’ve known for years and years — they’re so kind to me. I think because they see an opportunity for a win, for a big advancement, and that’s what we’re working toward.”

Read more of Michael’s reflections on what this event means to him and the Foundation’s incredible progress over the years in his exclusive interviews with Entertainment Tonight and People Magazine. 

And check out these top highlights from the 2024 #FoxGala.