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18th Annual MDA Atlanta Night of Hope Gala to Benefit ALS Research Spotlights the Byars Family and Honors Choate Construction Company
Atlanta, GA – Monday, February 10, 2025 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) announced today the 18th Annual MDA Atlanta Night of Hope Gala to benefit ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) research, is set to take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at The InterContinental Buckhead Hotel in Atlanta. This extraordinary community event continues its legacy as one of the nation’s largest fundraisers for ALS research, raising over $12 million since its inception in 2006. For more information on purchasing tickets, becoming a sponsor, or to donate click here.
This year’s gala amplifies the story of April and Guy Byars and how their family is living with April’s ALS diagnosis, the vital role of community, hope, and the groundbreaking work of the MDA/ALS Care Center at Emory University.
“Receiving an ALS diagnosis is a life-altering moment, but we’ve found strength in the support from our community, the incredible care from the MDA/ALS Care Center at Emory University, and the hope that events like the MDA Atlanta Night of Hope Gala bring to families like ours,” said April Byars. “We are honored to share our journey at this year’s gala to raise awareness and funding for the fight against ALS.”
The event will also honor Choate Construction Company, a founding sponsor and unwavering supporter of the MDA Atlanta Night of Hope Gala since its beginning. Recognized as one of the largest general contractors in the Southeast, Choate Construction exemplifies corporate citizenship, contributing significantly to advancing ALS research and care.
“On behalf of Choate Construction, we are deeply honored to receive the 2025 Steve Ennis Hope Award. Mr. Ennis’ legacy is one of faith and determination, serving as a beacon of hope and a reminder that we are not defined by what happens to us, but by how we choose to move forward in the face of life-altering challenges,” said Matt Brewer, President & CEO for Choate Construction Company. “While we remain steadfast in our commitment to help fight this disease, the real heroes are the families, caregivers, researchers, and patients who face the challenges of ALS head-on every day. We are proud to fight alongside them and the MDA in the mission to find a cure.”
“ALS is a devastating disease that affects not only patients but entire families,” said John Sellers, DIRECTV “My wife, Rebecca, and I are honored to serve as Co-Chairs for the 2025 MDA Night of Hope Gala, and stand alongside the many sponsors, donors and supporters in support of ALS research. Together, we are not only raising awareness but also providing hope for the countless individuals and families affected by ALS.”
MDA’s Funding of ALS Research
Since the 1950s, MDA has invested over $178 million in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) research, along with millions more to support multidisciplinary medical teams within the MDA Care Center Network. With more than 150 locations nationwide, including 47 designated MDA/ALS Care Centers at top medical institutions, MDA ensures individuals diagnosed with ALS have access to expert care and are connected to clinical trials faster than ever before. As a result of this investment, the number of ALS clinical trials has increased significantly. In 2023, the FDA approved Qalsody (tofersen), the first treatment specifically targeting a genetic form of ALS caused by mutations in the SOD1 gene—an advancement made possible through decades of research. Watch the MDA ALS story here.
MDA’s support of multidisciplinary care throughout the MDA Care Center Network includes a team of healthcare providers working together to manage the complex needs of the disease, potentially leading to an extended lifespan and improved quality of life for people living with ALS and related neuromuscular diseases. This approach is considered the best practice, with research showing that multidisciplinary clinics can significantly improve survival rates compared to standard care.
In an Emory Healthcare story, Jonathan Glass, MD, MDA Care Center Director of the MDA/ALS Care Center at Emory School of Medicine said, “Every patient has their own version of this disease. As a specialist, we might see a thousand different presentations, and patients might progress in a thousand different ways. But eventually, it all ends up in the same place. This is a complicated disease. Instead of people having to go from office to office with difficulties in transportation and movement, as well as additional cost, we bring people to Emory with all our practitioners.”
About MDA’s Steve Ennis Hope Award
This annual gala was founded by Holly and Palmer Proctor in honor of Holly’s father, Steve Ennis, who inspired the creation of this event through his strength and determination during his battle with ALS. The MDA Atlanta Night of Hope Gala to benefit ALS Research brings together the philanthropic community, business leaders, and families affected by ALS to raise funds, awareness, and hope for the ALS community. In 2010, the Hope Award was created to honor Steve Ennis, former chairman of the board of Coca-Cola Bottling Works of Tullahoma. Steve was diagnosed with ALS in July 2005 and lost his battle with the disease in January 2012. His strength, determination and hope have remained a cornerstone of this event and its supporters. Each year, it is an honor to recognize an individual or organization that has shown a commitment to supporting critical research, care and advocacy for the ALS Community.
MDA Night of Hope Committee
2025 Co-Chairs: John & Rebecca Sellers
Lisa Barr, Guy Byars, Alisa Cain, Jordan Cain, Debra Cox, Jordan Ennis, Chris Gant, Lindsay Cox-Gecsy, Abbey Glass, Libby Patrick, Bill & Brigitte Peck, Rachel Pourchier, Holly & Palmer Proctor, Amy Spivia, Jordan Tessaro.
MDA Night of Hope Sponsors
Presenting: CITGO Petroleum Corporation
Champions: Choate Construction, Control Southern, DIRECTV, MasTec Advanced Technologies, Sierra
Stars: Ameris Bank, Asurion, Big Green Egg, DIRECTV for Business, Raymond James, Sandy Ennis, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, SYNERGIES3 TEC SERVICES
Media partners: Modern Luxury - The Atlantan, Matt Golden Films
Please visit the event website for a full list of event sponsors. Updates will be posted here.
Email media inquiries to press@mdausa.org.
About Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular conditions. For 75 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating support and inclusion of families living with neuromuscular disease. MDA's mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org and follow MDA on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube
About Muscular Dystrophy Association’s 75th Anniversary
In 2025, the Muscular Dystrophy Association proudly marks 75 years legacy, impact and momentum in the fight against neuromuscular diseases. Since our founding, MDA has been at the forefront of research breakthroughs, providing access to comprehensive care, and championing the rights of people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular diseases. This milestone has been made possible by generations of dedicated support from people living with neuromuscular disease, their families, researchers, clinicians, volunteers, and donors—who boldly drive our mission forward. As we look ahead, we remain committed to honoring this legacy, building on the impact we’ve made together, and continuing our momentum toward transformative progress for people living with neuromuscular disorders.
