Las Vegas' NF Hope Concert Celebrates 10 Years of Raising Funds and Awareness for NF

Author: NF Hope Concert

Published On: 09/25/2020

2020 Event Goes Completely Virtual with Performances, Auction Prizes and “At Home” VIP Packages

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Las Vegas’ most prominent entertainers, music lovers and philanthropists will once again join forces against neurofibromatosis at the 10th Annual NF Hope Concert.  In store for 2020, benefit organizers Jeff Leibow, formerly of “Jersey Boys,” and his wife Melody, have decided to embrace the needed trend of bringing their event to supporters virtually. For the first time, people from around the world can attend the Las Vegas NF Hope Concert on Sunday, October 18th, 5-7PM PT. The concert will be streamed LIVE on NF Hope Concert’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. For 2020, guests can upgrade their experience with an “NF Hope Concert Watch Party” package, giving them a VIP experience in their living room with access to the show and dinner delivered from a popular local restaurant. All details can be found at www.10yearsofhope.givesmart.com. 

Since the inaugural event in 2011, the “NF Hope Concert” has grown by leaps and bounds, with more than $900,000 raised for Neurofibromatosis research and advocacy and growing to three cities – Las Vegas, New York City and Chicago. 2020 hopes to bring the benefit show to more than $1 million raised in 10 years. “We know times in 2020 are challenging, but we owe it to our Neurofibromatosis warriors to keep raising awareness and much needed funds for research and advocacy,” said Melody Leibow.  Hosted by consummate emcee and top radio personality, Chet Buchanan, 2020’s NF Hope Concert features Clint Holmes, Ashley Fuller, John Bayless, Daniel Emmet, Elly Brown and more, along with Jeff and Melody Leibow with a special guest appearance by daughter Emma.

Supporters are encouraged to make an evening of the event by upgrading their experience with an “NF Hope Concert Watch Party” package including dinner from their favorite NF Hope partner restaurant (a list of available restaurants available online soon).  Packages include “The Whole Family” – includes delivered dinner for eight for $500, “A Couple of Couples” – includes delivered dinner for four for $250 and “Just the Two of Us” – includes delivered dinner for two for $125.  An upgraded restaurant experience is also available.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder of the nervous system characterized by tumors that can grow on any nerve in the body without warning. Leibow’s young daughter, Emma, was diagnosed with this condition in 2010 when she was just nine months old. As Leibow and his wife, Melody, learned more about the disorder’s devastating effects, they conceived the idea for the concert with the realization that they had an obligation to both their family and the 128,000 people living with NF to educate others about the disorder. 2019 was a difficult year for the family with Emma undergoing the second of what will likely be five surgeries necessitated by a tumor in her leg.  Emma’s subsequent surgery was postponed due to travel concerns as a result of COVID. Although it is a common genetic disorder, most people are not aware that one in 2,500 people are born with it making it more common than cystic fibrosis, hereditary muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease, and Tay Sachs combined.

Every year, Emma supplies endless optimism and encouragement for Leibow and his wife, filling them with the inspiration needed to make this event a success. “Emma’s resiliency, especially during this pandemic, has been an incredible reminder that any challenge can be overcome,” said Jeff Leibow.  “And as we continue to face the challenges NF lays in our path, Emma’s strength and resiliency and the generosity of this community  not only fills us with hope, but also leaves us truly without words.”   Earlier this year, Emma was supposed to travel to LA for her next MRI (No. 20 in only 11 years of life) to monitor the growth of the massive tumor in her leg and the new brain tumor doctors discovered in 2018, but concerns about COVID, especially in LA, has postponed these necessary scans. “This year has brought a new layer to our concerns to Emma’s NF journey,” said Leibow, “and it is why we will reinvent and adapt however necessary to continue fighting for her and the NF community, and we won’t stop until there is a cure.”

In addition to an evening of exclusive performances, the NF Hope Concert also features a fun silent auction with socially-distanced experiences for the whole family.  NF supporters can bid on “Celebrity Zooms” with renown spiritual healer Gary Spivey, an unforgettable session with Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny and much more. Access the silent auction, watch parties, and more at www.10yearsofhope.givesmart.com. For more information on NF Hope, visit www.nfhope.org. You can follow NF Hope on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For 2020, the NF Hope Concert honors one of their long-standing sponsor, All Western Mortgage with the Advocate of Hope Award for their tireless efforts to support the organization.  The 2020 NF Hope Concert is sponsored by Springworks Therapeutics, All Western Mortgage, Las Vegas Sands Corporation/Sands Cares, Papillion Grand Canyon Helicopters, PENTA Building Group, and Findley Toyota.  Additional sponsorships are available; sponsors will receive a delivered dinner in lieu of VIP tickets this year.