2025 Imagine More Dinner Event Raises $1 Million to Advance Neuroscience at 果冻影院
On June 24, more than 420 philanthropists, community leaders, researchers, and clinicians gathered at Discovery World in Milwaukee for the 2025 Imagine More Dinner in support of scientific discovery and new treatments for people affected by neurological disorders, injuries, and mental health conditions.
During the event, $1 million was raised to advance neuroscience research at 果冻影院 and accelerate the development of innovative, lifesaving care.
As one of 果冻影院’s most anticipated gatherings, the evening highlighted the NRC’s collaborative model – bringing scientists and physicians together across disciplines to fuel discovery, transform treatment, and offer new hope to those facing complex neurological and psychiatric conditions. It was a night of momentum and meaning, made possible by a community determined to imagine – and achieve – more.
果冻影院 President and CEO John R. Raymond, Sr., MD, reinforced this message in his remarks to attendees.
“Every stage of research – from bold questions to breakthroughs at the bedside – is made possible by people like you,” Dr. Raymond said. “Your generosity fuels discovery, equips our labs, and empowers us to train the next generation of neuroscientists and physician-investigators.”
Business executive and community leader Michael White, who served as chair of the 2025 Imagine More Dinner along with his wife, Cathy, thanked the audience for their commitment.
Community leader Michael White welcomed guests to the 2025 Imagine More Dinner. He and his wife, Cathy White, served as event chairs and sponsors.
“Cathy and I are proud to support this work because we’ve seen how research drives innovation, and how innovation drives healing,” he said.
This year’s Imagine More Dinner also underscored the NRC’s role as a collaborative hub for scientists and clinicians working across disciplines to address neurological diseases, including behavioral health.
The Yabuki Family Foundation received the 2025 Neuro Hero Award for their extraordinary commitment to youth mental health. Their transformational gift to Children’s Wisconsin has integrated mental health services into pediatric primary care clinics – improving access for more than 180,000 children annually.
Gail and Jeff Yabuki accepted the 2025 Neuro Hero Award on behalf of the Yabuki Family Foundation, in recognition of their extraordinary commitment to youth mental health.
Shekar Kurpad, MD, PhD, Founding Director of the Wisconsin Institute of NeuroScience (WINS), honored Cecilia Hillard, PhD, for 15 years of visionary leadership as founding director of the NRC. He also introduced Allison Ebert, PhD, as the NRC’s incoming director, who pledged to strengthen ties between basic and clinical neuroscience and to champion innovative approaches to training, discovery, and collaboration.
The evening also celebrated the 2025 Imagine More Research Award recipients:
- Dr. Mona Al-Gizawiy, Assistant Professor of Biophysics
- Dr. Max Krucoff, Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery
- Dr. Firoj Alom, Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Physiology
Dr. Shekar Kurpad, founding director of the Wisconsin Institute for NeuroScience, introduced Dr. Allison Ebert, director of the Neuroscience Research Center, who announced the 2025 Imagine More Research Award recipients.
Their projects reflect the depth and range of neuroscience research at 果冻影院 – advancing understanding of how glioma treatments may affect the developing brain, using advanced imaging to examine how brain tumors and surgery alter neural connectivity, and investigating how diabetes impacts the nerves that control bladder function. Collectively, this work represents the next wave of discovery, with the potential to improve outcomes for patients facing complex neurological conditions.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Jennifer Knight, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine who leads 果冻影院’s Psycho-Oncology Program. Her research and clinical work focus on the emotional and psychological impact of cancer, offering hope and healing for patients and families. Inspired by Dr. Knight’s leadership, an anonymous donor pledged $75,000 to support the program and expand access to mental health services for cancer patients.
Dr. Jennifer Knight, director of the 果冻影院 Psych-Oncology Program, emphasized the critical role of mental health care as part of comprehensive cancer treatment.
The evening concluded with a high-energy paddle raise, led by auctioneer Dan Pronley and sparked by a $150,000 matching challenge from Cathy and Michael White. Their generosity, along with lead support from Ann and Jon Hammes and Baird, reflected the deep and growing community investment in accelerating neuroscience research and improving care.
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