The Details

Friday, December 5, 2025
151 St. George Street, National Harbor

Set against the backdrop of National Harbor’s iconic holiday lights, Play It Forward for a Cure invites our community to come together for an evening unlike any other. This event blends the spirit of community with the energy of Bobby McKey’s Dueling Pianos — all to help rewrite the future for children with de novo SPG4, a nano-rare and progressive neuromuscular disease.

This is more than an event. It’s a statement: that momentum is building. That we’re no longer waiting for change. We’re creating it.

Registration is closed. We look forward to welcoming our attendees to National Harbor on December 5!

Your Evening at a Glance

The Space

A modern, industrial venue in the heart of National Harbor — elevated for the season and steps from the waterfront.
The Entertainment

An interactive, high-energy performance by Bobby McKey’s Dueling Pianos, blending live music, comedy, and crowd favorites.
The Atmosphere

A night lit by holiday lights and driven by purpose — with craft cocktails, delicious bites, and high-energy pianos setting the tone for change.
The Mission

To accelerate research, rally community, and push us closer to the treatments these children urgently need.

Evening Agenda

Time	Experience
6 – 7 pm	Cocktail hour featuring an acoustic set by Dan Fisk. Enjoy a signature cocktail, passed hors d'oeuvres, mingling, and the start of all engagement activities — the Wishing Tree, Step and Repeat, Wine and Whiskey Pull, and Silent Auction.
7 – 8 pm	Dueling Pianos Set 1 and opening remarks to officially begin the evening program.
8 – 8:15 pm	Mission Moment — a powerful look at how your support is advancing research and accelerating the path toward treatment for children with SPG4.
8:15 – 9 pm	Dueling Pianos Set 2 featuring a friendly competition!
9 – 9:20 pm	Intermission and final silent auction bidding before closing at 9:20 pm.
9:20 – 10 pm	Dueling Pianos Set 3 as we celebrate the close of the auction and the success of the evening.
10 – 10:15 pm	Closing and thank you as we reflect on the impact made together.

Highlights

Live Entertainment: A high-energy, request-driven show by Bobby McKey’s Dueling Pianos with an acoustic welcome set by Dan Fisk.
Engagement Activities: The Wishing Tree, Step and Repeat photo wall, Wine and Whiskey Pull, and Silent Auction all open at 6 pm.
Silent Auction: Browse and bid throughout the evening. The auction will officially close at 9:20 pm.
Mission Moment: A brief, powerful update on how your support drives gene therapy, mouse model, and translational research for children with SPG4.
Community Impact: Together, we are turning one night into lasting change — helping to rewrite the future for children with SPG4.

Play It Forward. So They Can Keep Playing, Too.

The children we represent face a rare, degenerative disease with no approved treatment — one that can steal mobility, speech, and independence before they reach middle school. But science is moving. And so are we.

Thanks to this community, we’ve already launched multiple research initiatives — from gene therapy development to disease modeling — and begun laying the groundwork for real therapeutic options. Now, we’re focused on accelerating progress and closing critical gaps — including preclinical studies and clinical trial readiness.

We started this foundation as two families fighting for our daughters. Today, we’re a growing movement — guiding research, connecting institutions, and redefining what’s possible.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Browse the opportunities below, or access the sponsorships-at-a-glance PDF here and reserve your spot today.

$10,000

Your company will be recognized as the Event Sponsor, the premier supporter making this entire evening possible.
- Exclusive naming rights as Presented by [Your Company]
- Speaking opportunity during the program
- Recognition in press releases
- Full-page ad in the event program
- Sponsor table with premier placement and full display rights
- Reserved VIP table for 8 guests valued at $2,400 (includes premium seating, open bar, and recognition in events program)
- Premier logo placement across all event materials (online and in person)
- Featured sponsor spotlight in our email blast (large logo, company description, quote from leadership, links)

$7,500

Choice of One Signature Sponsorship (first-come, first-served):
- Venue – Signage at the entrance with acknowledgment as Venue Sponsor
- Dinner – Branded signage at food stations and in printed menu cards
- Decor – Recognition on centerpieces or decor elements with tasteful logo display
- Half-page ad in the event program (priority placement)
- Sponsor table with priority placement and full display rights
- 6 VIP tickets valued at $1,800 (includes premium seating, open bar, and recognition in event program)
- Priority logo placement across all event materials (online and in person)
- Sponsor spotlight in our email blast (medium logo, description, link)
- Sponsors selecting a signature option will be recognized on signage at their sponsored item (e.g., dinner, photo booth, bar).

$5,000

Choice of One Signature Sponsorship (first-come, first-served):
- Entertainment – Stage mention during entertainment + signage near performance area
- Photo Booth – Logo on photo booth prints and signage at booth
- Staffing – Signage at check-in and volunteer badge recognition
- Emcee – Verbal thank-you from the emcee + name/logo on stage
- Half-page ad in the event program
- Sponsor table with standard placement and full display rights
- 4 VIP Tickets valued at $1,200 (includes premium seating, open bar, and recognition in event program)
- Priority logo placement across all event materials (online and in person)
- Sponsor spotlight in our email blast (medium logo, description, link)
- Sponsors selecting a signature option will be recognized on signage at their sponsored item (e.g., dinner, photo booth, bar).

$2,500

Choice of One Signature Sponsorship (first-come, first-served):
- Swag – Logo included on event swag bags
- Photography – Recognition on shared photo galleries + signage
- Tables/Centerpieces – Logo/name included on each table card or centerpiece signage
- Bar – Custom signage at bar(s) acknowledging your support
- Opportunity to display promotional item and literature on a shared sponsor table
- 2 VIP Tickets valued at $600 (includes premium seating, open bar, and recognition in event program)
- Standard logo placement across all event materials (online and in person)
- Recognition in sponsor email blast (small logo, brief description, link)
- Sponsors selecting a signature option will be recognized on signage at their sponsored item (e.g., dinner, photo booth, bar).

$1,000

Choice of One Signature Sponsorship (first-come, first-served):
- Auction – Signage at auction display and recognition in auction software platform
- A/V – Logo displayed on screens during transitions and thank-you slides
- Tribute Video – Recognition at the beginning or end of video + program mention
- Coat Check – Signage at coat check area acknowledging your support
- Dessert – Signage at dessert stations recognizing your support of the sweet treats
- Opportunity to display promotional item and literature on a shared sponsor table
- Standard logo placement across all event materials (online and in person)
- Recognition in sponsor email blast (small logo, brief description, link)
- Sponsors selecting a signature option will be recognized on signage at their sponsored item (e.g., dinner, photo booth, bar).

Join us as a Sponsor

$500

General recognition across event materials and slideshow. No Signature Sponsorship assignment.
- Opportunity to include company literature on a shared sponsor table
- Supporting logo placement across all event materials (online and in person)
- Recognition listing in sponsor email blast (logo and website link)

Silent Auction

Help power the mission by donating an item, service, or experience to our silent auction.
Popular auction categories include:

Local getaways, hotel stays, or vacation homes
Dining experiences, chef’s tables, and private tastings
Spa and wellness packages
VIP access to sporting events or concerts
Gift cards, curated baskets, and unique services

Submission Deadline: November 15, 2025

All donors will be thanked across digital channels and displayed on signage at the event.

Don’t have a silent auction item to donate? You can still make an impact by helping us build baskets through our Amazon Wishlist.

Submit Your Donation

Hotel Block

The hotel block has closed, but you may still contact the AC Hotel National Harbor to inquire about availability. Rooms may not be available at the group rate.

The Extras

National Harbor is more than just our event venue — it’s a vibrant, walkable waterfront destination filled with dining, shopping, entertainment, and family-friendly attractions. And during the holidays, it transforms into a festive wonderland. It’s the perfect place to relax, celebrate, and make memories after Play It Forward for a Cure.

Seasonal highlights for the weekend of December 5–7:

ICE! at Gaylord National featuring The Polar Express™
A breathtaking walk-through experience featuring over two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures from The Polar Express. Includes indoor snow tubing, slides, and more. Runs November 14 – January 4.
Snow Flow Mountain Ice Tubing
Zoom down four lanes of real ice tubing at Gaylord National’s winter playground — included with ICE! tickets or available separately.
Outdoor Ice Skating at the Harbor
Glide under the stars on the harbor’s scenic outdoor ice rink. Rentals available, with unlimited same-day access.
Holiday Shopping at Tanger Outlets
Knock out your holiday shopping at over 85 brand-name stores, just minutes from the event. Enjoy seasonal deals, decor, and festive treats.

Year-round fun at the Harbor:

Waterfront Dining and Drinks
From upscale restaurants to cozy pubs and waterfront cafés, there’s something for every taste and budget.
The Capital Wheel
Soar 180 feet above the Potomac on National Harbor’s iconic observation wheel. Heated gondolas make it a perfect winter ride.
Boutique Shopping and Local Art
Explore local shops, galleries, and outdoor installations along American Way and the waterfront promenade.
Live Entertainment and Nightlife
Visit the MGM National Harbor for live music, upscale lounges, or a quick detour at the casino.
Accessible and Family-Friendly
National Harbor was designed for strolling. It’s safe, accessible, and easy to navigate with kids or mobility aids.