2026 Winter Benefit
A NIGHT TO REWRITE THE FUTURE
An evening of dinner, entertainment, community, and purpose benefiting childhood-onset SPG4 research.
Friday, November 13 | Birkby House, Leesburg VA
Join us on Friday, November 13 at historic Birkby House for an intimate evening of dinner, entertainment, community, and purpose. Set in the heart of downtown Leesburg, this special gathering brings together families, supporters, researchers, and partners for a memorable night celebrating the progress we've made—and the future we're building together.
More than a benefit, this event is a celebration of the progress made possible by our community, a recommitment to the children and families counting on us, and a powerful kickoff to the season of giving that fuels the breakthroughs ahead. Together, we'll celebrate the advances driving SPG4 research forward, recognize the families, partners, and supporters making this work possible, and rally the support needed to accelerate what comes next.
Guests can also look forward to special entertainment and additional program announcements in the months ahead. Join us as we launch the most important fundraising season of our year and help move promising research closer to children and families who cannot afford to wait.
We hope you'll join us for an inspiring evening of connection, purpose, and hope.
Tickets + Tables
Planning to host a larger group or interested in additional visibility and recognition? Explore our sponsorship opportunities below.
Enjoy an evening of dinner, entertainment, community, and purpose.
Includes: Dinner, two drink tickets, silent auction access, entertainment, and event experiences.
Enjoy an elevated event experience with premium perks.
Includes: Dinner, open bar, premium reserved seating, silent auction access, entertainment, and event experiences.
Gather friends, family, colleagues, or clients at a reserved VIP table.
Includes: Seating for 10 guests, open bar, premium reserved seating, event recognition, entertainment, and event experiences.
Can't join us in person? There are still many ways to support the mission: Donate a Seat, Make a Donation, Become a Sponsor, Donate a Silent Auction Item
Why Attend and What to Expect
The Momentum You're Fueling
More than $1 million raised to accelerate SPG4 research
A first-of-its-kind mouse model carrying our children's exact mutation
Human brain tissue grown from our children's own cells to support drug discovery
Research collaborations connecting leading scientists, clinicians, and industry partners
A growing global movement united around one goal: changing the future of SPG4
Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
Location: Birkby House | Leesburg, Virginia
Time: 6 PM – 10 PM
Attire: Cocktail Attire
What to Expect
Cocktail reception in the gardens and historic manor
Plated dinner from Tuscarora Mill in the conservatory
Live entertainment and special guests
Curated silent auction and exclusive fundraising experiences
Foundation updates and stories of impact
Opportunities to connect with families, researchers, sponsors, and community leaders
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CELEBRATE
Join supporters, families, researchers, and partners for an elegant evening of connection, gratitude, and community as we celebrate the progress made possible this year.
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EXPERIENCE
Enjoy dinner, cocktails, special entertainment, silent auction opportunities, and inspiring stories that showcase the impact of this community and the momentum driving SPG4 research forward.
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ACCELERATE
Hear what's next in the Foundation's research strategy and help launch the most important fundraising season of the year as we work to bring treatments closer to children and families who cannot afford to wait.
Sponsorship
Support an elegant evening of music, mission, and celebration dedicated to accelerating treatments for childhood-onset SPG4. Sponsorship strengthens the Foundation’s general project fund and provides meaningful visibility in front of donors, partners, community leaders, and families.
View sponsorship benefits and confirm your support below or download the pdf for details. In addition to the sponsorship-specific benefits listed, all sponsors receive:
Logo or name included in general event visibility across the website and printed materials
Inclusion in pre-event communications and social media
Acknowledgment on event signage and printed materials
Recognition in post-event communications
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Premier visibility as the lead supporter of the 2026 Winter Event.
Custom message opportunity with your choice of live remarks at the event, a recorded video message, or a featured message on our website or social platforms
Full VIP table for 10 guests
Verbal recognition during the program
Top logo placement across all Winter Benefit materials onsite and online
Dedicated feature in a pre-event email and top-level inclusion in the “Thank the Sponsors” email (quote, logo, about statement, website link)
Opportunity to provide a small, branded guest gift or table favor
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Select one category for additional and exclusive recognition (Dinner, Entertainment, Program). If no preference is indicated, a category will be assigned.
4 VIP tickets
Verbal recognition during the program
Premier logo placement across all Winter Benefit materials onsite and online
Premier placement in the “Thank the Sponsors” email (logo, about statement, website link)
Opportunity to provide branded giveaways and company literature for the shared sponsor table
Featured recognition for your selected category, including verbal acknowledgment during the program and prominent onsite signage
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Select one category for exclusive recognition (Cocktail Hour, Decor, Photography). If no preference is indicated, a category will be assigned.
2 VIP tickets
Prominent logo placement across all Winter Benefit materials onsite and online
Prominent placement in the “Thank the Sponsors” email (logo, website link)
Opportunity to provide branded giveaways and company literature for the shared sponsor table
Signage at the location of your selected category and recognition in event materials associated with that element
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Select one category for additional and exclusive recognition (Wine and Whiskey Pull, Wishing Tree, Silent Auction). If no preference is indicated, a category will be assigned.
2 standard admission tickets
Standard placement across all Winter Benefit materials onsite and online
Inclusion in the “Thank the Sponsors” email (logo, website link)
Opportunity to provide company literature for the shared sponsor table
Signage displayed at the location of your selected category
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Community Sponsors receive all standard sponsor recognition listed above.
For organizations seeking broader, year-long impact and visibility, The Lilly and Blair Foundation also offers Corporate Partnership opportunities across all signature platforms. Learn more at lillyandblair.org/partnership.
Silent Auction
If sponsorship isn’t the right fit, silent auction donations offer a meaningful way to contribute. We welcome items that create excitement and help maximize fundraising impact, including:
Tickets to sporting events, concerts, or performances
Experiences such as golf outings, classes, tastings, or behind-the-scenes access
Curated gift packages (family fun, date night, wellness, local favorites)
Unique or one-of-a-kind items
Donated items receive recognition online and onsite and directly support critical SPG4 research.
Complete this form to contribute to our silent auction
Hotel Information
Traveling from out of town? Several convenient hotel options are located just minutes from Birkby House. We are exploring discounted room blocks for event attendees. Please check back for updates and booking details as they become available.
Hotel Burg
Leesburg's newest boutique hotel, located in the heart of historic downtown.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Leesburg, VA
An all-suite hotel offering spacious accommodations.
Hampton Inn & Suites Leesburg
A comfortable and convenient hotel located just minutes from Birkby House.
Thank You to Our Corporate Partners
