Please make plans to join us again on September 12, 2012!
The 33rd Annual Dinner of Champions, presented by the McCarthey Family, was a grand success!
Utah champions from all corners of the community came together for the 33rd Annual Dinner of Champions, presented by the McCarthey Family at La Caille Restaurant on September 14, 2011. The gala event for the National MS Society Utah-Southern Idaho Chapter celebrates athletic and community leaders who inspire all to keep moving forward with drive and determination.
“Successful athletes, coaches, medical researchers, health care providers and community leaders of all types are in the top of their field because they persevere to be the best,” said Chapter President Annette Royle-Mitchell.“It is in cheering their victories and achievements that we all draw inspiration and see a future full of great possibilities, including the day when we will have a world free of multiple sclerosis.”
Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system. It stops the flow of information from the brain to the body. It stops people from moving. Utah has one of the highest incidence rates in the country. It is believed one in 300 Utahns is affected.
More than $120,000 was raised for the Society helping to support local programs and services for people impacted by multiple sclerosis and to fund research that will find ways to stop the disease, restore what’s been lost and to end MS forever.
The evening celebration was emceed by Bill Marcroft, the “Voice of the Utes” for close to 40 years, and Philip G. McCarthey, a long-time supporter of the Society. The honorees included:
COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS
T.K. McCarthey Silver Hope Award
Dr. John Foley and Dr. John Rose
Both Salt Lake City doctors are leaders in multiple sclerosis treatments and research. Dr. Foley is the founder of Rocky Mountain Neurological Associates and Dr. Rose is Professor of Neurology at the University of Utah and Chief of Neurology at the VA Hospital in Salt Lake City. Both also hold the prestigious national distinction of ‘MS Partner in Care.’ Only 19 states have such a designation and Utah has two because of the efforts of Drs. Foley and Rose.
This was the 22nd Silver Hope Award to be presented. It was the first time to two recipients. Past honorees include Ezekiel R. Dumke, Jr., Spencer F. Eccles, John A. Moran, Rev. France Davis, Barbara Layden, Larry H. Miller, among other community leaders.
Above and Beyond Award
Michael Workman
Therapist, consultant, medical device developer and equipment expert, he is the founder of Professional Therapies. Workman works with the MS community to help those affected by the disease remain living in their homes.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Charles “Chick” Hislop
A Utah native, Hislop has had a long and prosperous sports career both as an athlete and a coach. He was the head track coach for 38 years at Weber State University where his team accumulated numerous accolades. Hislop also was a coach for the U.S. Track and Field Team at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
MS CHAMPION
Living with Hope
Ann Marsh
The Living with Hope award was proudly accepted by Melissa Marsh on behalf of her late mother who, despite her limited physical state as a result of MS had an unwavering determination to live beyond her disease. Ann was a graduate of Murray High School and Brigham Young University. She was a mother and teacher who robustly exuded joy in all that she did.
ATHLETIC CHAMPIONS
Man of the Year
Phil Johnson, Utah Jazz
A Utah legend, Johnson started his successful coaching career at Weber State University before moving to the NBA in 1971 where he worked with the Chicago Bulls, Kansas City Kings and the Utah Jazz. He is the only Jazz coach who was with the team every season they won a Division Championship. Johnson is a five-time recipient of the NBA General Managers Best Assistant in the League award.
Team of the Year
Dave Rose, BYU Basketball Team
The 2010-11 BYU Basketball Team broke many season records including earning the best winning percentage and ended the season No. 10 according the final AP ranking. The team has been lead by Rose for the last six years that included five straight seasons with 25 wins and five trips to the NCAA Tournament including BYU’s first appearance in the Sweet 16. The award was accepted by Assistant Coach Terry Nashif on behalf of the team
Sports Professional of the Year
Dave Checketts, Real Salt Lake
Founder and Chairman of SCP Worldwide, one of the most heralded sports, media and entertainment companies. Checketts brought Major League Soccer to Utah with the Real Salt Lake. He was president and CEO of Madison Square Gardens where he oversaw the operations of one of the most powerful sports and entertainment companies globally including the Knicks (NBA), Rangers (NHL) and the Liberty (WNBA) along with MSG Network and Fox Sports Network. He started his illustrious sports career as general manager of the Utah Jazz. At 28 years old, he was the youngest chief executive in the history of the NBA.
Sportsperson of the Year
Dr. Chris Hill, University of Utah
Director of Athletics at the University of Utah for more than 20 years and under his direction they have become a national player in sports and a member of the prestigious PAC-12 Conference. With Hill at the helm, Utah has earned two BCS bowl wins, nine NCAA championships and 13 NCAA runner-up finishes.
Female Collegiate Athlete of the Year
Alyssa Abbott, University of Utah Track and Field
During her Track and Field career at the University of Utah, Abbott earned All-Mountain West Conference and All Mountain Regional honors and qualified for the NCAA Cross Country meet. She won Mountain West Conference titles in the 3000m, Distance Medley Relay and the 1500m, among other athletic accomplishments. In Spring 2011, she was awarded an NCAA postgraduate scholarship and graduated Cum Laude. She is originally from Reno.
Male Collegiate Athlete of the Year
Jimmer Fredette, BYU Basketball Team
An incredible basketball player for Brigham Young University, Fredette was drafted to the NBA’s Sacramento Kings earlier this year in the first round. During his senior year at Brigham Young University, he led the nation in scoring, broke the BYU scoring record, and collected numerous accolades including 2011 Player of the Year by The Associated Press. He is the first Dinner of Champions recipient to receive the award two consecutive years. He is originally from Glen Falls, NY.
Female High School Athlete of the Year
Lexi Eaton, Springville HS Track and Field
Springville High School’s Eaton is a successful basketball, track and soccer athlete as well as an honor student. She holds three state championship titles (basketball and track & field), was a leading scorer in the state (basketball), and in addition to her track championship titles, she jumped the third highest jump in the nation (5’10.5”, track). Eaton received a full scholarship to Brigham Young University.
Male High School Athlete of the Year
Nate Fakahafua, Highland HS Football
Highland High School graduate, Fakahafua is a multi-sport talent earning four letters in football, basketball and track. He led his high school to win the 2010 4A state football championship in 2010 and the 4A state basketball championship in 2011. During his senior year he was team captain for both football and basketball and an honor roll student. Fakahafua accepted an athletic scholarship to play football for the University of Utah.