Iconic Music and Comedic Talent Helps Raise $4.3 Million at the #FoxGala: 25 Years of Transformational Parkinson’s Research Progress

“I’ve been inspired by Michael since I was a little kid — first as an actor and then as an activist and now the work he’s doing to cure this disease. How can you not be inspired by him? His optimism and positivity in the face of such a difficult situation — it’s hard not to be inspired by him,” said acclaimed actor, Justin Long as he spoke on the red carpet of The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s (MJFF) annual gala, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s.”  

On Saturday, November 15, over 800 friends and supporters gathered for the sold-out evening at Cipriani South Street at Casa Cipriani in New York City. Attendees joined MJFF to celebrate the transformative momentum being felt in Parkinson’s research and share in the community’s optimism as an expanding pipeline of new treatments emerges. The star-studded evening of comedy and music marked the Foundation’s 25th year, and the remarkable breakthroughs and research progress made possible to date. 

Since its start in 2000, MJFF has funded over $2.5 billion in high-impact research programs — of which the gala has helped raise more than $122 million, including $4.3 million at the 2025 event alone. Thanks to the Foundation’s Board of Directors, 100% of proceeds from the evening are rapidly deployed to support the Foundation’s momentum toward a cure.  

“You can’t do the science without the funding. It’s really important, now more than ever,” said Katie Couric, award-winning journalist, author and producer, on the red carpet. “We really have to step up and make sure these scientists have the support they need so they can make the discoveries we so desperately want.” 

Host Denis Leary opened the show with his lively band, The Enablers. The evening also featured hilarious, high-energy comedy performances from Nikki Glaser, Jon Stewart, and surprise guest, Colin Quinn.  

This year featured two special films, written and produced by Foundation Board member and Michael’s longtime producing partner, Nelle Fortenberry.  

Emmy Award-winning actress, Julianna Margulies introduced the Foundation’s video, “Making a Difference in 25 Years,” narrated by MJFF CEO and Co-Founder Debi Brooks that highlights the transformational advances in Parkinson’s research since the Foundation’s inception. 

A second video, “A Tribute to Funny Thing,” introduced by acclaimed actor Richard Kind, spotlighted the musical and comedic guests who have performed on the Funny Thing stage over the past 25 years and collectively supported the Foundation’s mission.  

Nine-time GRAMMY-nominated musician and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Jackson Browne, played hits including, “Doctor My Eyes,” “Somebody’s Baby,” “Redneck Friend,” and “Take it Easy.” Michael J. Fox joined onstage for an unforgettable finale that brought the crowd to its feet for an incredible performance of Browne’s hit song, “Running on Empty.”  

Award-winning television writer and producer Bill Lawrence reflected on Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan’s leadership and dedication to the Foundation’s mission before introducing the couple to the stage. 

“How lucky are you that when someone you’ve idolized since you were a kid turns out to be exactly the way you would hope they would be – it means so much to me. We all know Mike is inspiring, but he’s not the only one. I’m sure you’re all aware that Tracy is a tireless Board member and advocate. She is firmly on top of my list of people who make me feel bad about myself for not doing anything with my life.”  

During their remarks on stage, Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan expressed their gratitude for the power of community in driving the Foundation’s ambitious mission over the past 25 years.  

“Even on day one, the Foundation had a clear vision of what we were trying to do: hire the right people, listen to patients, raise the money and get it into the researchers’ hands, all as quickly as possible. And we are,” said Tracy Pollan, accomplished actress, author and MJFF Board member.  

Michael J. Fox chimed in with his gratitude for the community, “You are the reason we have come this far, this fast toward ending this disease and we are so grateful.”  

Many of Michael’s closest friends gathered to attend the event including Kate Bosworth & Justin Long, Harlan & Anne Coben, Katie Couric & John Molner, Donny Deutsch, Clark Gregg, Susie Essman & Jim Harder, Joan Jett & Kenny Laguna, Richard Kind, Bill Lawrence, Julianna Margulies, Ted McGinley & Gigi Rice, Meg Ryan, Paulina & Cam Neely, George Stroumboulopoulos, Ali Wenworth & George Stephanopoulos and many more.   

Read more of Michael’s reflections on what this event means to him and the Foundation’s progress over the years in his exclusive interviews with People Magazine and Entertainment Tonight. 

And, listen to the Foundation’s playlist of songs and performers who have graced the stage at our annual gala over the last 25 years: “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s: A 25-Year Encore.”  

And check out these top highlights from the 2025 #FoxGala: