American Kidney Fund's 16th Annual Gala, The Hope Affair, Will Honor Kidney Community Members and Feature Special Guest Steve Guttenberg

ROCKVILLE, Md.(Oct. 8, 2024)  — Today, the American Kidney Fund (AKF) will hold the 16th national kidney community gala, The Hope Affair, which will bring together members of the kidney community — including actor and author Steve Guttenberg, patients, advocates, caregivers, health professionals and innovators — and honor AKF's 2024 Hero of Hope. 

Held at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC, this annual gala will recognize Hero of Hope, Chet Alan Bennett, and essay contest winner Dapheria-Marie Myrieckes. Additionally, AKF is thrilled to welcome Steve Guttenberg, who has a personal connection to kidney disease and will share his story of being a caregiver to his father while he was receiving dialysis treatments. 

The Hero of Hope award is one of the highest honors given to a kidney patient in the United States. Each year AKF receives nominations from across the country — from social workers, nurses, nephrologists, caregivers, family members and friends of patients who have made an immeasurable impact in their community despite the challenges of living with kidney failure. This year's winner, Chet Alan Bennett, also known as "Chef Benné," was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2018 and has devoted his life to helping others with kidney disease. 

A successful entrepreneur, radio host, chef, licensed cosmetology instructor and hairstylist, Bennett established the C. Alan Foundation after his kidney transplant. The Foundation raises awareness and funds to help people with kidney disease by offering counseling, nutrition, toiletries, education, housing, transportation and support. He also founded The Kidney Kafe' to help people with kidney disease and diabetes stay healthy through delicious recipes and daily lifestyle maintenance, and in 2021 he established the Kidney Kafe' Garden, where he cooks healthy meals for people in need.

The Essay Contest launched this year as part of AKF's national virtual camp program. Campers were invited to write a short essay addressing either how AKF's virtual camp has changed their life or what the camp means to them. This year's winner is 8-year-old Dapheria-Marie Myrieckes, who lives in Washington, DC and dreams of being president of the United States. 

"Living with a chronic illness like kidney disease can feel isolating and challenging, but The Hope Affair is an opportunity to bring together the kidney community and to show that people with kidney disease do not have to face this challenge alone," said AKF President and CEO LaVarne A. Burton. "By celebrating the inspiring efforts of people like Mr. Bennett, the brave resilience of children like Dapheria-Marie and the loving care from family members like Mr. Guttenberg, this event provides exactly what the name describes — hope: Hope for people living with kidney disease and their families and hope that we can achieve AKF's vision of a world without kidney disease."

AKF is delighted to welcome back Emmy Award-winning news anchor Shawn Yancy as the emcee for the evening. Proceeds raised through The Hope Affair will support AKF's prevention, early detection, financial support, disease management, clinical research, innovation and advocacy programs. 

Individuals who wish to contribute to the event may do so on AKF's website. 

The Hope Affair 2024 is made possible thanks to many other corporate and individual sponsors. A full sponsor listing can be found at TheHopeAffair.org.