8TH ANNUAL FREEZE HD HONORS JASON RITTER & THE RITTER FAMILY AND RAISES MORE THAN $200,000 TO SUPPORT THE HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE SOCIETY OF AMERICA
Los Angeles, CA (October 25, 2022) – After two years of virtual programs, the popular Freeze HD event to support the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) returned in person on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at the Avalon in Hollywood and raised more than $208,000. The event honored Jason Ritter and the Ritter Family for their incredible support in the fight against Huntington’s disease (HD). Jason, Nancy Morgan Ritter, Tyler Ritter and Lelia Parma were on stage to accept the honor. Marianna Palka and Lucy Walker introduced the honorees after showing the trailer of the 2014 HBO Films documentary, The Lion’s Mouth Opens. The powerful short film, directed by Walker, followed Marianna’s HD testing journey and featured Jason and Bryce Dallas Howard.
The Eighth Annual Freeze HD was hosted by Broadway star Meredith Patterson (42nd Street) and Dustin Brayley (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) who performed several acts with their sons, Billy and Maxwell. Actor Scott Porter also performed a couple songs featuring two-time Grammy nominee Matt Beckley.
“Freeze HD is much more than a charity event for families affected by Huntington’s disease. It is a call to action to stop this devastating brain disease in its tracks with more awareness, care and science,” said Louise Vetter, HDSA’s President & CEO. “Since its visionary launch nine years ago by the Ritter family and Marianna Palka, this annual event has raised more than $1.7 million to support HDSA’s programs of help and hope. We are grateful to our host committee, sponsors and the Los Angeles community who join us in celebrating the strength of HD families while we fight for a healthier tomorrow.”
The much-anticipated red carpet event featured an incredible auction, live entertainment, celebrity meet and greet, surprise guests, and an exclusive VIP Afterparty. Freeze HD was created by Marianna Palka and the Ritter family in 2014. Since then, the event has raised more than $1.8 million to support HDSA.
The Eighth Annual Freeze HD Host Committee included: Layla Alizada, Dustin Brayley, Angelique Cabral, India De Beaufort, Noel Fisher, Todd Grinnell, Humphrey Ker, Briana Lane, Melanie Lynskey, Kate Miner, Marianna Palka, Angel Parker, Meredith Patterson, Scott Porter, Jason Ritter, Kelly Thiebaud and Lucy Walker as well as Jessica Cain, Kipenzi Chidinma, Blake & Jenne Coler-Dark, David Cooper – Christopher & Lisa Davis, Jessica Etting, Matt & Courtney Hamilton, Gentille Koosed, Justin Miner, Lelia Parma, Kelsey Porter, Carly Ritter, Tyler Ritter and Nancy Morgan Ritter.
Other Special Appearances by: Ali Ahn, Wilson Bethel, Rachel Bilson, EJ Bonilla, Jason Canela, Debbie Gibson, Eric Edelstein, Debra Fisher, Zach Gilford, Seth Green, Jeremy Konner, Simon Helberg, Bryce Dallas Howard, Emma Hunton, Tricia LaFache, Sean Maguire, Chris Marquette, Tanya Memme, Dash Mihok, Nora-Jane Noone, Patton Oswalt, Judge Reinhold, Homer Simpson, Amy Yasbeck and many more!
The Eighth Annual Freeze HD was sponsored by:
Gold Sponsor: uniQure
Silver Sponsors: The Eisner Foundation, Seth Green, Gentile & Terry Koosed, Torn2Ribbons.
Bronze Sponsors: The Burstein Company, Fake Empire, The Gersh Agency, Marron Foods, Netflix, Kelsey & Scott Porter, Nancy Morgan Ritter, The Sypek Group.
Bar Sponsors: After Hours Theater Company, Joanie Bernstein, Boothatron Solutions, Brillstein Entertainment Partners, Jessica Cain, Blake & Jenne Coler-Dark, Custom Comfort Mattress, Hamilton Land Development, Inc., Candace Jackson, Tamar & Phil Koosed, Carly Ritter, Shawn Smith, Doug Zatar.
To learn more about the Eighth Annual Freeze HD, please visit www.HDSA.org/freezehd.
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities during their prime working years and has no cure. Every child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene that causes HD. Today, there are approximately 41,000 symptomatic Americans and more than 200,000 at risk of inheriting the disease. The symptoms of HD are described as having, ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s – simultaneously.
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The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) is the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by HD. From community services and education to advocacy and research, HDSA is the world’s leader in providing help for today, hope for tomorrow for people with HD and their families. To learn more about Huntington’s disease and the work of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, visit www.hdsa.org or call (800) 345-HDSA.
RED CARPET ARRIVAL PHOTOS
Lorena & Dan Leonard
