Walking With Anthony (WWA), a nonprofit dedicated to transforming recovery outcomes for individuals living with spinal cord injuries (SCI), will host its signature Stand Up For A Cause fundraising event on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at the prestigious Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach, California.
The annual event brings together supporters, corporate partners and Orange County’s philanthropic community for an unforgettable evening dedicated to helping SCI survivors access critical rehabilitation and resources that are often not fully covered by insurance. This year’s Co-Chairs are Newport Beach’s Krissey Nardecchia and John Moroney.
The evening will feature a star-studded red-carpet entrance, signature cocktails, a gourmet dinner, music, and dancing. The dinner program will highlight inspiring survivor stories and honor outstanding advocates working to change the future of spinal cord injury recovery. Guests will also take part in a highly anticipated live and silent auction, raising critical funds to provide SCI survivors with life-changing grants for physical therapy, rehabilitation, and essential equipment.
Founded in 2010 by Micki Purcell and her son, Anthony Purcell, after Anthony was left with a Spinal Cord Injury from the neck down in a diving accident, Walking With Anthony provides funding for specialized rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, mental health support and other resources that help individuals living with SCI achieve greater Independence.
Year over year, the Stand Up For A Cause event welcomes hundreds of supporters and corporate partners, raising critical funds to support SCI survivors. This year, Walking With Anthony has set its biggest fundraising goal yet: $1.5 million.
With first-year costs following a spinal cord injury exceeding $1 million, funds raised through Stand Up For A Cause help ensure SCI survivors can continue pursuing recovery when insurance coverage falls short.
For tickets, sponsorships, or to learn more, visit event.walkingwithanthony.org.
Event venue
Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.