MS black-tie gala is Wednesday

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society Utah State Chapter will host its 29th annual Dinner of Champions Wednesday at the Little America Hotel, 500 S. Main, Salt Lake City.

The black-tie gala raises money for MS research and local programs, while honoring community leaders and athletes.

The Utah State Chapter will present Robert Garff with the T.K. McCarthy Silver Hope Award for his outstanding contributions to the community. Garff has served on many community boards, including the Robert H. and Katharine B. Garff Foundation; as chairman of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the Olympic Winter Games of 2002; Utah Athletic Foundation; Utah Sports Commission; chairman of the Board of Deseret Book Co.; Intermountain Health Care Board of Directors; Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau; Rotary International, Club 24; Vehix.com; and University of Utah Board of Trustees. He also spent eight years in the Utah Legislature, culminating his service as Speaker of the House of Representatives, and is an Area Authority Seventy with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Other honorees include: Danny Velasquez, Living with Hope award; Suzanne Pratt, Above and Beyond award; Bingham Cyclery, Special Event Champion; Jenn Gonnelly, Volunteer of the Year; Arnie Ferrin, Our Man of the Year; Marc Amicone, Professional of the Year; Lee Mitchell, Sportsperson of the Year; Wilbur Braithwaite, Lifetime Achievement; Eric Weddle, Male Collegiate Athlete of the Year; Lindsey (Olson) Anderson, Female Collegiate Athlete of the Year; Shay Warren, Male High School Athlete of the Year; Katelyn Jensen, Female High School Athlete of the Year; and Brigham Young Football Team, Team of the Year.

Proceeds from the Dinner of Champions support essential MS research and local client programs for Utahns living with the disease.