The Huntington's Disease Society of America will host a dinner and gala Sept. 22, benefiting local research efforts for a cure for the degenerative disease.

The event pays tribute to Houstonians who have contributed to the community in the fields of medicine, philanthropy, education, business development, the arts and community service. Among the honorees are Dr. Joseph Jankovic, director of the HDSA Center of Excellence at Baylor College of Medicine; Howard Lederer, CEO of Atec, Inc.; and Anthony Chase, CEO of ChaseCom and Chase Radio Partners as well as chairman of Telecom Opportunities Institute and associate professor of law at the University of Houston Law Center. Margaret Alkek and Margaret Alkek Williams will also be presented with a philanthropic award by Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, chancellor emeritus at Baylor.

The "First Annual Celebration of Hope" dinner and gala will take place at the Hotel Intercontinental, 2222 West Loop South, in Houston from 6-10 p.m. The event includes a silent auction, cocktail reception with dinner and musical entertainment.

Ticket prices are $150 per person, and tables of 10 range from $1,500 to $10,000. Proceeds from the event will support research at Baylor's HDSA Center of Excellence.

For more information, contact the HDSA South/Southwest regional office at 504-712-0523 or 866-712-0523.