The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation threw its annual Gala, “A Magical Evening,” at the Marriott Marquis, to raise a glorious $1.8 mil. The enchanting evening of dinner, dancing, and a live auction featured an awards ceremony honoring Francine LeFrak and Rick Friedberg, Michael Graves, and Buzz Aldrin with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The glitzy guests included Richard Kind, Diane Sawyer and Mike Nichols, Joan Collins and Percy Gibson, Paula Zahn, and John Lithgow.

Reeve has courageously pushed the envelope with scientists after recently becoming the second person to undergo a new procedure known as “diaphragm pacing,” which, among other things, connects electrodes to the diaphragm. While the procedure isn’t yet approved by the F.D.A., it has succeeded in allowing Reeve to breathe without a ventilator for hours at a time.

Guests were also introduced to the Dana and Christopher Reeve Collection. The couple teamed up with Michael C. Fina to choose assorted baubles ranging from a $30 Vera Wang flute to a $4,800 Royal Copenhagen teapot, from which 15% of sales will benefit the Foundation.

Christopher Reeve glowed with enthusiasm as he delivered his first speech without a ventilator, or, as he referred to it, minus his usual “necklace of corrugated plastic.” He joked to the crowd between long breaths, “Ever since I was a little boy, I’ve been trying to avoid getting dressed up and wearing a necktie. Now I get my wish!”