The annual gala benefiting The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF), A Magical Evening, held at the Marriott Marquis, was just that — magical! The event, chaired by Francine LeFrak and Rick Friedberg and others, themed “The Time is Now,” never had more meaning. It was held one bitter-sweet month after the death of the organization’s founder, chair, and inspiration, Christopher Reeve.

The assembled group of family and friends, ranging from Broadway and Hollywood to business and politics, paid tribute to the late Juilliard-trained stage actor who became a household name after starring in the “Superman” films. In the years since the equestrian accident in 1995 that left him a quadriplegic and largely dependent on a respirator, he devoted himself to advancing research to find treatments and a cure for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders.

Christopher’s wife, Dana, who has stepped nimbly into Reeve’s shoes as chair of CRPF, spoke poignantly about her husband’s dignity, strength, and hope. She also applauded the Senate’s passing of the Research Review Act (ensuring coordinated research efforts by the National Institutes of Health), a crucial part of the still-pending Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act.

Minnie Driver graciously filled in for Nathan Lane as the gala’s emcee. Kim Cattrall and Daryl “Chill” Mitchell introduced long-time Reeve friend Paul Simon, who performed a stirring rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” In accepting this year’s Human Spirit Award from William H. Macy, Glenn Close spoke of her dear friend, Chris, describing the actor and director as a “great star who grew through tragedy into a great man...an inspiration to millions, the personification of beating the odds and making the most of what life hands you.” Dr. John Rowe, chair and CEO of Aetna, received the CRPF Visionary Leadership Award. And Michael J. Fox and Susan Sarandon sent moving video tributes.

Guests included: Carol Alt, Will Reeve (Dana and Chris’s son), Alec Baldwin, Giancarlo Esposito, Cynthia and Tony Maltese, David Blaine, John Slattery, Douglas Elliman realtor Sheri Jedell, Noreen and Peter Thomas Roth, Stewart and Carol Rahr, Denise and Larry Wohl, Al Sharpton, Caroline Hirsch and Andrew Fox, Elaine Sargent, Jonathan and Somers Farkas, Lloyd Klein and Jocelyne Wildenstein, and Eaddo and Peter Kiernan III.

“Tonight we celebrate Christopher’s belief that nothing is impossible,” concluded CRPF CEO Kathy Lewis. And in his memory, everyone in the room silently pledged to make this brave man’s dream a reality....