Summer Social and Rodeo at Shakespeare Ranch 2018

Shakespeare Ranch, Glenbrook, NV

A professional rodeo, musician Sammy Hagar and celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse headlined Keep Memory Alive’s Summer Social and Rodeo at Shakespeare Ranch, a Western-style weekend of fun and fundraising that has become an annual tradition.

The festivities kicked off Friday, June 29 with the rodeo, which featured bull riding, barrel racing, carnival games, a watermelon-eating contest for kids and a Western barbeque. The rodeo is the successor to the Glenbrook rodeo, which was discontinued in 1965 but resurrected in 2000 by Camille and Larry Ruvo, along with the McGill family.

Saturday began with a private lunch and tour of Lori and Michael Milken’s home. The Milken Foundation is a long-time supporter of Keep Memory Alive and collaborator with Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. Mr. Milken shared with guests his insight on trends in healthcare philanthropy, while physician leaders from the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health presented the latest successes in brain science.

An Ideal Mix: Food and Philanthropy

Then, world-renowned chef Emeril Lagasse’s culinary cowboys took the reins in the kitchen to prepare an extraordinary dinner at Shakespeare Ranch. Guests enjoyed the best of his signature cuisine with a selection of fine wines and spirits, followed by an engaging performance by Sammy Hagar.

Longtime supporter Brice Jones was honored with the Keep Memory Alive Community Leadership Award. As Keep Memory Alive Chairman and Co-Founder Larry Ruvo said when presenting the award, “Anything I have asked for, Brice Jones has given.”

Attendees again showed their enthusiasm for science and the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health’s work by supporting the Keep Memory Alive Scholars program, which has been championed by Michael Milken each year since 2016.

This year, 12 donors bid $10,000 each on the newest science auction item. Created in honor of Emeril Lagasse, C.H.E.F. (Compassionate Help for Every Family) will help families with tangible essentials such as transportation to appointments with our doctors, researchers and counselors; lunch during lengthy visits; and assistance in finding invaluable support resources. A hearty thank you: Together, we can reduce patient and family stress and ensure they receive the dignity and comfort they deserve.

Thank You to Our Sponsors: