Guests listened in awe at this year’s Dawn of a Dream gala as they heard from the Dykes family, who shared Connor’s battle with brain cancer and the late effects that resulted from his treatments.

“It was an amazing night,” said Mindy, Connor’s mom. “I witnessed a room full of generous and caring people make something great happen. Dawn of a Dream gives moms like me continued hope.”

This year’s event was co-chaired by Shara Hoffman and Mimi Nelson. Before the program, guests filled the halls of The Depot in Minneapolis, taking part in Coach accessories and Arthur’s Jewelers experiences, Top Ten Liquors’ Wall of Wine and a silent auction.

The highly anticipated live auction featured exciting items like a Super Bowl LII experience giving the winning bidder the opportunity to be in the heart of the action at this year’s big game at U.S. Bank Stadium.

CNN national correspondent Ed Lavandera emceed the evening, which also included performances by talented siblings NUNNABOVE. This year’s event raised more than $955,000, including money for the Dawn of a Dream Fund, which will provide grants for three innovative research projects at the University of Minnesota.

Guests celebrated the evening’s success by dancing to the music of DJ Lenka Paris, indulging in sweets and capping the night off with a bourbon tasting, courtesy of Top Ten Liquors.