CureDuchenne raises more than $1.1 million at Napa in Newport and announces landmark partnership with Children’s Hospital of Orange County
Acclaimed Napa Valley Vintners and Philanthropists Come Together to Accelerate Research and Expand Care for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
NEWPORT BEACH Calif., March 7, 2025– CureDuchenne and Vintner Chairs Morlet Family Vineyards hosted the 11th Annual Napa in Newport on March 1, 2025, at Pendry Newport Beach, raising an incredible $1.1 million to drive research and improve care for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive neuromuscular disease. CureDuchenne, a global leader in research, patient care, and advocacy, has now raised more than $13 million through Napa in Newport to accelerate the fight for a cure.
Napa in Newport is Southern California’s premier wine gala, blending the prestige of Napa Valley’s most renowned vintners with a passionate mission to cure Duchenne muscular dystrophy, one of the most common and severe forms of muscular dystrophy. This year’s event brought together an exclusive selection of limited-production wines from top Napa Valley vintners, exquisite cuisine, and an unforgettable live auction featuring rare wines and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Guests began the evening with a Grand Tasting featuring 26 acclaimed vintners before enjoying a gourmet dinner prepared by celebrated Chef Philip Tessier, a Bocuse d’Or Silver Medalist and Executive Chef of Press Restaurant in Napa Valley. As guests entered the Grand Tasting, they had the opportunity to connect with boys and young men living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, who proudly showcased their talents and passions—emphasizing that their disease does not define them. The evening then kicked off with a moving piano and vocal performance by Dillion, an 11-year-old living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Beloved radio personality and Orange County native Shawn Parr served as the evening’s host, leading the high-energy auction and inspiring attendees to give generously. Event sponsors included South Coast Plaza, Four Seasons Resorts and Residence Napa Valley, Latham and Watkins, and Heffernan Insurance Brokers Vintners.
During the event, CureDuchenne announced agroundbreaking partnershipwith Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) to launch the CureDuchenne Clinic within CHOC’s Neuromuscular Program. This initiative will provide state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary care and the latest advancements in diagnostics and treatment—all in one location, enhancing access to families in Southern California and beyond. CureDuchenne has granted CHOC nearly $1.5 million over three years to fund the CureDuchenne Clinic within the Neuromuscular Program at CHOC.
Kate Miner Moebel, grandmother of an 11-year-old with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, shared the devastating diagnosis her family faced, and her determination to raise awareness and funds to bring a cure to her grandson and the thousands of boys and young men facing Duchenne. She was joined by Hawken Miller, the son of CureDuchenne cofounders Paul and Debra Miller, who shared his journey with Duchenne and his hopes for the future. “I dream of a life like everyone else’s. I want to fall in love, get married, and have a family. But right now, Duchenne is stealing that possibility from too many young men,” shared Hawken.
“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from our generous Napa in Newport community—it is because of you that we can continue driving real change for those living with Duchenne. Through our exciting partnership with CHOC, we are setting a new standard of care with the CureDuchenne Clinic at CHOC, providing world-class medical expertise while advancing breakthrough treatments. Together, we are ensuring that every child with Duchenne has access to the best care and the hope of a stronger future,” said Debra Miller, Founder and CEO of CureDuchenne.
Napa in Newport guests had the rare opportunity to experience exquisite wines from world-class vintners, including this year’s Vintner Chair, Morlet Family Vineyards. Based in St. Helena, Luc and Jodie Morlet handcraft vins de terroir and unique cuvées, blending classic French winemaking principles with California terroirs. The Morlet style embodies intensity, richness, and refinement, with each small-production wine crafted to showcase complexity and graceful aging capability.
Guests enjoyed a multi-course meal of French cuisine including Ricotta Gnudo, American Wagyu with spring peas, potato confit and morel mushrooms, and Ossau-Iraty curated by acclaimed chef, author and mentor Chef Philip Tessier, Chef/Partner at PRESS Restaurant in St. Helena, California. Best known for its modern, refined American cuisine, PRESS has earned a Michelin star and the distinction of being a World’s 50 Best Discovery restaurant. The evening concluded with an exclusive afterparty at the members-only Elwood Club, featuring elevated cocktails, soulful entertainment from The Dave Stephens Band.
The event concluded with the announcement of the 12th Annual Napa in Newport, which will be held on March 21, 2026. The 2025 Vintner Chair will bePeter Michael Winery. Tickets are available at www.napainnewport.org.
About CureDuchenne
Over twenty years ago, CureDuchenne was created with one goal: to find and fund a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, one of the most common and severe forms of muscular dystrophy. Today, CureDuchenne is recognized as a global leader in research, patient care, and innovation for improving and extending the lives of those with Duchenne. CureDuchenne’s innovative venture philanthropy model has advanced transformative treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, including 18 projects that advanced to human clinical trials and multiple projects to overcome the limitations of exon-skipping and gene therapy. In addition, CureDuchenne contributed early funding to the first FDA-approved Duchenne drug, pioneered the first and only Duchenne physical and occupational therapist certification program and created an innovative biobank and data registry, accelerating research toward a cure. For more information on how to help raise awareness and funds needed for research, please visitcureduchenne.org.
