Tony's Gift of Life Foundation Presents: The Nutcracker's Ball

Tony's Gift of Life Foundation Presents: The Nutcracker's Ball -- "An Evening of Celebration & Support for Kidney Donors and Their Families."

The Nutcracker's Ball, hosted by Tony’s Gift of Life Foundation and organized by John Tobey events, is more than a holiday celebration. It is the beginning of a tradition — a gathering that honors kidney donors, celebrates the lives they’ve helped save, and rallies a community around the future of donor support.

Our foundation's mission is simple yet bold: to transform lives, to forge strength from struggle, and to carry a healing movement that uplifts kidney donors, recipients, and their families into the world.

About Tony's Gift of Life Foundation:

Tony’s Gift of Life Foundation is the first donor-led, for-donors and by-donors 501(c)(3) nonprofit in kidney health—created to honor and support the deeply personal and often overlooked journeys of kidney donors and transplant recipients. Founded by a living kidney donor in post-donation 19 years, the foundation was born from a profound need: to provide long-term healing support that extends well beyond the operating room.

The foundation was born out of the space between giving and gifting — celebrating the dualities of organ donation. It was established in 2023 in honor of Tony Lovato and his kidney donor, his son, Aaron Lovato of Broomfield, CO. Named after Tony’s journey with Glomerulonephritis (GN) , which came to an end in November 2021: the foundation carries his legacy forward by telling the other side of the story: the donor’s.

While much of the transplant narrative focuses on medical milestones, Tony’s Gift of Life Foundation recognizes that emotional, mental, and spiritual healing is just as vital. We aim to bridge this critical gap by offering holistic, nature-centered recovery programs, immersive retreats, unique peer connection, and advocacy that celebrates the bravery of those who choose to give—and those who courageously receive.

Evening Highlights:

• Silent Auction – Bid on unique items and experiences, with proceeds directly supporting kidney donors on their healing journey.
• Entertainment & Celebration – A powerful program designed to inspire, uplift, and connect and recognizing our Legacy Donors.
• Community & Connection – Medical professionals, industry leaders, donors, recipients, and supporters gathering as one.
• Looking Forward – A glimpse into what lies ahead for our foundation in 2026… a new chapter devoted to healing, reflection, and renewal. And just in time for Christmas, a special gift-giving initiative will be unveiled.

Attendance and Support:

• Kidney Donors & Recipients: Complimentary admission. This evening is dedicated to honoring you!
• Community Guests & Supporters: Free to attend, with opportunities to support through our Silent Auction.
• Business Sponsors: Your sponsorship makes this gathering possible — covering event costs so donors and recipients can attend at no cost, while also showcasing your commitment to life-saving impact.

This December, we gather to honor the silent heroes, to celebrate resilience, and to light the path ahead. Together, we carry forward the momentum of a foundation long awaited.

To get updates:

• Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/tonysgiftoflife -- and share this event on social media.
• Visit our website: tonysgiftoflife.org -- to volunteer with us!
• Send us a note: [email protected] -- if you'd like to provide in-kind donations for the silent auction.

More about us:

• See how we started:
• Read our kidney donor and recipient story: https://www.kidney.org/news-stories/childhood-promise-to-life-saving-act-kidney-donation-story

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Tony's Gift of Life Foundation