The Roanoke chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society recently honored Michael Friedlander, founding executive director of the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, at the 2015 Roanoke Dinner of Champions.

Friedlander received the Norman Cohn Silver Hope Award, the most prestigious volunteer award for leadership at the chapter level, for his support of the organization’s efforts to increase public awareness of the disease. Also honored was Raymond Smoot, a senior fellow at the Virginia Tech Foundation and chairman of Union Bank & Trust.

The gala, which took place on September 22 at Hotel Roanoke, raised more than $150,000 to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s programs and services. In the past 24 years, the Roanoke Dinner of Champions has raised more than $2.1 million.

“We are thrilled and delighted to honor Dr. Ray Smoot and Dr. Michael Friedlander at the 2015 Roanoke Dinner of Champions,” said Sherri Ellis, president of the Virginia–West Virginia chapter of the society. “Ray and Michael have been and continue to be caring and dedicated individuals, not only to the MS Society, but to all of the organizations and groups they are a part of. They are most deserving of this honor.”