LA JOLLA -- Affection and respect enveloped Parkinson's disease specialist Dr. Ronald M. Kobayashi as 220 members and extended family of the Parkinson's Disease Association of San Diego gathered in The Pavilion at Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines to see him receive the sixth annual Parkinson's Spirit of Life Award on Oct. 26.Â

Kobayashi is considered the first neurologist to specialize in Parkinson's disease. He is the founder and medical director of the Parkinson's Disease Program at Sharp Memorial Hospital. Since 2004, he has been president of San Diego's American Parkinson's Disease Association. His wife, Naomi, and two daughters, Anne and Caroline, were there to share in his celebration, which also featured live and silent auctions that raised $110,000 for the association's programs.

A practiced photographer of many years and a world traveler, Kobayashi brought to the event a colorful slide show of the far-flung places he has visited over the years. They were projected on the ballroom screens during the dinner.

Executive Director Ronald C. Hendrix gave a history of the Spirit of Life Awards and introduced Michael Thorsnes, an award-winning poet, who read his composition "An Unusual Man," written in honor of Kobayashi.

Board of directors President Catherine Rodriquez gave a special thanks to Kobayashi, who was a fellow board member for five years.Â

"Ron has a spirit of life that is directed toward a spirit of goodness and helping others," Rodriquez said.

The evening ended with the tradition of the Ray of Light Ceremony. Everyone in the pavilion held a lighted candle high in support of making a difference in the lives of people and families living with Parkinson's.

Rick Brydges, who has been living with Parkinson's since 1999, was the evening's inspirational speaker. He has had a handful of distinguished careers, including 27 years as a naval aviator. "Unquestionably, a family's love is the most important factor in sustaining a strong commitment to fighting this disease," he told the group.

Mistress of ceremonies Carol LeBeau charmed everyone as emcee. Tony Calabrese, a popular local comedian as well as the president of Point Loma Community Bank, kept the auction lively and profitable.

San Diego National Bank was the Signature Sponsor of the dinner. The Dini Group was named Spirit Hero.

The Corky McMillin Cos. and Dixieland ProBuild were the Spirit Leaders.

The event was chaired by Rodriquez. Members of her committee were Carolina Argote, Chuck Buck, Matt Cotton, Kathy Forman, Cindy Hedgecock, Bianca Koplewicz, Steve Lawrence, Dick Meads, Janet Jefferson Pugh, Kim Seymour, Phyllis Silver, Dustin Slack, Patricia Tisdale and Courtney Walsh. Â Â

For more information, call (877) 737-7576 or visit www.pdasd.org.