Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Disease Annual Gala Invites Pregnant Blake Lively Husband Ryan Reynolds, Paul Simon, Katie Couric, And More To Fund Research For Cure [VIDEO]

Year after year, actor Michael J. Fox hosts an annual gala set to fund research for Parkinson's disease, which he has suffered from for years. This year's event, which was held at New York City's Waldorf-Astoria this past Saturday night (Nov. 22), invited in the likes of actor Ryan Reynolds – who is expecting a new baby with wife Blake Lively – musician Paul Simon, journalist Katie Couric, and more to help support the cause and fund research for a cure.

Though it's been noted that the Michael J. Fox Foundation has raised a hefty sum of money, the actor tells The Hollywood Reporter that it's not exactly where he wants it to be just yet. "I think we have $75 million ready to spend this year, we have $150 million in ideas, so the money has not met the science yet and that's what we strive to do is get where we have an idea."

The famed Back to the Future star then noted that we can see "potential" in the road they're on, however.

According to reports, this year's gala alone raised over $5.4 million, much of which we're assuming came from Fox's famous friends, some of whom not only came out to support their friend but also who hold the fight against Parkinson's near and dear to their own hearts. For example, Ryan Reynolds' father is a longtime sufferer of the disease. In fact, the actor is on the Fox Foundation's board.

On the fund, he says it's not exactly a hard sell. "There's no one onstage forcing people to open their wallets right now and that happens a lot of times at these larger fundraisers. It's all happened in advance. So everyone comes in having a good time. It's a relaxed atmosphere; it's great."

Alongside the movie stars, noted comedians Colin Quinn and Tom Papa attended the event to show their support. Quinn told THR, "I just think it shines a great light on it."