The Nepal Spine Foundation improves access and care for Nepali Spine patients through its deep collaboration with the Department of Neurosurgery at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Nepal Spine Foundation fosters knowledge exchange between Nepali and international neurosurgeons through education, research and training for residents and faculty, elevating post-graduate neurosurgery education in Nepal.
The Nepal Spine Foundation international team travels at least twice a year to Kathmandu to run workshops and other teaching activities that help significantly improve patient care. We also work with TUTH on a monthly basis via virtual conferences to train Nepalese surgeons and residents on the most advanced spine techniques.
2026 Nepal Spine Foundation Fundraising Dinner & Auction
The Nepal Spine Foundation Fundraising Dinner and Auction supports our mission to advance spine care and neurosurgical education in Nepal through our partnership with Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.
Keynote Speaker: Art Wolfe, Nature Photographer
Art Wolfe is an internationally acclaimed photographer, author, and conservationist whose work spans over four decades and every continent. Renowned for his mastery of light, composition, and visual storytelling, Wolfe has created a vast body of work that bridges the worlds of fine art, environmental advocacy, and cultural documentation. His images have appeared in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian, and Outdoor Photographer, and have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the globe.
Wolfe has published more than 100 books, including the landmark titles Earth Is My Witness, The New Art of Photographing Nature, and Wild Lives. He is also the creator and host of the award-winning public television series Travels to the Edge, which showcases remote locations and the people and wildlife who inhabit them. Based in Seattle, Wolfe continues to lead international photo tours, teach workshops, and speak at industry events.
Graham Zimmerman as a Featured Guest
Graham was born in New Zealand and raised in the Pacific Northwest. After developing his alpine skills in the Cascades and Southern Alps, he began focusing on alpinism in 2007. His expeditions span Alaska, Patagonia, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Canada, and the continental US.
He has led over 30 international expeditions and specializes in complex logistics. His achievements include New Zealand Alpinist of the Year, a finalist spot for the Piolet d’Or, and the American Alpine Club’s Cutting Edge Award.
About the Night
Cocktail Reception (5-6PM): The evening will begin with a cocktail reception. Enjoy beer, wine and cocktails, with passed appetizers plus the opportunity to socialize and place bids on the silent auction items that will be set up in the room. We will also have non alcoholic beverages available. You can pick up a fantastic bottle of wine at our Wine Toss game! Bidding on the silent auction items will close at 8:30PM.
Dinner (6:15PM): After the reception, guests are invited into the Cutter Room to find their table and enjoy a custom dinner by the Rainier Club Chef, inspired by traditional Nepali cuisine. Please reach out to Michi Wohns, michiwohns@gmail.com with any dietary restrictions. VIP tables will be seated front and center to the main program.
Main Program (7-9PM): The main program includes a welcome address from our Nepal Spine Foundation co-founders, Richard Wohns, Farrokh Farrokhi and Rick Chua. There will be traditional entertainment from local Nepalese musicians. The program will conclude with the two featured speaking presentations by Graham Zimmerman and a Keynote by Art Wolfe.
Sponsorship & Support: Please contact Michi Wohns, michiwohns@gmail.comor 206-369-7770, for more information about becoming a sponsor or supporter.
Table and Seating Options
Table sales: Secure your spot at the dinner by purchasing a VIP table (2 bottles of champagne & prime location for $2,000 = 8 VIP tickets) or a regular table ($1,100 = 8 tickets).
Individual ticket sales: An individual seat at a group table is $150 each.