More than 400 people turned out for the event.

On Thursday, Nevada Donor Network celebrated its annual "Hope Dinner," where they host partners, honor donor families, and hear from speakers.

The event's keynote speaker was Olympic Bronze Medalist, Chris Klug. 

In the early 2000's Chris was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune liver disease and spent six years trying to find a donor.

"I'll tell you, it's a scary place to be on a waiting list for almost six years and hoping and praying for the second chance," he said. "Not knowing what your future holds."

Chris found a donor and received a transplant. He was able to fully recover and even represent our country as an Olympic snowboarder, where he won the bronze medal. 

Now Chris uses his story to inspire others and bring awareness to around 100,000 people in our country waiting for organ, eye, and tissue donations. 

"This is really my life's mission, to eliminate the wait for all those waiting for an organ transplant today and to help inspire anyone going through the same thing."

At Thursday night's event, Chris spoke to over 400 attendees, one of the largest turnouts for the Network.

"I think it's our biggest showing ever. Just tells you how important the mission is, organ and tissue donation. It also gives you a sense for how supported this mission is," said Joe Ferreira, CEO and President of Nevada Donor Network. 

He says there are around 17 people a day in the United States who die from not being able to find an organ donor. 

But nights like this allow the Network to bring awareness to the cause and celebrate those who have partnered and donated. 

"To be able to bring the donor families, the recipients together to thank them and celebrate tonight, because without them we couldn't do our mission."