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Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association's 'Honor a Star. Be a Star.' Gala Generates Over $350,000 for CMT Research

Posted on: Friday, 8 May 2009, 09:51 CDT

- Event Honoring Joe and Sue Paterno in New York City Raises Money for STAR(TM) Initiative -

CHESTER, Pa., May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association's second annual "Honor a Star. Be a Star." Gala recognizing Joe and Sue Paterno for a lifetime of achievement raised a record amount of over $350,000 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City on April 29. Proceeds earned from event sponsorship, ticket sales and auction items will be used to support the CMTA's Strategy to Accelerate Research (STAR(TM)), an ambitious initiative that has been created to develop new treatments for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder (CMT), and a cure within ten years.

Nearly 200 people from the worlds of sports, business and nonprofits were in attendance as Hall of Fame Football Coach Joe Paterno and his wife Sue were honored for their generous contributions to the CMTA. Joe Paterno has served as national spokesperson for the CMTA over the past several years.

"The CMTA is proud to have Joe as its official spokesperson," said David Hall, Chief Executive Officer of the CMTA, "and we're extremely grateful and appreciative of all that Joe and Sue have done not just for the CMTA, but for countless other organizations and communities. The STAR Gala was a great way to recognize and honor them."

The gala kicked off with a VIP reception for special guests and sponsors and featured a meet-and-greet with the Paternos. Platinum sponsors for the 2009 gala included the Livney Foundation and the Putnam Foundation. AFA Protective Systems, INC., Gary Gaspar, Kemark Financial Services, Pamela and Robert Kleinman and the Sanders Firm contributed silver and gold sponsorships.

Highlights of the evening included rousing opening and closing vocal performances by 13-year-old CMT patient Amy de Silva, a moving video-tribute to the Paternos and the presentation of the 2009 Honor a Star. Be a Star. Award. Guests also received the latest scientific updates on medical advances in CMT from leading STAR researchers Dr. Michael Shy and Dr. Steven Scherer. Finally, a lively auction that featured a spectacular lineup of items brought the evening to a conclusion.

For more information, please visit www.charcot-marie-tooth.org.

Contact: Shannon Baker sbaker@gmdadv.com 412-381-5400 x107

SOURCE Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association

Source: PR Newswire

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