MAUREEN McGOVERN LEADS SHAMROCKS AGAINST DYSTROPHY CAMPAIGN

TUCSON, Ariz., Jan. 10, 2001 - Singer/actor Maureen McGovern has been named national chairperson of the Muscular Dystrophy Association Shamrocks Against Dystrophy program for 2001.

A longtime friend of MDA, McGovern serves as a national vice president of the Association and has performed for some 20 years on its annual Labor Day Telethon.

Known as "MDA's songbird," McGovern first sang on the MDA Telethon in 1980. The Grammy nominee has recorded chart-topping pop music ballads, and exhibits her multioctave range in the nation's top symphony, jazz and cabaret venues. She currently performs in "Joseph: King of Dreams," DreamWorks' new biblical epic video, and on "With a Song in My Heart: The Great Songs of Richard Rodgers," a CD with the New York Pops and Skitch Henderson.

"As someone with a family member affected by one of the more than 40 neuromuscular diseases in MDA's program, I'm delighted to serve as national chairperson for MDA's 2001 Shamrocks Against Dystrophy. This valuable campaign provides a marvelous way for people to help support MDA's crucial research and its service programs, such as summer camps and clinics," McGovern said.

"Through Shamrocks, people can make a difference in just a few moments at stores and restaurants where they do business every day," she added.

In the Shamrocks Against Dystrophy program, businesses across the country offer their customers Shamrock mobiles for a $1 donation to MDA. Patrons sign the mobiles, which are then displayed to create a festive St. Patrick's Day atmosphere.

The nation's largest charitable campaign associated with St. Patrick's Day, Shamrocks Against Dystrophy in 2000 raised more than $10 million through the efforts of employees at grocery stores, restaurants, convenience stores, gas stations, drugstores and other retail outlets. The 18th annual Shamrocks Against Dystrophy campaign kicks off in February and culminates on St. Patrick's Day.

Businesses seeking information on how they can participate in the program can call the local MDA office.

Shamrocks proceeds benefit MDA, a nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research.  The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.