‘REFRIGERATOR ART’ BRINGS IN $25,000 DONATION TO MDA

TUCSON, Ariz., Jan. 3, 2003 — “Refrigerator art” can mean so much more than a crayon drawing stuck under a magnet. In the case of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, it means a $25,000 contribution from Best Buy Co., Inc., and singer Billy Idol as part of the company’s Art of the Appliance fund-raiser.

Best Buy commissioned celebrities to create works of art on the doors of three new Whirlpool refrigerators, then auctioned off the appliances on eBay. In recognition of MDA’s goals, valuable community services and programs, rock-and-roll icon Billy Idol specified that the Association receive the proceeds from his creation, resulting in the $25,000 donation. Also creating refrigerator masterpieces were racing legend Mario Andretti and BMX superstar Mat Hoffman.

“This is a perfect blend of art, utility and community service,” said MDA President Robert Ross. “I’m very grateful to Best Buy and Billy Idol for ‘painting outside the box’ in behalf of ‘Jerry’s kids.’”

MDA is the 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. The Association's programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.