FUND RAISING EVENT FOR MDA
DRAWS BIG NAMES, WIDE SUPPORT
WASHINGTON, March 2, 2004 — The second annual Heartsongs Gala
held here on Feb. 21 proved a tremendously successful fundraiser for
the fight against muscular dystrophy.
Some 350 philanthropic citizens attended the black-tie event, which
raised more than $170,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
MDA’s National Goodwill Ambassador, 13-year-old Mattie Stepanek,
author of the best-selling Heartsongs poetry series, recognized talk
show host Larry King and Ron Hemelgarn, president of Hemelgarn Racing,
for their support of MDA.
Hemelgarn presented Mattie a $75,000 check for MDA. King could not attend,
but taped an acceptance speech for his award. Oprah Winfrey, former
President Jimmy Carter, “Renaissance woman” Maya Angelou
and HBO’s Bill Maher also sent pre-taped greetings congratulating
the honorees.
MDA is a voluntary health organization that seeks to find treatment
and cures for more than 40 types of neuromuscular diseases. Its programs
aid people who have muscular dystrophy by providing clinics, support
groups and assistance with purchase of wheelchairs, leg braces and voice
synthesizer communications equipment. |
