RENOWNED ARTIST CHARLES FAZZINO
RECEIVES MDA DIRECTORS’ AWARD

TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 17, 2009 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association has awarded its highest philanthropic achievement honor, the MDA Directors’ Award, to one of the most popular and distinctive 3-D artists of his generation,  Charles Fazzino of New Rochelle, N.Y.

MDA Chairman of the Board Dr. R. Rodney Howell presented the award to Fazzino at the Association’s recent Board of Directors meeting in New York.

Howell praised Fazzino for more than 10 years of energetic volunteer service to MDA, including overseeing the creation of special artwork for the MDA Art Collection; being the official artist for the annual MDA Muscle Team event in New York City; contributing numerous works of art for auction at MDA fund-raising events.

“Charles Fazzino is as caring as he is creative, said Howell.  “Since his first visit to MDA Summer Camp, Charles has frequently leveraged his artistic talents to create magic for families affected by muscle-wasting diseases.  Charles is a true champion for our lifesaving mission.”

The award honors people and organizations having made outstanding contributions to MDA’s battle against neuromuscular disease in the areas of corporate and organizational sponsorship, media and entertainment industry support, and personal fundraising.

Fazzino’s first project for MDA immediately became one of the most popular pieces in the MDA Art Collection.  In 1999, Fazzino teamed up with 60 youngsters with neuromuscular disease at camp in Center Moriches, N.Y. to create “Summer Camp in the City.” The unique one-of-a-kind 4’ x 6’ piece, which is now displayed at MDA headquarters in Tucson, Ariz., depicts the New York City scene in great detail, blending seamlessly into a patch of green trees symbolizing the edge of MDA summer camp.

Fazzino is currently creating several pieces that will be auctioned at the New York City Muscle Team gala benefitting the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  The marquee event at Chelsea Pier 60 will involve dozens of professional athletes from the New York area, and is expected to attract some 800 sports fans, who are also passionate about supporting worldwide research seeking treatments and cures for neuromuscular diseases.
  
Fazzino has worked with a number of tri-state area sponsors, including A&P and the Mohegan Sun Casino, to benefit MDA. He and his team have generously also donated numerous works of art for auction at many MDA fundraising events across the country.

Fazzino’s limited-edition three-dimensional serigraphs, including exuberant renditions of major cities, personalities and events, are exhibited in more than 600 fine art galleries worldwide.

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.

- MDA -