March 31, 2006

ON THE NATION’S $2.8 MILLION ALS EVENT: “AUGIE’S BASH”

Although fitness industry pioneer Augie Nieto has surmounted many obstacles in life, he never counted on one of those obstacles being amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He received a diagnosis of the disease in March 2005.

	On March 22, fitness industry pioneer Augie Nieto served as Chief Inspiration Officer for “Augie’s Bash,” a fund-raising event at the Las Vegas Hilton which raised $2.8 million for fast-track ALS research.

To combat this progressive, life-threatening disease, Augie realized he would need to muster all the wit, talent and determination at his command. And that’s exactly what he’s doing.

On March 22, Las Vegas played host to “Augie’s Bash,” an extraordinary event which raised $2.8 million to support MDA ALS research. Augie served as the event’s “Chief Inspiration Officer.” Some 2,500 supporters attended this high-profile extravaganza at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Augie’s Bash is the flagship event for “Augie’s Quest,” an aggressive campaign undertaken in conjunction with MDA and aimed at supporting fast-track research to develop ways to treat and cure ALS as rapidly and efficiently as possible.

	Lance Armstrong, Augie Nieto and Bob Saget were joined by 2,500 supporters for “Augie’s Bash” at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong made a special appearance at the Bash, evoking parallels between Augie’s fight with ALS and his own courageous battle with testicular cancer. Academy Award-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams sent a special videotaped message paying tribute both to Lance and Augie. Grammy-winning recording artists the Doobie Brothers provided entertainment and sharp-witted comedian Bob Saget served as the evening’s emcee.

Augie Nieto’s story is a remarkable one, even prior to the onset of ALS. As an antidote to his own childhood obesity, Augie dedicated his adult life to fitness, not just personally but in his professional life as well. As co-founder and former president of Life Fitness, Augie helped generate interest in his product by sending machines at no cost to health clubs nationwide. Soon the clubs were coming to him for more. An acknowledged leader and innovator in the industry, Augie is now chairman of Octane Fitness.

After receiving his ALS diagnosis, Augie felt compelled to fight this disease not just for his own sake but in behalf of people worldwide who are affected. Upon learning of MDA’s unparalleled record in funding ALS research and services, Augie married his efforts with MDA and “Augie’s Quest” became a reality.

When Augie received the fitness industry’s top honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award, in September 2005, he utilized the occasion to raise $1 million for Augie’s Quest.

“MDA is an outstanding organization, having invested nearly $190 million in ALS research and services,” Augie said.

Augie serves in a voluntary capacity as an MDA National Vice President. Late last year, he and his wife, Lynne, accepted MDA’s invitation to serve as 2006 National Co-Chairs of MDA’s ALS Division. In this capacity, the Nietos help raise awareness through public appearances, speaking engagements, media interviews and public service announcements. Augie and Lynne reside in Corona del Mar, Calif., and have four children.

The March 22 Bash was presented by the International Health, Racquet & Sportsmanship Association (IHRSA) and held in conjunction with IHRSA’s 25th Anniversary International Convention and Trade Show. Octane and other fitness industry leaders such as Precor, Life Fitness and Star Trac lent generous support to the event.

In addition to proceeds from ticket sales, funds were raised through auctions of dozens of prizes, including cruises, trips and Broadway tickets. The opportunity to play one-on-one basketball with Magic Johnson brought in $40,000 and a racing bike signed by Lance Armstrong sold for $30,000.

	At Augie’s Bash, seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong spoke about fighting ALS and signed a racing bike which raised $30,000 at auction.

MDA’s Television Production Division, which creates MDA-themed audiovisual material throughout the year in addition to providing content for the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon, contributed support to the Bash in the form of several specially-produced video pieces.

One video segment touched on Augie’s life and career and featured remarks by scientists whose ALS studies will be supported by funds from the Bash.

Also featured was a powerful montage of spoken excerpts from individuals affected by ALS, including Stu Nichols of Houston, who discussed the implacable, progressive nature of the disease; Norma Steck of Flushing, N.Y., who spoke of research as the sole source of hope for those affected; and accomplished artist and mouthpainter Bill Ross of Bronxsville, N.Y., who conveyed his feelings of grief at not being able to paint with his hands anymore due to ALS.

The emotion-provoking video material supported the live remarks by Augie, Lance and others, helping inspire guests at the Bash to contribute over $470,000 during the “Research Minutes Auction” portion and some $350,000 for live and silent auction items.

	Lynne and Augie Nieto serve as MDA’s 2006 National ALS Co-Chairpersons. Augie received a diagnosis of ALS in March, 2005.

Lynne Nieto’s parents, Jack and Kathy Bransford, showed their love and support for Augie and Lynne by providing matching funds, in a successful bid to spark a higher level of giving for Augie’s Quest.

Augie himself seized the emotional high point of the event when he stood before thousands of supporters with tears in his eyes and defiantly proclaimed: “I’m going to beat this SOB!” His uncompromising words were met with a roaring standing ovation.

All told, it was a singular event that raised the bar not only in terms of funds raised – directly supporting MDA’s fast-track ALS research -- but in generating awareness and understanding of the crucial urgency of the quest to stop ALS and save lives.

“My friends and others who care about those of us living with ALS came through like champs,” said an exultant Augie shortly after the Bash. “This outstanding result will enable us to rev up our search for an ALS cure, and move promising scientific findings into clinical trials as speedily as possible.”

A few days after the Bash, I had the inspirational experience of hearing Augie speak directly to MDA’s Board of Directors about the ongoing importance of Augie’s Quest.

For more information on Augie’s Quest, visit augiesquest.org or als-mda.org.

All of us at MDA are deeply proud to be affiliated with Augie and Lynne Nieto and Augie’s Quest.

Like all facing ALS, Augie is up against a tough foe. But I can testify that Augie is extremely formidable himself… and I can't help thinking ALS has never faced-off with an opponent quite like Augie Nieto before.

With every best wish . . .

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