Stars and V.I.P.’s Come Out to the Scleroderma Foundation's 10th Annual "Key to a Cure" Gala

Los Angeles, CA, November 09, 2006 --(PR.com)-- At the 10th annual “Key to a Cure” gala on November 4th at L.A.’s Wilshire Grand hotel, celebrities, V.I.P.’s, and some of California’s top doctors gathered to honor those who have contributed to the progress in treatments for scleroderma, a life threatening connective tissue disease that affects the skin and internal organs. The evening was hosted by the hilarious actor and comedian Mark Curry, and guests were treated to a live performance by Grammy winning recording artist Peter Cetera, who sang several of his mega hits, including “The Next Time I Fall,” and “The Glory of Love.”

Attendees and presenters at the event included Desperate Housewives’ Kathryn Joosten, Desire’s Eliana Alexander, Deal or No Deal’s Lindsay Clubine, Discovery Channel host Steve Truitt (Cool Stuff and How it Works), and ABC news personality Adrienne Alpert.

Honorees included Dr. Neil Jones, who received the Janie S. Benner Memorial Spirit Award, David B. Parker, who received the Spirit of Hope Award, and the Scleroderma Lung Study, which received the Spirit of Leadership Award. Sponsors included Fort Ashford Funds, LLC and Anheuser-Busch, Inc., and the Benner Family. 10th Anniversary Patron Awardees included: La Habra host Lions Club, Debbie Flannagan, Wescom Credit Union, Jesus Rangel, Anheuser-Busch, Inc., Nancy Wempe, Beta Sigma Phi, Chris Corman, Vertical Cure, and Dennis Benner.

The evening was filled with laughter and tears, as honorees and presenters talked about how scleroderma has affected their lives in different ways. A live auction was hosted by Today in L.A.’s Steve Truitt, with help from Mark Curry, who jumped on piano and drums, and pumped up the crow to bid on spectacular packages. Auction items included two first class trips to Hawaii and private suites for 24 people at games for the L.A. Lakers and Kings. “Let’s go, this is for a fabulous cause, let’s see those hands,” Truitt shouted as a bidding war ensued for V.I.P. seats to the upcoming sold out Barbara Streisand concert.

A silent auction had guests shopping for everything from spa packages to trips to Santa Barbara, as well as a bevy of fun items from Anheuser-Busch (including a Budweiser electric guitar), fabulous works of art, wine baskets, and even laser eye surgery donated by top local eye surgeon Dr. Rajesh Khanna. Winners were able to take their auction items home that evening, making for some early holiday shopping for a good cause.

The evening finished with dancing and a wonderful performance by The Jay Sterling Band, playing standards and big band sounds that had even tired guests on their feet.

The Scleroderma Foundation is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization helping the interests of those who suffer with scleroderma. The Foundation’s 24 chapters and 160 support groups nationwide help to carry out its three-fold mission of support, education, and research. The Scleroderma Foundation is the leading nonprofit supporter of scleroderma research—funding over $1 million of new grants each year to find the cause and cure for scleroderma. More information can be found at www.scleroderma.org.

Media Contact: Kristi Blicharski / aLine media / 310-371-8795 / Kristi@alinemedia.com

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