SMAsquerade to raise funds for research at VCU Medical Center

By Malorie Burkett

SunTrust and Children's Wear Digest will present SMAsquerade 2003, a fundraiser that will benefit spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) clinical trials at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center.

SMAsquerade is a major fundraiser for Andrew's Buddies, a not for profit organization founded by Joe and Martha Slay when their son, Andrew, was diagnosed with SMA.

Since 1996, the Slays have held a fundraiser to benefit SMA research. This year, the money raised will be directed toward the VCU Medical Center to help underwrite a clinical drug trial being done by Dr. Robert Leshner, professor of neurology, pediatrics and physical medicine and rehabilitation.

"Those of us committed to the care of children afflicted with life threatening genetic neuromuscular disorders believe that SMA will be the first of these diseases to be conquered by the joint efforts of basic scientists and clinical investigators," said Leshner. "We are confident that the advances made in this battle will pave the way for treatments in many other genetic disorders."

SMAsquerade will feature food, music, dancing to the live sounds of the band, Trademark, and a live auction featuring items such as:

• Luau for 30 - a traditional Hawaiian feast complete with spit-roasted pig, courtesy of Buz & Ned's Real Barbecue.
• Golf at Kinloch - an afternoon round of golf on the area's premier golf course hailed as Golf Digest's "Best New Private Course" in the U.S. in 2001.
• 18K Gold and Diamond Bracelet - an elegant 18-carat yellow gold rope bracelet with half-carat diamond toggle from Fornash Fine Jewelry and Diamonds.
• * A Chef for All Seasons - a feast for ten friends will be prepared each season during the coming year at someone's home by four of Richmond's best chefs: Paulo Randazzo of Franco's; Dale Reitzer of Acacia; Andrew Manning of Helen's and Jannequin Bennet of T.J.'s.
• Romance in Venice - two will spend five nights at the renowned Hotel Cipriani, stroll through Piazza San Marco, indulge in some of Italy's best shopping and enjoy their own private gondolier on the canals of the world's most romantic city. Includes airfare from D.C.

NFL sports analyst and former Los Angeles Raiders defensive lineman, Howie Long, is the honorary chairman of SMAsquerade.

In addition, funds raised from SMAsquerade will benefit SMA clinical trials at the Children's Hospital of Richmond.

The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 25 from 8 p.m. to midnight at Tredegar Iron Works Gun Foundry Building, 500 Tredegar St., Richmond. Tickets are $100 per person and reservations are required. For more information on the event, call 804-698-8839, or visit www.FightSMA.com.