Spinal Muscular Atrophy Fundraisers Successful in Birmingham and Atlanta, Thanks to Dedication of Volunteers
Two spinal muscular atrophy fundraising events on the same night raised $70,000, thanks to the hard work and dedication of volunteers. The money will be used by Fight SMA, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a treatment or cure for SMA.

/Virginia News Articles/ - RICHMOND, VA, March 04, 2007 - Two charity events held nearly 150 miles apart recently spelled success for research into spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The events raised a total of approximately $70,000, thanks to the dedication and hard work of volunteers from Georgia and Alabama. The volunteers were working to fund Fight SMA, an international organization dedicated to finding a treatment or cure for SMA. FightSMA will direct those funds to researchers doing work that could eventually spell the end of the disease that kills more children under two than any other genetic disorder.

The events, Birmingham SMAsquerade 2007 and SMAsquerade SMArdi Gras in Atlanta were each held on February 17, 2007. "SMAsquerade" is a signature fundraiser for FightSMA, and similar events have been held around the country by other chapters of the organization

"We're very thankful for what these dedicated families and supporters from Atlanta and Alabama have accomplished," said FightSMA president Martha Slay. "The hard work they have invested in these two events paid off, and will benefit everyone working to fight spinal muscular atrophy."

In Atlanta, the event was held at the Trolley Barn in historic Inman Park. Guests arrived via trolley provided by Chattahoochee Trolley Company. They were entertained by honorary emcee Alpha Trivett from the radio station WSB FM and by music from Atlanta's own Livin' Large. The signature piece from the night's silent auction was a spectacular multi-media painting by author, artist, and SMA dad Danny Schnitzlein.

Meanwhile, in the next state, organizers of Birmingham SMAsquerade were not to be outdone. This event was held at Ted's Garage, a 1920's Warehouse with cool classic and vintage cars on display. Guests enjoyed hors d'oeurves, a silent auction, and music by Lava Lamp, the preeminent 70's band in the southeast.

Planning for the SMAsquerade event to be held in Richmond, Virginia is already underway. The theme this year will be SMAsquerade: Make Tracks! It is scheduled for October 13 in the Thalhimer Pavilion at Science Museum of Virginia.

About Fight SMA
Headquartered in Richmond, VA, Fight SMA (also known as Andrew's Buddies) is an international nonprofit group dedicated to accelerating research for a treatment or a cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a neuromuscular disorder that kills more babies than any other genetic disease. For more information on spinal muscular atrophy and Fight SMA, please visit http://www.fightsma.org.

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