Fun-Filled Trip to Nashville's Opryland Available at Charity Auction
One of the exciting items in an upcoming charity auction for Fight SMA (http://www.fightsma.org) is an amazing package trip to Nashville for the holidays. Absentee bidding is available!

/Virginia News Articles/ - RICHMOND, VA, October 04, 2007 - The winner of an upcoming charity auction will have the opportunity to venture through two million pounds of ice, see the Rockettes, take part in a private tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame, and stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort! Those are just a few pieces of an incredible auction package available during the 5th annual Fight SMA (http://www.fightsma.org) SMAsquerade fundraiser next month, which benefits research into a deadly childhood disease.

Fight SMA, an international nonprofit organization working to accelerate a cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), is organizing the event. The SMAsquerade event is Fight SMA's signature fundraiser. This year's theme is "SMAsquerade: Make Tracks!" The event will be held on October 13th in Richmond, Virginia, at the Science Museum of Virginia. All proceeds from the auction will go toward research into finding a cure for SMA.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy is the leading genetic killer of infants under two. The neuromuscular disease causes a wasting of muscles throughout the body. Children with the condition dramatically lose strength, movement and, in the worst cases, the ability to swallow and even breathe.

"The items we've acquired this year are incredible," said Fight SMA President Martha Slay. "We're expecting a lot of excitement and are hoping to raise a lot of money to help cure SMA."

The Ice Tracks to Nashville auction package includes a three-night stay for four in December at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, as the city trucks in two million pounds of ice to ensure a "White Christmas". The auction winner will receive tickets and VIP experiences, including meet and greets, to "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes, and The Pam Tillis Christmas Dinner Party. The trip will also include a tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame, dinner on the General Jackson Showboat, and a ride on the Delta River Flatboats! Many more experiences are included. This wonderful vacation is valid from Thursday, December 20 to Sunday, December 23, 2007.

You do NOT need to be present to bid in this auction. For more information on absentee bidding, please call Fight SMA at (804) 515-0080. Other items available during the SMAsquerade 2007 live auction, sponsored by Dominion:

*A thrilling eight-day whale tracking adventure for two in Baja California and the Sea of Cortez with Lindblad Expeditions, starting February 23, 2008. National Geographic senior editor Don Belt and National Geographic photographer Annie Griffiths Belt will accompany the auction winners!

*Head to the horseracing track for the 134th Run for the Roses! The winner will receive six corporate box seats each for The Kentucky Derby, and for Kentucky Oaks, which is the day before. Three nights of accommodations are included for the weekend, from Thursday, May 1st to Sunday, May 4th. The ladies in the winning group will enjoy a full cosmetic makeover for three, from Light Touch Day Spa, on Friday, May 2nd!

*Make tracks in the sand during a 10-day stay in a well-appointed three bedroom, two-bath hacienda in Clearwater, Florida. The house includes a backyard oasis with a custom pool and hot tub. The home is beautifully decorated and landscaped with private beach access just a five-minute walk away. Other amenities include wireless Internet, theatre room, and access to club pool. This package also includes multiple spa treatments, gym membership and a Pirate Ship Cruise for four!

More details about auction items and the event are available on the Fight SMA website, at http://www.fightsma.org/index.php?smasquerade-2007.

Corporate supporters of this year's event include:

*Presenting Sponsor: SunTrust
*Live Auction Sponsor: Dominion
*Silent Auction Sponsor: In Your Ear
*Audio Visual Sponsor: New Market Corp.
*Entertainment Sponsor: AMF
*Decorations Sponsor: Children's Wear Digest
*Venue Sponsor: Chesapeake Capital

Tickets and additional corporate sponsorships are still available. For more information, visit the Fight SMA website or call (804) 515-0080.

Members of the media are invited to attend the event. Please call or email the contact given above if you wish to cover the event.

Press Release Contact Information:

Steve Mullen
EndGame Public Relations, LLC
President
Richmond, VA
USA
Voice: (804) 382-0017
Fax: (804) 789-0400
Website: Visit Our Website