Eighth Annual Tradition of Hope Gala to Support MDA's Augie's Quest
LOS ANGELES, (PRWEB) September 26, 2013 -- More than 500 business and civic leaders from the Southern California area will “swing” into fundraising action at the eighth annual Tradition of Hope Gala on Saturday, Oct. 12, to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Augie’s Quest initiative. The event will raise funds to help speed research seeking treatments and cures for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease).
Flappers and fedoras are encouraged at this year's 1920s-themed soiree at the Beverly Hilton Hotel that will bring guests together to enjoy a night complete with award presentations and fine dining.
Supporters will be treated to live entertainment from NBC’s “The Voice” season four winner Danielle Bradbery. The 17-year-old country singer charmed her way into the national spotlight after winning the popular television show earlier this summer, and will lend her vocal talents to this year’s event in support of Augie’s Quest.
Gala attendees also can engage in lavish auctions, featuring a number of trip packages and high-end hotel experiences, VIP entertainment and sporting event opportunities, and exclusive celebrity items.
"The Tradition of Hope gala is one of our premier events, and I am grateful to have unyielding support from my friends in the business and civic communities throughout Southern California who continuously help us fight back against ALS," said Augie Nieto, founder of Augie’s Quest. "The money raised at the gala allows us to continue funding cutting-edge research that ultimately will lead to treatments and a cure for this disease. It'll surely be a night that is full of hope and promise for a world without ALS."
2013 Tradition of Hope Honorees
Champion for ALS Award: ClubCorp President and CEO Eric Affeldt is responsible for all aspects of domestic and international operations for ClubCorp, a leading owner-operator of private golf and country clubs, business, sports and alumni clubs in North America ClubCorp has partnered with MDA for its major annual philanthropic open-house event, the Club Corp Charity Classic, since it began in 2007. Now in its seventh year, the ClubCorp Charity Classic has raised more than $10 million to benefit numerous charities, including MDA’s Augie's Quest.
Robert Ross Founder's Award: CommerceWest Bank Chairman and CEO Ivo A. Tjan is the founder of the company and launched an Initial Public Offering in 2001. CommerceWest Bank, a full service commercial bank with a unique vision and culture of focusing exclusively on the business community, is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with regional offices serving Orange County, Inland Empire, Los Angeles and San Diego. Tjan supports a variety of charities in Southern California, including MDA's Augie's Quest.
About the Tradition of Hope Gala
Since 2005, the Tradition of Hope Gala has raised money and awareness for MDA Augie's Quest, a fast-track ALS research initiative dedicated to raising awareness and funds for individuals living with the rapidly progressive neuromuscular disease.
Augie's Quest is named for philanthropist and fitness industry pioneer Augie Nieto, who has been fighting ALS since his diagnosis in 2005. Nieto is co-founder and former president of Life Fitness of Chicago, and chairman of Octane Fitness. To date, Augie’s Quest has raised nearly $37 million for ALS research.
ALS attacks the nerve cells that control voluntary muscles, including those used for swallowing and breathing, causing weakness and eventually total paralysis. The average life expectancy for people with the disease is three to five years after diagnosis.
About MDA
The Muscular Dystrophy Association is the world’s leading nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neuromuscular diseases. It does so by funding worldwide research; by providing comprehensive health care services and support to MDA families nationwide; and by rallying communities to fight back through advocacy, fundraising and local engagement. Visit mda.org and follow us at facebook.com/MDAnational and @MDAnews.
Gretchen Simoneaux, Muscular Dystrophy Association, (858) 277-8206, [email protected]
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