D.C. Lupus Chapter Gala to Celebrate New Tri-State Services

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lupus Foundation of America-DC/MD/VA Chapter will celebrate its newly expanded services to more than 80,000 lupus patients throughout Washington, Maryland and Virginia—after tripling its members in just three years. Emceed by WUSA-TV Channel 9 News Anchor Anita Brikman, the Chapter's Annual Gala Luncheon and Auction on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Old Ebbitt Grill will include an exceptional silent auction. The event comes just as BENLYSTA—the first drug for lupus in 52 years from Human Genome Sciences—is expected to be approved by the FDA. Proceeds will benefit people with lupus, a chronic, autoimmune disease with no known cure that can damage any part of the body including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and the brain. Details/tickets: http://lfadmvannualgala.eventbrite.com/ 

"As a critical lifeline to more lupus patients in three states, the luncheon and our walks are critical to fund our chapter's many, free services," said Penny Fletcher, LFA-DC/MD/VA Chapter's president and CEO, whose Chapter merged with Lupus Mid-Atlantic this summer.

An outstanding silent auction to help fund the chapter's free services will include a week at the St. James Golf Resort Beach House in North Carolina; a Hawaiian vacation; a drawing room concert by Michael Adcock, international concert pianist and faculty member at the Washington Conservatory of Music; a jazz cruise on the Potomac for six; a Napa Valley wine experience; a studio tour with CBS sportscaster James Brown; weekend stays at the Ritz-Carlton, the JW Marriott and Donovan House; restaurant gift certificates including BLT Steak, Citronelle, Michel by Michel Richard, the Old Ebbitt Grill and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse; jewelry; wine and much more.

In addition to annual walks in Washington, Baltimore and Richmond, gala proceeds will benefit the Chapter's many free support and services include ongoing workshops, support groups, two annual Symposia, teleconferences, a Patient Navigation Program, telephone support, a weekly e-newsletter and research support.

LFA-DC/MD/VA will also recognize the incoming board lead by Board Chair Liz Murphy, former chief client officer for Datatel.

Founded in 1974, LFA-DC/MD/VA provides free information, education programs and outreach services to improve the quality of lives for people with lupus. 1-888-349-1167 or 202-349-1167. http://www.lupusdmv.org.

SOURCE Lupus Foundation of America-DC/MD/VA Chapter