Hollywood's Iconic Characters Give an Arm and a Leg at 10th Annual Limbs for Life Foundation Benefit Gala and Auction

DALLAS, Feb. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Saturday, Feb. 26, the Limbs for Life Foundation is rolling out the red carpet in celebration of Hollywood's favorite movie characters as the nonprofit presents "A Night at the Oscars" at the 10th annual benefit gala.

Limbs for Life Foundation was founded to bring awareness to the plight of amputees of all ages and provide them with financial assistance to allow them to enjoy productive jobs and active lifestyles.

In the United States, one in every 2,000 newborns are born with some form of congenital limb defect. Additionally, 8.1 million children are not fully covered by insurance. Without this insurance or sufficient coverage, many amputees are unable to afford the $10,000 to $100,000 for prosthetic arms and legs that allow them to have a normal lifestyle.

One of the evening's stars, eight-year-old Chase Thompson, whose right leg and foot were underdeveloped at birth, and his mother, Jan, found themselves in this situation after Chase's right foot was amputated in 2006. With insurance only covering a portion of the cost, Jan found herself struggling to pay the costly medical bills for his prosthesis. With the help of Limbs for Life, Chase now walks with a prosthetic limb.

The annual Dallas benefit helps to raise funds for amputees like Chase. This year's theme, "A Night at the Oscars," encourages guests to dress as their favorite movie character. The red carpet will roll out at 6 p.m. with cocktails, a silent auction, four-course meal and a casino waiting inside Addison's InterContinental Hotel.

The live auction is one of the highlights of the evening, with several exclusive prize packages and offerings up for grabs to the highest bidder. Highlights include a four-night stay at the Disney Swan/Dolphin Resort for four as well as four passes to Disney World parks and airfare. In addition, guests can bid on a package that includes a Herradura Double Barrel Reposado Tequila barrel, personally selected and autographed by Emmitt Smith for the Limbs for Life benefit. This package contains approximately 240 (750 mL) bottles of the Herradura Double Barrel Reposado Tequila and an actual Herradura barrel used in production.

Additionally, a fully restored 1958 black Cadillac Fleetwood, donated by Tim Taft and currently valued at more than $40,000, will be raffled off with all proceeds going to the Limbs for Life Foundation. The $50 raffle tickets can be purchased online now until 10 a.m. Feb. 26 or at the event, where the winner will be announced (need not be present to win). For more information and to buy tickets visit the raffle's website at www.limbsforliferaffle.com.

Limbs for Life presents a "Night at the Oscars" is co-chaired by Limbs for Life board members Holly and Doug Brooks, and executive director Craig Gavras. Honorary chairs for the benefit, Marion and Bennett Glazer, Toni Brinker and Peter Cancro, will also be in attendance.

Donations are currently accepted online at www.limbsforlife.org. For more information about the event, please call 888-235-5462. Individual tickets can be purchased for $150 each and sponsorship packages are still available.

About Limbs for Life Foundation

The Limbs for Life Foundation is a global nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing fully functional prosthetic care for individuals who cannot otherwise afford it and raising awareness of the challenges facing amputees. It also collects used limbs for distribution in developing countries such as the Dominican Republic, Turkey and countries in Africa. For additional information on the event or the Foundation, please visit www.limbsforlife.org.

SOURCE Limbs for Life Foundation