A Special Evening . . . A Special Cause

The 6th annual, ‘A Special Evening. . . A Special Cause’ benefiting Cystic Fibrosis Research hosted by Cure Finders will be held Saturday, February 3rd, 2007 at Music Road Hotel in Pigeon Forge. Last year’s fundraiser was a great success. Come help make this year’s event even better. Photo by Michele Karl This very popular Sevier County event sponsored by Food City and the Smoky Mountain Gift Show has sold out each and every year. ‘Definitely a crowd pleaser and a great cause!’ according to Sevierville Mayor Bryan Atchley. When this event began, cystic fibrosis patients had a short 29 year life expectancy. Now, only five years later it is 37 years. This event and others like it are the reason. Special appearances by Dr. Daniel Hassett, original art by Robert Tino, Richard Ensing, Jim Gray and Dale Gillespie, music by the Staircase Band, excellent food, appetizers, live auction (with a special surprise twist), silent auction, presentation of the Breath of Life award and more will be had at this great event. Dr. Hassett “Dr. Dan” will be on hand this year to share news of new discoveries and advancement other therapies. Dr. Dan will also be doing presentations to the medical staff at Children’s Hospital and Fort Sanders Sevier on Feb. 2nd. For further information and background on Dr. Hassett see http://healthnews.uc.edu/news/?/887/ This is an elegant evening with all of the elements for fun as well as making a significant contribution to the cure for cystic fibrosis. Tables (seating 8 each) are $2,500, $1,500 or individual tickets are $100 each. Contact Jim Deanda for tickets and availability at 865.428.2155. Cure Finders is a non-profit foundation raising funds for cystic fibrosis research. Last years’ Valentines event raised $106,000. This amount, along with other Cure Finders events in 2006 brought the total raised to $259,000. The money was given via grants to fund research headed by Dr. Dan Hassett at the University of Cincinnati and to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Each year the team hosts not only the Food City Valentines Day event but also the Vulcan Materials ‘Make A Break Thru for CF’ Sporting Clays Tournament and the very popular Canter for a Cure at the River Glen Equestrian Park. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the number one genetic killer of America’s children. This insidious breath stealing disease is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems of its victims. A defective gene causes the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food. In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond. Come join everyone for a worthwhile cause. According to Jim Deanda, founder of Cure Finders, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed friends can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has or ever will. We will!” Some of the Live Auction Items include: A signed fiddle by the legendary Charlie Daniels Fiddle away on an autographed fiddle signed by one of the best fiddlers in the country, Charlie Daniels! Complete with its own carrying case. ‘A Day in the Air’ with the Rocky Top Squadron. This famous group of aviators will provide an afternoon of formation flying in their T-34 aircraft. This is an item few, even pilots have the opportunity to experience. This auction item includes a full afternoon for a party of 12, a gourmet meal with beverages, live entertainment and so much more. ‘Top Fuel Frenzy’ A full day hosted by Tim and Renee’ Coglin of Coglin Motorsports at the the IHRA Top Fuel ‘O’Reilly Thunder Valley Nationals’. The winner will be with Tim and Renee’ during their day as they campaign their Warner Bros., Volvo Top Fuel Dragster at this world famous event. Another, ‘You just have to be on the inside to experience this’ items that will be auctioned. An Autographed Magazine from John Travolta This great piece is a collector’s item you’ll want to keep for years to come. An original magazine with John Travolta on the cover in his Urban cowboy attire, this magazine was never published so it is a one-of-a-kind, signed by John especially for the Cure Finders Auction. Courtesy of Joe & Michele Karl and John Travolta. Original Art: Remember each of these artists is bringing an original piece. Jim Gray, Robert Tino, Richard Ensing, Dale Gillespie Package from Gary and Regina Woods of Gary Woods Photography: Are you or one of yours getting married? Have a special day in mind that should be saved by the most creative and talented photographic artists in our region? If so, Gary and Regina are the ones you should choose and this is your opportunity to do just that. Glass Art by William May Studios: This is always a very treasured by piece by famed glass artist William May. As is part of his signature, we don’t know what the piece will be. You have to come to find out. He has created glass doors, windows, and more for each of our previous events. We can’t wait, but you’ll have to! Boats and More Boats: Cale, an 8-year-old with cystic fibrosis, has asked us to auction his boat to help find the cure for CF. Is it a nice boat, nope? It’s ugly, but his heart is right. To make this more interesting it will come with a nice kayak, vest and paddles and a trip to remember. Cure Finders is a non-profit organization benefiting cystic fibrosis research. For more information on this event you can call Jim Deanda at 865.428.2155 or log on to www.curefinders.org