Media Contact:
Colleen Brannan
704-378-0123
New York (Nov. 5, 2007) — A Texas Hold’ em Poker Tournament and Cocktail Reception will take place in Battery Park on Wednesday, November 14 to benefit Project Main. St. (PMS), a non-profit that strives to improve the quality of life for individuals afflicted with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and their families. This second fundraising effort by PMS comes just seven months after the organization’s founder, Tim Sheehy, succumbed to the debilitating neurological disease at age 38. The inaugural event, in April 2006, drew 375 attendees and raised more than $225,000.
“It was our founder Tim Sheehy’s vision to help others, not himself, deal with this cruel disease,” said PMS Executive Director, Michael Rosen. “Now that he’s gone, we are even more driven to make his dream a reality with fundraisers like this poker tournament that will continue to raise awareness of ALS and help us issue emergency grants to those in need.”
The second event will benefit Drew Schemera, a 34-year-old Stamford, Connecticut- resident battling ALS. Schemera remains optimistic a cure will be found and is currently undergoing costly stem cell treatments in China.
The Tournament and Cocktail Reception, with a goal of 275 participants and attendees, will be held at Battery Gardens located inside Battery Park opposite 17 State St (www.batterygardens.com). Registration cost is $300 for tournament players including buy in and $200 for non-playing attendees. Because it is a charity event, no poker skills are required and beginners are welcome.
The evening will also include a Silent Auction featuring a “Ladies Preference” section with designer clothing, jewelry and makeup. A cocktail reception featuring premium open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres and multiple food stations will begin at 7:00PM and continue until 11:30PM. The charity Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament starts promptly at 7:30PM and runs until 11:30. Prizes include Las Vegas vacations and Atlantic City getaways to name a few.
More than 5500 new cases of ALS are diagnosed each year with more than 20,000 people in the U.S. currently struggling with the disease. To learn more about or make a donation to Project Main. St., a 501(c) (3) organization, please visit our website at www.projectmainst.wpengine.com.