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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Benefit Hope To Host Wine & Gourmet Food Tasting

STAMFORD, Conn. Benefit Hope, a Stamford-based group of young professionals wanting to raise awareness and funds to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis, will hold a wine and gourmet food tasting on Sunday, Oct. 14, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Stamford Marriott Hotel in Stamford, Conn. Proceeds will benefit the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter and Connecticut residents battling the potentially debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Established by Stamford resident Carrie Levitt, Benefit Hope consists of men and women volunteering time, energy and creativity to support programs, services and research. Many of those involved with Benefit Hope either have multiple sclerosis or are connected to a loved one or close friend who does. Levitt, 29, a freelance photojournalist, became actively involved with the National MS Society after her mother and aunt were diagnosed with MS. She has since developed lasting friendships with others her age battling the same unpredictable effects of multiple sclerosis experienced by her loved ones.

“I am committed to the fight against MS not only because it hits very close to home but because I also see how many young adults, people my age, are being diagnosed with MS,” said Levitt, who before moving to Connecticut spearheaded a similar group in New York, raising more than $200,000 last year at a sell-out gathering aboard the battleship Intrepid. “Recent research gives us hope for a future in which young adults will no longer face the lifelong challenges associated with MS. Our commitment to raise funds will help support critical research as we work to find a cure. These funds will also help those in our state living with the effects of multiple sclerosis.”

More than 6,000 Connecticut residents live with the effects of multiple sclerosis. The cause is unknown, and, as a result, there currently is no cure. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness and, in some more severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted. Funds raised through events, such as the Benefit Hope wine tasting, ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and the continuation of programs and services provide by the chapter to Connecticut residents living with multiple sclerosis.

The wine tasting event will include culinary delicacies prepared by chefs from Connecticut’s premier restaurants, including Beach House Caf?, Brickhouse, Stamford Grand, Vuli, Zinc Bistro, Zody Caf? and others. Spirits and wine distributors include Pernod-Ricard USA, Eder Bros., Moet Hennessy USA, Corus Distributors, Elit by Stoli, Johnnie Walker Green, Johnnie Walker Gold, Johnnie Walker Blue, Smirnoff and Tommy Bahama Rum. The event will also include gift bags, drawings for prizes and a silent auction.

Tickets are $75 and are available for purchase in advance or at the door. To purchase tickets in advance, please send checks, payable to Benefit Hope, c/o Carrie Levitt, 104 Forest St., Stamford, CT  06901. For an online link to purchase tickets via credit card, please e-mail at benefithope@aol.com. For more information on Benefit Hope, the Oct. 14 tasting event and future events, please call (917) 797-6022 or e-mail at benefithope@aol.com. For more information on multiple sclerosis and vital programs and services offered by the Connecticut Chapter, please visit http://www.ctfightsms.org/ or e-mail programs@ctfightsms.org 

10/3/07

 

Karen E. Butler
Vice President of Communications
Greater Connecticut Chapter
tel +1.860.714.2300
cell +1.860.997.4487
 
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