Lupus Research Fundraiser - Evening of the Senses

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Oct 21, 2001 Source: LA Times Submitted By: Tigger Lupus affects nearly 2 million Americans, most of them women in their childbearing years, and has no known cure or cause. The New York-based Lupus Research Institute was launched last year to promote early diagnosis and aggressive research into the disease. Last Sunday, Marla and Bud Paxson opened their hilltop estate in Beverly Hills for Lupus LA's second annual "Evening of the Senses," which raised $150,000 for the institute. More than 200 supporters turned out for Wolfgang Puck's alfresco dinner followed by a special performance featuring Wayne Newton along with Howie Dorough of the Backstreet Boys. The hosts and entertainers each have a personal interest in the cause. The Paxsons' daughter, now 18, was diagnosed when she was only 13, after a rash appeared following exposure to the sun. Newton's sister-in-law has lupus; Dorough lost his younger (Note from backstreet.net: Caroline was actually older than HD) sister to it. "It's not the chic disease that attracts big corporate sponsors," Marla Paxson said. "It's our friends and people living with lupus who have been our support. There's a need for greater public awareness to identify the symptoms early on." Bob Saget emceed and David Leisure handled the evening's live-auction chores. The event was chaired by Adam Selkowitz and Mary McDonough--the "Waltons" actress was diagnosed five years ago and now serves as president of Lupus LA. Guests included Daniel Wallace and Alan Metzger, both doctors who specialize in treating the disease; Jolene and George Schlatter, James Burrows, Nolan Miller, Richard Thomas, Scott Grimes, Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin, Ryan O'Neal, Joanna Carson, Geri Ryan, John Salley, Julie Benz and Tom Bosley. Comment on this item. Recent Comments Submitted by: Paulo Submitted by: Joe Submitted by: Kelly Submitted by: Michael Pollitt Submitted by: Halz Submitted by: Mark Submitted by: Joe Submitted by: David Submitted by: Ann Elisabeth Comment on this item. Next Item: Who's who of music to sing for Sept 11 victims Prev Item: Pop Stars Lead Tribute Concert in Washington