MSAA’s 9th annual ‘Improving Lives Benefit’ goes live and virtual
Auction items, celebrities at group's fundraising events on May 3 and May 18
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is holding its ninth annual Improving Lives Benefit to spotlight inspirational members of the multiple sclerosis (MS) community.
This year’s fundraisers feature an in-person reception in Philadelphia on May 3 and a “Together at Home” virtual reception on May 18, the association announced in a press release.
Tyler Campbell, an MS advocate whose aspirations to follow his father, Earl Campbell, into the National Football League were thwarted when he was diagnosed with MS while in college, will return as host for both events.
Actress and author Selma Blair, who was diagnosed with MS in 2018 and advocates for those with chronic conditions, will be recognized as the organization’s “mission” honoree. Longtime MSAA partner Polar Products, which provides cooling vests and other patient accessories, is the events’ corporate honoree.
MS advocate Tyler Campbell hosting both MSAA fundraising events
“We are delighted to honor actress and MS advocate Selma Blair, along with Polar Products, a dedicated supplier of cooling products, during this year’s Improving Lives Benefit, which will once again be hosted by the energetic and inspiring Tyler Campbell,” said Gina Ross Murdoch, MSAA president and CEO.
“Both Selma and Polar Products have been tremendous advocates to those living with MS, and we are thrilled to honor them,” Murdoch added.
The in-person reception, “Together Again,” will take place at the Barnes Foundation. Attendees are welcome to explore the educational foundation’s art galleries and interactive activities.
“Together At Home,” the hourlong virtual event, will offer information about MSAA programs and resources in addition to celebrating honorees and other members of the MS community.
There will also be an auction of items, including a chance to join Blair in her book club as she discusses her autobiography, “Mean Baby,” and a private one-on-one dance lesson with TV’s “Dancing with the Stars” instructor Sasha Farber.
Auction items also include a weeklong stay at a beachfront condo in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida; a personal makeup session with celebrity artist Terri Bryant; and GUIDE beauty products. New auction items will be added weekly, with the auction closing on May 30, World MS Day, at 8 p.m. ET.
Tickets are $50 each for the virtual reception. VIP tickets are $150 each and include the virtual event and a customized home-delivered gift basket. Premium tickets, which provide access to both events, are $300 and $500 with a gift basket.
To date, $163,000 has been raised toward the MSAA’s $275,000 goal for the 2023 Improving Lives Benefit.
For more information about the benefit, contact Diana Cruz at 800-532-7667, ext. 103, or send an email to [email protected].
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